New Rifle

[acearch72]

I have a decision to make on a new rifle.  It will be for one of my sons who has decided that he wants to start hunting with me next year.  I am afraid that he will be recoil conscious, so I want to get something that won't have much recoil.

I have a Browing Abolt in 270 winchester that I could let him use, or I could purchase a new gun.  I was considering the 7mm-08 in that I have read a lot of good things about that caliber on this forum.  In looking at the ballistics, the 270 and the 7mm-08 seem pretty close.  

So for whitetail deer and light recoil, which would be the best?  Or is there something else that would be a better choice?

Thanks for any inputs on this.......

[Ramrod]

Unless he is reall small, or there is some kind of handicap involved, the .270 with 130 grain bullets should present no problems. Just make sure he has good hearing protection, the bark is alot worse than the bite.

[earschplitinloudenboomer]

7mm08 vs 270 is kinda like the 308 vs 30-06. They use a little faster burning powder so the recoil is not really diminished that much. Some 308's I have shot had MORE recoil than some 30-06's using similar guns, gun weight, factory ammo etc.

[Gregory]

I'd start him off with the 270 and, if you don't handload, I'd try these reduced recoil loads:  
http://www.remington.com/ammo/centerfire/managed_recoil.htm  
 
According to the Remington catalog these loads have less recoil than a .243.
 
   
They should work for deer at modest ranges.   If the hunting bug sticks then let him pick out his own rifle in a year or two.  Would make a great birthday or Christmas present.

[Don Fischer]

You don't say how big your kid is. That said, for a young shooter or some small shooter's, recoil is more a matter of perception. The "bark" is related to the bite. Therefor the bite should be low as possible. If you handload, I'd suggest a 250 Savage if you could find one. If not then my second choice would be a 260 Rem. I've no experience with the 260 Rem but everyone say's it's just like the 6.5x55, which I do have experience with. Recoil is modest and bark is also. I would also not concern myself with getting a light weight rifle. Something around 8# will help reduce percieved recoil. And if you scope it, I'd go for a straight 4x scope. Their not all that expensive and you can alway's get something else as his abilities increase. Likely as not, get him a 3x9 at this point, and he'll wear out the adjusting ring!

Oh yea, one more thing, get at least a 22" barrel. Muzzle blast is also precieved recoil.

[Redhawk1]

I would have to say a good 243 would work great. Get a good quality bullet. Many of deer have fallen to a 243. What is needed for a young shooter is an enfaces on shot placement.    If he is comfortable shooting a gun, he will more than likely shoot it well. JMHO.

[Lawdog]

I have a decision to make on a new rifle.  It will be for one of my sons who has decided that he wants to start hunting with me next year.  I am afraid that he will be recoil conscious, so I want to get something that won't have much recoil.

I have a Browing Abolt in 270 winchester that I could let him use, or I could purchase a new gun.  I was considering the 7mm-08 in that I have read a lot of good things about that caliber on this forum.  In looking at the ballistics, the 270 and the 7mm-08 seem pretty close.  

So for whitetail deer and light recoil, which would be the best?  Or is there something else that would be a better choice?

Thanks for any inputs on this.......

My 12 yr. old, 100 lb. granddaughter used a 7mm-08 I built for her last year to take her first heads of big game(two nice Mule Deer bucks and wild Boar).  Very accurate and mild recoil.  I see no reason why your son couldn't use it.  Lawdog
 

[buffalobob]

If the stock is too long then there is a trick I have heard of  so you can shorten it if it is wood.

1.  Take off the recoil pad
2.  Drill two holes of dowel size say 3/8s about two inches or more deep into the stock  one above the other.
3. Put some masking tape or other tape around the stock centered one inch from the butt or what ever length you need to shorten.
4.  Using your best fine tooth blade cut the last inch off of the butt, the tape will help prevent splinters and marks.
5.  Install a new smaller recoil pad on butt.
6.  Store cut off piece and old recoil pad in a place that you can find them again.  

When kid gets bigger and you need to lenghten the stock back to normal just get two dowels, some epoxy and dowel the cutoff piece back on. and reinstall the original pad  You remember the two holes you drilled before you cut off the stock.  This is what they were for.

Now then I don't know that I would perform this surgery on a Browning because it is going to show.

[TScottO]

You didn’t mention your sons age or size but that he might be recoil conscious. If he’s a youngster then a 243 may be a good choice in a junior size gun but I really prefer to see people shoot larger diameter bullets. These days’ companies are also offering reduced loads for traditional calibers such as the 270 and 3006 which will provide less recoil and a gun he could, perhaps, grow with.

Another thing to take into consideration will be the kind of hunting he will do. If the majority of his hunting is out of a shooting house or some situation where he will always or most always have a rest there is nothing wrong with going will a lager caliber in a heavier than usual gun. Lighter guns will recoil more and there is little we can do about that without altering the guns weight. If his hunting conditions permit a heavier gun might be a good option.

With the high tech recoil pads on the market as well as recoil reducers there is no reason one cannot make a 270 or 3006 manageable for a new shooter if you are willing to have a little extra expense. Make sure he uses real good quality hearing protection while shooting. A lot of people don’t consider this but the loud boom frightens young and old shooters a lot more than people think of or care to admit. The louder it sounds, mentally, the more they anticipate hard recoil.

And too, if it's a gun he really likes he will be more willing to shoot it even if it bumps a little bit.

Take Care,
Scott

[longwalker]

There is a definate relationship between teh report of the gun and the precieved recoil. Make sure you use foam plugs and muffs. It will make a difference.

I'll relate a true story. One afternoon while at the rifle range a young couple arrive and start shooting. I asked them if they had ear protection and the guy says yes. They put in the foam plugs get prepared to shot and I open the range for shooting. The Guy askes his girl friend if she want to shoot the 223 he is shooting. "No way, it's to big, I don't wana". By the way she is standing outside of the overhang.

I offered her a pair of muffs and she took them and put them on.

He switches guns and is now shooting a 308, it's on paper and he is feeling bad his girlfriend is board to death. He offers her a chance to shoot and she says yes.

When we were all said and done I asked how she liked shooting. She had alot of fun but wondered why anybody would want to shoot that big loud one. Go figure.

longwalker

[subfan]

Look at the .260

[Jimi]

There is no better round for most North American game then the .270, big bears and moose excluded. And the A-Bolt is as good a rifle as you're going to find. Give your boy that set-up and he will be set for life and never feel lacking. If he ends up loving hunting he can get different things for himself, but he will always treasure that first gun from him old man.

[longwinters]

I started one boy with the 243 and the other with a 7m-08.  After a short time  I bought a Past Recoil Pad (the kind you wear) and let them use that also.  I loaded light loads but used good bullets.  Both shot multiple animals with their rifles w/o any problems.  However, the younger son (bigger physically) was much more recoil conscious that the older son (smaller physically).  So, I surmise that perceived recoil can vary from person to person in spite of actual recoil.

Long

[147 Grain]

Keep the .270 Win!  

Install a Limbsaver recoil pad on the rifle and see how your son does with standard 130-gr. ammo.  Worst case senario is to use Managed Recoil ammo at the range and then switch to full loads for hunting.  Your boy won't know the difference when hunting with the addrenalin flowing.

[jro45]

I agree with Redhawk1 a 243 for first rifle is a good choice. I know people down south that use the 243 and kill deer, so it can do it.

[lgall]

I say let your son use the .270 and buy yourself a new gun if he like it.

[Savage .250]

I say let your son use the .270 and buy yourself a new gun if he like it.

 
    A sentiment shared by many i`ll bet.

[kombi1976]

I'd say a 7mm-08 is more flexible in terms of bullet choice.
The best of both worlds of course is a 280 Rem, 7mm cal with 270 performance.
Remington still chambers for them, as they do for the 7mm-08, and if you reload you can really get the most out of this cartridge.
Quite underrated due to the popularity of the 270 Win.
But unless you really feel the need to buy a new rifle(and who doesn't, eh? :grin: ) the .270 loaded light should be o.k..
I'd go a new rifle if I could afford it but it all depends.

[victorcharlie]

For my wife who weighs about 110 soaking wet.......a Remington 7400......gas operated autoloader with limbsaver recoil pad in a .270 winchester.......about as low a recoil for a .270 as you'll find......She doesn't shoot high powered rifles much, so wear on the rife is not an issue........The BAR's would be my first choice......but cost more.....

[147 Grain]

I suggest you keep things simple by sticking with the 270 Win.  I had a similar dilemma and used 30-06 Managed Recoil Loads to start out on until my 16 year old son was past the psychological recoil aspect.

Then we used light for caliber bullets for training and medium for caliber rounds out in the field.

You can do the same by getting a couple of boxes of 270 Win Managed Recoil loads and then upgrade to 130-gr. rounds at the range or in the field.

We also have a 30-30 which my son practiced on as well.

Happy Hunting!

Steve

[mmsb27]

You may want to consider the 6.5x55 and the 257 Roberts - both of these are good deer cartridges - and have lower recoil.

[Harry Snippe]

You may want to consider the 6.5x55 and the 257 Roberts - both of these are good deer cartridges - and have lower recoil.

Yes the 6.5x55 is a good chioce for wood chucks up to and including moose with very mild recoil.


When I started my wife to shooting a rifle , she would close both eyes , face away then pull the trigger . Some one had started her with a 3006.
She quickly mastered the model 38 Swede bought for a hundred dollars and started to take game with it.

You have yet to say what your hunting situation is and how big the young lad is. Then has he been going any shooting at all.
The 6.5 recoils like a 30/30 and rifles can still be picked up cheap.

The final chioce for him might be your 270 , but let him work up to it.
Then again the final choice in calipier and selection of firarm that fits him , suits his needs should be his own chioce. So save your money for that day
Happy

[147 Grain]

I agree that the "6.5x55 and the 257 Roberts ... are good deer cartridges," but sadley they are slowly getting obsolete.

A 7mm-08 or 270 shooting reduced recoil loads is ideal for a women (substituting regular ammo when hunting).

[Lawdog]

147 Grain,

I agree that the "6.5x55 and the 257 Roberts ... are good deer cartridges," but sadley they are slowly getting obsolete.

I really have to disagree with that.  From talking to local ammunition jobbers the 6.5mm Swede and the .257 Roberts ammo both sell very well.  Rifles chambered for them are selling too.  Looks to me as if both are enjoying a kind of re-birth again.  Happens from time to time.  They have been trying to write off these and a few other fine cartridges for years but they always come back.  Actually the 6.5mm Swede outsells the .260 Remington that was supposed to kill off the Swede.  Likely the .260 Remington will be obsolete before the fine old Swede is.  Just my  :money:  on it.  Lawdog
 :toast:

[Handwerk]

I vote for the 7mm-08. Last year I was in the same situation and got my then 11yr old a tikka t-3 in 7mm-08. I couldn't be happier. it is light in both weight and recoil and the action is very smooth. Most kids at that age don't have a lot of arm strength and a little lighter gun is a big help.At first  I had got him a remy youth model 7 in 7mm-08 but after comparing it to the tikka the remy was sent down the road. Make sure to look at the tikkas before you buy.

[Slamfire]

I like the idea where you give the .270 to the boy and buy yourself a new rifle. I'd suggest a Ruger M77 Compact on either .260 or 7mm/08. Light enough carry even after you git old and feeble and eithe cartridge will take anything you'll want to hunt.  

[PEPAW]

If he is very young, I like the .270 with the recoil managed loads.   If he is a little older, I like the .260 in a light rifle.    I have both and plan on doing the same with my kids when they are older.    They both started with a .222.

Here in TX a .243 is very, very  popular.    After many years of observation, I would rather have a youngster use the light loaded .270 instead.    Then move up asap to regular loads for hunting.   My personal opinion.   Either way, make sure the gun fits and he can see easily and quickly through the scope.

pepaw

[dharvey]

My 15 year old claimed my .280 with a boss when he was 12. He probably only weighed a 100 lbs. at the time. That was fine with me, I did what a couple of others have suggested and got myself something different.   My 10 year old shoots a Ruger M77 in .260 and I might do the opposite with him. Once he gets old enough for my .270 WSM, I might try to trade him out of the .260. :grin:  

My older brother on the other hand bought a youth model 7mm-08 for his daugter and I was quite surprised at the amount of recoil it had. It shouldn't have kicked as hard as it did. Might have been the way the stock was designed or something as my younger brother bought the same in an A-bolt for his 8 year old to grow into and it's a lot more pleasant to shoot.

The point is, there are more calibers that will suit your need than you can shake a stick at. Me personally, I like being a little different so choose calibers that not everyone else has. Make your choice based on what you like. It's obvious you have done some research, just make a decision you will be happy with. :-)   Don't put too much emphasis on what the rest of us boneheads recommend.

[cal sibley]

I own 17 rifles of various size calbers and honestly think the best in terms of moderate recoil, accuracy and killing ability is my Remington Classic in 6.5x55.  It's one sweetheart of a caliber.  I got my moose with it in Northern Ontario last year using a 160gr. SPSP (round nose to me).  They do amazing damage in the animals boiler room.  I've been thrilled with that rifle since the day I first took it to the range.  Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

[Idaho_Hick]

acearch72 - What did you end up buying and how has it worked out for you?
   As an aside, you oldtimers seem preoccupied with light rifles.  Us young bucks can hike hill and dale with an original '03 springfield with heavy no-smith mounts and large scope (it must weigh about 10.5 pounds) and be dang happy to be hunting.  I did this my first years hunting when I thought miles of ground covered equaled more deer, and though my arms would get to dragging, recoil never bothered me and I could shoot it decently.  
  What I am trying to say is, if you give a kid a heavy rifle, he won't complain so long as it goes bang!