Updated OP ..Thinking of upgrading my 10 year old sons hunting rifle to 7mm-08

Looking at the Tika T3x Lite Compact in a 7mm-08. Anyone have this gun and happy with its performance? What ammo are you hunting with in this caliber ? He is big for his age 95lbs 4’-10”. He currently shoots 223 Ar-15. Just looking to upgrade.

Thanks for all of the suggestions and info.

The 3 position safety was an excellent point to bring up. Also wanting a gun that has the 1” spacer that you can add once he is older for the longer LOP For that reason I have narrowed it down to these two rifles

T/C Compass Compact 308
Weatherby Vanguard Compact 308

What are your thoughts on these two rifles

Go for it. Every deer/pig my oldest has taken has been with 7mm-08. Savage axis, compact. 140gr, if I recall correctly. His first was as 7 or 8 years old. He is 11 now and probably 30lbs short of your kid. Your kid will be more than okay.

My 9 year old shoots that rifle in 308 with a suppressor. We like it.

I know a lot of folks don’t agree with me, but, for kids, I prefer bolt rifles that can have the bolt manipulated with the rifle on safe. The Tikka does not allow this, fwiw. It must have the safety off to work the bolt.

My wife shoots it and uses Norma 150 like the old core lock. Does well for her

4Jr has one in Ruger American yute model.

It is the first 7-08 I’ve ever owned. I’ve killed a few deer with it myself and love the short barrel. 4Jr killed his first deer in November with the first shot he’s ever had on a deer.

I’ve also been looking for a CVA Scout in 7-08 for my youngest. When I find one, I’m buying another for me.


It’s a badass round for whitetail deer. Availability of ammo is the only concern.

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I prefer bolt rifles that can have the bolt manipulated with the rifle on safe.

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I’ve never how understood this design makes sense.

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One way it’s an advantage I’ve found is when the bolt is closed and it’s on safety, when climbing hills, mountains and walking through brush, it keeps limbs and sticks from accidentally opening the bolt.

I can see your point too though.

My wife and MIL both shoot a 7mm-08. I take my wife's from time to time (Ruger M77 Hawkeye) and love it. Killed one with it last week. Thinking about picking one up for my son soon.

There’s definitely reason to prefer an action that locks the bolt closed on safe. I just think this is not a good tradeoff for young shooters. It’s the only knock I can think of for the Tikka compact.

I’d also strongly consider the 308, due simply to ammo availability. Also, full size T3x takeoff stocks are a dime a dozen on eBay for $50-100. When the youngster outgrows the compact, put a full size stock on it. It takes all of a couple minutes. We practice with a T3x 223 in the off-season and have only one compact stock, so I move it around often.

I just picked up a t3x lite compact in 308. I’m gonna get the barrel chopped and threaded for my giant suppressor. It’s for my son eventually, that’s what I told the wife. The lack of 7mm-08 ammo and even 7mm bullets to reload is what made me go .308.

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even 7mm bullets to reload is what made me go .308.

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There's plenty of 7mm bullets to reload.