I know I will probly get scolded, but do you think he could handle that calibur at the shooting range? If you have a disrepectful answer I will gladly report you. Thanks for your opnion! I was thinking specficly a M-1 garand.
2007-01-01 15:40:15 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
Bound's hubby here:
Yes. I have seen young teens handling the Garand (both the standard in .30-'06, and the "MkII" version in .308) over the past 18 years at the National Championships fired at Camp Perry, Ohio.
This young man should be able to handle the Garand quite well in slowfire prone, but I would expect some problems when he is shooting it in standing position, and most definitely in rapid fire events. I would suspect when he shoots the Garand "rapid fire" he will be bounced around abit from the recoil. Once he develops a strong sitting and prone position for rapid fire, and he develops a slow, steady cadence, he should do just fine!
Before someone criticizes and says there is no such thing as a MkII Garand, this was a Navy development in the 1960s, where they were developing a target rifle on the cheap for the Navy Marksmanship Unit, and they first made reduction collars to reduce existing barrel chambers to .308, then they did a contract run of .308 barrels. Also, in the 1960s, when the .30-06 was replaced by the 7.62 NATO, the Navy re-barreled M1 Garands in .308 for submarine duty! By the way, a MkII Garand shoots as well as a match grade M14/M1A.
Good luck!
2007-01-01 15:57:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Shooting is mainly to due with technique. Granted, if you are shooting a 700 nitro that has about 128 pounds per square inch recoil (if I recall correctly..I may be wrong in that one), good technique or not, it is going to hurt.
Depending on bullet weight, powder charge, and rifle weight, the 30-06 has roughly 20 lbs of recoil (http://www.chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm)
Once you hit the 20 pound mark for recoil, the recoil can become a little painful if proper technique isn't used.
If this is the first time the boy has ever shot a long gun, I would start the young man off with something different. A 243 Winchester is an excellent round that offers low recoil and can take game up to deer size without much problem (it can take game bigger than that if need be, but there are better choices). A 30-30 Win is also a great gun to start kids off with. The drawback to the 30-30 is that is is mainly a closer range weapon (though it shoots far enough to take any deer I have seen in my 17 years of deer hunting).
I could offer a ton of suggested calibers for you, but that wasn't your question.
Could a 120 pound young adult handle a 30-06? If they have some shooting experience, yes. Personally, I was shooting a 25-06 by age 7 (granted it has about 1/3 less recoil).
If they are not an experienced shooter, I'd recommend trying a different caliber first. If for some reason you can not use a different caliber first (be it money or the type of game being hunted), make sure they get some practice in first. Make sure they hold the rifle tight, use a recoil pad or two, and wear shooting safety glasses (if using a scope...not a bad habit regardless). The glasses are very important when starting with a high powered, scoped rifle. It is very easy for heavier recoiling rifles to get away from you. I've been shooting literally longer than I remember (probably 27 years or so) and I have gotten sloppy and been cut above the eye by the scope on a 30-06. I wouldn't want the young man to be turned off from shooting by a scary experience (doesn't really hurt, but it is kinds scary the first time you get blood running into your eye).
Good luck!!!
2007-01-02 08:35:13 · answer #2 · answered by Slider728 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I transitioned from a .22 to a .30-30 Model 1894 rifle (not the carbine) at 14. I turned out alright, but I know some other kids that were traumatized and sort of gave up on hunting.
If the M-1 Garand 'fits' him, that is, if he can hold it up to his shoulder without too much effort he'll probably do alright. However, why don't you let him transition to the '06 by letting him shoot something smaller with a recoil pad, say like a .243? I started my son off with a .22 then he transitioned to a .223 (Remington Model 788).
Best,
H
2007-01-02 06:19:44 · answer #3 · answered by H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure can, I would make sure you have a recoil pad of some kind.
Also be aware that they have quite a kick, so if you lay your cheek on the rifle while aiming, you could end up with a black eye. This happened to an adult friend a few years ago.
If you get a chance, try shooting a 45-70 as well. Kicks like a mule!
2007-01-02 07:56:45 · answer #4 · answered by kc_in_kc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A more important question would be: does the rifle fit him?
Also, can he handle full-power center-fire ammo?
Does he shoot rimfire rifles accurately already?
He sounds like he'd be better served with a youth rifle, or a standard rifle with a cut-down stock.
You might also want to consider an SKS, which has a shorter stock and less recoil than a M1. If he's looking to qualify for a DCM match, this is acceptable.
2007-01-01 23:59:02 · answer #5 · answered by kfyee 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, it'll probably kick you back a bit the first couple of times, but make sure your stance is firm- spread your feet and distribute the weight evenly over them.
I'm taller and weigh more, but I don't have the upper body strength myself to shoot it. Even a 9mm jumps in my hand - but I'm sure with practice, I could gain the strength to use it.
I think that's what will happen to you. Just be sure you have an experienced shooter with you - experienced with that gun, I mean.
If you're looking for a family purchase, some gun stores will let you try out the weapons on their range first. Or you could ask them if they know anyone who would allow you to use their weapon for a test run. At the shooting range, most folks are more that willing to let you try out their guns, if you ask nicely and can follow the rules of the range.
2007-01-01 23:52:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he is use to handling guns and shooting them, then i don't see any reason not to. I got a 13 yo who is 5'5" and about 125lb and he shoots my 30-06 like it is a .22 they don't have much more recoil then a 12 GA.. So put one in have him get a good shoulder and fire away... if it don't hurt him them let him do it again... he will like it and be hooked on the big rifles....
2007-01-02 00:03:40 · answer #7 · answered by turbo1060 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Another believer in censorship, eh?
I started shooting muzzle loaders, shotguns, & deer fifles atr ar4ound age 10. I was shorter & skinnier, but I managed to hit the target most of the time. Respect for safety & the weapon are the key elements.
Being disrespectful is not a reportable offense. So many jerks so badly are asking for it, so who am I to deprive them?
2007-01-01 23:47:19 · answer #8 · answered by bob h 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm 17 and weigh about 140 and shoot my '03 Springfield without a problem. I'm sure he could shoot it without it go flying, but it may kick him pretty hard if it's not held right. Tell him hold it tight and have the butt pressed firmly against his shoulder and he should be fine.
2007-01-02 00:50:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
heck yes. if hes willing. my 13 year old shoots a 20gauge full choke shotgun with slugs. kicks harder than a 30-06
2007-01-02 02:54:55 · answer #10 · answered by Kyle B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋