Which gun for small frame persons?

[lubbockdave]

I've been thinking about which gun to get for my wife/kids to use and have narrowed it down to 2, maybe 3 choices:

1. A Ruger 1a light sporter in 243--I have a #3 in .223 that i plan to use to teach on and it will do the job fairly well on deer size game and smaller, but I wanted some thing with a little more knock-down power for hunting purposes. I like the fact that the #3 and the #1 are basically the same gun, easy to use, single shots-I feel the simplicity of the single shot and overall ease of use makes it one of the safer choices, particularly for young/new hunters. The overall lenght of the gun is 38.5" and it weighs 7 1/4lbs with a 22 inch barrel

2. A Ruger compact in .243--The bolt action is a little more complicated, particularly for the young hunter in a hunting situation...I can remember a time or two when I was younger having "issues" with my Remmington bolt action when I was getting that "buck fever" and missing out on opportunities (proly could have been remedeed by going to the range more often and practice, practice, practice) BUT, the ruger compact with the stainless barrel and synthetic stock is lighter --weighs 6 1/4 lbs, overall length is 35 1/2" and has a 16 1/2" barrel.

I really like the tang safety that comes on the #1-easy to use and easy for me to check it visually. I am finding both guns for around the same prices.
I imagine the synthetic stock will have more recoil, so the #1 I feel has the edge due to its simplicity and less recoil, but the compact would be lighter and easier to carry. I am looking for other opinions and for folks who have experience with these guns and with hunting with their "green" wives and children-

I really want to make the overall hunting experience enjoyable for my family and I feel like the right firearm is important, but not the most important choice...but that is another post!

OH, my third choice is a NEF .243 youth or maybe standard size--cheap and easy to use and if it gets torn up, I didn't have much invested anyway...

Thanks

Dave

[Jerry Lester]

I agree with you as far as the single shot idea, but I don't think the #1 or #3 would be a good choice for a small framed shooter. I'd go with the NEF if a single shot is what you're after.

The #1 & #3 rifles have a very long length of pull, which makes any shooter other than a truely long armed guy tend to have to have to crawl up the stock to aquire the right eye relief when using a scope. To an experienced shooter, this problem can be easily adjusted to, but to a new shooter, it would likely cause problems in the long run in my opinion.

[Shorty]

Speaking from personal experience, I'd go with the Ruger No1.  A single shot puts the weight farther aft, closer to the body, making it easier to hold.  As far as pull length, I've had to shorten almost every rifle I've owned by a half inch or more.  If the buttplate is straight, it's simple.  A curved butt takes more skill and patience, but if flattening a curved butt won't make it too short, that's an option.

[De41mag]

Dave;

I'm gonna have to say IMHO to go with the Ruger compact SS, for the reason my father picked it out for himself to deer hunt. His reasons were the light weight (he is 74 yrs. old and of small stature), the compact size which makes it very easy to carry in the woods and  he said it looks beautiful   . Just my thoughts.
Good luck in your decision.
Dennis  

[pigman]

Mate

I have an M77 MkII Stainless Ultralight and scope. Together weights about 7pound. Can carry it all day. I use it as my own rifle or let my daughter (12) carry/fire it. Good allround weapon for use by all. I have it chambered in .243 and I can have go for rabbits right up to pigs with this little baby. The kick is nothing, the weight is nothing  and the accuracy is superb.

Cheers

PIGMAN

[oso45-70]

Dave.
In my opinion the ruger 77 might be a better option for the simple fact that  the # 1 normaly has a pretty long butt stock. Im 6 feet and have a hard time crowling up on the # 1 to get a decent sight picture. I have had to cut all my # 1s to make them fit. I don't know about the # 3s they may
have a shorter butt stock. Good luck Dave hope you make it ok....Joe.......