2007-09-08 15:57:53 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
I reccommend that you start hunting with a rifle. Why is say this is you have better trajectory, more caliber choices, and can shoot at game at longer distances. The three best beginners cartridges ( according to Craig Boddington, a big outdoor and firearms writer ) are, the .260 Remington, .308 Remington, and the 7mm-08 Remington.
2007-09-08 16:29:33 · answer #1 · answered by T.Long 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
If you live in a state that permits rifles for deer hunting, I agree that a rifle would be a better choice, but I don't agree with Boddington. I think either an H&R 1871 Handi-Rifle in .30-30 WCF or a Marlin M-336 in .30-30 WCF would be a better choice. Both would be easy to have the stock cut down to fit the youngester.
In shotguns, a 12 gauge would be best, though it has more recoil. I suggest you stay away from semi-automatics and go with either a single-shot such a an H&R Topper, or a pump such as a Mossberg M-500 or a Remington M-870. These can be had in either 12 gauge, or 20 gauge.
As I said, a 12 gauge will be the best choice, but if you opt for a lighter kicking shotgun, a 20 gauge can get the job done.
Doc
2007-09-08 17:39:55 · answer #2 · answered by Doc Hudson 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A 12 gauge is absolutely the only way to go if you plan on taking a deer with a shotgun. That being said, there are easier ways to get a kid into hunting without him or her having a bruised shoulder and a bad taste in their mouth. Start out with a lighter rifle round. There are many rifle options that are small enough for a 12 year to handle easily and not have to worry about kick. Plus if you put a muzzle break on the barrel it will significantly reduce recoil and make your kid's life a bit easier. Whatever choice you make consult the kid, ask him or her what they would rather shoot and see what they say. Make sure they understand what the consequences of the choice are and if they want to go big and toughen up, so be it I guess. As long as the kid can shoot it safely and enjoys the entire experience, you both come out winning.
2007-09-09 04:19:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've seen a 4-10 loaded with slug take down deer before, I used to hunt with a 4-10 side-by-side and it worked like a charm. But then again I was 8. A 20 gauge would work, but then again might as well go with a 12, get a semi auto to suck up the recoil, but only load 1 shell in at a time so he doesn't go heavy on the trigger. hit range (or anyplace that you can shoot a few) and let him get the hang of shooting off rounds, so he knows what to expect and how to aim to hit the deer. shotguns are better for beginners because theres less chance of just 1 pellet wounding the deer so you're tracking it for (or you never find it and it dies in severe pain) and the pellets won't travel forever and kill some kid the next town over cause your kid got excited and while he was bringing the rifle to bear squeezed one off early.
plus with the 12 gauge semi he can grow into it, its more versatile and will last him his whole life instead of being something that sits in the closet after he gets a 12 gauge later in life. I'd save the rifles for later in life, a good range and lots of adult supervision.
2007-09-09 05:03:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
12 is pretty close to being full grown physically, so I would buy him the 12 gauge, as it will be more versatile throughout his life. I got my first shotgun around that age.. and I'm glad it was a 12 gauge, as I wouldn't be using a 20 today. There are many different slug loads.. so he could start off with some lighter ammo and a heavy recoil pad if need be.
2007-09-08 21:09:20 · answer #5 · answered by JB 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it is just a guess but do you live in IL if you do then a 20 gauge is the smallest you can use.
I would go with the 20 gauge because with the newer sabot slugs the difference between a 20 and 12 gauge is smaller and kicks a little less but this only matters in target practice as you won't feel the recoil shooting at a deer.
also you can use a muzzle loader during regular and muzzle loader deer season in IL so that is an option as well
2007-09-08 17:34:46 · answer #6 · answered by crazy_devil_dan 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The 20 Gauge is your best choice because it is more than capable of harvesting Deer.* Moderate recoil, very popular with Hunters and Sportsman.* He can always trade it in on a 12 Gauge later on if he so desires.* I myself prefer the 20 Gauge to hunt Deer and Rabbits, Pheasants, Grouse, Woodcock, Doves,Crows, Squirrels.* It doesn't blow the game to pieces or destroy the animal for eating like the 12 Gauge does.*
2007-09-09 04:43:50 · answer #7 · answered by dca2003311@yahoo.com 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
20 GA is the best shotgun for a 12 yr old......but I do not think I would take a deer with it....
Depending on what area you are in and your laws..
Go with a 243 rifle if you can......
2007-09-08 19:26:14 · answer #8 · answered by j d 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No less than a 12 guage for deer hunting.
2007-09-08 16:32:52 · answer #9 · answered by evo741hpr3 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋
12 gauge may be a little hard for him to handle. .410 with rifled slugs, the kid can handle.
2007-09-09 05:56:39 · answer #10 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋