First rifle for youth
 

I'm considering buying a first rifle for my grandson. It will be used for Deer. It will also be passed along for other Grandkids to use as they come of age. Considering the short length of pull for a youth, any suggestions as to make and model? Will probably go with a .243 or .257 caliber but have some flexability there.

Thanks

RE: First rifle for youth
 

If possible start with a .22 rim fire to teach shooting skills. As for the deer rifle NEF makes a nice little single shot in .243 and Remington makes a model 7 youth in .243, .260 and 7mm-08 ( from what I've read here 7mm-08 would get my vote now but I did start my son with a .243 and use that myself too)Winchester has a youth rifle in .243 and .308. I didn't look lately but I'm betting Savage has a youth rifle too probably .243 anyway maybe some others too.

RE: First rifle for youth
 

Winchester makes a compact in .243 and Browning makes a micro medallion in .243 as well...sadly I believe both of these require a scope due to lack of iron sights.

I don't have any love for exposed hammers for kids....it's just too darn easy to let the hammer slip under the thumb and cause an accidental discharge.....

I'd probably pick the M-7 Remington youth model.

RE: First rifle for youth
 

i would go with the 260rem right in between both of the rounds you specified

RE: First rifle for youth
 

I like the .260 Rem, or, if you can find one, the .257 Roberts.

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

RE: First rifle for youth
 

I do not think Savage make a youth model currently. I would go with the Remington Model 7. I am planning on getting one for my daughter shortly, She is rather petite so I will be getting a wood stock and cut it down to fit her. I then plan to purchase an aftermarket stock, so I can swap it back to fit me or for resale later. While I am a huge fan of the 7-08 I will probably go 243 over the 260 for no other reason than I already have dies for it.

RE: First rifle for youth
 

I'd go with the Remington model 7 youth you can get it in 223,243,260,and 7mm-08.

RE: First rifle for youth
 

jed..


look at savages model 10fcm lightweight. just about the same length as the model 7, but only comes in two calibers. i have one and love it.

RE: First rifle for youth
 

check out the Ruger Compact. Definately a kid sized big game rifle. Its available in 243, 260, 7mm-08 and 308. IMO the 308 is to big for a smaller hunter, especially with the short barrel that this rifle has. I think the length of pull is only 12" or 12 1/2".

Edited by - popeye on 01/22/2003 19:21:17

RE: First rifle for youth
 

id go with the ruger no1...i forget what one but it was tiny maybe a carbine or something like that my dad had...its a single shot so it teaches disipline in making one shot count..my dad still makes me do this after killing 4 deer and my rifle holds a good number of shells...but i dont need more than one...i loved my dads no1 and if they make them when i have kids thats the way i will go...perfect little rifle..id defintently take a good hard look at it...i myself dont like bolt actions too much...when it comes to deer hunting if you need more than one i dont want you near me...sure maybe another may be needed but thats only if you wound one with the first shot which its still going to run off so your shot will be a little later and you have time to reload a single shot...i like the design of the number 1 too..kinda like a lever gun but a single shot...good luck with your grandkids...

RE: First rifle for youth
 

http://www.savagearms.com/centerfire...ge/11fyxp3.htm cheap and effective (or is it affective). its a youth model so it should be fine for a young man/ladys first deer rifle.

RE: First rifle for youth
 

What can you spend? what's your price range?

RE: First rifle for youth
 

Thanks all for the replies. <img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle> Lots of good suggestions here. I will be spending some time checking them out. As to price; well, I'd like to find a used one in good shape, but if not I would say something around $400 and under....if possible :)




Edited by - idtravler on 01/23/2003 00:22:49

RE: First rifle for youth
 

the rifle i listed is under 400$ or right around it :)

RE: First rifle for youth
 

Don't forget to check out the 6.5x55mm Swedish and the 7x57mm Mauser. Both make perfect youth cartridges and ideal grown-up cartridges, too.

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

RE: First rifle for youth
 

As far as I'm concerned, I'd buy a .308, but from your choices, I'd get the .243, just because the .257's are rather difficult to find a good variety for...not to degrade the round by any means, just that ain't many guys shoot it much anymore, so while you'll always find ammo for it, you'll probably only find one maker with one bullet type at each store. The .243 would be cheaper to shoot, and give more ammo choices, let alone be a bit less of a kicker for a youngster.

How young are we talking about by the way?? Actually, never mind that, I hate reading everyone's posts reaming guys for giving young kids high powered rifles at what they consider too young, you know better than I whether the kid is ready or not, do what you will.

Screw the 10 ring, keep them in the zero!!!