Wiwagner

I don't deer hunt. Used to but lost interest many years ago. My 12 year old son has been asking about deer hunting. Looking at getting him a rifle so I can take him deer hunting next season.

Any thoughts on a caliber and specific rifle? I was thinking about a 6.5 creedmoor. He have some timber to hunt so shots won't be much more than a 100 yards but we also may hunt in more open terrain with shots out to 300 or so. He shoots left handed so I know that likely limits my options. Not looking to spend a bunch of money on a rifle and scope. I see Savage makes a left hand model which comes with a Nikon 3 x 9 scope. It is reasonably priced but not sure if there are better options out there for about the same price.

Rafael Butts

6.5 creedmoor is perfect for 12 years old

salukipv1

6.5 creed
7mm-08
.25-06
.243 win.

Rob in VT

Bought my daughter a Remington Model Seven in 7mm-08 when she was 11 or 12. No kick and she still uses it at age 25. Pretty accurate gun. She took this Mulie at 290 yards with it.

mrbb

ton's of great rifles and calibers on the market today, maybe ask your son what he THINKS he wants, maybe he's done some homework on things and has a idea what he wants, then go to MANY gun shops and have him handle a bunch of rifles he LIKES< and see what FITS him best
after all, its a gun for HIM< and if one wants a kid these days to STAY with hunting, having as many odds in his favor to LIKE the sport is a big plus, as JUST what ME< YOU or anyone else THINKS is the best rifle/caliber, might NOT make him happy or wish to stay with things
why not try and start him off having what he wants(with in reason of course)
deer are not that tough to kill to be honest, almost ANY centerfire caliber will kill them when placing a good bullet in vitals!

and I agree with the calibers above, and echo, on a 7mm08, one of my fav deer calibers, but thart's ME< as again, so many GOOD calibers out there anymore, hard to say one is BEST or better almost, it tends to come down o what YOU want or like!

rogerstv

6.5 Creedmoor wonderful choice. I am a Savage fan. Tikka is a good choice too. Thompson Center has an entry level line. Check to see if any of them offers accuracy guarantee.

I avoid firearm and scope packages.

excalibur43

I second this!!

Bob H in NH

One thing to check is off the shelf bullet availability. It's not the same everywhere.

Any of .243, 257, 25-05, 7mm08 will work great.

jrbsr

If you can find one a Rossi M92 it is a lever action in 357 magnum.
A used one would be sweet.
I have a winchester 94AE in 357 magnum.
It doesn't matter what ammo I shoot in it, it shoots really well.
I can hit everything I am at up to 100 yards or a little more with open sights.
The best part is it kicks like a .22 caliber rifle.
Thats my 2 cents.

Good Luck.

jrbsr

Ericict

this is sage advise. With the ammo issues over the last few years, this is important. The 6.5 is a great round but it doesn’t have longevity of these rounds mentioned above. I bought my grandson a Henry lever action 30-30. Solid round for NA and the recoil is not bad at all. One thing to look at is the shape of the stock, some are more inclined to give a much higher felt recoil than others.