Hello.

My daughter (14 Year Old) is showing some interest in deer hunting with me.

I've gone since I was a kid but have only bagged one deer, which was a couple years ago and have not hunted much since.

Figure this would be a good way to get back into it myself and have some great bonding time as well.

Looking for something on the cheaper spectrum in case she does not quite enjoy it as much as she thinks she will. But something that wont leave her frustrated either. Not a lot of money to spend... so trying to keep it sub $400 if possible for a rifle/scope combo.

Savage Axis (II?) Youth is one of the best fits I've seen out there so far for quality/price. I have a Savage 116 and it is super accurate and just shoots nice. Have always liked Savage out of the box quality and accuracy.

But seem to see mixed reviews on these lower end Axis models though. Price is right for around $370 ish for the package with the scope. But no one seems to have them in stock.

Was looking at either .243 or 7mm-08.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

Greatly appreciate it!

20 gauge shotgun, then take her bird hunting also

quote:

Originally posted by DSgrouse:
20 gauge shotgun, then take her bird hunting also

I respectfully disagree. I wouldn't hinder her by giving her a weapon that is limited. But I totally agree on taking her bird hunting, also.

On the cheap end, check out an NEF Handi Rifle or some other single shot in .243 Win. Or she can probably shoot managed recoil loads in 270 or 3006.

Stock fit will be key, specifically LOP. And make sure she has a good rest.

Used guns are always a good idea, too. If you get a decent used gun you get a lot of value and you keep good resale if she doesn't like hunting enough to keep after it. If you buy a budget rifle, it is harder to get any money out of it later, in my experience. I think if you can stretch it to $500 you open up your options more on a decent used rifle/scope.

Buds has 5 Savage Axis models with scopes in .243 in stock from $290 to $404.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/ca...00606/sort/price-asc

You might find Savage Axis rifles hard to find cause they are very popular. Savage has a reputation for accuracy.

Model 7 in .260

IMO for your intended purpose you're not going to go wrong with a Savage. My 10FP in .223 is amazingly accurate for what I paid. Just make sure that whatever you get fits her...my kids have struggled some with stocks with too long a LOP.

+1 on .243. It’s a good flat shooting round with minimal recoil. Add a Limbsaver butt pad to whatever you get and she’ll do fine.

Tikka T3 or the new Weatherby Vanguards are both really nice rifles for the price.

I agree with the 243. Low recoil, plenty powerful enough for deer, and the ammo is easy to find. As far as what rifle, I'd take her to a gunshop and let her handle a few to find one that fit her frame size.

I have a Savage Axis Compact in 223 for my kids. Accurate rifle, but opt for the Axis II so you get the accutrigger. I've spent plenty of time and effort getting the stock trigger to not suck.

My 9 year old son and 11 year old daughter both took deer last fall with a Savage Axis II compact in 7mm-08.
Neither are large kids, but the recoil didn't bother either of them. A set of shooting sticks made it very manageable for them.
I would also agree with letting her handle a few rifles and see what fits her the best.

i love the Remington 788. They are not as easy to find anymore. But they exist. Also a piece of history. Something that maybe she would hold on too for her own youngsters if they come down the road. They are fantastic shooters and a great piece of Remington's history.
The funny part of the story is that Remington introduced them as a cheap option to their vaunted 700. Turned out to be a better rifle
A .243win would be prefect for her.

Awesome! Great suggestions. Thank you!

Im seeing a lot more in stock that is not the youth models. I will definitely let her feel some rifles, but how critical would that be youth vs non? Seems only a 2" difference from what I can tell?

.243 is great. Take a look at the Ruger American. Nicely made and great reputation for accuracy.

I would not worry about purchasing a "youth" model. Not necessary at her age imho.

I went with a .270 when I was in your position.

I figured I could get a load light enough to practice with and hunt with until my daughter became confident enough to shoot 150gr rounds.

Interesting thread. I would certainly consider a Savage, but one with the Accutrigger. Is that a model 110? Can't remember. Or the Ruger American for about the same money.

I expected to see a bunch of recommendations for the 6.5 calibers in this thread. Why is the Creedmoor/260 Rem/6.5x47 so highly recommended for target shooting, but then forgotten as a hunting cartridge? Certainly anything a 6mm could do, a 6.5 could also do a little better with no more recoil that a 243. It seems like a 6.5 Creedmoor would make a nice youth starter hunting round.

It seems like the gun and pawn stores around here are filthy with .243 long guns of every type. It is the perfect starter gun for deer for any age.

I just read like two days ago where someone bought the rifle from whomever, then called the manufacturer and purchased a youth stock for it. (but I don't recall if it was Ruger or Savage) Then they had the full size stock for the kid to grow into, or lose interest and resell.

quote:

Originally posted by lude4life:
Awesome! Great suggestions. Thank you!

Im seeing a lot more in stock that is not the youth models. I will definitely let her feel some rifles, but how critical would that be youth vs non? Seems only a 2" difference from what I can tell?

Depends on how tall and strong she is.

Shooting a poorly fitting rifle is extremely frustrating.

My dad bought my sister a synthetic Savage Axis in 243, package deal that had a scope on it as well.

He ended up replacing the trigger, as it was immensely heavy.
I believe the Axis II has the adjustable trigger.

If budget permits, a Tikka would be a great one as well, love mine in 270.