Rifle for my son - Advice?

rangerruck said:

you didnt' mention his age or size, so if say 16 or under, look for a cz, savage, or remmy, kids model, or an old remmy 788, or old remmy 600/660/ mohawk.
and get in 7.08

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He said he is heading off to college in the fall. So I would guess that he is 17 or 18.

Buy a beat up 788 in .308, have a nice stock fitted to it and add a VX-II scope.

sounds to me you would want two rifles: accuracy .22lr or 223 rem, look for anschutz cz or savage, and the savings in ammo wil soon pay for the rifle.
I combine an Anchutz 64 single shot 22lr (used 200 €) with the anschutz 1770 in 223 rem (varmint) and a interarms mark X in 270 win (used 400€)
works for me
my other combo, marlin 39a and marlin 336 work nice to, if he likes levers.

greetz

peter

For deer and elk, I would suggest a 300 Mag / 300 WSM....versatile caliber from light loads of 100 grain to heavier 200 grn bullets. You won't find those in .270, 7mm, etc. If you're gunnin' for deer and some elk, probably a 270 or 7mm....Elk and some deer, back to the 300. Since it is assumed that you're son is at least 18, I would assume that too much recoil shouldn't be an issue. However, wanting to concentrate on accuracy and maybe even work up a load will take some shots on the shoulder so, gearing down to a 30-06 may be in best interests. I have an -06 which I cut two inches off. Takes the velocity down about 100 FPS (if that) but I still retain the versatility of the .30 cal and also, have a sportier rifle for carry in the brush.

My 15 yr old son loves my Rem 600 mohawk in .308 for larger deer,and Savage .223 for the rest.....if your lad loves making ragged holes in paper then try a .223 Savage or CZ 527 American both out the box moa.cheers.

Remington Model 700. There's alot of them floating around, many different calibers of which are great for Deer + Elk. Tried and true rifle, I'm a happy owner of one in .22-250.

His age ,build and weight etc would all be relevant factors to be considered when making a choice for a rifle and calibre,he needs to be comfortable with the fit and recoil ,last thing you want is for him to develop a flinch,cheers.

Hmm, well it wouldn't be used, but if I were to go for an affordable deer/elk rifle right now, I'd probably go for a Marlin XS7. T/C Ventures look pretty nice too (I have one in .223 on order). They make them in the short action calibers, which I'm a much bigger fan of than the long action. Milder recoil and usually chambered in a handier sized gun. I'd say 7mm-08, but a .308 might be better for elk.

If I were to get a used deer rifle, I'd probably look for a marlin in 30-30. The LeverEvolution rounds from Hornady increase the performance considerably. I don't know if you've got any lever action guns, but they're a blast to shoot. Pretty mild recoil too.

As you can tell I'm not a fan of recoil. I love being able to shoot a box at the range and not have to worry about my shoulder feeling like crap. To me, the extra recoil just isn't worth it.

If he is that much of an accuracy nut sounds like a 6.5-284 will fill the ticket, but a .308, 30-06, 7 rem mag, 284, 264 Win mag, 270 would also suffice.

6.5X55 is a sweet thing, very accurate, light recoil and great for Deer and Elk. Hell people hunt bear and moose in europe with them. If you can find a Tikka T3 lite in 6.5 swede, that my friend would be perfect. I just bought my son savage 110 in 308, it's a super accurate rifle. Savage is good because he can up grade them pretty easily as he ages.

kiwihunta said:

His age ,build and weight etc would all be relevant factors to be considered when making a choice for a rifle and calibre,he needs to be comfortable with the fit and recoil ,last thing you want is for him to develop a flinch,cheers.

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Make sure you check his length of pull as well

Some sons have no real interest in any gun. Many of you guys are very fortunate, but it might be taken for granted.

.243 is versatile, relatively inexpensive, accurate, and easy to shoot -- its a necked-down .308! .270 should be on the list next IMO. Oh, and I agree in the bolt. I would probably look at a Savage for the value and a Simmons 44 Mag. scope as well though they have scoped packages.
Al

If you're budget concious then stay away from magnums and stay far away from the short mags. It's like burning $1.50 with every trigger pull. There is nothing in the lower 48 that a 30 06 or .270 can't take care of at a responsible distance. If he is a good shot and doesn't mind limiting his range on elk you could even go to a .243. As far as a rifle you can't beat a browning A-bolt but good luck finding one used.

Hey Wyohome ,Lovely 788 i rebuilt one in .223,i was stoked with the way it came out.There in the legend status now....great rifles.I will have to post a photo.

Why not a 30-06 for Ammo interchangeability with the Garand?