Deer rifle suggestions for a 13-year old grandson?

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Before I spent a lot on a youth gun or even a small caliber that may not be sufficient for some North Ameican game, keep in mind how quickly they grow at that age. My son loved shooting his 30.06's when he was thirteen and had no problems. He was average size. (About the same size as most of the kids on his little league baseball team)


He just turned 16 August 1 and he's a moose now. This is last week. (Yes, I'm his real dad)
A youth or cut down rifle would have been a waste for him and I'd have been looking to sell it a couple of years ago. (Youth guns can be difficult to sell)


Is this going to be a surprise gift? If not maybe you should get his input first.
Coming from his granddad, he might want a rifle he can use for the rest of his life!

~ Harlan

[gunner]

As i said a .264 rifle (6.5x55 or 6.5x57) and he has a lifetime rifle. Later a .30 cal one, and he has everything that he need for your hunting game.

Best Regards

Gunner

[jmoore]

Heck, the fellows in the above pic are killing them w/ little sticks! Shot placement (big #1) and (sufficient)penetration get the job done.

[jon_norstog]

Rick,

Why don't you ask the kid what he likes? And offer a little guidance along the way. I gave my nephew a swede in 6.5 when he was about that age. His father cut the stock down for him. A 30/30 or .32 special is a good choice. A Savage 99 in .243, .250 or .300 is good.

If the kid likes a bolt gun, a short rifle in .243 or .257 Roberts can be a good choice.

When we were that age we all had rolling blocks in .43 Spanish! easy to carry, anyway.

What the kid might enjoy more is if you went along. You could cook and keep camp, or kind of amble through the woods and move the deer around for him.

jn

[Rick the Librarian]

My son has a Marlin 30-30 and it kicks like a mule - I'd rather shoot a bolt-action 30-06. He's tried it and doesn't like it. Maybe the .243 or a sporterized Swede?

[Emri]

My son has a Marlin 30-30 and it kicks like a mule - I'd rather shoot a bolt-action 30-06. He's tried it and doesn't like it. Maybe the .243 or a sporterized Swede?

What bullet weight you shot in the 30/30 ? The 170gr is a stomper. The 150gr loads aren't bad at all.

You could still get a large caliber rifle for him. Remington now makes loads in 30/30, 270, 30/06, and 308 that they call "Managed Recoil". They are loaded with lighter bullets and special powders to reduce recoil up to 50%. (50% is their claim) I haven't fired any, but many customers like them for their kids and women folk.

FWIW,

Emri

[gunner]

Hi Emri,

i dont know anything about the hunting rules/laws? ( Hope thats correct ) but here the bullets must have a specific energy ( Joule ) that means your bullet must have a energy from 2000joule at 100m that it is allowed to hunt deers with it. So normaly the softer loads doesnt have the energy at 100metres. But as i said i dont know anything of your game.

Regards

Gunner

[Wingnut57]

The 243 is a good one to start off with. For a slim kid just starting off, the 270 and other 06 case calibers can be a little punishing to practice with. The Marlin 30-30, as someone else said, can also be a good one. Whatever you get, would be good to have a recoil pad for that boney shoulder.

[Emri]

Hi Emri,

i dont know anything about the hunting rules/laws? ( Hope thats correct ) but here the bullets must have a specific energy ( Joule ) that means your bullet must have a energy from 2000joule at 100m that it is allowed to hunt deers with it. So normaly the softer loads doesnt have the energy at 100metres. But as i said i dont know anything of your game.

Regards

Gunner

Is measured in foot/pounds (ft./lbs.) here. I've heard the term Joule here but don't remember what it relates to. I thought it was electricity.

Yes, some states here DO have a minimum energy @ 100 yards as a big game requirement, but not all of them. Colorado does I know because I lived there for a while. Probably more Western states do also because the game is larger. Alabama where I live now does not. It doesn't take much to down a 100/150 lb. Eastern Whitetail. Except hunting skill and shot placement of course. But don't laugh, you wouldn't believe how much damage they can do to an automobile !!

Thanks for bringing that up, I hadn't thought of that aspect of the matter.

FWIW,

Emri

[Chuckindenver]

Rick.
i have a Remington M660 in .308 winchester in my sale safe.
it was set up for a female shooter friend of mine,
if you contact me, id be happy to tell you more about it, and pics.