sinocs

I cannot find anybody locally that has one of these for my son to try out. Can someone give a comparison of the recoil of a 7mm-08 to a 20 gauge deer slug?

I'm want to get him a a 7mm-08, but don't know if I need to spend the extra $100 for the adjustable muzzle break that they claim reduces recoil by 30%. Any imput would be appreciated.

Thanks!

shepdogwv

I highly doubt that you'll need the muzzle break, but I have never shot 20 gauge slugs before. It is an excellent round, and I'm really happy with mine.

starhunter21

I would not worry about the break, if he can handle a 20 gauge slug. I was out with my nephew this weekend, his first time out. He was shooting a 2506 which should recoil similar to the 7mm08. I shot it a couple of times and it was quite mild. He shot my 300 WSM without a problem. The biggest issue would be to get a gun that fits him well. If he struggles to handle the rifle cause it does not fit him, the recoil will be amplified a bit. Also, buy a bunch of cheap ammo, nail some apples to a board and let him practice.

BTW: I have an 11-87 in a 20 gauge w/ a rifled barrel shooting 273gr. sabots. I think it kicks harder than my 300WSM.

sinocs

Thanks for theresponses. He has no problem with the 20 ga. slugs, he has killed deer with it since he was 7 and he is 11 now. He is a very good shot, I just didn't want to knock him and have him be afraid of it. I want something he can practice with and be consistant without the worry of developing a flinch.

We were at the gun store today and he handeled three youth guns, remington, savage and weatherby. The remington was the lightest with a shorter barrel. the weatherby was way heavy, the savage priced right. So any imput on the remington 20"vs. the savage 22"?

stalkingbear

My daughter has gotten every single deer she's shot with a featherweight 7mm08 I built her on a remington action all with 1 shot instant clean kills and has no problem whatsoever and she's now only 14 years old. In my opinion it's possibly THE best deer cartridge ever no matter how big/small or young/old you are. In fact,since then as I cannot pry it away from her,I'm going to build 1 for myself (featherweight) to add to the2 7mm08s I already have.

kirby375

Any kid that can handle slug recoil ( 20 and 12 aren't that much different) shouldn't have a problem with any high power up to the mags. I live in Iowa where we have to hunt with slugs for the most part, and it's good training for handling recoil. As was mentioned above, get a rifle that fits, chances are you won't be able to keep him away from it.

Good Huntin'

JeffS

If he shoots a 20 gauge slug he can handle the 7mm-08 easy. My buddies son is 11 and shoots every gun we have except a couple and he is not very big. His personal gun is a .308 though he shoots a 7mm mag quite abit as well. As long as you don't start them out on a large caliber right away they handle it pretty well usually. He has been shooting since he was around 5 though.

cjwink

Also check out the Ruger Compact. Really short easy to handle rifle.

338hunter

I have eight year old twins, boy & girl. I just bought them the Savage youth W/Muzzle break in 7mm-08. The muzzle break can be switched on or off. Compaired to a 20ga slug gun its like shootinga 22mag. I take them out to the range one at a time. I started them out with a pellet rifle .177, then went to the .22 rifle, now they are using the 7mm-08 w/muzzle break open. When they are a little older I will close it, to reduce the noise. Right now I just want them to become confident in their ability to hit what they aim at.

bronko22000

If he can handle the 20 ga slug he can easily handle the 7-08. Where are you at? I have the 7-08 both with and without the muzzlebrake. I can tell you that the 7-08 with the muzzlebrake (Savage 11FYCAK, youth model) is a joy to shoot. To me it seems to shoot like a .223. This rifle you can open or close the muzzlebrake.