Help me buy my Wife a new gun please.
- Thread starter CANNONMAN
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Steel Talon
Member
I suggest the 7mms-08. Shooting 140grain pills ii
Is a great deer killin'combo. Plus the easy recoil the easy carry weight, and accuracy makes it a great package.l
I also suggest another fun gun for the range would be a Henry 22lr lever gun.
Is a great deer killin'combo. Plus the easy recoil the easy carry weight, and accuracy makes it a great package.l
I also suggest another fun gun for the range would be a Henry 22lr lever gun.
Ks5shooter
Contributing Member
T/c Venture compact
smithman 10
Member
Mossberg MVP?
If she liked the AR why not buy her a .223/5.56 bolt gun like the Mossberg MVP? Or a CZ if something fancier is required?
75 grain rounds can take down a deer and .223 is okay for deer in many states, I believe.
Just an idea. I happen to have a MVP and it is a joy to shoot after letting a few rounds fly out of a 30-06 huntin' rifle! Easy on the old shoulder.
If she liked the AR why not buy her a .223/5.56 bolt gun like the Mossberg MVP? Or a CZ if something fancier is required?
75 grain rounds can take down a deer and .223 is okay for deer in many states, I believe.
Just an idea. I happen to have a MVP and it is a joy to shoot after letting a few rounds fly out of a 30-06 huntin' rifle! Easy on the old shoulder.
Zeke/PA
Member
I went through this in the past and if the wife is going hunting as in deer, a
7mm Mauser is a hard to beat cartridge.
Low recoil, very accurate and, using a tailored reload, VERY accurate.
Just another cartridge , with a lot of potential, that has been left behind!
7mm Mauser is a hard to beat cartridge.
Low recoil, very accurate and, using a tailored reload, VERY accurate.
Just another cartridge , with a lot of potential, that has been left behind!
Cannonman;
It was mentioned in passing above, but I'll put it on center stage if I can. The 6.5 X 55mm Swedish Mauser is, as far as I'm concerned, the king of the hill for moderate recoil, stellar accuracy, and excellent terminal performance.
There's no trouble finding ammo, but if you really want to see it shine, reload for it. The sectional density and ballistic coefficients tell their own tale as to the terminal performance comment. The best platform is a modern bolt, standard length, action rifle.
Both the .260 Remington and the Creedmore are short action rounds that will not let you vary the O.A.L. of the cartridge as much as the Swede in a standard length action. The distance from the ogive of the bullet to the lands of the rifling can very greatly influence accuracy. A modern strong action will let you achieve velocities that are entirely safe and let the cartridge work to it's potential.
I've been working with it for over 20 years in several different platforms, it's never disappointed. I live in the wilds of Montana, about 40 miles from the nearest city, and hunt elk with mine. I don't feel in the least under-gunned and will pull the trigger at any reasonable range.
900F
It was mentioned in passing above, but I'll put it on center stage if I can. The 6.5 X 55mm Swedish Mauser is, as far as I'm concerned, the king of the hill for moderate recoil, stellar accuracy, and excellent terminal performance.
There's no trouble finding ammo, but if you really want to see it shine, reload for it. The sectional density and ballistic coefficients tell their own tale as to the terminal performance comment. The best platform is a modern bolt, standard length, action rifle.
Both the .260 Remington and the Creedmore are short action rounds that will not let you vary the O.A.L. of the cartridge as much as the Swede in a standard length action. The distance from the ogive of the bullet to the lands of the rifling can very greatly influence accuracy. A modern strong action will let you achieve velocities that are entirely safe and let the cartridge work to it's potential.
I've been working with it for over 20 years in several different platforms, it's never disappointed. I live in the wilds of Montana, about 40 miles from the nearest city, and hunt elk with mine. I don't feel in the least under-gunned and will pull the trigger at any reasonable range.
900F
according to Chuck Hawks:
depending on how you load it and what bullet weight:
Cal Recoil energy
308 16-18
270 16-19
243 7-11
223 2.6-4
I would vote .243 or .223 bolt action to compliment your AR.
He has a list of most calibers and their recoil energy look up chuck hawks recoil table (I don't think I am allowed to add a link)
depending on how you load it and what bullet weight:
Cal Recoil energy
308 16-18
270 16-19
243 7-11
223 2.6-4
I would vote .243 or .223 bolt action to compliment your AR.
He has a list of most calibers and their recoil energy look up chuck hawks recoil table (I don't think I am allowed to add a link)
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RPRNY
Member
260 is a good idea, 6.5x55 (almost same ballistics) and 7x57. All will make her feel like she's shooting something with oomph but in a rifle that fits well will not have the recoil or perceived recoil of the 308.
I think Browning does an A Bolt compact in 260. Something like that would be nice.
I think Browning does an A Bolt compact in 260. Something like that would be nice.
Just curious, the OP said "she had fun shooting my AR." So why is everyone suggesting a bolt gun? Not to denigrate bolt guns, but I don't see how they are a good choice when the only information we have is that she liked the AR, but wanted a bit more umph out of the bullet.
Hey thanks everyone! I've got her reading your responses and she's enjoying them as much as I am. I think what she liked best about my AR was the effect on her shoulder after putting 10 through her .308. A bolt and wood stock are items I'm sure she'll go with. There are no places to rent or try guns around here and she's a bit "gun shy" about trying someone else's. The charts on recoil are very interesting. I'm going to start by putting on a brake on her .308 and we'll go from there. Thank again everyone! When she gets something [when I start getting the hints on "Don't you think that the ??? gets get write ups!?"] I'll let ya'll know what she choose.
dubbleA
Member
My youngest daughter is small framed and weighs 95lbs soaking wet and doesn't like recoil. I am slowly working her up the ladder in shooting larger cartridges.
Mandy and I just finished building her a 22-250. She is spoiled and has grown up around suppressed weapons and wanted this one this one capable of being quieter. I decided to make and install a brake to be used at a thread protector while not wearing a can. With the brake the rifle has very very little movement and it's easy to see bullet impacts with it.
With you putting a brake on the 308 you are going to take much of the felt recoil away but increase muzzle noise. Some don't like dealing with that so that is why suppressors are so user friendly, they take the punch and noise out of the equation.
PS....she has already bought her next McMillan stock and is shopping for an orphan action as she calls it for her next build.
Mandy and I just finished building her a 22-250. She is spoiled and has grown up around suppressed weapons and wanted this one this one capable of being quieter. I decided to make and install a brake to be used at a thread protector while not wearing a can. With the brake the rifle has very very little movement and it's easy to see bullet impacts with it.
With you putting a brake on the 308 you are going to take much of the felt recoil away but increase muzzle noise. Some don't like dealing with that so that is why suppressors are so user friendly, they take the punch and noise out of the equation.
PS....she has already bought her next McMillan stock and is shopping for an orphan action as she calls it for her next build.
Dr T
Member
For years, my now-70ish sister-in-law hunted with a Ruger M77 Lightweight in 257 Roberts. It was (and is) a great low recoil rifle. However, one of the granddaughters has spied it...
For last Christmas, my brother bought his darling wife a Savage Lady Hunter in 6.5 CM. The Creedmoor is an excellent whitetail cartridge, ammo is easy to find, and it is extremely accurate in the rifles we have in that chambering. The Savage is no exception, easily doing 1" 100 yard groups with factory match ammo (which actually works as a hunting round). She thinks that the recoil is lower than the Bob, probably because the stock is designed for a lady's frame.
See http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/11Lady for the rifle.
For last Christmas, my brother bought his darling wife a Savage Lady Hunter in 6.5 CM. The Creedmoor is an excellent whitetail cartridge, ammo is easy to find, and it is extremely accurate in the rifles we have in that chambering. The Savage is no exception, easily doing 1" 100 yard groups with factory match ammo (which actually works as a hunting round). She thinks that the recoil is lower than the Bob, probably because the stock is designed for a lady's frame.
See http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/11Lady for the rifle.
Officers'Wife
Member
OK, maybe I'm being out of line here but... Wouldn't the better choice be for find a place where she can "test fire" a variety and let her decide? While your concern the .308 is duly noted I have to ask if that is your determination or hers?
Keep in mind that I am 5' 6 and lately have managed to get my weight up to 120 pounds. I'm told it's painful for bystanders to watch me fire my 303 Enfield because of my small size. However, I can fire the weapon all day long and have less discomfort than a certain unnamed idiot that shall remain my brother with his 30-06.
Quite frankly I have the same trouble with hubby, he's decided the .303 is "too big" for my size and hands me inferior weapons more "suited" to me. What he doesn't realize in his "oh so practical" determination is that I've been firing that weapon since I was a little girl. The now departed uncle I adored told me long ago that I was big enough to handle the thing and I might as well keep it. At my first 5 round 10 circle string at 100 meters the same uncle told me if I kept it up I'd be "worth riding the river with."
Make sure the situation is broke before you fix it. Things may not be as they seem. I can't help but wonder if the 308 that's "beating her up" is really a comforting reminder of long ago when she share a golden moment with her father. Those are hard to replace with another rifle, unless you manage to insert another moment to it. Which could easily be why she loved your AR.
Keep in mind that I am 5' 6 and lately have managed to get my weight up to 120 pounds. I'm told it's painful for bystanders to watch me fire my 303 Enfield because of my small size. However, I can fire the weapon all day long and have less discomfort than a certain unnamed idiot that shall remain my brother with his 30-06.
Quite frankly I have the same trouble with hubby, he's decided the .303 is "too big" for my size and hands me inferior weapons more "suited" to me. What he doesn't realize in his "oh so practical" determination is that I've been firing that weapon since I was a little girl. The now departed uncle I adored told me long ago that I was big enough to handle the thing and I might as well keep it. At my first 5 round 10 circle string at 100 meters the same uncle told me if I kept it up I'd be "worth riding the river with."
Make sure the situation is broke before you fix it. Things may not be as they seem. I can't help but wonder if the 308 that's "beating her up" is really a comforting reminder of long ago when she share a golden moment with her father. Those are hard to replace with another rifle, unless you manage to insert another moment to it. Which could easily be why she loved your AR.
RPRNY
Member
Hey. Don't come in here with your practical examples, moderate thinking, experience, and relevant advice! Can't you see the menfolk are speculating here? ;-)
SmokingFrye
Member
.260 Remington is a blast and can become tons of fun to reload for too, if you choose. My wife has made it a point to regularly use my .260 Rem and my 6mm AI, and now calls them "hers". The argument is ongoing. ....sort of.
Tactical Lever
Member
Does she want something lighter kicking as the lady mentioned? Does it fit her? Fit and a good recoil pad are important (as also previously mentioned).
Get a good Limb Saver or Pachmayr Decelerator pad on there, and if it has little drop at comb (or a little negative), length of pull that fits (better a little short than long), it goes a long way.
And as far as physics go, a heavy bullet going at lower speed is what I want for big game. Sold a nice little 30-30 to a small framed woman, who declared it "didn't kick at all". Of course it kicked about like a .243. And a shortened stock and recoil pad made a difference. I would sooner have a 30-30 for larger animals. I also handed off a 45-70 loaded with Remington's "powder puff" 405 gr. factory loads, to a smaller young lady. She handled it without a problem.
Get a good Limb Saver or Pachmayr Decelerator pad on there, and if it has little drop at comb (or a little negative), length of pull that fits (better a little short than long), it goes a long way.
And as far as physics go, a heavy bullet going at lower speed is what I want for big game. Sold a nice little 30-30 to a small framed woman, who declared it "didn't kick at all". Of course it kicked about like a .243. And a shortened stock and recoil pad made a difference. I would sooner have a 30-30 for larger animals. I also handed off a 45-70 loaded with Remington's "powder puff" 405 gr. factory loads, to a smaller young lady. She handled it without a problem.
Lloyd Smale
Member
just bought my wife an inexpensive bushmaster ar15. Its light and she loves shooting it. You said your wife enjoys shooting them so why not? Gives you another gun for home protection and is a ball for anyone to shoot.
Fella's;
All the suggestions for 7.62x39 kind of amuse me. Why? Because at it's best, the Russian still falls short of the classic .30-30 Winchester in a ballistic comparison. What gun is almost always thought of when the thutty-thutty is mentioned? I do believe the Winchester 94 holds that place. It's light, can be had in a compact format, and has several excellent alternatives, Marlin 336 et al. If you want to talk about quality ammo it's not only inexpensive, it's available anywhere. Why re-invent the wheel?
900F
All the suggestions for 7.62x39 kind of amuse me. Why? Because at it's best, the Russian still falls short of the classic .30-30 Winchester in a ballistic comparison. What gun is almost always thought of when the thutty-thutty is mentioned? I do believe the Winchester 94 holds that place. It's light, can be had in a compact format, and has several excellent alternatives, Marlin 336 et al. If you want to talk about quality ammo it's not only inexpensive, it's available anywhere. Why re-invent the wheel?
900F
Tactical Lever
Member
Not that far short. Maybe she prefers a bolt gun, in which case a CZ with hand loads can push a 150 gr. spire point up to about 2150 fps.
Might want to look at the 30-30 vs 7.62x39 past the muzzle. Those flat nosed bullets don't have very good B.C.
I have owned both calibers and now own neither one, I just download a 308 W, but I have a personal range out to 1000 yards and will attest to the 7.62x39 matching the 30-30 at right around 175 yards depending on bullet weight. So for target shooting or hunting past 150 yards I go with 7.62x39.
Although 30-30 says America, it's flat nose bullets have limitations the 7.62x39 is not held too.
I have owned both calibers and now own neither one, I just download a 308 W, but I have a personal range out to 1000 yards and will attest to the 7.62x39 matching the 30-30 at right around 175 yards depending on bullet weight. So for target shooting or hunting past 150 yards I go with 7.62x39.
Although 30-30 says America, it's flat nose bullets have limitations the 7.62x39 is not held too.
Tactical Lever
Member
I agree, I don't think CB is taking into account anything but the 123, 125 gr. factory loads. Not that they are anything to sneeze at either for killing deer (with SP of course). For bigger stuff I would lean toward the 30-30 with 170 gr. bullets myself.
Not to mention, I would consider the 7.62x39 loadings extremely conservative when speaking of putting it in a stout little rifle like the CZ bolt. I am quite sure that some prudent loading would get that same 150 gr. to match the speed of a top 30-30 load.
And having been around for 70 years, I don't think it is quite "reinventing the wheel"....
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