Best budget .243

[Steel4sam]

Im not sure your thought process on choosing a .243 for an 11 yr. old. There are a few good threads on this topic already, such as this: https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/kids-rifle-manifesto.348812/

A Tikka t3x Lite Compact .223 could be a good value starter option for a youth. The compact model will have that shorter length of pull. The .223 will have less felt recoil than a .243 to help establish foundational marksmanship fundamentals. It will be cheaper per round to get more practice repetitions in with the .223 and will be less fatiguing to the youth shooter.

The 2025 Tikka models are factory threaded, or can send an older model off at clearance price for threading and it is going to be similar total cost.

Beretta also has a $75 rebate in place until Nov 30, 2025.

Thanks for the link. That’s a great thread. I’m sorry I missed it. Appreciate everyone’s feedback!