Author Topic: newbie has questions (Read 515 times)

ambushhunter jr · « **on:** January 14, 2005, 01:17:54 PM »

I'm 11 years old. My dad is going to buy me a survivor .223 for benchrest target shooting. What I need to know is will I be able to hunt deer with this caliber? Maybe I should ask him to buy a larger caliber? Thanks for your replies.

TOMMYY01 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 14, 2005, 01:23:14 PM »

I would ask him if he would get me a .243. I wouldn't hunt deer with anything smaller than a .243

You owe it to the animal that you're hunting.
tommy

MSP Ret · « **Reply #2 on:** January 14, 2005, 02:04:28 PM »

, Welcome aboard ambushhunter jr, the fact that you asked the question speaks volumes about your maturity and that you are a true sportsman. I agree the .223 may be a bit small for a good deer gun. The .243 or 7mm-08 would be a better caliber. Even the 30-30 would be a great deer gun for you, and if you don't reload the 30-30 shells should be cheaper then either the .243 or 7mm-08's. What type of area would you be hunting in, woods and what length of shots would you be taking at deer and what other types of shooting might you do with the gun?....<><.... :grin:

By the way, for a benchrest target gun for you thats a GREAT choice, your lucky to have a father that is willing to get you such a fine gun. And even if it is not the best deer caliber, it is the BEST for what he's buying it for, AND good accurate ammo for that .223 is reasonably priced, much more so than the .243 or 7mm-08. Also the recoil is more manageable by a youngster. Also it's a great varmit rifle. Perhaps you should get the one your father plans on buying for you (and give him a big hug for doing it too!!) and later borrow a gun from him or a friend for deer hunting. Also, it will give you a reason to save your money for another rifle or barrel for your .223 in a different caliber just for hunting!!! They call that a win-win situation!!, you have a great target rifle (a win) AND a reason in a year or 2 to get another rifle (another win)!!! :-D...I like it!!!....<><.... :grin:

ambushhunter jr · « **Reply #3 on:** January 14, 2005, 02:23:36 PM »

msp, I really don't know if i'll hunt with the gun. I just wanted to see if you guys would recomend a higher calibur in case i ever did. Later on I was going to buy another hunting gun. For hunting would you recomend 12 or 20 gauge for a kid my age. they will be woods shots more than likely at 15 to 60 yds. Thanks so much for the replies!

redneckd1 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 14, 2005, 02:35:54 PM »

Ambush Jr,
I have to concur with the other guys on here, you are getting a great gun, but maybe a little small for deer. My son, 13 years old, has the .243 and absolutely loves it. He has taken 4 deer with it so far, only one needed a second shot to dispatch it. (BTW that was his fault, not the caliber of the gun). You can always get a .243 or 7mm-08 barrel for the gun later. Enjoy shooting off the bench with your Dad for now!

MSP Ret · « **Reply #5 on:** January 14, 2005, 03:01:29 PM »

ambushhunter jr, most of the guys here would concur that you are getting a perfect gun for it's intended use. For deer hunting with a shotgun for you I would suggest a 20 gauge and if it's going to be a dedicated deer gun perhaps the H&R Tracker II in 20 gauge. It's a rifled barrel with iron sights and capable of reaching out to just about 100 yards if needed and for your shots of 15-60 yards it will be a deer killer with no equal for the woods of NJ, or anywhere else for that matter. It could very well be used anywhere shotguns or rifles are allowed. If on the other hand you want a general purpose shotgun for deer as well as upland I would suggest a H&R in 20 gauge, they are making screw in chokes in some 20's this year and I would suggest if you go for a smoothbore you get a screw in choke system and a barrel from 24" to 26" long, use an improved cylinder or modified choke tube and Brenneke slugs if you can find them. That gun with a bead sight is accurate enough for deer out to 50 yards at least. Also you could then put in a full choke and go duck hunting or coyote hunting if you wanted to or any choke for rabbits or squirrels. The 20 is the way to go for you or even me, and I'm 6'1" and about 230 lbs.!!! The 20 will kill just about as well as the 12, just put the slug or pellets where they should be and...Venison stew!!!. Remember it's not the size of the gun or even the size or age of the hunter, it's where he puts the bullet!!!...Good shooting....<><.... :grin:

ambushhunter jr · « **Reply #6 on:** January 15, 2005, 04:04:00 AM »

thanks for all the help msp.

mitchell · « **Reply #7 on:** January 15, 2005, 04:31:23 AM »

i would just be repeating everything MPS said if i was to try and talk just do what he says and you'll be fine. take that 223 to the range shoot away you now what they say practise practise and more practise and in the off season send it back for a 243 or 7mm-08 its only about 100 and both of those gun can kill deer real good and wont hurt you shoulder too. its nice to have to aboard ambushhunter jr stick around and ask all the questions you want we love answering them. BTW what state do you live in?? nosey people i mean inquiring minds want to know?