Don't know what you're looking to spend, but I was in at SAIL the other day.They had a youth model 770 in 243 Win. really nice. Only reason I didn't buy it is that it's 7 or 8 years before my granddaughters are old enough to hunt.
looking to get my daughter a hunting rifle
- Thread starter flatlandsninja
- Start date
If you don't hand-load the 260 Remington or 7mm-08 would be the cartridges I recommend.
If you do hand-load the 250 Savage and 257 Roberts would be about perfect as would be the 6.5 x 55.
The 243 is - in my opinion - more a varmint cartridge than a big-game round especially with a novice at the trigger.
If you do hand-load the 250 Savage and 257 Roberts would be about perfect as would be the 6.5 x 55.
The 243 is - in my opinion - more a varmint cartridge than a big-game round especially with a novice at the trigger.
Have you ever let her try your .308? Girls can surprise you, I have one female friend who is all of 5'4 and 100 pounds who actualy prefers to shoot my .30-06.
I'm also gunna agree with the fellow who recomended the .30-30, its cheap to shoot, comes in light handy rifles, is very mild recoil wise and you can always find deals on used ones in great shape. Thanks to Hornady its also easier for a novice to become capable of making a good shot past 200 yards now.
I'm also gunna agree with the fellow who recomended the .30-30, its cheap to shoot, comes in light handy rifles, is very mild recoil wise and you can always find deals on used ones in great shape. Thanks to Hornady its also easier for a novice to become capable of making a good shot past 200 yards now.
LongBomber
CGN Regular
- Location
- Fernie, bc
I say 7mm-08 or 260. Loaded with the light new TTSX the either will make for a nice light recoiling rifle that is pretty effective. For range practice you could load up the 100gr sierra HP (for either one), and switch to the 120gr ttsx for hunting. The little bullets are plenty tough for most game even though they are light.
A Ruger compact, or Vanguard youth model would be a nice way to start.
A Ruger compact, or Vanguard youth model would be a nice way to start.
7mm-08, 260, or 6.5x55. All are nice and easy to shoot but capable of dropping moose/elk.
If the concern with 7mm-08 is accidentally loading it in your 308, you're likely to have the same issue with 260 or 243 or any 308 based cartridge. Try coloring the casings on one of the rifles with a sharpie so there is no confusion. Or develop the habit of reading the headstamp every time you load your guns.
If the concern with 7mm-08 is accidentally loading it in your 308, you're likely to have the same issue with 260 or 243 or any 308 based cartridge. Try coloring the casings on one of the rifles with a sharpie so there is no confusion. Or develop the habit of reading the headstamp every time you load your guns.
My Daughter is also 11. I bought her a Savage 11FYCXP3 youth model in 243 Win. It's light enough for her handle easily, it's very accurate and the scope provided is descent. All round a nice little gun and they give you a coupon for a full size stock when she gets bigger. It is also available with accutrigger and a muzzle break for double the price and I see that they are offering an Axis (previously Edge) in a youth model. I paid $399 for my daughters at Frontier.
blasted_saber
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- A blue part of Ontario
Why not just load some light .308 loads for her? That way when she more accustomed to shooting, you can go to heavier loads. The added benefit is that she wont have to change rifles in the future for a heavier load.
It also alleviates your concern about confusing her shells with yours.
It also alleviates your concern about confusing her shells with yours.
- Location
- Prince Albert, Sk
Remington Mountain LSS is a beautiful easy to handle rifle. Put a nice 3-9 on there for optics and It will likely be the only rifle she will ever need. Minus the African dangerous game hunts. 
Yes, in the 7mm-08 of course.
Yes, in the 7mm-08 of course.
LongBomber
CGN Regular
- Location
- Fernie, bc
I wouldn't worry about putting a 7mm-08 in a 308. At the range, all you will get is a key shaped hole in the paper and another piece of 308 brass with the wrong headstamp. Although it would suck to be looking at the deer or moose of a lifetime and load the wrong caliber. Now if you could chamber the 308 round in the 7mm-08...
Getting nickle plated brass for the 7mm-08 would also help the confusion between. I doubt that you could chamber a 308 in a 260, but it may be possible in a 7mm-08, I haven't tried it. If you could get a good supply of brass the 260 may be better, a tad lighter recoil and better ballistics with most comparable bullets. It's a little more money but a tikka t3 would make a nice light rifle for any younger person.
Getting nickle plated brass for the 7mm-08 would also help the confusion between. I doubt that you could chamber a 308 in a 260, but it may be possible in a 7mm-08, I haven't tried it. If you could get a good supply of brass the 260 may be better, a tad lighter recoil and better ballistics with most comparable bullets. It's a little more money but a tikka t3 would make a nice light rifle for any younger person.
I don't see mention of what she will be hunting. If it be deer and you are a handloader, a 257Roberts would be my first suggestion. They are VERY easy to shoot, are accurate and quite effective on deer. I love mine.
Only problem is that she will have a time getting it back from you cuz you'll like it too.
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Only problem is that she will have a time getting it back from you cuz you'll like it too.
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- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
I agree, this is a good idea. My 13 year old grandson was shooting my wife's cut down .30/06 last summer, and he had a blast. The 130 gr bullets at 2600 produced gentle recoil and blast, yet have the power for deer sized game. As your daughter's ability increases it won't be long before she can handle full powered loads with heavier bullets.
A fella could get banned here for recommending a 770.
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What are the issues with the 770? I know a few people that have them, and they seem quite happy. I don't own one, as a matter of fact, I don't think I've ever fired one. The one I looked at seemed OK - typical Rubbermaid stock, bolt seemed moderately smooth. Metal finish on par with similar-priced rifles. Are there accuracy, durability, or reliability issues with them?
