72 year old friend wants to deer hunt for the first time but needs a rifle.

[Redmule454]

Get an AR15 in .300 Blackout, good for 200 yards and little recoil.

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-pistol-length-300aac-1-8-phosphate-13-5-lightweight-m-lok-moe-rifle.html

or better yet:

Savage Axis II .300 Blackout Bolt Action Rifle | Academy

Head out for the hunt with the Savage Axis II .300 Blackout Bolt Action Rifle. The AccuTrigger lets you adjust the length of pull for comfort, while the 1-piece pic...

www.academy.com

Or check your local gun/pawn shop.

 

[SoonerP226]

How? A bad shot is a bad shot no matter the caliber.

The key word in his post was "experienced." In the hands of an experienced hunter, the smaller caliber isn't going to make much difference because he better understands the limitations of the cartridge and knows when not to take that "maybe good enough" shot. He's also less likely to get "buck fever" and take that marginal shot that would be OK with a .308 or even a .30-30 but is just outside the performance envelope of the .223.

 

[cowadle]

i think 223 with the right ammo is better for a novice. it is easier for them ballistically. just use a 200 yard zero.

 

[El Pablo]

The key word in his post was "experienced." In the hands of an experienced hunter, the smaller caliber isn't going to make much difference because he better understands the limitations of the cartridge and knows when not to take that "maybe good enough" shot. He's also less likely to get "buck fever" and take that marginal shot that would be OK with a .308 or even a .30-30 but is just outside the performance envelope of the .223.

Which would be the exact same issue with a 50 bmg. A bad shot is a bad shot. You can’t miss enough to win.

 

[ssgrock3]

If you don't get a deal worked out by deer season, I have a 243 that doesn't get much use. I would loan it to you, so he can hunt.

a cheap enfield, or mosin is an option. the bubba specials are still shooters though may look funny

 

[kirk1978]

a cheap enfield, or mosin is an option. the bubba specials are still shooters though may look funny

Mosin may be a little rough on his shoulder.

 

[SoonerP226]

Which would be the exact same issue with a 50 bmg. A bad shot is a bad shot. You can’t miss enough to win.

It's not about a miss, it's about recognizing that an available shot might give you a clean kill with one caliber, but the same shot with another caliber might only wound the animal--and it might even be that slightly changing the circumstances (like the angle or distance) would give you a clean kill with that other caliber. An experienced hunter is more likely to recognize that difference and not take the shot with the "lesser" caliber.

 

[slas]

The guy selling guns after his dad passed has an Enfield No1 MK3 listed for $400. Might be able to make a deal on it but I know NOTHING about Enfields. Maybe? How hard is it to get ammo for those things?

 

[Cat City Slim]

CVA Scout Compact Blued/Black Single Shot Rifle - 243 Winchester - 20in

CVA Scout Compact Blued/Black Single Shot Rifle - 243 Winchester - 20in - For the hunter who wants a high-quality single shot rifle, the SCOUT is the ideal choice.

www.sportsmans.com

These are good rifles for the money. Anyone else interested in passing the hat to bring a new hunter into the fold. I’d be happy to contribute.

 

[slas]

CVA Scout Compact Blued/Black Single Shot Rifle - 243 Winchester - 20in

CVA Scout Compact Blued/Black Single Shot Rifle - 243 Winchester - 20in - For the hunter who wants a high-quality single shot rifle, the SCOUT is the ideal choice.

www.sportsmans.com

These are good rifles for the money. Anyone else interested in passing the hat to bring a new hunter into the fold. I’d be happy to contributI appreciate the offer but like him

Appreciate the offer but not looking to get money out of anyone. Just a reasonable deal on an entry rifle.