The first rifle for a kid thread - with a twist!

Any reason to not look at a TC carbine? Or a cut down Henry single shot?

Modular, so swapping off a sawn down stock isn't a biggie, pick a caliber and load it down for famil, up a bit for hunting. Can throw a extension on the hammer spur for some extra grip there. Lots of caliber choices out there.
 
trevj said:
Any reason to not look at a TC carbine? Or a cut down Henry single shot?

Modular, so swapping off a sawn down stock isn't a biggie, pick a caliber and load it down for famil, up a bit for hunting. Can throw a extension on the hammer spur for some extra grip there. Lots of caliber choices out there.
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They're on the list of possible options. It was suggested above that cocking/uncocking an exposed hammer might be an issue for little hands though. It's worth looking into though.
 
Suther said:
They're on the list of possible options. It was suggested above that cocking/uncocking an exposed hammer might be an issue for little hands though. It's worth looking into though.
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Been a couple days, but...

As I see it, if using a crack open action like that, I would consider a strong emphasis on opening the action and removing the round, as part of the 'habit' if or when the hammer had been cocked and must be let down under control.

Easy enough to train as part of the gig. I have had a Rossi break open action that had a top lever to open it up. Not sure what the new Henry singles are using, have had some Contender frames that needed a fair firm press on the trigger guard to open, others have been pretty slick.
Lots of choices... Best of luck. Whatever you decide upon, I hope you both are happy!
 
Suther said:
So my daughter is 9, turning 10 just before hunting season next year. I'm picking up a savage Rascal shortly to introduce her to shooting. I will also be looking for a 410 shotgun and a centrefire rifle for her.

Now here's the twist. She's TINY. We're talking less that 4 feet tall, and about 50lbs. I suspect she'll grow a bit before then, but if she gets over 4ft tall and 60lbs by next fall I'd be surprised.

So, with that in mind, is there anything available from the factory that A) will fit her in any way, and B) she'll actually be able to shoot without the recoil being too much? If not factory, what might be a suitable semi-custom option?

I fear she might have to wait until she gets bigger to have her first chance at a deer, but I figured it would not hurt to ask here for ideas. Worst possible scenario she packs the Rascal for any incidental small game, but I'm sure it's every dads dream to take his daughter on her first big game hunt.
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Have you thought about a $100 savage 3b or a single shot cooey and cutting the stock shorter?
 
It's to bad Savage didn't make their combination 22lr/410bore with a wood stock: The plastic is ugly and longer LOP even in youth model for shorter kids... with a wood stock, it could be cut down another inch, then cut-off re-attached as the kids grow. I keep looking at a new youth model for the kids in my life, but there is no way I can shorten that hideous plastic stock without making a complete abomination of it. I'd have to make a wood stock set.

222rem or 357mag lever gun are light centerfire calibers for kids (a bit bigger) to actually enjoy shooting without developing flinch issues. She'll need to grow more to enjoy a deer hunt, and the required caliber size/heft of rifle to dispatch properly. I'd wait until she attain a suitable size if she were my daughter... then go with a 6mm BR, 250savage, 30-30 or reduced load 7mm-08.
 
trevj said:
Been a couple days, but...

As I see it, if using a crack open action like that, I would consider a strong emphasis on opening the action and removing the round, as part of the 'habit' if or when the hammer had been cocked and must be let down under control.

Easy enough to train as part of the gig. I have had a Rossi break open action that had a top lever to open it up. Not sure what the new Henry singles are using, have had some Contender frames that needed a fair firm press on the trigger guard to open, others have been pretty slick.
Lots of choices... Best of luck. Whatever you decide upon, I hope you both are happy!
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Can you open the Contenders/Encores with the hammer cocked? I have a 12ga single shot Sinsinati that you can't open with the hammer cocked.
 
BlackRam said:
Used to be, when did it change?
Haven't looked at that part of the regs in a number of years...since I was behind the counter at a LGS...and I just prefer larger cals for big game...
No matter, if it has changed, then disregard that part of my post. Have fun!
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It’s been a very long time, in my entire time hunting I don’t recall a .23 and greater stipulation in BC, though Alberta always has to my knowledge. It may well have existed when I started, but I started on a .30-30 and .243, never had to worry about it. I’ve hunted big game with a 5.6x50 and will continue to, it’s not any different on a lung shot than a .243. Put bone in the way, different story, but a youth is going to be taking highly selected shots at dad’s immediate direction.

I’d personally say a .223 is likely to bark and kick too much for a 50 pounder, and would heavily look to a .22 Hornet of compact dimensions. I’d have zero qualms taking coastal blacktail with a .22 Hornet.
 
Made the mistake with my son thinking that Length of Stock was the key for smaller stature shooter. It is part of it, but not all - for my grandson, also worked down the pistol grip so that he could properly grasp that grip and use his trigger finger. Also size / circumference of the forearm for other hand to grasp. Weight distibution is important - more so for little ones - majority of the weight between the hands is fairly important - too long of barrel hanging out front makes holding on aim too difficult - to extent that butt stock is shortened, so should be barrel.

Keep it as simple as possible - a scope not really necessary for beginner shooting - typically very good eyes - if must have scope get a fixed, low power - like a 2.5. Sight in for 100 yards and take them out for lots of practice before trying the hunt. I started my wife with an older Weaver K3 with fine cross hairs and a 3 MOA dot - just put the dot on what you want to hit and done.
 
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BlackRam said:
Used to be, when did it change?
Haven't looked at that part of the regs in a number of years...since I was behind the counter at a LGS...and I just prefer larger cals for big game...
No matter, if it has changed, then disregard that part of my post. Have fun!
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I don't think BC ever had a greater than 23 rule. BC for a time prohibited 22 caliber RIMFIRES for Big Game (the 25, 32, 44 Rimfires were legal). At some point this simply became rimfires not being allowed.
 
Get her the Rascal and let her grow for a year or 2 then see what will fit her.

If you want to start her on a super low recoil centerfire, go with a light 243 bullet and load Trailboss powder. Should be able to get velocity down to under 1400 fps and miniscule recoil to get started.
 
todbartell said:
Started my nephew when he was 6, shooting a Remington Model Seven youth in 260 Remington. Handloaded 100gr bullets over 10 grains of Trail Boss for 1350 fps. I remember taking him out shooting pumpkins after Halloween years ago. He blew up lots of pop bottles and milk jugs full of water with that load until he was 9, when we switched to H4895 and upped the velocity to 2350 fps. He got his CORE when he was 10, the Nosler 129gr ABLR was loaded to 2325 fps and the deer fall over quick. He's 13 now and has taken 5 deer and an elk, last few animals have fallen to the 130gr Nosler Accubond loaded to 2450 fps, this elk was dropped in her tracks at 250 yards (approx 2000 fps / 1200 ft lbs impact energy). This fall a nice whitetail too

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Gonna have to ramp up the load a bit! Hes getting big, now 5'7 and eating like a horse.

Here he is the day I gave him the rifle. Time sure flies by

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Outstanding!
 
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