Overthinking kids first rifle; .223 or bigger is better

[TechsanHunter]

I have a 10 year old kid who wants a rifle to mainly hunt deer and targets within 150 yards. They are small and left handed. My thought was to start them with a LH tikka in .223. BUT all of the smaller caliber thought is predicated on good shot placement and how a lower recoiling rifle enables accuracy. This kid will be learning to shoot, so won’t be threading needles for a while no matter the caliber. Would a .243 be a bit more forgiving on game animals for a beginner? Still seems like manageable recoil. Or- will even a beginner be a better beginning shooter with a smaller caliber?

 

[Ranger 692]

My kids started with .223. Perfect. 77tmk makes it forgiving haha

 

[Marbles]

No, a 243 will not be meaningfully more forgiving. Still mist hit the boiler room or central control center.

 

[Kaleb]

Lots of ways to skin cats but a tikka 22lr and 223 with the same scopes is a pretty good combo for kids. Suppressed is even better. Has worked well for us.

 

[Steve300xcw]

You'll never hear me say anything bad about a 243.

223 is less recoil and a lot cheaper to shoot. It WILL get shot more..............

 

[voltage]

999/1000 of equal shot placements will result in the same outcome between a 223 and 243. Instill good habits and go with a suppressed Tikka in 223.

 

[wesfromky]

I have a 10 year old kid who wants a rifle to mainly hunt deer and targets within 150 yards. They are small and left handed. My thought was to start them with a LH tikka in .223. BUT all of the smaller caliber thought is predicated on good shot placement and how a lower recoiling rifle enables accuracy. This kid will be learning to shoot, so won’t be threading needles for a while no matter the caliber. Would a .243 be a bit more forgiving on game animals for a beginner? Still seems like manageable recoil. Or- will even a beginner be a better beginning shooter with a smaller caliber?

I feel like a bot because of how often I drop this link into kids rifle threads, but it is worth reading if you haven't yet. And then read the .223 for everything thread to quash any doubts about with it can do with the right ammo.

E

Thread 'Kids rifle manifesto'

Feb 24, 2024

I've chimed in on so many different "what rifle for my age XX kid?" threads that I thought I'd try to consolidate my thoughts here.

My oldest son is 14 now, started shooting centerfire rifles at 9. My younger kids started shooting centerfire rifles at between 5-7 yrs old. 5 kids shooting now, and a bunch of their friends that I have been involved or around as they learn to shoot. probably 20-ish kids? Here's what I've learned in the last 5-6 years.

Recoil matters, a lot. "Handles it pretty well" is way way different from "ideal for building skills as a rifleman." My oldest loves to...

• eric1115
• Replies: 237
• Forum: Firearms

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[gbflyer]

I have a Savage Axis Pro 2 Lefty Compact in 6 ARC inbound for a friend of mines kid then we’ll pass it along to grandkids etc. I’ll have a report this week hopefully. I have the 108gr ELDm factory ammo to try in it. We may get a deer or two in yet, got another month to go.


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[Scoutfan]

223 all the way. Just make sure and use the right bullet for hunting.

 

[Nine Banger]

Even the difference to a kid between 223 and 22-250/22creed is profound.

Get the LH 223.