BENOUTHUNTIN

I decided not to get a Rem. 7400. But I need a bolt rilfle for about $400. I would like a youth model in .270 if they make them. This gun will be just for my wife and daughter. They will be shooting mule deer, pronghorn and elk. I do not know much about rifles, so I figured that I would ask the experts. I don't think that I am interested in the Rem 710 due to what others have said about it. If anyone knows of a good youth model in .270 please let me know, and also why it is good. THANKS

pharaoh2

If your looking for a new .270, why not consider a savage package rifle? They retail up here for under $500.00 Canadian, thats like chicken feed in U.S dollars. They shoot great, have a detachable mag, com with a sling and scope, and who cares if you scratch it? they are not the prettiest rifle, but they shoot like a house on fire! another option is to try to find a used 788 or 70 compact in 7mm-08. the ballistics are similar to a .270, with less recoil, and in the right short action, are lighter and have a shorter length of pull. GO FLAMES GO!

bigbulls

Most "youth" models will not be chambered in .270. They are usually chambered in .223, .243, 7mm-08, and .308.

That is a very good decision. I would look a Savage, Howa/ Weatherby vanguard for new rifles. Or look for a gently used Winchester or Ruger compact model. Any of these should keep you at or just below the $400.00 mark

If they (you) really want a .270 you can always have the stock shortened about an inch. Otherwise I would look at a "youth" model in 7mm-08 or .308. Either one of these calibers are plenty enough to take on any elk with good bullets and shoot plenty flat enough for pronghorns with the lighter bullets available.

oldelkhunter

You can buy a new Howa for less then 400 dollars at least you can where I live. Like Bigbulls said you can probably find a Ruger or Winchester in that price range also and if your lucky you can maybe find a Remington in that range but doubtful unless its an ADL.

Handles

If the gun is for your wife/daughter I would really suggest a different caliber. .270 actually produce a pretty good kick, good enough that practice shooting more than 3-5 shots might not be any fun for your wife/daughter. If it isn't fun, they won't do it. If they don't practice they really shouldn't shoot at live game.
I know that you included elk in your list of game, and I agree that a .270 should be about the minimum for that animal, but maybe you could get them say a .25-06, or .257 Roberts, for mulies and proghorn, and if needed for elk they could shoot a larger rifle especially after much practice with the smaller caliber gets them used to shooting a rifle.
Just my opinion.

neweboarhunter

I would suggest either a: 7mm-08, 7x57,6.5x55, or a .260. These will have less felt recoil than a .270 win. The most important thing to consider is stock fit. You might have to have it cut to shorten it. Also check out a good aftermarket recoil pad. These calibers may not be considered elk rounds, but under controlled hunting methods ( limited range, angle of shot, etc) they will work. When they get a recoil tolerance built up then move them to a .270 win or better yet a .280 Rem.



Aim Straight,
NBH

semi

I just bought a savage in the 7mm-08 for a back up gun and it's not to ugly. IN fact you can tell it's a cheaper gun than the winchesters i own but it's not that far off. I think they have come along way.. it's also a great caliber that i have grown to like alot. I don't think it gives up much to the .270. I would look at Savage preferrably a package gun. all the parts to get started are there for under $400.

Handles

Good call on the 7mm-08, AND the recoil pad.

Probably the best thing that anyone can do is put on a new recoil pad especially for a young/female hunter.

BENOUTHUNTIN

I am grateful for all the advice. Is the .308 and 7mm-08 going to be less recoil than the .270?
I have not heard of the Howa rifle before. What about a Tikka?

Moose_Maximus

Tikka rifles have an excellent reputation, but they're tough to find for under $400, and that's without a scope.

You might have some decent luck if you live near a bunch of pawn shops. A buddy of mine got a beautiful Remington 700 in 30-06 for $400 out-the-door. I heard about a guy recently getting a Remington 742 semi-auto with a Leupold scope for $270.