My son is 10 and already owns a .20 ga 870 pump and uses it well, he got it when he was 8 and he is all about hunting. He is now 10 and I and he wants to move him into a rifle, so when we go still hunting together, I can let him have his chance at a buck with a rifle. I was looking this weekend at a Remington model 7 stainless with composite stock in .260 this is something that fits him well and he can still use it as he gets older. All the youth model rifles have the short stocks that he might outgrow very soon, he is a healthy and big boy and growing. Is this a good idea ??

Rustydale-I think you are on the right track.The only thing I would do different is to change the cartridge to 7mm-08.The 7mm-08 is a more versatile cartridge with a much better selection of bullets and loaded ammo.I have owned two 7mm-08 model sevens over the years and both were light,dependable rifles that shot 1" groups with handloads.

Edited by - stubblejumper on 09/15/2002 13:25:39

it sounds like you have the right idea for your son. i don't know if you are looking at bolt action only, but i would also throw a marlin 336 30-30 into consideration. i bought one a few years ago when i turned 18 and love it. the 30-30 is a great all-around cartridge, and the 336 is a very well-known rifle, with kick very similar to your sons 870. the size of the rifle will probably fit him pretty good too. good luck with whatever you choose.

i'll also agree with the 7mm-08 but would also like to throw in the 25-06. A great deer round with mild recoil. Bullet selections running in the 90grains-130grains.

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I disagree that the 7mm/08 is a more versatile cartridge than the .260 ............both are VERY versatile.
But I do agree that the current offerings of over-the-counter ammo is more suited to a wider selection for the 7mm/08.
You can buy bullet weights (for re-loading) for .264 diameter bullets from 77 to 160 grains that will perform in a .260
Obviously, the twist of the barrel will favor some weights, with the 140 being about the best (same with the 7mm/08 too).
Bottom line is that the .260, 7mm/08 and 25/06....( as well as many others) will serve an up-and-coming and growing hunter for a lifetime. Nothing more than stock adjustments should be required. Look for your best deal on the one your son seems to like best.
)Personally I'd look for a Winchester Model 70 featherweight in 6.5 x 55, but I'm partial to the round!, Not a short action though)

I'd go with the .260 or 7MM-08, either would be great deer calibers!
I go against the grain on 30/30's for beginners though. Unless you will be with them at all times or he will be shooting ONLY at short to short/medium ranges. While the recoil of a 30/30 may be great for youngsters, the bullet drop is too much for someone that doesn't have good experience at range estimation. A good, flat shooting, low recoiling gun like the .243, .260 and 7MM-08 (and a few others too) would be a much better choice! Good luck!
Frank

If you can get a good deal on the model seven i would say do it. the 260 is a great caliber even for us bigger kids. i came real close to buying the same gun. but couldnt swing the money at the time.

SOUTH ARKANSAS REBEL

Hard to beat the 7mm-08 Rem and I agree that it is more versatile than the 260 Rem. However, the 260 Rem looks like a good cartridge provided it doesn't pass into the "good cartridges that didn't make it" category. As far as a lever action 30-30 Win for a fist gun, I highly recommend against it. First of all it is a one trick pony. A short range, anemic cartridge that is chambered in guns designed for short range shooting. Secondly, small, excited thumbs can easily slip off the hammer after forgetting the hammer block safety.