And forget that Savage Axis suggestion, their trigger is crap.
I guess I never understood why some states prohibit .22 centerfire use for deer, but allow buckshot for that same purpose. Assuming 00 buck is the intended pellet size, how would that be a more desirable projectile? Nine to thirteen .33 caliber round pellets with little energy, expansion or deformation is better than a .22 traveling supersonic with at/over 1,000 ft-lbs of energy inside a hundred yards (good luck with a reliable pattern at that distance with a shotgun) and the projectile is designed to expand? Not to mention the deflection dangers of buckshot. But, the Dept of Natural Resources/Wildlife figures its safer to use! Come on DNR, really?I would also recommend the AR M4 platform for what you are looking to do . It will be cheaper to shoot , you can change the LOP for different size shooters , low recoil and they can be customized easily .
You can not hunt deer in Va. with a .22 caliber rifle and there are many counties that do not allow rifles at all for deer ( shotgun only counties ) . I live and hunt in one . I also use a 20 ga. slug gun sometimes , but mostly a 12 ga. with buckshot and a good choke , that I have patterned .
I'd go with the .223 also. And it isn't needed to go for an AR. You can buy a bolt action rifle for less money and IMO it forces you to think about each shot instead of spraying ammo in a hurry. Lots of newbies love the feeling of power they get from ripping off 30 rounds real quick. That runs into money fast. One shot at a time makes more sense because you will have time to think about your last shot and how to avoid the same mistakes. A single shot might be the best choice in fact. A Handi-rifle might be a good choice. H&R might still make them. They're cheap and fairly accurate and durable. Something like a Savage Axis might be a good starting point too. I wouldn't expect it to last forever but it would be a minimal investment for a .223 that may end up sitting in a closet gathering dust.
Doc7 said:I have eliminated the mossberg mvp upon discovering that the ar style magazine will limit COAL for reloading.
So a single shot or mag-fed bolt is low cost to buy, low cost to operate, and high value in teaching and learning. You will never get rid of a first rifle of that design.
jmr40 said:A low powered scope does everything better. I've never had a quality optic let me down. Iron sights have.