Overthinking kids first rifle; .223 or bigger is better

[hereinaz]

A Howa Mini in .223 is a nicely sized rifle for kids. And, they get to learn how to run the bolt at the same time.

 

[gbflyer]

Going through this right now and I would say consider the kids size and personality that's going to be shooting it. Borrow a friend's rifle in different caliber and let the kid try it.

I bought a cva hunter in 243. I have 3 boys shooting it ages 11, 10 and 8 all hunting for the first time this year with it. All three kids are small for thier age. Doesn't seem to be a problem for the younger 2. The oldest is recoil shy. He had an opportunity to kill a buck and didn't want to squeeze the trigger because of the kick. Same day my 10 year old put a perfect shot on a doe at 80 yards.

I may be borrowing a friend's 223 to let him get some more range time. And see if it's more manageable for him.

This is true. I’ve said it here before…built my youngest son a sweet custom 6.5 Creed with a spacer system to grow into. He liked the Rossi lever gun .357 mag better

 

[Bert01]

I just started my 9 yo daughter on a 223 bolt this year. Silenced and a cut down Tupperware stock that I painted pink for her, she shot her first deer Saturday at 150yds. Go with the 223 so that they will shoot it. Getting them shooting and not scared of it or the recoil is key. Once they can shoot, either see how they do with 223 or borrow a larger caliber for them to try.