30-06 for a 13 year old?

[alfon99]

Hey, I'm getting my first centerfire rifle and I would like to know what do you think about getting a 30-06. Recoil is my main concern. I've been shooting .22's since I'm 3 and when I was 6 I started shooting a 16 gauge shotgun my grandma gave me (yes, my grandma) and I can handle the recoil with no problem. The thing is that I'm not sure how stronger the 30-06 recoil is compared to the 16 gauge. Maybe a recoil pad would help? I will be hunting wild boar, It's full of them where I live.

 

[Adk Mike]

I shoot reduced loaded 30-06 all the time. I shoot a lot and have no interest in factory loads. Cast suits me fine. I'd bet they would do great on hogs. I say the 06 is they way to go.

 

[Isaac-1]

I don't own any 16 gauge shotguns, just 12 and 20 gauge, but I would say a typical 30-06 will have a felt recoil in the same ballpark (depending on how powerful of load the shotgun had).

p.s. keep in mind 13 is just when the typical teen age growth spurt tends to start so if 30-06 is too much this year, there is plenty of time to grow into it.

 

[radiotom]

How big are you?

 

[ihctractor]

First of all, you've got a cool Grandma!!!!
The 30-06 does have a decent recoil, especially in a light weight gun, but if you've been shooting that 16 gauge without issue then the 30-06 can be managed. Buy a gun with a recoil pad and start with light bullets (125 gr.) and maybe even the Remington "managed recoil" rounds till you get used to the gun and get it sighted in, then step up to a 150 gr. or 180 gr. soft point for hogs. Recoil always hurts more at the bench but when you're standing and shooting at a running animal, even the hardest hitting guns are seldom felt or heard by the shooter.
You won't always be 13 and the 30-06 is probably the most versatile round anyone of any age can own. Get a decent one and you'll be able give to your grandson someday!
Happy hunting!

 

[OptimusPrime]

I got a recoil pad on my .30-06 and it really helped me at the bench, I'd recommend them. It does add an inch to the stock, so that might be a lot to a 13 year old arm, I don't know.

 

[RmB]

Like others said, how big are you?
And you should be just fine. I was shooting 30-30s and 30-06s long before 13

 

[alfon99]

I'm 1.8 meters tall (5.9 ft) and I weigh 60 kg (around 132 lbs)

 

[radiotom]

Same size as my woman, who can handle a 12 gauge, you'll be fine.

 

[longknife12]

My sons first centerfire was a 30-30.....age about 12-13.....within a year he had graduated to a 06. He handled it with no problems. I think you will be fine.
Dan

 

[OptimusPrime]

I take it back, anyone who measures in meters and kilos can't handle any recoil at all.
Just kidding.

 

[alfon99]

I live in uruguay, south america. Here we use metric system, Had to search n the web the weight in lbs! lol

 

[Sharps-shooter]

At your size you should have no trouble with a 7.62x63mm (or 30-06 as we call it around here).

I personally would rather have a shooting vest with a padded shoulder (or a folded up flannel shirt) rather than a recoil pad on the gun. Your mileage (or kilometerage) may vary.

 

[alfon99]

I may be getting it in 2-3 weeks, Me and my dad liked the remington 700 bdl. What do you think?

 

[longknife12]

The 700 is a proven item.Good luck.
Dan

 

[Kachok]

Depends on the rifle, look for a rifle of reasonable weight with a good recoil pad and fits your shoulder properly and the 30-06 is nothing too harsh. Female friends of mine can handle my Savage 110 with no problems, in fact a couple of them really like it. Avoid featherweights and hard rubber pads they can really sting. How large are the boar in your area? A 30-06 is alot of gun and is often a harsh overkill for game under the 150kg range. The recoil of a 30-06 cannot be compared to a shotgun, rifles might have less push but are more snappy. Avoid the new Remingtons, if you want a 700 get a pre 2007 model take it from an ex Remington fan.

 

[Sam1911]

If you use good form, and especially if you begin your practice standing, rather than shooting from a shooting bench, you should be ok. A good recoil pad, reduced-recoil ammunition, a padded vest or several layers of shirts, or even a recoil-reducing stock (if you can obtain those) will all help you manage the recoil.

The big thing is to hold the rifle tightly and hang on for the ride. Don't try to shy away from the rifle or hold it away from your shoulder! The gun is going to move. It won't physically injure you. The most important thing to do is remember to focus on your sights and press the trigger slowly. That will put the bullet where you want it to go. If you focus on that, the recoil isn't any big deal.

 

[alfon99]

About the ear and eye protection, my dad never wear them and he used to shot a .357 mag revolver, many 30-06's etc. and his hearing is such that he wakes up for even a spider walking in the floor. But I guess It's just one case. I better not take the risk!

 

[Kachok]

Oh one thing I forgot to mention, if you are stepping up in recoil make sure to get a scope with adequate eye relief, I had a 7mm Rem Mag years ago that busted my nose and cut me over the eye because I had to be right up on the glass to see through it. Don't make that mistake it hurts.

 

[alfon99]

Kachok, I must be pretty unlucky to get a "new" remington 700 here in uruguay. In the third world everything arrives 10 years later! lol

 

[PSL650m]

30-06 for a 13 year old.

I don't know much as to 30-06 recoil in a bolt gun; I shoot an M-1. But since you have been shooting in general for a while, I figure you should not have much problem with it. I have not heard anything bad about the 700, but that is all that means. As mentioned earlier, how big are these hogs; you might be using a cannon to sink a rowboat.

 

[Kachok]

What other calibers are common/popular in your part of the world?

 

[Reloadron]

Here is what I would suggest. Try to beg or borrow a 30-06 bolt gun and shoot it several times. If it feels comfortable after 10 to 15 rounds then by all means look for a 30-06 rifle. However, if you find the recoil a little punishing after several shots I would start thinking about a .308 rifle. The trick is to try to find a rifle you can try before you commit to a 30-06 as your own.

Just My Take....
Ron

 

[alfon99]

They are 100+ kg. In some cases they may weigh 200kg or even more! So yes, they are bigger here probably more than in the U.S.

 

[Kachok]

That is some pretty decent sized pigs, not huge but big enough. They killed a 353kg boar a few miles from my house three years ago. Anything reaching that size is where the 30-06 shines with it's superb 180gr bullets, for 100-200kg range you can use a whole host of smaller calibers if you like but the 06 is still a solid choice. A friend of mine has killed several in the 150-200kg range with a 270 Win he swears by it.