I need a centerfire rifle setup for a short length of pull. The shooter is 12 and very competent with a rimfire .22. My first thought was a Tikka in .223, but I've got some questions that have come up.
The LOP that fits now is 11 3/4" to 12". To get this on the rimfire gun, I just took the skilsaw to the stock. It works fine with a red-dot, but eye-relief is a problem with a scope. One of the reasons for going centerfire is to start working more beyond 100 yards and it will be important the scope works well.
The Leupold I have now has an eye relief spec of 3.7-4.4". Whatever rifle I get, I need to know whether I'm going to need a new optic or not.
Tikka has the T3X Lite Compact with a 12.5" LOP. Alternatively, I could get a T3X in stainless steel and just chop the stock down.
What's the best option to mount the scope? Should I get a short eye relief scope or just mount the Leupold on a rail ahead of the ejection port? Is that going to work?
Is there a better option? I think the CZ 527 is good, but their youth version has a 12.75" LOP and I think it is even more difficult to solve the scope issue on the 527 because of the receiver and the high bolt lift.
Savage Axis? Mossberg MVP? T/C Venture Compact? Weatherby Vanguard Volt?
I understand some of the youth rifles out there start at .243 for those looking to take deer. This won't be for deer. Besides .223, I'd consider .222, .22-250 or .204 Ruger. I do reload but .223 probably just makes more sense.
Ok, besides the sporter style bolt action, I could look at precision-style bolt actions. The LOP is fully adjustable, and there's usually a full-length rail. I just don't think I want to spend that much on a .223.
I could also consider a semi-auto MSR. It's not hard to find one with a telescopic butt stock and a rail for the optic. I'm not familiar with the AR market at all or how to find a good trigger and barrel without spending too much.
The LOP that fits now is 11 3/4" to 12". To get this on the rimfire gun, I just took the skilsaw to the stock. It works fine with a red-dot, but eye-relief is a problem with a scope. One of the reasons for going centerfire is to start working more beyond 100 yards and it will be important the scope works well.
The Leupold I have now has an eye relief spec of 3.7-4.4". Whatever rifle I get, I need to know whether I'm going to need a new optic or not.
Tikka has the T3X Lite Compact with a 12.5" LOP. Alternatively, I could get a T3X in stainless steel and just chop the stock down.
What's the best option to mount the scope? Should I get a short eye relief scope or just mount the Leupold on a rail ahead of the ejection port? Is that going to work?
Is there a better option? I think the CZ 527 is good, but their youth version has a 12.75" LOP and I think it is even more difficult to solve the scope issue on the 527 because of the receiver and the high bolt lift.
Savage Axis? Mossberg MVP? T/C Venture Compact? Weatherby Vanguard Volt?
I understand some of the youth rifles out there start at .243 for those looking to take deer. This won't be for deer. Besides .223, I'd consider .222, .22-250 or .204 Ruger. I do reload but .223 probably just makes more sense.
Ok, besides the sporter style bolt action, I could look at precision-style bolt actions. The LOP is fully adjustable, and there's usually a full-length rail. I just don't think I want to spend that much on a .223.
I could also consider a semi-auto MSR. It's not hard to find one with a telescopic butt stock and a rail for the optic. I'm not familiar with the AR market at all or how to find a good trigger and barrel without spending too much.