I purchased a Savage Axis Youth in .243 for my son last year, he was 8. The fit was good, just a little long but he handled it well. Two deer later plus a couple pigs it has proven to be a good match. Shoots factory ammo very good, have not tried any hand loads. Recoil has not been a problem...
After spending countless hours reading and searching every topic covered on this website it's about time to formally jump in. Having lived in the open expanse of the Texas Panhandle long range hunting is not something that is a new concept, it is usually required in order to hunt in this part...