Sons first deer rifle - looking for advice

**fencer** · 08-22-2012, 08:43 PM

So my son has wanted to go deer hunting for a while now. A couple of weeks ago my sister and her husband were up visiting from Georgia. They are both avid hunters and hunt on private land in Georgia, but also hunt a lot in Texas and Mexico. My brother in law is a great guy and has been hunting all his life, more than 35 years.

My son told them how much he wanted to go hunting and they said that they would love to take him. I really didn't think they were serious because of the expense. Well, a couple of days ago they called me and told me that they had booked a trip to Texas.

My wife and i talked about it and we would really like to buy my son his first deer rifle. He has fired my center fire rifles but they are in 308 and 30-30 and although he shoots often, the recoil is a bit much for him. He is almost 12, about 5'4" tall and 150lbs.

I am leaning towards a Savage Trophy Hunter XP chambered in 270. My total budget for rifle/scope/ accessories is about $1000. I have also budgeted about $500 for gear. I would really appreciate advice from the experienced hunters on the forum about rifles, calibers and any must have gear. I have not hunted in years and actually the last time i went was with my BIL 15 years ago and I took a beautiful 10 pointer.

I'd really like to buy him a rifle that he will want to keep for life and maybe someday give to his son to take his first deer. Am I making a mistake with the Savage? Should I suck it up and buy better scope? I have a Remington 700 myself and it is a very accurate rifle. I am very interested in members thoughts and advice. Thanks in advance.

**NHAtHeart** · 08-22-2012, 08:48 PM

Older Winchester Model 70 featherweight made in Conn. chambered in .270 with a stainless barrel and receiver.

It'll cost you a decent amount, probably $700-$800 for the rifle but it will take down anything from coyote to moose and will last his whole life.

I have a Ruger Mk77 in .270 that runs well but it has a terrible trigger, the older 70's have an amazing trigger and action.

My $.02

**strangenh** · 08-22-2012, 08:59 PM

Wait a sec... It sounds like you're thinking a 30-30 has more recoil than a .270? A .270 has way more punch than a 30-30. Other than that, high end glass is really not a monster issue at 100Y, just be sure it will stand up to abuse, keep zero, and have forgiving eye relief.

**shotgunwilly870** · 08-22-2012, 09:01 PM

I inherited my grandfathers Winchester model 100 it's a .308 and doesn't kick that bad besides he should only need one shot.

**Realtor MA** · 08-22-2012, 09:03 PM

25-06

**dixidawg** · 08-22-2012, 09:11 PM

Originally Posted by strangenh

Wait a sec... It sounds like you're thinking a 30-30 has more recoil than a .270? A .270 has way more punch than a 30-30. Other than that, high end glass is really not a monster issue at 100Y, just be sure it will stand up to abuse, keep zero, and have forgiving eye relief.

This. I would say a .243 or a .25-06 in a quality bolt gun. (Rem, Win, Savage, Ruger and others)

**fencer** · 08-22-2012, 09:14 PM

Originally Posted by shotgunwilly870

I inherited my grandfathers Winchester model 100 it's a .308 and doesn't kick that bad besides he should only need one shot.

Yeah, but I want him to get in a month or so of range trips with the rifle to get familiar with his rifle.

Should I consider a different caliber? Is 223 to light for deer? How does the 25-06 compare?

**[cerberus]** · 08-22-2012, 09:20 PM

I woule look into H&R single shot in 25-06. I have always been of the mind that if somone has one shot they will make the best of it. Plus they shoot really well, and are not that exspensive. I bought my dad one while I worked at KTP a long time ago. Add a cheap Bushnell 3-9 and you are in buisness, I would have no issues taking that deer hunting.

http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Rifles/hunter.asp (the ultra hunter rifle)
http://www.bushnell.com/products/sco...banner/713947/

I am not sure what type of hunting he will be doing, but I LOVE lever actions with ghost ring sights for hunting rifles. They are simple, rugged, and good for the Maine woods where I hunt, since nothing is past 50 yards unless you are in a tree stand on a field. I know a few people who use 44 mag lever guns to hunt deer with and have had no issues.

**strangenh** · 08-22-2012, 09:21 PM

.223 is borderline. It's pretty potent but it doesn't always do the right thing on impact (and delivers way less energy than even 30-30). .243 is great for deer. But so is 30-30. Honestly, .30-30 is among the mildest that's been listed (even .243 is punchier). Either .243 or .30-30 is fine and either should feel pretty reasonable at the shoulder.

**strangenh** · 08-22-2012, 09:24 PM

I should add that in some states .223 is not legal for hunting deer. Not sure about MA. Someone will chime in about that no doubt. :)

Sons first deer rifle - looking for advice

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