What is the best deer rifle for a 12 year old?

Question

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Answer 1

Bound's hubby here:

It would really depend on two factors ... the 12 year old's size and the type of area where he/she would be hunting. Not knowing either, I would suggest either a Winchester 94 in .30-30 or a Remington Model 7 in 243 Winchester.

Answer 2

A youth rifle in .243 Winchester would be a great choice. A .223 Remington is considered too light for deer by most hunters but it would be fine for a smaller child that might have trouble handling the recoil. Just choose a premium bullet that holds together well. If the child is bigger, I'd consider a 7mm-08. Importantly, make the sure the stock fits him or her. I wouldn't recommend a .30-30 because most are lever actions with a hammer safety and I'd be concerned with their ability to use it properly when there is a deer in front of them.

Answer 3

I started out on the Marlin 336C lever action .30-30, but teach him its limitations, 150 yards.

Otherwise a .30/06 would be a good rifle if it is longer shots. Get one that is heavier or has a muzzle break and it shouldn't kick too much. I am a small frame, 5'4" and my enfield wwI U.S. 30/06 doesn't kick too much, actually hardly at all, because of its weight at 11lbs, I think. Anyways the dad usually ends up carrying the gun anyways. Otherwise Browning A-bolts are really light and have muzzle break to stop recoil. Make sure no one is to the side of him, bad for the hearing. Instruct him to sit down or go prone before taking shots. Maybe against a tree. Kneeling or standing won't be that bad if he stands right. Most 12 year olds will handle an 06, I did and I am small. Getting a .243 or light caliber is difficult because you will need to purchase another gun later on, or if it is only deer than you can get away with a .243 but the wind blows the bullets and they are lighter so you have to make a good shot on deer, which beginners might miss and then you will have to track it for awhile. The .30/06 doesn't have magical knockdown power and is harder at long range but taking him to the range will fix that and it can be used for tons of species. Elk, mule deer, deer, antelope, bear, moose, and African species.

Answer 4

I'd opt for a .243 or a 30-30 for a 12 year old depending on the terrain and whats legal in your area. Personally I'd look at the NEF Handi-rifles, Marlins (lever actions) or the lightweight bolt guns made by savage/stevens, remington, ruger, etc. for the .243. Don't skimp on the scope either. Good optics are as important as the firearm.

Answer 5

My son is 13 and three years ago I bought him a model 740 remington in .243 caliber. He has gotten at least one deer each year since and harvested 4 deer last year. The .243 is a flat shooting rifle with little recoil and is a perfect gun to hone the markmanship skills of a young hunter or a small hunter.

Answer 6

for a beginners deer rifle i would have a suggestion, Mossberg just came out with a rifle called the 100 ATR, it is a nice rifle and is right around $300, compared to almost twice that for Remington, Ruger, and others, it comes in 4 calibers, .243, .308, .270, and .30-06, for a youth i would go with the .243 or the .308, both will have smaller recoil than the .30-06 or the .270, they sell them at most Sporting goods stores, and used to sell them at Wal-Mart, i got one last year in .30-06 and it is one of the most accurate rifles i have ever shot,

Answer 7

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RE:
What is the best deer rifle for a 12 year old?
add sources if u have any

Answer 8

Lighter the better for the little guy. 30-30 is always a good starter. Check where you are. My state doesn't allow you to hunt with a .22-250 or a .223 for whitetail and unless you're sure you'll hit 100% vitals or get a head/spine shot, you shouldn't be using that gun for deer anyway. Especially a 12 year old.

Answer 9

Any rifle that is legal for deer that the kid can shoot well, that is the best rifle. Then be sure the kid knows the limitations when shooting at deer. If they are shooting a 30-30, don't let them take a 300 yd shot.

Answer 10

My sons and nephews all started out with a 30-30 and .243. when they were 9 yrs. old. The 30-30 will kick a bit more than the .243, but not bad enough to scare them from shooting again.