Hunting Fishing Discussions

Featured Outdoor Businesses


Forums Home > Deer Hunting Forum
Share on Facebook subscribe feed
31 Replies | Page 1 of 212 Next Page >> | Top of Page | Bottom of Page

Help with hunting rifle for daughter

by i12fish , Posted to Fishing Buddy on 07/28/2011 10:25 PM | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
i12fish

Joined: 12/17/2004
Location: ND
Need suggestions/help with finding a deer rifle for my daughter. Aced her Hunter's Safety test and is very proud and now bugging for a rifle. Didn't put her in for a tag this year cause she's not field ready.

Finding it a little tricky for a few reasons. First, she's very small, smallest in her class and she's 12. Secondly, she's left eye dominant and shoots left. Looking for a 243, very small, and left handed. Also, I'm not cheap, but was looking at the Browning XBolt but $800+ seems steep when I'm not totally sure she won't lose interest. Not much I can do with a tiny left handed rifle.

Any suggestions much appreciated.
Re: Help with hunting rifle for daughter
by Horsager on 07/28/2011 10:30 PM | Reply #1 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
Horsager
Joined: 08/12/2003
Location: ND
 Has she been shooting anything else?  .22, shotgun, another centerfire?
..............THIS SPACE FOR RENT..............
Re: Help with hunting rifle for daughter
by ZXT on 07/28/2011 10:35 PM | Reply #2 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
ZXT
Joined: 08/17/2008
Location: ND
Just get her a right handed gun. Im left eye dominent and shoot a right handed gun. Very easy cycling the bolt just let her practice cycling the bolt and shouldering the gun, she will get the hang of it. Another option is a semi-automatic right handed.
Re: Help with hunting rifle for daughter
by biggamehunter on 07/28/2011 10:39 PM | Reply #3 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
biggamehunter
Joined: 07/27/2008
Location: ND
if your hunting whitetails, even a 22-250 would work. we have shot many of whitetail deer with that caliber. mule deer, not so much.
Re: Help with hunting rifle for daughter
by Hardwaterman on 07/28/2011 10:53 PM | Reply #4 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
Hardwaterman
Joined: 11/06/2002
Location: ND
Number of options really, just depends on what you want to do. With a small framed person weight and recoil are always a concern. Caliber choice is fine, in regards to a rifle, not a lot of left hand options in youth model. Thus my suggestion would be to find a right hand rifle in a youth model. Shortening the stock on a adult rifle is not a great idea. The extra barrel length will create issues for them, trust me on this as I went through it with my first.

I ended up buying a Rem 700 Youth in a 7mm-08 but had I not bought that I most likely would have bought her a Model 7 instead,

That rifle youth rifle has been a great rifle even for me, I put a scope on it with great eye relief and even the short stock I can pick it up and use it if I want, and have.

The shorter overall size of the rifle also made it easier for her to handle getting in and out of vehicles, casing the gun, even controlling the muzzle. Keep it compact for a compact person is my suggestion!
In my lifetime I have seen fence row to fence row farming and the return of CRP and game to the landscape.Now we face again the prosepect of fence row to fence row again! Sportsman are our own worst enemy in that we fail to look forward and focus to much on the now!
Re: Help with hunting rifle for daughter
by mauserG33-40 on 07/28/2011 11:05 PM | Reply #5 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
mauserG33-40
Joined: 05/24/2008
Location: Mo
Ruger 77CR 16.5" barrel,35.5" overall right at 6# in 243 or 7mm-08
 
Re: Help with hunting rifle for daughter
by Hardwaterman on 07/28/2011 11:10 PM | Reply #6 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
Hardwaterman
Joined: 11/06/2002
Location: ND
mauserG33-40 Said:
Ruger 77CR 16.5" barrel,35.5" overall right at 6# in 243 or 7mm-08


Good choice and then drop a trigger kit into it!
In my lifetime I have seen fence row to fence row farming and the return of CRP and game to the landscape.Now we face again the prosepect of fence row to fence row again! Sportsman are our own worst enemy in that we fail to look forward and focus to much on the now!
Re: Help with hunting rifle for daughter
by ndwalleyes on 07/28/2011 11:16 PM | Reply #7 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
ndwalleyes
Joined: 07/10/2010
Location: ND
I was in the same boat with the small kid/new huner issue. If you are looking for a gun to get her started with go with the Savage Edge in .243 or 22-250, or what ever model they have now, I think they put out a new base model.  The gun is very accurate but the trigger is far from smooth unless you go with a accu-trigger.  It's just fine for kids and whitetails.  As for the left handed issue I agree with ZXT.

For a few hundred bucks including the scope you can't go wrong.  In doing this I learned two things: They learn to appreciate a good trigger and when they want a better gun, they take much better care of one when they have mowed a few lawns or babysat a few hours to pay for it.  The youngest is now 14 and, with his own $$, bought himself a Remington 700 / Leopold set-up for $900 that he guards with his life.
Re: Help with hunting rifle for daughter
by StevePike on 07/28/2011 11:30 PM | Reply #8 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
StevePike
Joined: 01/04/2002
Location: ND
Where are you located? I had two 12 yr olds shoot a HOWA 1500 in .243 last year. It came with a youth and adult stock that I can swap out when they are ready. The recoil and weight were manageable, even for my daughter, and they both killed their first deer with it. It didn't break the bank either. If you want to go out to the range and have her try it sometime, let me know.

You can't aim a duck to death.
Re: Help with hunting rifle for daughter
by jokostel on 07/29/2011 07:18 AM | Reply #9 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
jokostel
Joined: 10/24/2005
Location: ND
Hardwaterman Said:
mauserG33-40 Said:
Ruger 77CR 16.5" barrel,35.5" overall right at 6# in 243 or 7mm-08


Good choice and then drop a trigger kit into it!
Why? Most of the Ruger triggers are fine for a hunting rifle..

I'm the devil's son..... call me young gun.
Re: Help with hunting rifle for daughter
by marksman on 07/29/2011 08:04 AM | Reply #10 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
marksman
Joined: 11/21/2005
Location: ND
i12fish Said:
Need suggestions/help with finding a deer rifle for my daughter. Aced her Hunter's Safety test and is very proud and now bugging for a rifle. Didn't put her in for a tag this year cause she's not field ready.

Finding it a little tricky for a few reasons. First, she's very small, smallest in her class and she's 12. Secondly, she's left eye dominant and shoots left. Looking for a 243, very small, and left handed. Also, I'm not cheap, but was looking at the Browning XBolt but $800+ seems steep when I'm not totally sure she won't lose interest. Not much I can do with a tiny left handed rifle.

Any suggestions much appreciated.
where are you at  I have a youth model 670 win in 243 with scope and open sights shot 7 times You sure can use it i have a couple hundred rounds for it.  don't need to buy it take it out and kill some gophers see if she likes it.

The best democrat platform a Republican can stand on it a manure pile

drug test everyone on welfare

have an open season on molesters
Re: Help with hunting rifle for daughter
by Hardwaterman on 07/29/2011 08:53 AM | Reply #11 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
Hardwaterman
Joined: 11/06/2002
Location: ND
jokostel Said:
Hardwaterman Said:
mauserG33-40 Said:
Ruger 77CR 16.5" barrel,35.5" overall right at 6# in 243 or 7mm-08


Good choice and then drop a trigger kit into it!
Why? Most of the Ruger triggers are fine for a hunting rifle..


Ok! To each his own, because there has not been a Ruger built in the last 10 years that has an acceptible trigger IMHO and I own a couple!

A good trigger will help avoid the development of bad habits like jerking on it to get the gun to fire. In kids first learning they face a uphill battle as it is with muzzle report,recoil etc.. A heavy or sloppy trigger is without a doubt just another obstacle in the path of a youth learning to shoot!

I am not suggesting that they have a 1.5lb trigger, but a trigger that has no creep and breaks clean at 3-3.5lbs is a better choice than one that breaks at 5-7lbs which is where the current Ruger triggers break at with the change in the spring!
In my lifetime I have seen fence row to fence row farming and the return of CRP and game to the landscape.Now we face again the prosepect of fence row to fence row again! Sportsman are our own worst enemy in that we fail to look forward and focus to much on the now!
Re: Help with hunting rifle for daughter
by murdock1978 on 07/29/2011 08:57 AM | Reply #12 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
murdock1978
Joined: 07/12/2003
Location: ND
I shoot a .260 ,light gun,not much of a kick to it.Some people tell me its a ladies rifle???
Re: Help with hunting rifle for daughter
by Swanson on 07/29/2011 09:47 AM | Reply #13 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
Swanson
Joined: 09/07/2007
Location: ND
murdock1978 Said:
I shoot a .260 ,light gun,not much of a kick to it.Some people tell me its a ladies rifle???


Thats cause it is and you are

Re: Help with hunting rifle for daughter
by AF Dave on 07/29/2011 09:52 AM | Reply #14 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
AF Dave
Joined: 01/02/2003
Location: ND
30-30 winchester or marlin. That is what I started shooting when I was 9.  Just try to keep her under 150yards she should be great.
Largest Bass to date.  9lbs 6 ozs... 26 in length 18 in girth caught from Choke Caynon resivor in TX.
Re: Help with hunting rifle for daughter
by swift on 07/29/2011 10:03 AM | Reply #15 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
swift
Joined: 01/23/2002
Location: SD
You might want to consider a Tikka in left hand.  I believe in the 7mm-08 for a youth caliber.  If you are set on a 243 I believe they have that chambered too.
Re: Help with hunting rifle for daughter
by garretts on 07/29/2011 10:13 AM | Reply #16 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
garretts
Joined: 04/27/2009
Location: ND

I started out with a Browning lever action .243. It was a light, small gun, didn't kick, and worked perfect for me since I am left handed also. It's not for sale but if you're ever in the area and wanna check it out or have her shoot it you are welcome to do so.

Everybody wants to be Hank Williams, but no one wants to die.
Re: Help with hunting rifle for daughter
by HJchamp on 07/29/2011 10:15 AM | Reply #17 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
HJchamp
Joined: 12/03/2009
Location: ND
Ever thought about a single shot 243? My brother bought his girlfriend one that wasnt to spendy and she also shoots left handed.
HJchamp
Re: Help with hunting rifle for daughter
by jokostel on 07/29/2011 10:15 AM | Reply #18 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
jokostel
Joined: 10/24/2005
Location: ND
Hardwaterman Said:
jokostel Said:
Hardwaterman Said:
mauserG33-40 Said:
Ruger 77CR 16.5" barrel,35.5" overall right at 6# in 243 or 7mm-08


Good choice and then drop a trigger kit into it!
Why? Most of the Ruger triggers are fine for a hunting rifle..


Ok! To each his own, because there has not been a Ruger built in the last 10 years that has an acceptible trigger IMHO and I own a couple!

A good trigger will help avoid the development of bad habits like jerking on it to get the gun to fire. In kids first learning they face a uphill battle as it is with muzzle report,recoil etc.. A heavy or sloppy trigger is without a doubt just another obstacle in the path of a youth learning to shoot!

I am not suggesting that they have a 1.5lb trigger, but a trigger that has no creep and breaks clean at 3-3.5lbs is a better choice than one that breaks at 5-7lbs which is where the current Ruger triggers break at with the change in the spring!
 I agree... the Hawkeyes and MKIIs I have had/have  have all had good triggers... the ones I have handpicked, and the ones I have special ordered.
You should drop the hammer on my  #1s trigger.... that 300 H&H has the best damn trigger for a Ruger I have ever felt. probably at 4.5 lbs and breaks like glass.

I'm the devil's son..... call me young gun.
Re: Help with hunting rifle for daughter
by skeeterguy on 07/29/2011 11:17 AM | Reply #19 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
skeeterguy
Joined: 08/03/2005
Location: ND
I suggest a youth stock on a heavier gun.  With your daughter being small in stature the weight is going to help with recoil.  My second suggestion is to get set up in a particular area and sit and wait for the deer(before sun-up or before sunset).  Sit with her and have a Harris bipod on the rifle to give her the stability.  That stability coupled with the fact that the animal isn't pushed will give her the time and the confidence to make a great shot.  It makes it a much greater experience for them especially if you can maximize on your shot location and a humane kill.  There is nothing that will make a woman want to quit hunting more that watching an animal suffer over a bad shot.  My daughter is small also, and you can ruin a woman on hunting if you get a gun that scares her.  Even a 7mm-08 can scare a girl into a flinching habit every time they pull the trigger.  This is my daughters first year deer hunting and she is going to shoot a .223 with 75gr. SMKs.  The gun is on the heavy side but she won't be carrying it that far.  But there is no kick and she will get to see the impact when she shoots the animal.  I am not worried about the bullet either because a well placed shot under 200yds will do the job.  When she is 14 she may be a little bigger and have the confidence to step up to the 7mm-08 to take her first buck.  My advice may not be the best but it is what makes sense to me.  Good luck and I hope you keep her interest up.
Skeeter
Re: Help with hunting rifle for daughter
by tearbear on 07/29/2011 11:53 AM | Reply #20 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |
tearbear
Joined: 11/12/2007
Location: ND
ZXT Said:
Just get her a right handed gun. Im left eye dominent and shoot a right handed gun. Very easy cycling the bolt just let her practice cycling the bolt and shouldering the gun, she will get the hang of it. Another option is a semi-automatic right handed.
I am a lefty too and have always shot right handed guns. I just look for an ambidextrious safety(tang) and a straight stock. 


31 Replies | Page 1 of 212 Next Page >> | Top of Page | Bottom of Page
Posted By: i12fish
Posted On: 07/28/2011 10:25 PM
1115 Views, 31 Comments

Tags: rifle, daughter, hunting, finding, suggestions, aced, need, safety, didn, hunter
More Tags: USD, Hunter, Human Interest
Region: North Dakota

Categories: Hunting > Deer Hunting
Rate This ForumTopic
  • Currently 0/5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

0/5 (0 votes cast)

Share and Save This ForumTopic

You must be signed in to comment on this topic




Forums Home > Deer Hunting Forum
Start a New Topic in "Deer Hunting Forum




Total Outdoor Network
TON Sites | Contact | Advertise | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use



North Dakota Fishing and Hunting | Minnesota Fishing and Hunting | Wisconsin Fishing and Hunting | Nebraska Fishing and Hunting | Walleye Fishing | South Dakota Fishing and Hunting | Alaska Fishing and Hunting |

submit feedback / bug report