WTB 6 Arc Howa mini or other mild 6mm bolt gun

[eric1115]

Looking to pick up a "first deer rifle." My oldest started with a 7mm-08, and now 12 he shoots that well with 120 grainers. In hindsight, something milder would have been a better starting point.

Daughter turns 10 this summer, and has been shooting a bunch of rimfire and .223 AR stuff for the past couple of years. I think I want to get a dedicated "first couple years" rifle, as we have 4 more younger than her that will need something also. Assuming they each decide to stay with it we can figure a longer term rifle out when they are 12-13 and next youngest sibling is ready to start.

All that is to say, I think a compact, light-ish, mild 6mm (BR? Dasher? maybe a 6 Creed?) seems like a perfect option for this. .223 is a consideration with the TMK performance, as is a 6.5 Grendel. I hand load, so no need for factory ammo availability. Elk are on the menu, but it will be mostly used for mule deer and pronghorn. Adjustable LOP would be a bonus, but not necessary. Money is tight-ish (kid #6 just arrived last summer), but I do see this as an investment in getting a clan of hunters off on the right foot.

Apologies for the most vague and open ended WTB ad ever, but if you've got something that fits the category I would love to hear from you!

 

[hereinaz]

I have the exact gun you'd want... but it's not for sale. Had my smith build a 6BRA in a Howa Mini with a CF barrel. I love it. I haven't seen a lot of people build off the mini in 6mm stuff.

IMO, the way to go is with a .223 Howa Mini and pop it in a Boyds with adjustable butt and run the 77 TMK or other tipped bullet. https://www.rokslide.com/forums/threads/223-for-bear-deer-elk-and-moose.130488/
When I was buying, they seemed to pop up on Gunbroker if you don't find something here.

 

[Cdpp880]

I am wanting the same thing for my kids. I have 2 243 and they are both a little too much for my kids right now. If I could find a Howa mini in 6mm arc I would grab one. Good luck on your search.

 

[AKredneck63]

Pm sent

 

[mfernaz]

I talked to Howa today wanting the same rifle, the gentleman said if you don't have one order it'll be over a year before you see it. Good luck with search.

 

[hereinaz]

If you find a beat up 6.5 Grendel Mini Howa And know someone who can help you swap a barrel and check headspace, I will send you a 65 Grendel barrel for the cost of shipping.