Looking for youth hunting rifle recommendations... model and calibre

TheCanAm

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Location
British Columbia
Background info to help with recommendations:
- Former reloader & will reload again when time allows.
- Primary hunting rifle is 300 Win Mag
- Our hunting areas regularly offer 100-400+ yard shots, my avg. is ~200yds
- My 11 yr old son is accustomed to shooting 22 LR
- I have an old Leupold 4x scope I would likely mount on his rifle
- I'm looking for a model with a stock insert so it's future compatible, or I could shoot it :)

I am wavering between 243 Win and 6.5 CM, but leaning towards the 6.5 CM. If I can make time for reloading, I can create low recoil training rounds in the 6.5 CM and have similar recoil to the 243 while still retaining ability to take longer range shots. It's future compatible

The 243, on the other hand could be handed down to my daughters when he can upgrade.

As for models, I don't want a Savage Axis because I've heard the bluing is sub par. I'm considering:
Weatherby Synthetic Compact
Mossberg Patriot
Others with an insert?

Thanks in advance.

P.S. If anyone knows of current sales on youth/compact models, PM me.
 
I went with a Browning X bolt Micro Midas for my boy in 7mm/08 and it's a rifle he can use for life. Recoil is very manageable for smaller people. It comes with 3 stock extensions that can be added in for LOP.
 
I'm a big fan of the Winchester model 70. I think in this circumstance a Model 70 featherweight might work. Light enough for him to carry around, and built like a tank. Plus the model 70 is a fantastic long range rifle.

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My son learned on a Ruger M77 Mk II Compact Stainless/Laminate in 260 Rem, it worked great on whitetail deer using 140 gr bullets, I still use it as a foul weather rifle today. Scope was a 2.5x8 Leupold, is now a 2x7 VX-R. As he grew in size he moved on to a Win M70 S/S in 308 Win that I made up some reduced loads with 165gr bullets, this also worked well. He is now all grown up and shoots a Sako 75 Finnlight in 7mm Rem Mag. WK
 
I like the 6.5 for the range of bullets 85 to 160 and be used for all animals. Could include the 260 and 6.5x55 Swede in the group. If possible try find gun that can change stocks from youth to adult
 
fair call, the availability an possible reasonable priced ammo for this gheymoore 6.5 is proberly where its at for youthys an women etc,..... they call it the new 7mm08 ;) an the 7mm08 is labelled the new king..
go figure
 
Del sold me a vanguard 14 years ago for my son, daughter using it now (made by sako I believe), Del talked me out of .243, went with .308 and light recoil loads. .308 would be good for anything the youth will be hunting. Came with a synthetic stock and a wood stock that you could shortened for lop. Has been a very good rifle, shoots well. Bit heavy but manageable.
 
I'm a M70 fan also. And they use to make a FW Compact that would be an awesome youth/woman's rifle. But the OP wants models with stock inserts/spacers, which I don't believe Winchester offered on their Compacts.

I'm a big fan of the Winchester model 70. I think in this circumstance a Model 70 featherweight might work. Light enough for him to carry around, and built like a tank. Plus the model 70 is a fantastic long range rifle.

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CZ 557 Lux in 8x57. Smooth, well built, nicely blued and accurate. It does it all, and with panache. You could also opt for 308/30-06 minus the panache ;). If you want soulless, but equally accurate and decent metal finishing, pick-up a Tikka T3x--they are also lighter.
 
Model 7 Remington in a 243 makes a great youth rifle. Imo

fair call, the availability an possible reasonable priced ammo for this gheymoore 6.5 is proberly where its at for youthys an women etc,..... they call it the new 7mm08 ;) an the 7mm08 is labelled the new king..
go figure

LOL

Seriously though OP ^^ Hard to find such a compact, low recoiling arm as a Model Seven in 243win... lots of noise unfortunately, (7mm-08 also a decent choice) but until manufacturers wake up and thrust the 250 Savage back into the spotlight where it fits this niche perfectly. (NUDGE NUDGE REMINGTON... when you start manufacturing the Seven again, I want two in the original wood/blue configuration/size chamered for the old 250-3000)
 
Del sold me a vanguard 14 years ago for my son, daughter using it now (made by sako I believe), Del talked me out of .243, went with .308 and light recoil loads. .308 would be good for anything the youth will be hunting. Came with a synthetic stock and a wood stock that you could shortened for lop. Has been a very good rifle, shoots well. Bit heavy but manageable.

Vanguards are Part of the WEATHERBY RIFLE Company - they are a BIT Heavy as you have stated ! RJ
 
270Win and 308Win are relatively easy on the shoulder. Great cartridges that any of your kids can continue shooting as adults. My boy is a skinny kid who went from the 22LR to 270Win without any difficulties.

Find a Rem700 on the Exchange or a new off the shelf but old stock from any gunshop. Anything on a 700 action, even an SPS, is easy to upgrade parts at a later time.

A Winchester 70 Featherweight is a great rifle. I never owned a Bergara but the reviews are great and I have a couple buddies that love them. A Sako 85is a rifle your kids will use throughout their lives, providing they continue hunting and shooting.
 
Remmy M700 Youth in .243 with the stock that comes with spacers for sale at Epps.

Ah , Poop! Just sold. They were asking $599 for it. I like that fact this Tupperware stock comes with spacers and with the buttpad, you can modify to your heart’s content.

If you get a short barreled Remmy 700 SA RH , I do have a Youth stock that’s inletted (Mr. Dremel…. :eek: ) for the Magpul bottom resin/polymer/metal and a Magpul 5 round mag. You can have it for cheap plus the shipping.

In the meantime, my coyote rig is a Winnie Model 70 FW Compact .243. Sold off the shorter LOP walnut stock and running a Bell / Carlson glass stock (aluminum sub skeleton).


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The hilarious part is that I’ve got a Bushy HDMR2 3.5 - 21- 50mm and the scope is almost has heavy as the Model 70 FW Compact barreled receiver. LOL


Peace Be The Journey!

Cheers, Barney
 

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Buy the model 70 compact in 7-08. When he’s older replace the stock as above poster did. There will be no regrets. If you go with any of the Salvage brands you’ll regret it. Weatherbys are heavy. A model 7 would be alright too, I just happen to be a Winchester guy!
 
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