Youth deer rifle caliber recommendations
- Thread starter todd-45
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MCgunner
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No, I wasn't talking about various calibers like .250 Savage, I was talking about the .22s, .22-250 or .223. If you can find a .250 Savage, that's a great low recoil deer caliber as is my .257 Roberts which hasn't been particularly popular either since the .243 took over the world. Facts are, there are more .243s out there and there is more ammo loaded for it. That's not a big deal for me and the .257 Roberts since I reload, but it can be for folks that don't handload.
The .243 is the obvious choice, I think.
The .243 is the obvious choice, I think.
todd-
Both Weatherby and Howa sell youth rifles based on that action. Contact them to see if they'll just sell the stock. I think they will. Only caveat is that the Youth is a #1 barrel, same as the ultralight/mountain/whatever version, whereas the regular .243 is a #2 (I think).
http://www.legacysports.com
http://www.weatherby.com
These guys also make reasonably-priced stocks for the Howa/Weatherby.
http://www.boydsgunstocks.com
Both Weatherby and Howa sell youth rifles based on that action. Contact them to see if they'll just sell the stock. I think they will. Only caveat is that the Youth is a #1 barrel, same as the ultralight/mountain/whatever version, whereas the regular .243 is a #2 (I think).
http://www.legacysports.com
http://www.weatherby.com
These guys also make reasonably-priced stocks for the Howa/Weatherby.
http://www.boydsgunstocks.com
I think that the 243 is a good choice as well
but you might want to give more consideration to the rifle choice as well. I do not own one of the NEF rifles but, other than trigger pull, I have heard nothing but good about them. With the youth model stock and relatively short barrel your son will probably find it a whole lot easier to lug around than the Howa even it you find a replacement stock for it. The other way to go would be a pistol caliber lever action rifle like the Marlin in 357, 44 mag or 45 Colt. The 94 c in 38/357 is what my daughter has been shooting Cowboy action with since she was 10. Cut down the stock and you will have a rifle that he can handle now and, with a new stock in the future, can hang onto forever. Another advantage to the lever rifle is that he practice with 38s to cut down on cost and abuse, to his shoulder.
but you might want to give more consideration to the rifle choice as well. I do not own one of the NEF rifles but, other than trigger pull, I have heard nothing but good about them. With the youth model stock and relatively short barrel your son will probably find it a whole lot easier to lug around than the Howa even it you find a replacement stock for it. The other way to go would be a pistol caliber lever action rifle like the Marlin in 357, 44 mag or 45 Colt. The 94 c in 38/357 is what my daughter has been shooting Cowboy action with since she was 10. Cut down the stock and you will have a rifle that he can handle now and, with a new stock in the future, can hang onto forever. Another advantage to the lever rifle is that he practice with 38s to cut down on cost and abuse, to his shoulder.
George Hill
Member
Browning Micro Hunter is a great option for the rifle. Calibers is a broad spectrum of good choices. .243 Winchester. .243 WSSM. .25 WSSM. 7MM-08. 7-30 Water. .30-30.
Smitty in CT
Member
......"Thanks guys. It looks like .243 is the most common recommendation. I've got a Howa (Weatherby action) Lightning .243 with composite stocks. I wonder if I could find a short stock for that gun. "......
You can probably pick up one of the Mossberg 100ATR .243 youth guns from Academy Sporting Goods cheaper than you could find a new stock.
The Mossberg rifles have been getting much better reviews (trigger and accuracy wise) recently, compared to when they first came out.
Smitty
You can probably pick up one of the Mossberg 100ATR .243 youth guns from Academy Sporting Goods cheaper than you could find a new stock.
The Mossberg rifles have been getting much better reviews (trigger and accuracy wise) recently, compared to when they first came out.
Smitty
spankaveli
Member
my brother in law (i think hes 12) shoots with a .240 or a .270, iirc.
MCgunner
Member
Is you're sister a teacher, by chance?
Just kiddin', I figured it out...rofl!
spankaveli
Member
that'd be my wife's brother, not my sister's husband
I am going to second MCGunner, and go one better.
I don't believe that old chestnut "Better to hit with a .223 than miss with a .30-06". If a person hasn't shot enough to master the recoil of a .30-06 or similar, they probably haven't shot enough to wield any high power rifle well enough to pursue game in good conscience.
I also am hesitant to take any youth hunting who up to the other parts of the hunt, either physically or mentally. I am always aghast at the people who think their kid is old enough to pull the trigger, but wouldn't dream of giving them a sharp knife to field dress the critter, or send them back to the pickup with their rifle and flashlight.
I say, any age is old enough to tag along, but if kids are going to hunt deer, they should be able to manage the whole thing from fillling out the permit application to disposing of the gut pile.
If not, as MCGunner says, let them wait a few years. Anticipation never killed anybody...
I don't believe that old chestnut "Better to hit with a .223 than miss with a .30-06". If a person hasn't shot enough to master the recoil of a .30-06 or similar, they probably haven't shot enough to wield any high power rifle well enough to pursue game in good conscience.
I also am hesitant to take any youth hunting who up to the other parts of the hunt, either physically or mentally. I am always aghast at the people who think their kid is old enough to pull the trigger, but wouldn't dream of giving them a sharp knife to field dress the critter, or send them back to the pickup with their rifle and flashlight.
I say, any age is old enough to tag along, but if kids are going to hunt deer, they should be able to manage the whole thing from fillling out the permit application to disposing of the gut pile.
If not, as MCGunner says, let them wait a few years. Anticipation never killed anybody...
oklahoma caveman
Member
well guys you all seem to really be into the 243. personally im not a big fan. i started deerhunting at 8 myself and my first deer rifle was a 30-30 win. at 9 i started using a 7mm-08 in the rem 700 and ive never looked back. that gun has gotten me through childhood, through teens, and im still using it now. virtually no kick, extremely accurate, what more can you ask for?
i am a collecter tho and as such have several different caliber deer rifles. and in the hands of a person who has done their homework and spent alot of time at the range i have found the 223 to be a very servicable deer cartridge.
its not the size of the bullet that maters, its being able to put it where it does the most damage
i am a collecter tho and as such have several different caliber deer rifles. and in the hands of a person who has done their homework and spent alot of time at the range i have found the 223 to be a very servicable deer cartridge.
its not the size of the bullet that maters, its being able to put it where it does the most damage
Smitty in CT
Member
Add spacers as the kids grow.....
ReadyontheRight
Member
A gas-operated autoloader is going to kick way less than a bolt action. A Saiga in .308 or Remington 7400 in .308 or .243 might be a good choice. You can also now buy reduced recoil loads for 30-06. Make him load only one cartridge at a time until he gets to know his rifle.
Another possibility with less power - requiring more practice and better shot placement...a SKS or AK clone. An AK is probably a great fit for a youth. You will need to track down soft point hunting ammo. I know it's out there. 7.62x39 has its limitations, but I personally could not see taking a shot at a deer at more than 150 yards, but that changes as you go west.
Moving away from autoloaders - a cut-down Swedish Mauser in 6.5x55 (that will be my son's first deer rifle), a Marlin 336 in 30-30 or a NEF Handi Rifle in .243. The NEF is probably the easiest to buy in a youth configuration - and the cheapest. You may want to add a scope.
Nothing wrong with your bolt gun idea in .243. Just throwing out some other options.
That Mossberg 100 ATR with the add-on spacers is a great idea. You may want to check around for .308 reduced recoil loads. That would be the perfect rifle for him to grow up with and use forever - or at least until he goes after Cape Buffalo.
Just don't hand him your 30-06 and let him put his eye right up against the scope. It hurts. And he will dislike scopes for a long time.
Another possibility with less power - requiring more practice and better shot placement...a SKS or AK clone. An AK is probably a great fit for a youth. You will need to track down soft point hunting ammo. I know it's out there. 7.62x39 has its limitations, but I personally could not see taking a shot at a deer at more than 150 yards, but that changes as you go west.
Moving away from autoloaders - a cut-down Swedish Mauser in 6.5x55 (that will be my son's first deer rifle), a Marlin 336 in 30-30 or a NEF Handi Rifle in .243. The NEF is probably the easiest to buy in a youth configuration - and the cheapest. You may want to add a scope.
Nothing wrong with your bolt gun idea in .243. Just throwing out some other options.
That Mossberg 100 ATR with the add-on spacers is a great idea. You may want to check around for .308 reduced recoil loads. That would be the perfect rifle for him to grow up with and use forever - or at least until he goes after Cape Buffalo.
Just don't hand him your 30-06 and let him put his eye right up against the scope. It hurts. And he will dislike scopes for a long time.
Jimmy Newman
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I shot my first deer with a normal, full size (synthetic stock, stainless barrel) Remington 700 in 7mm-08 when I was 11. I think I got the rifle for Christmas when I was 9 or 10. It's still what I shoot at deer.
I did fine with it.
I did fine with it.
TCB in TN
Member
My boys started shooting centerfire rifles around 7 or 8. The NEF .243 was the tool of choice, but both very quickly moved on to the 30-06. Both of my sons took their first deer with a Rem 7400 in 30-06, (the oldest was 11 when he took his first and my younger was 10 for his) and both can easily hand the 06, and in fact both have also taken deer with their uncles 7mm mag. But they love the little Tikka .308 more than about anything. Although my oldest has developed an affinity for my BLR .308. If the kid can shoot then I would suggest you look seriously at either a .308 or a 30-06. A kid that can shoot the .243 comfortably can with a good shooting jacket and good ear protection move up to the two above very easily.
35Rem
Member
This is exactly what I've done for my buddie's boy. Savage 110 (you can pick up a used one for under 250) Get a wood stock and cut it to the right length (Save the original stock for when he's grown) Use the Remington Managed Recoil ammo, it has ballistics similar to the 257 Roberts, but with a larger diameter bullet.
Put a Limbsaver slip on pad, just to absorb more recoil. A small scope and good to go. He can use that rifle for the rest of his life.
Taurus44
Member
I think most everyone is in agreement that the .243 is probably the best all-around load for everything in North America except very large and/or dangerous game. That being said, I'd probably go with something like the youth model Savage 11FYXP3. You can get aftermarket stocks for the Savage as he grows, and it has the Accu-trigger so you can fine tune it as his skill level dictates.
It's $426 shipped from Bud's, but that includes a bore-sighted 3-9x40 scope, rings, bases and a sling. Just sight it in and hit the woods!
It's $426 shipped from Bud's, but that includes a bore-sighted 3-9x40 scope, rings, bases and a sling. Just sight it in and hit the woods!
not to beat a dead horse but I started off with a 243 model 7 and I think it was perfect. Although if you get something like the CZ 527 in 7.62x39 you could have him practice a lot for cheap, and to those that say its a bad caliber should compare it to the 30-30 on paper. Which BTW would be another excellent choice.
-Tsi
-Tsi
SoonerSP101
Member
700 BDL in a .338 RUM with a Vari-X III 4.5x14 AO sitting on a dual dove-tail system
41magsnub
Member
I'm also for the .243. That's what I started with. It was a Remington something .243 in a youth stock and short barrel and a 3x9 scope. Killed a LOT of deer with that gun.
woof
Member
The 7.62x39 has significantly less recoil than the .243 and it is NOT a wimpy short range caliber. Do you want an 8 yr old taking 200 yd shots? I doubt it. The x39 is the best cartridge that has been named and I think it is now available in the handi rifles. I like single shots for young shooters for the reasons in your own story. Knowing he only has one shot might save him a lot of grief and no doubt it will make him a better hunter. My first deer rifle (Marlin 336) wasn't a single shot but my dad made me have only one round loaded until I got my first deer. When I got my second I got the scope. Great incentives!
ArchAngelCD
Member.
That sounds like a good idea. I'm sure the .243 will do a fine job if he gets a good shot off.
If you can't find a stock for that gun you might look into a Rossi Single Shot Combo for him. One of the choices is a .243/20ga Combo. H & R also has a lot of accurate single shot rifles available at a good price. Since they are so inexpensive you can get him one for now and when he can shoot a full size stock get him something he will have for a very long time.
Legionnaire
Contributing Member
I went through the same thinking process for my son a few years ago. Settled on a Remington Model Seven Youth in .243. Set it up with a Burris 4X scope. Since then, we've restocked the gun with a full-length factory take-off. He still hunts with it, as does his younger sister. The .243 is a great deer cartridge, and the Model Seven is a great, short-action, carbine-length rifle. They are not inexpensive, but they also hold their value very well.
The Howa Lightning is the same thing as the 1500, correct? If so, you could simply buy a Hogue stock and cut it down to youth length. MidwayUSA has 'em for $105. Far less expensive than a new rifle!
The Howa Lightning is the same thing as the 1500, correct? If so, you could simply buy a Hogue stock and cut it down to youth length. MidwayUSA has 'em for $105. Far less expensive than a new rifle!
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Wolfgang2000
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IMHO the fit of the gun to the shooter is more important than the caliber. Perceived recoil is greater if the shooter is over balanced backward trying to shoot a long arm that is to long for him. A person can absorb more recoil if the rifle fits.
The NE multi barrel youth combo is a nice system that doesn't break the bank. 243 is a adequate deer round if he is accurate enough with it.
The NE multi barrel youth combo is a nice system that doesn't break the bank. 243 is a adequate deer round if he is accurate enough with it.
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