Kids rifle manifesto

Hi M1 and Flatland

Here's a summary of parts/considerations/responses:
  • Have done the 700 clone way (Krieger 7 twist, long throat, spendy) and the Tikka way (8 twist, factory chamber length) - both are excellent, Tikka costs a lot less
  • Tikka started as a Compact for $659, then able to net $140 after selling the stock
  • Cut the barrel from 20 to 17 inches, thread 5/8x24 w/shoulder (ADCO in Ohio)
  • Chassis is LSS Gen 3 w/interface for carbine tube
  • Adds are thumb shelf, MDT M-lok poly bipod (great for this set up!), MDT grip
  • Cerakote air cure paint on metal
  • Buttstock is Magpul CTR because it locks secure (no wiggle or rattle) and can add comb risers
  • 11" LOP is very short - in my head might say that if a kid is less than 11" LOP, then too young/little to be shooting a centerfire
  • Sportsmatch medium rings
  • 6X super sniper is best of eye box/reticle/FOV + any brain adapts very easily, eliminates zoom in/out variable
  • No bedding needed so chassis and barreled action are all interchangeable
  • Total weight of set up is #8 - kids will shoot #8 better and more confident/less fear aversion than #6 while able to carry
Note that this is all just something I arrived at after years of shooting with my kids/friends' kids. Going the Tikka factory route is a bit smarter. Only thing I'd change would be in favor of Tikka stainless barrel (if were offered).

Hope this helps! :)

I have a MKM adaptive grip with an integrated thumb shelf on my other kid chassis. The front of the MKM grip allows the trigger hand fingers to rest vertically behind the trigger guard. Check that out and let me know if it helps answer your question.
I was thinking of the same setup, repurposing a Bergara premier action into an lss chassis. Did you find the vertical grip better for your kids?
 
I was thinking of the same setup, repurposing a Bergara premier action into an lss chassis. Did you find the vertical grip better for your kids?
The MK has the thumb shelf on the grip so more suitable for smaller hands. Either way, kids adapt. I favor that a beginner have vertical cuz there’s more focus on trigger sensing and less tendency to grip and torque.
 
The MK has the thumb shelf on the grip so more suitable for smaller hands. Either way, kids adapt. I favor that a beginner have vertical cuz there’s more focus on trigger sensing and less tendency to grip and torque.
Appreciate the advise. Will go vertical.

It’s should be around 8# in 6.5cm, so thinking that paired with a light recoil load, suppressed and should be good to go.
 
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