Best hunting rifle for a young boy (11)

[nocman_2]

I'm thinking .243.

Looking for lower end recoil.

(I did search and didn't find much on here about the subject.) I'm sure it's been covered 1000 times.

 

[sambo77]

.30-30

 

[timbgtm]

243 would be a good choice, but a 30 30 lever gun would be also.

 

[nocman_2]

Thanks guys, I have my dad's 30-30 that was the second gun I learned to hunt with. I planned to pass it down to him anyway, so this makes it perfect. My dad in heaven would love to know he is going to hunt with it. The largest rifle he has shot was a .22, so I didn't want to step it up to much and scare him. But I think he will be ok.

 

[Allsmiles]

7.62x39 AR15. Hard hitting, cheap ammo, and very light recoil. With adjustable stock, will fit him for many years.

 

[outlaw1961]

You are right. 243 is a great caliber for local varmints and Ga, deer. Just pick the right bullet. I think recoil charts shows a 243 is somewhat lower recoiling than most common ga hunting calibers. There is a great choice among youth rifles in this caliber. But just remember simple physics, a very light rifle in 243 could compare to a medium weight rifle in a larger caliber. But for your use go with a 243 or even a 7mm-08.

 

[GeauxLSU]

If you are going to let him shoot that 30-30, unless he's a freak of nature size wise, PLEASE buy the reduced recoil loads and let him shoot ONLY that. A lifetime of bad habits starts early.
If you can find a 742 in .243,that was mine and would be my vote. A bit loud but you can shoot it on your chin.

 

[nocman_2]

7.62x39 AR15. Hard hitting, cheap ammo, and very light recoil. With adjustable stock, will fit him for many years.

I thought about my AR 223/5.56 as well. It's a 16 inch barrel, so not sure if hunting rounds are made for it.

 

[nicaburns]

I agree with Allsmiles about 7.62x39 AR!
I friend of mine has a 9 year old who has been shooting mine on their farm and made the comment the other day "I love that gun it only kicks like a 22!"

 

[nocman_2]

If you are going to let him shoot that 30-30, unless he's a freak of nature size wise, PLEASE buy the reduced recoil loads and let him shoot ONLY that. A lifetime of bad habits starts early.
If you can find a 742 in .243,that was mine and would be my vote. A bit loud but you can shoot it on your chin.

Agreed, I didn't want him dreading the shot and pulling it. He went out on his first hunt with me this year and seems interested. I don't want to spook him..lol