choosing a rifle and cal for someone Dear

And there is nothing wrong with hunting with a .303. I STILL do when the situation calls for it.
Click to expand...

I can't imagine any situation that would force me to hunt with a 303 Enfield. I would sooner hunt with a Stevens 200, and that isn't likely to happen either.
 
The T-3 in 6.5X55 would be an excellent choice as the caliber is good for a starter, and one you never grow out of. Nothing wrong with a 303 as many of us started out with one and look how good we turned out:p
 
New shooter? Need cheap to shoot. I'd go .243 and get practicing.

Rifle? A new FN M70 featherweight with an FXII 4x33mm on it with weaver bases and low rings. Lots of eye relief so won't get scoped again. Skip the Tikka - why would you put a short action cartridge in a long action rifle? Go A7 if you don't like the Winchester and if you go .243, .260 or 7-08.
 
First, I'd like to say that if the scope kissed him in the eye and he's bothered by that recoil, he's not shoulding the rifle correctly. If he uses the correct technique, even a 300WM will not bother him, especially with his size. If using the correct technique, scope kiss should be impossible. Have him try a new rifle or caliber standing, not from the bench. Ensure he is tucking the stock between his shoulder and collar bone and holding the rifle tight against him so it does not move backward. Ensure he has a good cheek weld and that he leans slightly into it. His right. arm should be parallel to the ground.

So here is my suggestions:

1) Teach him how to shoot properly so there's no issue.

_or_

2) Buy him a Weatherby Vanguard in stainless chambered in 243. I have found with many of my friends that the monte carlo stock on the vanguard fits large people VERY well. It shoulders for people of his size perfectly (at least for the three of us) and tends to absorb any recoil very well for that body type. The fact that it weight 7.5lbs without scope helps with recoil too. In fact, given those facts, I'd suggest a larger caliber!...and still teaching him how to shoulder a rifle correctly.
 
Stainless/Synthetic, Detachable Magazine, Moderate price range:
.260 Rem:
- Tikka
- Savage (might not be available up here yet)

7mm-08:
- Browning: X-Bolt, BLR
- Tikka
- Savage
- And probably many others I haven't thought of.

On the bright side he/she will probably never creep up on a scope again, or shoulder a rifle too loosely.
 
.243, .260, or 7mm-08 will all work fine and are widely available (well, .243 and 7mm-08 are). Marlin XS7, maybe? Includes a base, so just add a decent scope, rings, and a sling and spend the rest of the budget on ammo. It's cheap, but they're decent shooters.

Lots of other good options out there. I'd consider Ruger as well for a reasonably priced workhorse with integral bases and free rings.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom