WTB: Youth hunting rifle

[highstandard40]

I'll toss in my two cents. I agree with others here that .243 would not be my first choice. There is no substitute for bullet mass. That being said, I refer back to a favorite quote of mine. "Energy is deadly, but accuracy is fatal" If he can't shoot it accurately he won't be successful with any chambering.

I would not choose any hinged breech over a bolt action (I hate the term crack barrel..to me this is like the "clip" vs "magazine" debate). Some of the Handi Rifles and most of the Rossi rifles are junk. Some do shoot, no doubt, but it is a roll of the dice. My Handi in 45-70 is now shooting the best it has for me in 2 years....4" at 100 yards. And I have tried many, many different loads. My cousin has a Handi in 308 that is just as bad. I have seen just as many bad as good Handi Rifles. I think Marlin is making a youth bolt action that may be worth a look. Price is right and I have heard good reports on accuracy. I know you want to be sure he will like hunting before you spend the $$$$$. But if you buy a cheap rifle and it will not perform, I can bet he would not be interested for long.
Just sayin....

 

[bigsampson]

I have no problem with a 243 if the person behind it can do their job.

Personally, I think a 308, even with youth loads, "may" be a tad more than many 9 or 10 year olds can handle.
Especially in a light Rossi or H&R. A heavier bolt gun, would probably be a little better.
If you worked the shooter up to a 308 from a 223 or 243 so they can get used to it the concept, it might be ok too.

But, to put a 9 year old with little range experience behind a light bolt or crack barrel in a 308 is begging for the development of bad habits and may turn the kid off shooting all together. I still remember a cousin handing me a 12 gauge when I was 8 or 9 and saying it don't kick.

Honestly, I think the good old 30-30, or anything ballistically equal, is fine. Starting my kids off, and I started them early too, I kept the situations so that the shots were kept within 80 yards or so. Lots of options with the 30-30 too. Crack barrels, fairly inexpensive lever guns, a few bolt guns. The 30-30 or 35 Rem is a great option, especially inside of 150 yards (which is probably well in excess of a responsible shot with a hunter, youth or otherwise, that does not get out and practise on occasion). Another cheap option might be a H&R in a 45 long colt. Great gun for inside 100 yards, little kick and big hole.

Some recoil data just for comparison. It isn't just the energy either, it is also "how" the recoil hits you; a hard, fast rap or a big shove.

Cartridge (Wb@MV) Rifle Weight Recoil energy Recoil velocity
.243 Win. (100 at 2960) 7.5 8.8 8.7
.30-30 Win. (150 at 2400) 7.5 10.6 9.5
.308 Win. (150 at 2800) 7.5 15.8 11.7
.35 Rem. (200 at 2050) 7.5 13.5 10.8
.38-55 Win. (220 at 1650) 7.5 10.1 9.3
.45 Colt (255 at 1100) 8.0 4.0 5.6
.30-06 Spfd. (150 at 2910) 8.0 17.6 11.9
7mm-08 Rem. (120 at 3000) 7.5 12.1 10.2

It is hard to see, I tried to get the table to format, but it just pushes things together. But, the clear winner on recoil are as expected; 45 long colt, 243 and 30-30. The 308 has twice the recoil as the 308 and a third more than the 30-30.

I guess what I am saying is don't get all hung up on a higher powered rifle. There are options that are great deer killers that don't come with as much bang and kick.
Hank

 

[cperron]

I don't know what everyone's beef is with the Rossi. I bought my 7 yr old stepson one a few months ago. He is not quite ready for it, I think it is more the noise rather than the recoil. He shot a .410 and had the same reaction. I think I may have tried to start him a little too early. Maybe another year or two and he will be ready. I had no problems with groupings on the Rossi. One thing you have to realize is it is a small barrel and it gets hot fast. You cannot shoot 4-5 shots in a row without letting the gun sit for a minute to allow it to cool off or you will have 4 inch groupings. But when you are hunting you aren't shooting 4-5 times at a deer, and if you are, you shouldn't be in the woods. And no, a .243 will not drop a deer like a 30-06 but it will get the job done. If a lung shot with an arrow can take a deer down, a .243 would do much more damage. Don't let the anti .243 people discourage you!

 

[highstandard40]

The 243 will work with good bullet placement. Still not my "first choice"
With about 40 years of experience hunting deer at too many hunting clubs to count and volunteering to help track wounded deer has soured me on the smaller calibers some. Again, yes, it will work if shot placement is right.

And if you do decide to go 243, check out Cabelas sale right now. Mossberg bolt action youth 243 Super Bantam is only $260....... It's a far better choice than any hinged breech rifle.

 

[lsu fan]

7mm-08 with 139 or 140 grain bullets should have less recoil than a .308 with 150 grain bullets. I like 120 grain bullets in my 7mm-08 but I hand load them. If I'm not mistaken, Nosler makes a factory loading with 120's.
If you really think that he'll be that recoil sensitive, do not overlook the .243

+1

7mm-08 with less recoil than a 308 and better ballistics!

 

[bayoupirate]

If you'd be intersted in seeing what a Reduced Recoil Load will do in a Bolt action 308.
I'd be willing to let you try the gun and load I developed for my 10 year old nephew.

PM me for details.

 

[shoalsfugro]

Remy 20Ga. with buck or slug and youthset later change back stock set when he grows that way he covers most with one gun and uses it for years or a single shot. JMO