What used rifle would you get your son

[Uncle Mike]

Remington Model 7 in 7mm-08.....

 

[sarduy]

stevens 200 in .308

 

[Bwana John]

1966 win model 70 for $340 sounds good, but the old model 70's that I come across online always seem to be $2,000.00 and up. Am I looking at the right gun?

The Mod 70 was redesigned to be easier to manufacture in 1964. "Pre 64" Winchester M-70s command the premium price. The "push-feed" M-70 is considered to be inferior to the "controlled round" M-98 type and thier price reflects this.(although the push feed is a little stronger and easier to make accurate)

 

[samjoe]

OK. So it's looking like mostly .243 and 7-08 with a few .270's and .308's. so what about rifles. I see mostly rem model 7 with a few savage and rugers. I'm going to read this thread again and start to narrow it down here. I still welcome any opinions, experiences or words of wisdom. I'll eventually need another rifle for my second boy, and another one when they decide they need something else. please keep the advice coming the more the better.

 

[wlewisiii]

Mauser 98 based in 7x57 Mauser.

Why mess with the best?

William

 

[AzBuckfever]

I started on a Model 7. Difference of a Model 7 vs. 700 is the Model 7 has a shorter action and I think you can get a Model 7 in a youth version (shorter stock). Not sure about a 700. As far as brand vs. brand....well, good luck in narrowing it down. Years ago savage used to be crap....then they came out with this little accu-trigger thingamajig and now people really like them....as far as the Ruger, never been a fan but it's just aesthetics that I'm not a fan of. The new M77s are supposed to be pretty good though; but we're also talking best bang for the buck, under $400 w/o scope right? So, that being said, I would pick either a Remington or a Ruger....wood stock (increased weight reduces recoil), plus with a solid wood stock, you can trim anything to fit (butt, stock, forend, etc.) Can also bed and free float easier than some of the injection molded stocks that come from the factory. Hmmm, what else.
What is making me wonder though is your initial post asked what rifle for your son, who is or will be 12, also mentioning deer in the equation. Then people give their opinions and a lot are around the .243 range, but then you seem to want more power, more bang, more blast.
Here's a little figure. 400 yards (past what your presumed reference yardage would be). At 400 yards a .243 Sierra Game King will have a velocity of around 2100 fps with over 1000 ft.lbs of energy, AT 400 YARDS. Now if you can tell me that aint enough to kill a deer, something wrong with ya
Take this into account as well, just for reference. My longest one shot one kill drop in it's tracks (ethical shot) on an ELK was approx. 650 yds. I think a little over but it's been a while. Shooting 165 grn. Nosler Partitions (Federal Ammo) as I didn't reload at the time. Ballistics on that are....1818 fps & 1200 ft.lbs. at 500 yards....so probably considerably less at 650.
Just a thing that there is no reason for more power when more is not necessary. When I scope on anything, I don't take into account the size of rifle I have and hold off.
When your sons get older, they can move up to what rifle will work. Who knows, if all they hunt is deer, they may keep the .243 or 7mm-08 or whatever and be a freakin' tack driver with it.
Thought I'd mention this as well, if you don't reload, may want to check your local stores and see what ammunition they carry. That's the only reason I would be against the 7mm.

 

[cchris]

Something in .700 nitro express

For the price, an old Mauser can't be beat. A bit large of a caliber for a younger kid, but it's something that he'd definitely be shooting through the years.

 

[Abel]

If you are looking for used guns in the 400 & under range, I'd stick with Savage. The reason is that there are alot of them out there used & the price is usually right. Plus you'd be getting a decent rifle. But, the trick is to have an open mind and know what you are looking at. Your oldest boy won't be shootin' this year or next, so take your time. If you have a question about a particular rifle, ask the store to hold it for a day or two while you do your homework on it.

 

[Al LaVodka]

The .243 I'd get them would only have been test-fired at the factory.
Al

 

[twice barrel]

If they keep hunting they'll use a good 243 for the rest of their life. The Model 7's I owned had terrible triggers and due to being so short, didn't hold still very well. A similarly handy Ruger M77RL was far superior.

A nice 6mm Remington or 257 Roberts would be a keeper too.

TB

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I like the 7mm-08 for youngsters. My daughter is about to be 7 and I figure she'll be ready to shoot one in a couple more years. I handload, so if full throttle loads are too much for her, I'll just back them down a bit.

 

[scchokedaddy]

Marlin XS7 243,7m 08, or 308 in youth. Like the Savage also has adjustable trigger. You really can't go wrong with any of these calibers regardless of brand rifle you go with in my opion and experiance. Just practice enough that they know the limits of themseves and their weapon.

 

[Legionnaire]

The Model 7's I owned had terrible triggers ...

The Model 7's I own have all had their triggers adjusted.

 

[kmcintosh78]

Used Stevens 200 model in .243. Got mine locally for about $200, with great scope and 20 rounds.

 

[jl1966]

Whats all this about the .243 as a starter gun. I am 43 yrs. old, 6ft. tall, and 250lbs. and a .243 is my go to gun for deer. I started with a .30-06, then as I got older and smarter, I wised up that for anything in the deer size area, a 243 is plenty. I have lost count of the deer I have shot with my .243 rifles, yes plural, and none made it out of sight. If .243 is not enough for you, maybe you are not shooting them right.

 

[vaupet]

Have a look at the Interarms mark X, I have one in 270 win. It is a mauser action build in Tjechoslovakia on old FN machinery, Controlled round feed, light, very reliable, I have got mine for about 350 euros

 

[C-grunt]

My Stevens 200 has really impresed me for such an inexpensive gun. I bought mine used with a Mueller Tactical scope for 300 bucks. New they are 300.

Id say .308 would be a good round for them to start with. You can get lower power loads to start them off with and when they get older its got the punch for bigger game.