Deer rifle suggestions for a 13-year old grandson?

[pdawg1911]

Based on the two specific requirements (slender 13 year old / economical) - I would go with the Savage .243 that was suggested earlier. They are definitely inexpensive, and they definitely will work on white tail deer. I started all of my sons on one, and they work just fine, and cost under $400 out the door. I use a Remington 700 in 30-06 myself, but when I have a guest that likes a bigger rifle, or when my adult Army son gets to hunt, I let them use mine, and I will use the .243. I have taken 3 deer with it, no issues, no problems.

Regards
Pat

I have a 13-year old grandson who wants to start deer hunting with his dad (I don't hunt) and we wanted some suggestions for a deer rifle. Something economical and something that would fit with his slender build.

Ideas? Thanks in advance!

RtL

[oscars]

I am generally quite impressed with any of the old military calibers circa 1900 as deer cartridges. In fact about all that has happened is more choices but little improvement or usability. My choice is the Swede although the .260 Remington appears to be a clone of the Swede. I too like the .243 as it came be had nearly anywhere.

[DanL96a1]

I would suggest a .243 Remington 700 the rifles are very robust, and accurate any scope is easily mounted to suite the users. The rifle is light weight which when stalking is important, as you have to carry it!! I would also suggest that the rifle be fitted with a plastic stock, which will allow the rifle to be used in all conditions without affecting performance.

The important part to bear in mind will be that the .243, is not like a .303 and will not scare him to progressing to the larger, and more fun calibres as he grows up with the rifle. It also has very similar characteristics as 7.62/308 up to 600 yards, but without travelling those sorts of distance.

[bb1]

Why don't you look aroiund and see what's out there. When you find something you like. post it. See what the members think of your selection. Then make your decision.

One more thing. Never take advice from anyone who shoots a 505 Gibbs.

[jmoore]

55gr SP .223 rem takes a decent 8-pointer at 150yds. Went about 100 or so yds and collasped (hit was too far forward and low). Pics later mebbe.

ETA The deer was way further out (and rather bigger) than I thought and there was heavy undergrowth all over, obscuring things in a major way. After about 10-15 minutes of watching them feed, I finally found a hole big enough to thread a bullet through, trying for a solid shoulder shot. Bullet struck low neck above both windpipe and esophagus, leaving both intact, but the projectile still did enough damage to create an exellent blood trail from the exit point. (Don't think it even cut a major artery.) Worst hit I've made in ages, but it still worked as well as anything else I've used. Sierra SP bullets have worked real well in this application for me at a muzzle vel. of 3200fps.-even this time, at the longish distance for this kind of hunting(stalking and still hunting).

So- just a little more data.

[rpbayly]

any brand name .243
savage, ruger, rem, win, cz, sako, tikka,
whatever you can find at gun shop, gun show, new or gently used

just DO IT to get another young hunter in the field

[desert guy]

I have a 13-year old grandson who wants to start deer hunting with his dad (I don't hunt) and we wanted some suggestions for a deer rifle. Something economical and something that would fit with his slender build.

Ideas? Thanks in advance!

RtL

Rt(R)L:
Go for a .30 caliber bolt action rifle, somethng that will be useful for his life-time. Remington, Ruger, Savage, whatever. My grand-daughters were able to fire my M1A, (7.62mm), from a rest, at an early age; the recoil is relative for the young person. I don't agree on the .223 caliber, as it's marginal caliber at best for large game, unless you can shoot the eye out at 100 yards, that sort of shooting, it''ll work. If money is the primary criteria, then an surplus 8mm would do nicely. Hope this helps.

[Lancebear]

Hey Rick,

Handled a Savage model 99 60's vintage rifle at the last local show. Nice short carbine and has great balance. Very sleek and cool looking rifle. $550.00 like new. Don't know how hard Savage .300 kicks but it might be a good choice. The size might be right for your grandson. Lever action. Think they have a very good rep and have taken a lot of deer over the decades.

LB

[rondog]

Hard to beat a .30-30 levergun. It's as American as apple pie! And you might be surprised at what young boys can shoot, and how well they can do it! Here's my grandson at 11, he was hitting a 4.5" bullseye at 100 yards! Blew my mind.

[sigman2]

I know you're probably looking for a commercial rifle to purchase off the shelf.

This is what I built for my son when he was 10.

It was a Brazilian 1908 Mauser. The only thing I retained was the action. Drilled and tapped, bolt cut and rewelded and safety changed. Stock trigger reworked to single stage with 4# pull.

Hot blued in the garage.

I added a NOS surplus FN 19" barrel in 7x57mm and a Richard's MicroFit stock second with a slight blemish. It originally had a thin rifle pad. We later added the full pad to lengthen the stock.

Topped off with Redfield mount, rings and Bushnell Sportview scope.

Total cost back in 1993 with me doing all the work... just over $200.

Started him off with low end minimum loads.

He is now 25 and still uses it.