Son's first...rifle

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My 14 year old has been shooting since he was 8. He has fired several of different rifles, including .22 singleshots, bolt actions and lever actions, .357 lever actions, mini 14, m1a scout.

He has recently gained an interest in WWII history and weapons. He has a fair amount of $ saved in the bank and really wants to buy WWII era rifle. Primary use will be at our local range, up to 100 yards. We occasionally get the chance to shoot longer distance at a friends farm and are considering an Appleseed shoot sometime this spring.

I have tried to steer him into buying something new or like new for reliability, etc... but he is firm on the WWII era.

So I am looking for recommendations, he is leaning towards an M1 carbine, but has considered an M1 garand, an enfield 303, a mosin nagant and a springfield 1903.

I am open to your thoughts and suggestions.

Thanks,

John
 
I think a Garand or an 03A3 would be a pretty good choice, just make sure you get it from the CMP. That avoids the cut receiver issue and it's hard to beat their prices.
 
Have him watch enemy at the gates...

pick up the m44. Cheap, reliable, works well, can pick up bulk ammo fairly cheap.
 
Your son has good taste.

The only one of those I have fired is the M1 Carbine. Lots of fun at the range. I have never shot a Garand, but I have shot 30-06 out of a standard bolt rifle. Not sure how much difference recoil is out of a semi-auto, but I'd imagine that round would take it's toll after a few magazines worth. If it's just going to be for the range and not hunting, I'd say go for the carbine.

Hmmm, but I have had trouble finding ammo lately... do you reload?
 
After attending an Appleseed two years ago, I think the Garand would probably be the best for that course.

Can your 14yo handle the weight, recoil and ammo expense though?
 
If money for lots of ammo is no sweat, buy an M-1 Carbine or Garand etc. You can pay about $.40-80/round.

In that case, there is no reason to pursue a $100 rifle which uses ammo at $.25/round, including shipping.
 
I love my Mosin. You can get a very good 91/30 for the right price, and they are an important part of military history.
 
M1 cabine, its an awesome gun and he can handle the recoil obviously. Don't get a mosin nagant, I personally hate them and I think they are too common.

Actually, WWII era? How about a Thompson? A Sturmghewer 44? MP40? I could go on and on. Hell just get him a 1911 better yet, BAR.
 
For cheap thrills pick up a Mosin Nagant M44. If he's got enough in the bank I'd pick up a M1 carbine which you can get WWII/Korea vintage or of new manufacture. I don't think the Garand would be a good choice for a 14 year-old. Its a beaut of a rifle but its damn heavy and the .30'06 is a big round. Bottom line it for you, let him whet his appetite with the one of first two and in a couple of years get him the Garand.
 
More fun than a barrel of monkeys
Click to expand...

As long as the monkeys are not the type that rip your hands off your arms and then try to eat your face...those ones are not so fun.
 
I'll be the wet blanket: 14 year-olds should get what they need not what they want. He needs a good .22 so he can learn all the basics and shoot a lot without worrying about cost. The collector stuff can come later.
 
You really can't go wrong with any of them. I have a K98 and a 1903 and love them both. I like the feel of my K98 better, but that may be due to my having shot it more. A Garand would be tops on my list followed by the K98 and the 1903. Then whatever else he wants.
14 year-olds should get what they need not what they want
Click to expand...
None of us really need any of these, but we can have them and we want them so why not get what we want?
If he has saved the money up himself then let him get whatever he wants I say.
 
As long as the monkeys are not the type that rip your hands off your arms and then try to eat your face...those ones are not so fun.
Click to expand...

They are actually loads of fun if you have an SKS and lots of loaded stripper clips. Pretty cheap, too.

14 year-olds should get what they need not what they want. He needs a good .22 so he can learn all the basics and shoot a lot without worrying about cost. The collector stuff can come later.
Click to expand...

The OP's post actually kinda sounds like his son has already learned some of the basics. I think 14 is a good age for a kid to get his first serious rifle. I'd recommend the carbine for just for fun shooting. If you want something for hunting too my inclination would be to say the 1903. Never shot a Garand.
 
I'd go with a CMP Garand 1st, then the Carbine, M1903, K98 and finally a Mosin (too cheap not to get eventually). All good rifles with a rich history.
Nice thing is if you get a C&R you can have all of them shipped right to your door! :)
 
I say go for the M1903, One, If he is planning to hunt, it will get him familiar with large calibers and bolt discipline. Second, He will be unable to burn through his ammo as fast as the other options.
 
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