Need some input on first hunting rifle for my son.

[GaMudd]

Hey folks,

My son has been bugging me to go deer hunting for the last couple of years, but I don't hunt. A couple of guys at work that offered to take him and he turns 16 right after Christmas so I'm thinking about getting him his own rifle and I need suggestions. Can I get some suggestions on a reasonable, quality gun that will last him? Caliber? Scope/no scope? Anything else I need to consider?
Thanks in advance.

 

[SlowMotion]

What is your price range?

 

[XSmojo]

I did this a few years back and went with a .243. It has a scope but not a fancy one. you can get a new Savage for $300 or so if they stil have the rebate. I would look for something on here that is gently used. Iron sights or optics really depend on the model but just iron would be fine.

 

[MRH]

You're going to be more confused after everyone answers.

Tons of great options that are affordable these days. I would go with an optic. Calibers, makes and models are all very debatable, as I'm sure you will find out here, so I will give you my best advice and tell you that I would stick with a caliber that is common (easily found) and affordable (not all of them are)...270, .30/06, .308, .243, 30/30, etc...

Good luck.

 

[watchingtrace]

nothing larger than 243, id actually put him in a 223. id rather have a kid confident and dead on target with a 223 than a kid with a high recoil deer rifle yankin the trigger,missing the shot,getting scope eye, and having a bad expierence.



25 if your on a super tight budget

12 would be my choice

 

[MRH]

nothing larger than 243, id actually put him in a 223. id rather have a kid confident and dead on target with a 223 than a kid with a high recoil deer rifle yankin the trigger,missing the shot,getting scope eye, and having a bad expierence.



25 if your on a super tight budget

12 would be my choice

His son is 16 years old...

 

[watchingtrace]

the the savage xp model that comes with the scope aould be a great pick as well.the weavers actually have purdy decent clarity/pop when ya look through them. i got one on a lil 22

 

[watchingtrace]

His son is 16 years old...

how many grown men have i seen with BAD fundamentals because of this?.......ALOT!

 

[MRH]

how many grown men have i seen with BAD fundamentals because of this?.......ALOT!

I wouldn't call them men, but yeah, you're probably right.

 

[IceColdEric]

I think it depends on your sons comfort and familiarity with rifles. If he is comfortable and has done some shooting I would lean toward something in the 308 or .270 caliber. If not, maybe .243? Remington, Winchester, Savage all make good rifles just depends on your budget at this point. For my personal deer rifles I want a quality rifle that shoots true, however I do not want something fancy because it will get the hell beat out of it over the years tracking through the woods!