Youth Rifle decision
 

I am trying to get my 11 year old a new rifle for this season in 7mm-08. I have two options that I am trying to decide between.
#1
Weatherby Vanguard 2 for 1. It comes with both a youth composite stock and an adult stock for later. It has a 20 inch barrel $459.00
#2
Savage youth rifle with a 20 inch barrel,standard trigger and a wood stock. It comes with a simmons 3-9x40 and a cupon worth 50% off of a full size stock for $489.00

I am sure both either would provide years of service and memories,but I was just wondering which you would choose and why.

RE: Youth Rifle decision
 

Key,
Thats a tough choice!
I would probably go with the Weatherby.
Why? Strictly on price! The Savage is a great gun, especially price-wise in hunting guns.
But, you are getting a cheaper price for the Weatherby. Now the Savage comes with a scope, but in my opinion, a cheap Simmons "package" scope is worth zip!
Later, you could probably sell either gun, and recoup some of the costs, so that is why I'd take the Weatherby, and buy a little better scope to top it out! Good luck!

RE: Youth Rifle decision
 

Right id go with the Weatherby same reasons. And thatit comes with 2 stocks.

I like Savages also -but those package /scopes can be had pretty cheaply.

My opinion only- but if my child id maybe go with a Nef rifle & get them a few barrels for it(small& larger cal rifle & shotgun etc)- but the minus there i dont think they come in 7mm-08.

RE: Youth Rifle decision
 

He is already shooting an N.E.F. in 243 and I love the gun. Just trying to move him up to a bolt action in a little bigger caliber since he has grown over the past two seasons.
I am also kind of leaning toward the weatherby due to the scope issue.

RE: Youth Rifle decision
 

i got a rossi .22/.410 when i was like 10ish. it was ok to shoot then, fit good and stuff. but now i cant hardly shoot it accurately. too short for me. i bought myself a 870 20ga. magnum express for my birthday. cant wait to shoot it!

RE: Youth Rifle decision
 

I have a weatherby vanguard in .300 Weatherby Mag. The rifle seems to be well put togeather for the money, I would go for that based on price, quality is not a factor as both rifles are well made for the most pasrt and will fit the bill nicely. I agree with the scope package on the Savage, really junk to get you to buy the rifle.

RE: Youth Rifle decision
 

An 11 year old needs to be shooting a 22 until he gets big enough and good enough to fire a 30'06....normally 13 to 14 years old. Large caliber rifles are not for children. Don't push him to fast....it will happen I assure you. Regards, Rick.

RE: Youth Rifle decision
 

B.S. If an 11 year old is comfortable firing a 243 or 7mm-08,there is nothing wrong with him firing one.The only way to find out is to let himfire one and see how comfortable he is.

RE: Youth Rifle decision
 

I agree with stubble--if the kid can do it, WANTS to do it and, above all, is safe, then let him get out there.




tough decision on guns--take him to the store and tell you which one he likes better. either way it will be fine.

RE: Youth Rifle decision
 

I agree with letting him see which one feels the best to him. The scope can be replaced and both are good guns. I dont see why the 7mm-08 would be an issue since key says he is already shooting an N.E.F. in 243.

RE: Youth Rifle decision
 

I think the 243. would be fine. My son is 8 and about 50 pounds. He shoots one off the bench and, handles it well. He is just too small tohold it for offhand. Take him with you to the shops and let him handle a few.I personally started out with a Marlin 336 in 35 Rem. But my father was sadistic and got a kick out of it. He may be surprisingly recoil tolerant. Think about the Marlin 1894s'. Weatherby sells a Vangaurd youth model that comes with a full size stock. You can get it in .243 and, that would keep you from buying another rifle later.

RE: Youth Rifle decision
 

My son has already killed two deer with his 243 and I have gained a grudging respect with the round but he has grown a little now and I am sure he can handle the 7mm-08.I believe that caliber would get the edge in certain situations.
I traded in my 3006 for the 7mm-08 a few years ago and I think he is ready for a round he can stick with.

RE: Youth Rifle decision
 

Sounds like a good choice(all good choices)& of course you know your own wants& needs better then anyone.

( theses so many good ones out there i do have trouble chosing for me- but love buying them- i have showen great restraint over the yrs& told the mate how much money i have saved her over allthese yrsto - justyesterday:D)- soon A new gun or 2for my birthday i think.

Idid mispeak on those Nef rifles- just picked up there 2006 cataloge- they do have those in 7mm /o8,s & also7.62x39 & 35 whelennow as new calibers.( I really do need to sent my Nef* & H&Rin& get a few extra barrels)

RE: Youth Rifle decision
 

have you looked at remmington

RE: Youth Rifle decision
 

I looked at Remington,but with the Weatherby comming with an adult stock included I just cant go with the remington. My son says he really likes the feel of the weatherby so I guess That is what we will probably go with. If the Savage had an accu trigger the decision would be worse.

RE: Youth Rifle decision
 

The NEF does come in 7mm-08. It too has a youth stock which can be replaced with the full size stock.

RE: Youth Rifle decision
 

You can get a Remington Model 700 Youth with scope for under $400, and an adult stock for around $90, and still come out ahead, as your listing for the Weatherby doesn't appear to include a scope and mounts.

I got my 12 year old a Remington Model 7 Youth .243 and he likes it a lot. He took two does with it last year, and hoping for a buck this fall. We'll get an adult stock for it when he gets a little bigger. Don't really need a caliber upgrade, as the deer are pretty small where we hunt.

But, if your son likes the way the Weatherby fits, that may be the deciding factor, as gun fit plays a big role in felt recoil. Good luck!

RE: Youth Rifle decision
 

I wouldn't worry too much about letting a kid shoot a larger caliber. My son killed a doe last year witha a 30-06 he was 12 but he only weighed about 85 lbs. I bought some of the reduced recoil bullets for him and it shot like a 30-30. I would buy a gun he could use his whole life getting the Weatherby with two stocks would be a good choice.