I agree with you guys on much better choices for deer than the .44mag but here in Indiana we are limited to pistol cartridge rifle so with our limited selection of cartridges and keeping with over the counter ammo the 44 is a good choice. I bought a pair for my Grandsons and was amazed at the accuracy the little NEF Handi produce. Green box Remingtons 3 shot groups 100 yds. one ragged hole.

the .44 mag will work well for her. there have been plenty of deer killed by .44 mag handguns. i've killed deer with a .44 mag handgun myself and i've never fealt that i was using a inadequate cartridge. and out of a longer barreled rifle she'll be able to take longer shots with confidence. good luck to her this season.

The 44 with a good bullet is perfect for deer out to even 125-150 yds.

In Indiana, any rifle can be used. The limitation is on the ammo. The bullet must be .357 diameter or larger, and the case can be no longer than 1.625". Wildcatters are coming up with some really cool cartridges within these limitations.

Come on guys,read the mans post,he says he lives in Indiana which is only a shotgun or pistol caliber state..With that being said,the 44mag is an adequate caliber for whitetails on shots under 100yds,no further. I killed a 4pt at 60 yds with my Marlin 1894 in 44mag,droped him in his trax..Very little recoil also,it should be a good caliber to start out on..My gun loved winchester 240gr JHP..Deadly accurate with them.Good luck which ever caliber you choose!

I carry marlin in 357 mag and taken deer out to 100 yds with iron sites. The 44 mag is a good round, if the recoil is not too much. The 44 special has a lighter recoil. My daughter shoot my rifle with 38 loads for practice, then use full power hunting. Just a thought, dont make her gun shy, thats a way to ruin somebody.

My suggestion is a semi auto 20 ga shotgun. Very, very little recoil and deadly beyond 100. Get a fully rifled barrel w/scope. She will be set.

You should do fine with the .44 Mag in a rifle- with good sights or a scope, it should be a good deer gun out to 125 yards, or even a little further. If you're worried about recoil, there are plenty of "lighter" loads out there that won't kick as much. Any good 240 grain jacketed hollow point should do just fine.

I've got both 20 guage shot guns and .44 mag Ruger. 44 kicks less.

The .243 and the 25-06 are rifle cartridges. Illegal for him.

I would say the .44 will do fine.