re: Need another 2 rifles (for wife)

dante,
The question of gun recommendations for wife/child always brings a lot of opinions and suggestions. The 243 is frequently suggested. Persoanlly, I'd suggest a 260 Rem, 7-08, 308 Win, 270 Win or 30-06. Depending on her stature, you may want to look at a youth rifle. Be sure the gun/stock fits HER. When shooting at the range, insist on her 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).

If the bullet weights and velocities are the same, a 270 and 30-06 will always generate more recoil than a 260, 7-08 or 308 because they require more powder. The elements in calculating recoil are bullet weight, powder charge, muzzle velocity and gun weight. Here's a Recoil calculator if you want to play around w/ the #'s.

As far as which caliber to get, it's mainly a matter of personal preference. OTOH, I would strongly recommend on using "Reduced Recoil" loads w/ whichever gun you decide on. Nothing wrong w/ the 30-30 for deer hunting, but it will limit her some w/ distant shots. If she's going to hunt inside 200 yards, the 30-30 is a fine gun.

quote:

---

If she's going to hunt inside 200 yards, the 30-30 is a fine gun.

---

The longest shot she would take is 150 max, as is the case with most of our stands. The ROW stand might allow for a 300-400 yard shot, but she would never take that shot......hell she couldn't even see a deer that far off.

.270 is much more versatile and does everything you'll need. Diversity in a rifle portfolio is a good thing, not a bad thing. who cares if it's another bullet to buy.

Browning X-Bolt Micro Hunter in a 7mm-08.

/thread

Thanks for everybody's input....gave me a lot to think about. I don't think I could go wrong with any of those suggestions.

quote:

---

The longest shot she would take is 150 max, as is the case with most of our stands.

---

Get any of the aforementioned cartridges and load it w/ reduced recoil ammo and she'll be good to go. For example, a 125 gr 30-06 or 308 Win managed recoil load has a muzzle velocity of 2660 fps. Sighted dead on at 150 yards it will be 1" high at 100 yards and 3" low at 200 yards. Once she's comfortable w/ the managed recoil load, move her up to full power and expand her range (even she wants to).
Remington Managed Recoil Loads

Personally, I don't worry about recoil. OTOH, I have seen it have a LOT of effect on a number of shooters, especially beginning shooters. Sure, the shooter won't notice the recoil while taking a shot at game, but if they develop a flinch while sighting in or practicing, they'll flinch while deer hunting......and the only thing they may notice is a shot that's not placed where they meant for it to be. It's a lot easier to deal w/ avoiding a flinch than it is to break a flinch.