Gun for my brother
 

My younger brother who is 12 years old is going to go hunting with us. I'm 16. My dad and I are looking to get him a rifle with low recoil in the price range of 300-500. We dont know if he is going to actually get into it. He loves the outdoors though and im sure if he doesnt end up hunting with us, we'll still find a use for his gun. We were thinking a .243 or maybe a 30/30. I let him shoot my marlin xl7 .270 the other day the recoil seemed a little to much for him, since it was his first time shooting a high powered rifle i think he was paranoid about the scope hitting him in the face from the recoil. He actually hit very well, 3 inches from the bull at 100 yards. Now my marlin xl7 was a bargain i think like 300-350 bucks? its not the smoothest but i didnt expect it to be but the accuracy is great. I dont know if they make a .243 in the xs7 from them? We might pick up a used gun or something. But any suggestions for a decent rifle in this price range?

weatherby vanguards are around 400, stevens 200 is around 300 and both are great guns. Should be able to get 243 in both. Otherwise was just at Dicks sporting goods and they had a sale on Remmington 700 Buckmasters edition with a nikon prostaff scope for 450 mounted and boresighted. Problem is the only 2 calibers were 270 and 30-06. Thats a killer deal though.

that 700 is a absolutely great deal! thanks for suggestions also.

Don't rule out an HR Handi in 243 with a good scope like Nikon Prostaff and you have a good setup for 3-400 bucks

The Savage Model 10 in .243 from Walmart would be my choice. They sell between $387 and $397 depending on which Walmart. For this price you get a great rifle that includes the accu trigger, and a cheapo scope. I'd use the scope until I could afford to upgrade, but I wouldn't plan on using it forever. These guns imo are the best deals going right now. Everyone I've shot has been very accurate.

I'd stay away from the Remington 710/770, Mossberg ATR, and other similar rifles as they are not much cheaper price wise than the Savage, and a lot cheaper quality wise. The Savage Axis/Edge is another one I'd stay away from. Not because it's horrible, but because the Savage Model 10 is soo much better, for not much more.

If you want another Marlin, they make the XS-7 in a .243 or the XL-7 in 25-06. The only reason I'd stay away from this gun is they have been getting a lot of mixed reports lately on the quality since Remington moved their plant. IMO why take a gamble on if you are going to get a good one or not, when you could just buy the Savage for not much more and know you are going to get a good one.

T/C Venture is in that price range and it comes in .243

Marlin 30-30 would be a good choice for ranges within 100 yards or so. You could probably find one in a pawn shop, and the recoil should be tolerable for him.

Speaking of walmart. Here they have Remmy SPS's in 243 with the cheapo Remington scope for 399. Check your local Walmart and Dicks if you have one.

My Wal-Mart doesn't sell guns anymore. So be sure that yours does first. Otherwise, the .243 is a great caliber.

i dont think mine does, i was going to pick up a .22 and they didnt have any guns at all.