Rifle for 13 & 11 year old - Update page 5

7mm-08 is what my 11 year old shoots.

Savage Axis II XP 7mm-08

LINK

They make a youth model but it is not available with the acutrigger and the trigger pull is pretty heavy on the youth model.

I think I was about 11 or 12 when my dad got me my 30-06. I still have it to this day and it shoots like a dream. Remington 700. I had replace the trigger, but that it.

My wife shoots a 25-06, and she loves it. Sweet shooting little gun.

Some good advice already given in here. Don’t get a 6.5 creed and I say that as an owner of one. It’s a really popular round right now but mostly because of long range shooting, ammo is a bit harder to find off the shelf and it’s always going to be more expensive.

Stick with a traditional caliber and don’t be afraid of getting something that might be just a bit too big for them at current age, they will grow into it and you can usually buy recoil reduced rounds.

I’d look at .243, .308, 7mm-08, or a .270

Any of the big brand names will serve you well: browning, savage, Remington, Ruger, etc.

How far will they be shooting? Mine use an old Marlin 30-30 that has worked wonders but they're a little younger than yours. Its compact and has little recoil.
Like others have said, a .308, 7mm-08 or .270 should be fine for them.

If you’re leaning 6.5 but like 308 you can marry those two and get a .260 Remington. But I’d only advise that if you handload ammo.

I like 308, 30-06, or 270 for ease of finding ammo and the range of choices. I agree with others to start with reduced recoil then let them use the rifle for a lifetime.

.223

Henry 30-30

LSUDAN1,
Congratulations on being involved w/ your sons. I'm sure you'll have innumerable fond memories as I do from hunting w/ my son.

The question of gun recommendations for newbie hunter always brings a lot of opinions and suggestions. For AR guys, I'd suggest the 6.5 Grendel or 300 Blackout. In bolt guns I'd personally, I'd suggest a 260 Rem, 7-08, 308 Win, 270 Win or 30-06. The 6.5 Creedmore will work too, but be aware ahead of time re: local availability of ammo. My local ammo doesn't carry the CM nor the 7-08. In addition, I don't think the CM has reduced recoil loads yet. A few have already mentioned using reduced recoil/managed recoil loads and I agree. A reduced recoil 308 Win load actually has less recoil than a full power 243. W/ equal bullet weights, a short action round like the 308 Win will always recoil less than a similar long action round, like the 30-06, because the short round uses less powder. You may want to look at a youth rifle. Be sure the gun/stock fits your son(s). Some gun makers, e.g Mossberg, make a youth rifle that has an adjustable length of pull by means of different thicknesses of the butt pad. If you get a regular youth rifle that can't be adjusted you can always later buy an adult stock as your son grows. Or you could add the the length of pull using a slip on recoil pad. The Axis looks to be a good gun. The only Mossberg bolt action I shot was very accurate. I have a Marlin bolt action that's also very inexpensive. When shooting at the range, insist on them using both the foam ear plugs and ear muffs. Consider using a "sissy pad" (small sand bag between shoulder and recoil pad) at the range. Be sure the gun has a nice recoil pad (Limbsaver or Kick Eez are two than come to mind).

When my son was 10 years old I was faced w/ the same decision as you. I bought him a Savage bolt action (w/ the scope included) in 308 Win. I almost went w/ the 7-08, but this was before factory reduced recoil loads. I planned on making my own reduced loads and already had everything to do so w/ the 308. OTOH, fast forward 15 years later and I now have a 7-08 handgun. Last fall I bought a Thompson/Center Compass in 7-08 for a "grand child's" deer rifle.

Keep us updated. Enjoy your experiences w/ your sons.

Remington Model 7 in .308 is my go to rifle and I still use it most hunts. I’ve had it for 20 years and like it for its versatility. Got my wife a Ruger M77 continental in .257 Roberts I detach the scope and carry it on rainy days it has been a great gun.

.25-06, .243 will kill deer all day every day.