I will be purchasing a new 7mm-08 in the next couple of weeks. I will be using this rifle for a few years until my son is old enough to hunt. I've narrowed down the choices to basically these two. Something inside me is unsure about having a single shot. But at the same time I'm drawn to it. I need your collective advice. As a beginner rifle, which would be better for my son (keeping in mind I will use it first)? Any disadvantages to singles? All advice is appreciated.

Hi cgturner7
You will be happy with the 7mm-08 its a good sensible calibre & is a great choice for your son
Dont no much about the encore but have used a tikka before & would have no hesitation reccomending it to you,Tikka are good quality,accurate & would be an excellent choice for your boy.

Just a personal thing but I definately prefer to have spare rounds in the magazine instead of fumbling around & loading another round just in case a follow up shot is needed & I would never consider bying a single shot rifle as a hunting rifle.

Hope this has been some help to you

cgturner -

a couple points -
Tikka's a Sako with some $ cuts and are super accurate rifles - just bought the mod 695 in 300 win. Have some issues with the gun - but i'm picky..

First, fit to stock is pretty poor. One day floated barrel, next day little pressure.

Second it's heavy. Have a Sako hunter which is lighter. That would concern me depending on your boy's stature and ability to handle that weight (pending the type of hunting he'll be doing). Suspect that even the 08 will be on the heavy side (proportionally) to him - which will allow for easier steadiing of the shots if he can keep it up but might be too much gun for the little guy. Didn't say when you'll get him started but a lighter rig might be the call.

Also - mine is clip fed. The ejection spring on the clip is inadiquate so the value of a clip is reduced. You have to struggle with the clip to get it out.

More importantly, if disaster strikes and your shots go awry, you cannot topload a clip fed gun! Since I have always instinctively reloaded even a single shell while in pursuit - this is a real problem when your looking to get ready in a hurry or get ready for a follow up shot.

The factory synthetic in this case has a loose front sling screw which I'll have to deal with too!

Lastly, if you want it reliable, you have to get the Finland made scope bases if you want to use a scope and not have poi shift.

So suggest - ck the weight of the finished rifle vs his carrying cap.

The good news with the Tikka is that like the Sako', even with these issues, I can shoot a sub moa groups with 150gr rem PSP corelocks if I do my part.

Second - although a Encore for muzzleloading is on my christmas list -so I have no hands on experience with those in a smokeless capacity, their is a lot to be said for a single shot for a kid!

Teaches a whole different hunting ethic from my perspective and will build a "one shot wonder". Additionally, from a safety perspective, that one shot approach is highly desirable I think.

I started myself with a single shot 16 gauge and knew I had one shot so every one counted.

If the weight isn't an issue - the Tikka is super accurate. But can't ignore the practicality of the T/C.

I learned to shoot with a single shot 22. I believe it made be a better shooter. Knowing you dont have a second chance makes a big difference. Just ask some bowhunters.
That being said I love both weapons you stated. Cant go wrong with either.

I'm a big fan of the Tikka rifles. They are super guns for the money. As far as having to buy Tikka rings, you really don't have to. I've got two Tikka topped with Weaver style cross slot bases and they work great (just as they do on any other brand of rifle).

Tikka's are nice but... Why limit yourself to one caliber when can put any caliber on the Encore for the cost of a barrel. I own a &quot;few&quot; barrels for my Encore and they are all accurate. Haveing one shot will make you a better at shot placement and a better hunter! Last year I spent a few thousand dollars to go on a guided pronghorn hunt in New Mexico,the gun I took was the Encore in the 25-06! And I did take a nice buck. I have a safe full of Remington 700's but the Encore was my first choice...<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
www.virginvalleyguns.com

Hunt Safe!

Jack

First off I encourage starting a youngster on a single shot rifle that is the correct way to go. IF he is recoil shy you can get a small 22 centerfire barrel for it and let him acclimate to it slowly. The Encore is handier and a bit lighter than the Tikka. You will be surprised how fast you can get a followup shot off in a single if needed at all. Both are extremely reliable and accurate rifles . Later on he can get a caliber that will both kill deer cleanly and not kill the shoulder. You don't want them shooting a bruiser therefore the 7-08 and the 260 would get the nod here...there are comparable cartridges out there(250 sav,7x57mm, 6x55 etc etc) similiar rounds out there but they may or may not be available in the Encore. If you opt for the Tikka make sure it is within his physical abilities to hold it steady if not get something lighter. Browning A bolt Micro,Remington Model 7,Winchester lightweight and Ruger makes a lightweight would be good alternate choices.

Encore

PaJack and oldelkhunter said it all.

Danville Va.LAST CAPITAL OF THE CONFEDERACY