243, 270, 30-06, 7mm

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Shawn 357

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I made a deal with my little brother that if he got good grades I would buy him a hunting rifle. He held up his end of the bargain so now I have to do my part. My little brother weighs 87 lbs soaking wet, is 13 yrs old, and has never shot a gun in his life.
I have shot 30-06, 300win mag, 375, 308 but I have never shot 7mm, 243, 270, etc. What caliber rifle should I get him?

He will be using the rifle to hunt wild boar, deer, maybe coyotes etc.

I would like to get him a rifle that he will be able to take hunting for the next ten years and not outgrow because I don't have the money to buy him this rifle let alone another one in 5 yrs. I would like some input on what is a good caliber to take down medium game, with little recoil, and has easily accesible cheap amo.

I appreciate all help!
 
I vote for .243, especially since he has no shooting experience.

I remember shooting my Dad's 30-06 when I was 13 and although I loved it, I always had a sore shoulder.
 
He should be able to handle the .243 and .270, possibly the .30-06 assuming he is taught good shooting posture. Remember, butt plate + collar bone = painful weekend.
 
Another vote for the .243. Federal sells a load with 100 grain Nosler Partitions that will work well for deer and hogs. He can use lighter bullets for coyotes.
 
I vote 243. You can buy factory ammo from 55 gr for low recoil to 100 gr for game. Take him shooting as much as possible.
 
Thank you all for the responses! It sounds like 243 is the way to go. I have never shot anything smaller than a 308 so I had no idea what to get him. The first time I shot a firearm I was 14 and 100 lbs and someone handed me a 375magnum with a synthetic stock and said "shoot this", I soon learned what a scope cut was:)
I was thinking of getting him a Savage or CZ because I want to try keeping the cost around $600 total (including scope). Any recomendations?

Thanks again.
 
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30-30. Not on your list, but the bestest/most useful chambering out there if wild piggies are on the menu and recoil is an issue.
 
Rbernie,
I have never shot 30-30 but just assumed it recoiled like a 30-06. I am open to, and appreciate all suggestions on caliber an rifle.

Thank you all!
 
I seem to remember the Winchester 94 30-30 I shot had similar recoil to an old bolt action Ruger in .270. If anything the .270 was slightly more. Was a while back though, memory might be a little off.
 
Redranger,
Is the 7mm 08 relatively inexpensive? Whatever I get him I am going to want him to shoot a lot so I want to make sure the ammo is reasonably priced.

Thanks.
 
I would check out the Steven 200, look at the .243 Winchester. I would also look at the 30-30 Lever action as well. I like the 336 Marlin my self and thats what im using to hunt with this year.

The 30-30 would work fine for Deer, and Hogs as well.

The 243 would work well for deer and hogs as well.

You could definatly set up Stevens 200 rifle with a scope for $450.

The Stevens rifle is the same as the savage rifles just without the accutrigger, and with the old savage plastic stock. Its a great value and can be found for under $300.
 
Thanks for all the info!
I am going to check out the Stevens in 243.

Again, I appreciate everyone helping out on this I know my little brother will be ecstatic.:D
 
Good for you helping motivate your little brother like that. Sounds like you're a great bro.

I'd vote .243 Stevens or Marlin 30-30.
 
A 30-06 that is light enough for an 87 lb 13 year old to handle better have a REALLY GOOD RECOIL PAD. I can't think of a better way to discourage a kid than to hand him a rifle that kicks the snot out of him.

If your little brother has never shot before get him a .22 and save the centerfire for later.
 
Get the .270. Perfect deer/hog round. Use a Limbsaver slip on recoil pad for range shooting. In the field, he won't need one because he will not notice recoil in the least when sighting in on a big buck.

Or, get the .270 and use the Managed Recoil rounds, which will kick light (like a .243), and when he grows, he can go up to full sized rounds, and this way have a deer rifle for life.

I'd say away from the .243. It is a good round in experienced hands, but the .270 will give him a little more margin for error.
 
If you are looking for the cheapest option, the stevens 200 in .243-used with scope mounts and bases might be a good option-there are probably many more used savages out there with scope mounts, scope etc...

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=60323818

is a NIB option-has it all but a sling though-and you could do some looking and find a nice used one of these for $100 to $200 less.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=60245482

used, older model with a synthetic stock-good "all weather" option if you need and nice and cheap-but I'd probably up-grade the scope.


http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=60367165

a cheap stevens...you would need to buy bases and scope rings though, as well as a scope, so probably add another $100-$150 to the total-

The CZ is a little more expensive but will come with rings and if you find a used one you might get a scope in the deal-the CZ's do have the single set trigger which is nice, but not necessary and some would argue is dangerous for a new shooter

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=60380165


Of course, the above examples would assume you decided on .243, which might be my first choice as well. The bolt action .270 would not be a bad 2nd option, depending on the kids tolerance to recoil-I'd lean towards the .243 myself though, with the 30-30 getting serious consideration-again especially if cost was a big factor-I picked up my last Marlin 336 30-30 that was like new, with scope, rings and bases I am out a grand total of $240 and I can put 5 rounds into 1 inch at 100 yards with that little buggar!!

Good luck with what ever you decide-make sure you take him out for lots of practice!!

Dave
 
I am taking him out shooting over Thanksgiving and the people I am going with are doing me a favor and bringing a bunch of different rifles so that I can teach him on the 22 and then have him fire a 243, 270, 7mm to see how he handles the recoil.

Thanks everyone for all the help!
 
243 is okay

though 270 with these loads would also be good (or 308 ). Later you can step up to regular loads.

managedrecoil_box.jpg
 
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