re: Lookin to buy the lil one a deer rifle. Have a few questions...

Why did you ditch it? and whats the specs on the scope? synth stock?

Thanks guys. i currently shoot a 7mm rem mag model 700, also have a 30 06 old browning. Its an heirloom and i dont want to damage it. goin wt the ruger 7mm-08. need a smaller cal that can transition into the kids gun n 4 or 5 years IF hes ready. max shots on this lease is 150 yrds but he could still pop a mule deer at 250-300 when hes older.

post your e-mail ..Fred deleted all my messages..

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Private Message: Please exchange emails and don't propose trades on the board. Thanks Fred...Click here to remove this message.

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not sure how you would have known I had a gun to trade without posting what I did

got it..you can delete it

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I would pick the 30-30.

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This gets my vote as well. With lever-evolution ammo the old 30-30 can do a lot more than it used to. You can go with buffalo bore heavy 30-30 and kill a grizzly too.

The old girl is very versatile, yet classy.

Buy yourself whatever rifle that you've clearly already set your mind on. Then buy your child a new rifle when he's actually old enough to handle it.

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Buy a youth model with a shorter length of pull that will fit him better. When he gets older, replace the youth stock with an adult stock.

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This. But I'd also add a very nice recoil pad for him, as well.

As far as caliber, I chose a 308 Win for my son. He killed his first deer at 9 y/o w/ a 270 Win and handloaded reduced recoil loads. The next season I bought him a Savage bolt action 308 Win. I almost got a 7-08, but chose the 308 because I already had all the handloading equipment for it. He's killed a bunch of deer w/ the gun. Started out w/ my reduced recoil handloads and transitioned to full power as he got older. Now that there are factory reduced recoil loads, I'd suggest you use them. The current reduced recoil loads have similar recoil to full power 243 loads. I'm not a fan of 22 centerfires for deer hunting.

I'd also suggest that he use a "sissy" pad, ear plugs and ear muffs when practicing from the bench. His FIRST gun should be a 22LR. He'll shoot that a whole lot more than he'll ever shoot the deer rifle. There's nothing better for learning gun handling than a 22LR.

Last, be sure HE'S ready to start hunting at 6. Some kids are, but MANY aren't.

I grew up with a lever 30-30. But I'm starting to think its not the best choice for a beginner. They have to rack the lever to chamber a cartridge. Then uncock the hammer. Things could go wrong.

Just something to think about.

You could always get a gunsmith to put some sort of brake on the gun.

However, Id mirror whats already been said. 30-30 or 7mm-08.

A brake is a VERY good option that often gets overlooked.

A .270 with a brake would have negligible recoil, but the muzzle blast would be horrible. As long as you keep hearing protection around (including hunting) its a very good option. Just make sure you don't toast your 6 year old's left ear.