Seeking wisdom for teenage rifle

[cigman1st]

In the 1970's I grew up on a 30-30 Winchester and I was a little thin guy myself. Kicks wasn't that bad.

 

[Coache27]

My vote is 243. That is the caliber both of my daughters used. My second choice is 300 blackout.

hard to beat a .243 or a .25-06 for all around gun in Oklahoma

 

[NINEROUND]

.30-30 Remington managed recoil rounds should do the trick. My daughter used them to kill her last buck. I think she was around 14 at the time. Very mild recoil.

 

[SBSATS]

If you reload and already have a 06 and 30-30, simply download to a point where he can handle either one. The biggest problem is too many think you have to have 3000 fps to effectively kill a deer. The "true" secret to deer hunting is perfecting your deer hunting skills and getting closer or allowing the deer to get closer. Out of over 50 deer in my life, my longest shot was 130 yards, which more than doubled the next. 99% were under 40 yards. A 30 cal going 1800 fps will give a pass thru and good blood trail at 50 yards on a broadside shot,even with a cast bullet of 150 to 200 grs.
Just based on my experience of 50 years, the biggest problem I have seen is with fast explosive projectiles that, although they will kill, some don't pass thru, leaving a inferior blood trail. Shot placement and short distances make for consistent meat on the table.

 

[crrcboatz]

I’ve recent purchased a Howa mini-action in 7.62x39. I haven’t fired it yet (and never have an Howa), but it seems to be a quality rifle and I bet recoil would be manageable while being adequate for deer. I’ve hunted mainly with a .270 since I was in high school, recoil seems about the same as .30-06 to me.

I own one in 762x39. GREAT rifle and accurate

 

[crrcboatz]

Man I wish someone would take this rifle off my hands. 243 hammer forged barrel. Nice trigger, and Very Safe for beginning shooters.