Youth gun fustration

[WestKentucky]

We all know that ATF did their thing with pistol braces. That hit a lot of kids harder than I think was intended. It certainly hit mine. My middle daughter is 11, small for her age and loves to hunt. Last year she used a braced contender and connected on a doe but we didn’t find it. Was a bad deal. That gun is no longer an option. $400 for a new barrel isn’t happening either. Youth guns are more scarce than they used to be, and all of them are pricy. $800 for a used 336y is silly. Rossi r92 carbines would probably work, but they have the full buckhorn sight and no way to mount an optic, and at $700 they are also in the kinda silly range. Youth bolts cost more than adult guns likely due to the whole economics of scale thing. I really don’t want to do it, but the more I look at guns that are actually sensibly priced and appropriate for her size and still powerful enough for deer, I keep coming back to ARs. If I go that route I’m going BCA side charger and I’m turning the gas block to make it a straight pull bolt rifle. This whole situation is stupid.

 

[d31tc]

Daughter used a braced 300 Blackout. It’s a nice size for her and will do the job. It is a 10.5 inch barrel so I applied for the SBR with the forbearance. Verdict is still out on if it will be approved and when. In the meantime, it sits unbraced, just to be safe.

My AR’s offer decent options in cartridges and the adjustable lengths of pull is a nice thing.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Nothing wrong with an AR for kids. All my girls have built their own guns and shoot them really well.
An added bonus is the quality time you can spend picking out parts and assembling it with her.

 

[old lady new shooter]

We all know that ATF did their thing with pistol braces. That hit a lot of kids harder than I think was intended. It certainly hit mine. My middle daughter is 11, small for her age and loves to hunt. Last year she used a braced contender and connected on a doe but we didn’t find it. Was a bad deal. That gun is no longer an option. $400 for a new barrel isn’t happening either. Youth guns are more scarce than they used to be, and all of them are pricy. $800 for a used 336y is silly. Rossi r92 carbines would probably work, but they have the full buckhorn sight and no way to mount an optic, and at $700 they are also in the kinda silly range. Youth bolts cost more than adult guns likely due to the whole economics of scale thing. I really don’t want to do it, but the more I look at guns that are actually sensibly priced and appropriate for her size and still powerful enough for deer, I keep coming back to ARs. If I go that route I’m going BCA side charger and I’m turning the gas block to make it a straight pull bolt rifle. This whole situation is stupid.

I'm probably not much taller (4'11") or stronger than your daughter and I'm mad too. Spent $388 for an upper with a 16" barrel (and no BCG or charging handle) plus another $36 for a case. And the result is a lot less suitable for me. Too bad the rulings enjoining the rule for members of the organizations who filed suits came after the rule went into effect, I'm definitely covered under SAF. But I'll leave it on for now.

That said, I think our chances of the pistol brace rule going bye-bye are excellent, especially in view of what happened to the bump stock rule and the frames and receivers rule. The day that happens I'm putting my original upper back on.

 

[herrwalther]

Savage and Ruger are probably the top makers I would consider for a youth but inexpensive rifle. I quoted a 350 Legend Savage on GoG for just under 400. Ruger are surprisingly a little bit more on the same website. Your local store might have a used youth rifle in stock for much cheaper than new online.

Another idea, if your daughter finds an "adult" sized rifle she really likes, nothing stops you from cutting down the stock to better fit her stature. Especially if it is a synthetic stock. That opens up your options since you aren't looking for a strict youth rifle when all you need is a hacksaw.

 

[entropy]

We all know that ATF did their thing with pistol braces. That hit a lot of kids harder than I think was intended. It certainly hit mine. My middle daughter is 11, small for her age and loves to hunt. Last year she used a braced contender and connected on a doe but we didn’t find it. Was a bad deal. That gun is no longer an option. $400 for a new barrel isn’t happening either. Youth guns are more scarce than they used to be, and all of them are pricy. $800 for a used 336y is silly. Rossi r92 carbines would probably work, but they have the full buckhorn sight and no way to mount an optic, and at $700 they are also in the kinda silly range. Youth bolts cost more than adult guns likely due to the whole economics of scale thing. I really don’t want to do it, but the more I look at guns that are actually sensibly priced and appropriate for her size and still powerful enough for deer, I keep coming back to ARs. If I go that route I’m going BCA side charger and I’m turning the gas block to make it a straight pull bolt rifle. This whole situation is stupid.

Don't you have a .223 AR carbine with a collapsible stock? That would solve the problem. If you're worried about her with a semi auto, put one round in a 10 round mag. Though if you have to worry about that with her, I'd suggest teaching her where to shoot on an animal first, before she hunts this fall.

 

[WestKentucky]

Don't you have a .223 AR carbine with a collapsible stock? That would solve the problem. If you're worried about her with a semi auto, put one round in a 10 round mag. Though if you have to worry about that with her, I'd suggest teaching her where to shoot on an animal first, before she hunts this fall.

I do, but I want her shooting something more forgiving on shot placement. I don’t want her to lose another animal. She was absolutely devastated last year when she lost the doe. I’m kinda leaning 7.62x39 just because that round ain’t going anywhere and I don’t want to buy something and then the ammo be unobtainable for her in the future.

My oldest daughter was easy to set up. She likes my marlin 62 in 30 carbine and shoots it well. I can reload for it to be adequate. If I put her in thick woods then shots will be close. She is actually a bit on the tall side for her age and can probably shoot a full sized rifle provided it’s not a heavy recoiling gun, but she really likes that 30 carbine. I may step her up to the 336 and let her have a bit more range.

 

[21H40]

We all know that ATF did their thing with pistol braces. That hit a lot of kids harder than I think was intended. It certainly hit mine. My middle daughter is 11, small for her age and loves to hunt. Last year she used a braced contender and connected on a doe but we didn’t find it. Was a bad deal. That gun is no longer an option. $400 for a new barrel isn’t happening either. Youth guns are more scarce than they used to be, and all of them are pricy. $800 for a used 336y is silly. Rossi r92 carbines would probably work, but they have the full buckhorn sight and no way to mount an optic, and at $700 they are also in the kinda silly range. Youth bolts cost more than adult guns likely due to the whole economics of scale thing. I really don’t want to do it, but the more I look at guns that are actually sensibly priced and appropriate for her size and still powerful enough for deer, I keep coming back to ARs. If I go that route I’m going BCA side charger and I’m turning the gas block to make it a straight pull bolt rifle. This whole situation is stupid.

I don’t know about a scope for the Rossi but Turnbull makes an excellent RDS mount that replaces the rear sight.

 

[Riomouse911]

I do, but I want her shooting something more forgiving on shot placement. I don’t want her to lose another animal. She was absolutely devastated last year when she lost the doe. I’m kinda leaning 7.62x39 just because that round ain’t going anywhere and I don’t want to buy something and then the ammo be unobtainable for her in the future.

My oldest daughter was easy to set up. She likes my marlin 62 in 30 carbine and shoots it well. I can reload for it to be adequate. If I put her in thick woods then shots will be close. She is actually a bit on the tall side for her age and can probably shoot a full sized rifle provided it’s not a heavy recoiling gun, but she really likes that 30 carbine. I may step her up to the 336 and let her have a bit more range.

A 7.62x39 upper on your collapsible stock lower, and some 5 (or 10 if legal) magazines and a red dot, would probably be the cats meow for your daughters hunting kit. The cost will be less than buying a new gun, 7.62x39 power is similar to the .30-30, 7.62x39 recoil in the AR is less than a .30-30 lever gun, and a follow up round is immediately available should a quick second shot be needed.

Just a thought…good luck finding a rifle that works.

Stay safe.

 

[Speedo66]

Rossi r92 carbines would probably work, but they have the full buckhorn sight and no way to mount an optic, .

Rossi R92’s with round barrels, except for .480 Ruger, are drilled and tapped for scope mounts, the holes are under the rear sight, which must be removed.

These folks make scope mounts for the Rossi, a scout scope is required. Mine has a 4X Weaver on it, works great.

https://noebulletmolds.com/site/shop/gun-parts/scope-mounts/rossi-model-92-scope-mount-p892-black/

 

[Necessary_Nutrient]

Why not something like this Savage Axis compact?

https://www.savagearms.com/content?p=firearms&a=product_summary&s=57244

.243
12.75” LOP
6.2 Lbs
$419.00 MSRP

from the link:

The AXIS Compact features a black synthetic stock sized for smaller shooters, smooth bolt operation and a 4-round detachable box magazine.

 

[herrwalther]

A 7.62x39 upper on your collapsible stock lower, and some 5 (or 10 if legal) magazines and a red dot, would probably be the cats meow for your daughters hunting kit. The cost will be less than buying a new gun, 7.62x39 power is similar to the .30-30, 7.62x39 recoil in the AR is less than a .30-30 lever gun, and a follow up round is immediately available should a quick second shot be needed.

I've considered this as well to have an AR15 setup for hunting. Other side of that thought process is an AR10 in 308 and going down that rabbit hole. I just don't feel right hunting deer with 5.56.

 

[45/30-06OKIE]

We all know that ATF did their thing with pistol braces. That hit a lot of kids harder than I think was intended. It certainly hit mine. My middle daughter is 11, small for her age and loves to hunt. Last year she used a braced contender and connected on a doe but we didn’t find it. Was a bad deal. That gun is no longer an option. $400 for a new barrel isn’t happening either. Youth guns are more scarce than they used to be, and all of them are pricy. $800 for a used 336y is silly. Rossi r92 carbines would probably work, but they have the full buckhorn sight and no way to mount an optic, and at $700 they are also in the kinda silly range. Youth bolts cost more than adult guns likely due to the whole economics of scale thing. I really don’t want to do it, but the more I look at guns that are actually sensibly priced and appropriate for her size and still powerful enough for deer, I keep coming back to ARs. If I go that route I’m going BCA side charger and I’m turning the gas block to make it a straight pull bolt rifle. This whole situation is stupid.

How about this?



I personally own a 270 Winchester and a 6.5 PRC Mossberg and they are both very accurate.
If your local FFL doesn't have a Davidsons account you need to get them on with them! They have a wide selection of interesting stuff.

 

[WestKentucky]

How about this?

View attachment 1160247

I personally own a 270 Winchester and a 6.5 PRC Mossberg and they are both very accurate.

I would consider that setup if I could find one locally for her to handle.

 

[45/30-06OKIE]

I would consider that setup if I could find one locally for her to handle.

I literally just edited my post to say something about that actually lol. Sorry. I said that if your local FFL doesn't have a Davidsons account, gets them to get one and order this in for you and then if you end up not getting it, they can sell it fast come hunting season which is fast approaching. Also I believe you can search on Gallery of Guns for Davidsons dealers near you.

 

[Demi-human]

$200 tax stamp+rifle stock > $500 new rifle.

$400 barrel is still < new rifle.

Using known firearm > using new firearm.

New firearm < Dad’s firearm.

There’s time to file before the season…

My Blackout sits unbraced as well. Was skeptical at first and then ultimately lazy on the forbearance, lack of a stock didn’t affect me much for this firearm. I still might get another stamp someday.

 

[WestKentucky]

I was gonna do 4 on forbearance and decided to only do 2 and then we moved so it was gonna be crazy no matter how it worked out. As much as I’m back and forth between states I don’t want to be handicapped by paperwork and/or risk issues and legal troubles if I were to get pulled over on that slim chance I had an SBR with me without proper papers on file for being out of state.

 

[WestKentucky]

I just stumbled across a knight littlehorn online and I may have seriously changed my thinking on this rifle purchase.

 

[JmacD]

I know a guy that bought a used Ruger American in… either 243 or possibly one of the creeds. He swapped the stock with a used Boyds he found in the Pro Varmint(I think it was) Style. (Some of the details are fuzzy) The main point remains however: He was able to cut it back to the perfect length and put a great recoil pad on it… he kept the end to add back on in sections as his daughter grew. Had just enough weight to keep recoil down but light enough to carry. Im sure it won’t work for everyone, but that lil gal was thrilled with “her” gun… I saw one of her targets… by GEORGE! I believe the whitetails, coyotes, pronghorns etc all need fear!
I’m soon in a similar position as my 4 year old can’t wait to go shooting. She’s getting to be a formidable shooter with her little BB gun(obviously under close supervision). We Use earmuffs even with a BB gun, because I figure, start all the good habits together.
I’m definitely with you on the brace rule though. Stupid and frustrating!!

 

[DustyGmt]

We all know that ATF did their thing with pistol braces. That hit a lot of kids harder than I think was intended. It certainly hit mine. My middle daughter is 11, small for her age and loves to hunt. Last year she used a braced contender and connected on a doe but we didn’t find it. Was a bad deal. That gun is no longer an option. $400 for a new barrel isn’t happening either. Youth guns are more scarce than they used to be, and all of them are pricy. $800 for a used 336y is silly. Rossi r92 carbines would probably work, but they have the full buckhorn sight and no way to mount an optic, and at $700 they are also in the kinda silly range. Youth bolts cost more than adult guns likely due to the whole economics of scale thing. I really don’t want to do it, but the more I look at guns that are actually sensibly priced and appropriate for her size and still powerful enough for deer, I keep coming back to ARs. If I go that route I’m going BCA side charger and I’m turning the gas block to make it a straight pull bolt rifle. This whole situation is stupid.

I share your frustrations. I can lift and hump a 16" Carbine all day, but my wife is small and has twiggy lil limbs and struggles to even shoulder the Carbine let alone line up a shot and be accurate. Same goes for my daughter. I built them both a braced pistol and it was much more weildy and looked like the perfect solution for small framed women.

People ought to be able to choose the parts that suit them best and decide what the best size weapon is for their particular needs. The Gov't should not be micromanaging peoples lives to this degree. Men can adapt to a larger, heavier weapon much more easily than a woman or kid. Just doesn't seem fair.

 

[illinoisburt]

... built them both a braced pistol and it was much more weildy and looked like the perfect solution for small framed women.
...
People ought to be able to choose the parts that suit them best and decide what the best size weapon is for their particular needs...

Just because an SBR application costs a little more money and time (assuming people didn't take advantage of the free registration period) doesn't mean they aren't still a viable solution. Besides it's a lot better to use an actual adjustable stock instead of trying to make do with wink-n-nod arm braces. From your own description it's pretty obvious the intention was to have small rifles not 1-handed pistols so why not go ahead with a SBR?

 

[Jim Watson]

I keep coming back to ARs.

AR with adjustable stock, whatever length barrel she can wield, and a "bloop tube" to extend to 16".
Taccom makes one out of aluminum that will not add much weight.
https://taccom3g.com/product/barrel-extension/

You could start with a brace gun or bare buffer "pistol" somebody did not want to fool with.

 

[DustyGmt]

Just because an SBR application costs a little more money and time (assuming people didn't take advantage of the free registration period) doesn't mean they aren't still a viable solution. Besides it's a lot better to use an actual adjustable stock instead of trying to make do with wink-n-nod arm braces. From your own description it's pretty obvious the intention was to have small rifles not 1-handed pistols so why not go ahead with a SBR?

I am pretty resentful of the tax, submitting fingerprints, waiting period and registration aspects of acquiring an SBR. And you have no idea how much fun I had shooting my AR pistols one handed, what a hoot...

 

[cdahl383]

Savage and Ruger make affordable options that have good reviews.

 

[illinoisburt]

I am pretty resentful of the tax, submitting fingerprints, waiting period and registration aspects of acquiring an SBR. And you have no idea how much fun I had shooting my AR pistols one handed, what a hoot...

I'm sure you did just your post was about wife and daughter having challenges shouldering a carbine. Anywhosawhatsa my point was only that a true SBR is available and can be a good for small stature persons.