Many good suggestions above, with great points on cartridges, and rifle fit.
And do not be surprised if she can handle rifles in magnum calibers. A person's height and weight has nothing to do with their ability to handle recoil. Everyone has their own tolerance level. The important item here is proper instruction on rifle handling and control during recoil. Stance and firm grip is imperative here. Grip must be firm, nestled securely into the shoulder, but not horsed into the shoulder, nor limply held. Either of the ends of the spectrum will cause pain and injury. The statements on recoil pads are important too. Both my wife and daughter now have LimbSaver recoil pads on their rifles, which have improved their comfort and confidence levels in handling their rifles.
Weight of the rifle is going to be important for some, and not so important for other, dependent upon strength and familiarity with handling firearms.
Muzzle blast is another item often overlooked when introducing new shooters to rifle handling. And many people are more intimidated by than even the recoil. Ensure she is using ear plugs and muffs when she is trying out various rifles. Shorter rifle barrels will produce muzzle blast closer to the shooter, and as stated above, while muzzle brakes work for reducing recoil, the sound is increased by a large margin, and these can increase surprise and discomfort for the new shooter.
When my daughter was ready, we went to the range with a number of rifles belonging to me, my wife and friend's, for her to try. We even arranged to take a couple of used rifles from the LGS along for her to try. She tried rifles and cartridges chambered from 260 Rem up to 358 Win (which she had already shot her first deer with), made by Browning, Remington, Ruger, Browning, Steyr, and Winchester, in a variety of models. In the end she chose the used Rem 700 Titanium in 270 Winchester, due to her comfort level of the weight, balance, muzzle blast and cartridge performance. Her goals is deer, moose and elk.
She is able to consistently produce 3 shot groups at 100 yards with this rifle and factory 140 gr ammunition.
And do not be surprised if she can handle rifles in magnum calibers. A person's height and weight has nothing to do with their ability to handle recoil. Everyone has their own tolerance level. The important item here is proper instruction on rifle handling and control during recoil. Stance and firm grip is imperative here. Grip must be firm, nestled securely into the shoulder, but not horsed into the shoulder, nor limply held. Either of the ends of the spectrum will cause pain and injury. The statements on recoil pads are important too. Both my wife and daughter now have LimbSaver recoil pads on their rifles, which have improved their comfort and confidence levels in handling their rifles.
Weight of the rifle is going to be important for some, and not so important for other, dependent upon strength and familiarity with handling firearms.
Muzzle blast is another item often overlooked when introducing new shooters to rifle handling. And many people are more intimidated by than even the recoil. Ensure she is using ear plugs and muffs when she is trying out various rifles. Shorter rifle barrels will produce muzzle blast closer to the shooter, and as stated above, while muzzle brakes work for reducing recoil, the sound is increased by a large margin, and these can increase surprise and discomfort for the new shooter.
When my daughter was ready, we went to the range with a number of rifles belonging to me, my wife and friend's, for her to try. We even arranged to take a couple of used rifles from the LGS along for her to try. She tried rifles and cartridges chambered from 260 Rem up to 358 Win (which she had already shot her first deer with), made by Browning, Remington, Ruger, Browning, Steyr, and Winchester, in a variety of models. In the end she chose the used Rem 700 Titanium in 270 Winchester, due to her comfort level of the weight, balance, muzzle blast and cartridge performance. Her goals is deer, moose and elk.
She is able to consistently produce 3 shot groups at 100 yards with this rifle and factory 140 gr ammunition.
