Best youth deer rifle

jamesboles

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May 4, 2014
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Grandson turning 12 and expected to grow another foot. Happy to look at all options. Looking for a accurate deer rifle and perhaps one that the LOP can be increased as he grows. Probably 243 but not stuck on it. Thanks.
 
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what fits him best, realistically caliber/cartridge is not going to matter as hunting distances will be close for a learner so get something with recoil that he can handle and won't scare him into bad shooting habits

look at the different length of pulls on not only youth rifles but also full size rifles with shorter barrels as some offer shorter length of pull.

for an inexpensive starter rifle I just bought by daughter (12yo) a TC compass $230 after rebate
13.25 LOP, 22" barrel (except the 24" magnums), 7.25 lbs (too light and it increases recoil), 3 position safety to completely lock bolt, rotary magazine for easy/safe unloading--- and barrel is threaded so if you like you can add a muzzle device to reduce the recoil or noise--plenty of cartridge options to suit most anybody

another option I looked at american predator also-- if you are looking for a higher priced, higher quality option--browning offers 2 excellent reduced length of pull rifles --the micro composite, and micro midas rifles

a good option for a growing boy is to find a "full size" rifle and then see if you can buy a used, reduced LOP stock for short term use-- or even buy an aftermarket stock (like boyds) with a reduced LOP for starters

biggest thing is to make sure the recoil and or noise doesn't scare them into bad shooting habits

make it fun for them, offer rewards or trophies-- we shoot at oreo cookies at 100 yards, you hit it, you get to eat one--I save the 1/4 lb tannerite for her last shot-- 10-12" steel gongs, clay pigeons on the berm, small dollar store stuffed animals, a case of water bottles and a box of food coloring from walmart will run you under $10 (yes I make her pick up the busted bottles after we are done), sometimes fruit (apples, oranges, potatoes, watermelons--what ever is cheap), I make cardboard cut outs of antelope and elk for her to practice shot placement.

Keep it fun for them and they will want more -- know when to say when !!!!! (don't make the range sessions too long or boring)---hot, cold, wet, tired, sore, sunburned kids are no fun (at least mine aren't) --find a scope with longer eye relief so there is no chance of scoping

and most importantly-have fun
 
Grandson turning 12 and expected to grow another foot. Happy to look at all options. Looking for a accurate deer rifle and perhaps one that the LOP can be increased as he grows. Probably 243 but not stuck on it. Thanks.

Both of my kids have a savage 11, one in 243 and the other in 6.5 creedmoor. I bought the package with the Nikon BDC scopes. I put a boyds at one stock on both of them so the gun can grow with the kids. Both are incredibly accurate with factory ammo. I have since upgraded both scopes from 3-9s to 4-16's as I have found good deals.
 
Both of my kids have a savage 11, one in 243 and the other in 6.5 creedmoor. I bought the package with the Nikon BDC scopes. I put a boyds at one stock on both of them so the gun can grow with the kids. Both are incredibly accurate with factory ammo. I have since upgraded both scopes from 3-9s to 4-16's as I have found good deals.
the "at-one" stock is a very good idea for growing kids-- how much weight did it add to the rifle? I think the thumb-hole one is lighter than the "classic" style iirc
 
Started my daughter at 12 with a Savage Youth model in .260 Remington, but I load for it.

If going factory ammo the 6.5 Creedmore may be a better selection, I just prefered the .260.

Awesome gun! LETHAL and easy to shoot.
 
the "at-one" stock is a very good idea for growing kids-- how much weight did it add to the rifle? I think the thumb-hole one is lighter than the "classic" style iirc
I am not sure the exact weight, but it weighs more than the cheap plastic stock. The extra weight makes his 6.5 creed even more of a kitten. My 11 yr old hauled it all over the mountains in idaho last fall deer hunting, with a bipod so it wasn't unreasonable. I let him pick his color. Zombie green wouldnt have been my first choice, but he LOVESs that gun.

C255C645-D9D9-40A6-8228-3E0FC5D2F9EE.jpeg
 
the "at-one" stock is a very good idea for growing kids-- how much weight did it add to the rifle? I think the thumb-hole one is lighter than the "classic" style iirc
At-One stocks weigh 3 pounds. Not sure what a plastic weighs.
 
It would seem that the requirements for a youth deer gun would be light weight, light to moderate recoil, a good fit and a decent scope that is forgiving. Doesn't that pretty much describe a Ruger American Compact in 6.5 CM with a UTG 3 - 9x 32mm scope? That would seem like a great beginner / youth deer rifle.

Chances are that the range will be less that 200yds. So if the scope is zeroed at 150 - 175 yds, the cross hairs will be withing 1 1/2 inches of the actual impact point. With a little practice and technique, that's quite reasonable. Very effective on deer.
 
Well I used to always say .243. Now after teaching many youth I realize that the least amount of recoil the better.
I would suggest a 6.5 grendel. Will kill anything within 300 yards and can punch paper and steel way out. Less recoil that .243 and 6.5 creed. Lots of factory ammo. 100gr hammer is my Bullet of choice or factory hornady 123. Just had a howa mini shortened and fluted for my father for walking .
 
My kids all started with a Remington Model 7 Youth in .243. When they outgrew the youth stock, I dropped it in a full-length stock. One of my daughters owns it now.

Much as I like the .243, though, I think were I starting out now I'd have to opt for the 6.5 Creedmoor and start kids off with reduced loads.
 
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