ElkampMaster is right on the money! The .243 or .260 would be great! Either would be all she ever needs for deer size game. Just don't start her out with anything too big, flinching habits, once learned are very hard to break! Good luck!

Model 7 in .260, .243, 7mm-08, .308 in that order.

I just noticed-788s- one of these would be good if you can find one that isn't worn out at a decent price.

ANother thing- I'm not sure what you shoot, but if its a nonmagnum, have her try that out especially if you can load up some light loads or get the new remington reduced loads for it, then try the standard loads. Some thin boned people handle recoil very well. I have a 50 yo aunt of about the same size who uses a 30-06 for deer hunting.

Help us help you, as they say. What's your budget for this project?

You can buy a nice used Savage around these parts for ~$250. Or a used Marlin, even with a scope, for ~$200.

My wife is quite petite, and she can handle a Marlin 30/30 with little trouble--and she really enjoys shooting my/our Marlin1894C in 357 magnum.

Specifically, get her a CZ 527 carbine in this caliber and put a fixed-power 2.5 or 4X scope on it. It has no weight at all, and no recoil either. Plus, the muzzle blast is mild, and that's a big component of perceived vs actual recoil!

I also agree that a small caliber rifle is a good choice. If she is afraid of the gun then she will not hit what she is aiming at. Remington makes a model 7 for small framed shooters that costs under 500 dollars and is a tried and true bolt-action rifle. I would recommend a .243 with balistic tips for more knock down power without the heavy kick.




Always leave the woods with more than you went with even if it is memories added.

You also might want to check out the 6mm remington. It has a little more punch than the 243 and doesnt kick much at all.

Deerslayer beat me to it the 6mm I have one it is a sweet shooting piece. I use mine for groundhogs and deer.

One thig I might add, is get her a rifle she likes and enjoys to shoot. Being comfortable with your gear adds considerabily to the joy of hunting!


And..I wish you both the best of luck!

Wow guys thanx for all the suggestions. I have a 30-06 but she doesn't shoot it often b/c I am 6'3" and she is 5'2". She really likes my 308 Heavy barreled Rem 700 PSS. Acouple other points. We will be hunting in Eastern Oregon for Muliesso there is the possiblity for a long shot and fairly large animals. I don't hear much for 270s, do you think it is too much punch. Thanx guys I am looking to spend 500-600 for the whole deal 3-9 scope more than likely.