Son's first rifle

[Burnt Reynolds]

My son will be turning 10 in February, and I am totally stumped as to what rifle I want to get him. Something cerakote or stainless to better endure wet coastal hunts here in Oregon, something classic/robust that won't just be a throw-away gun after 10 years of use. Ideally, it's threaded for a future can and either has a built-in rail for an Atlas bipod or can easily accommodate the addition of a rail.

His background: a little over 4' tall, about 100 lbs., strong and an athlete. Works on our property, hikes, shoots a 20g mossberg youth pump and CZ 20g semi-auto at clays, turkeys, starlings...he also rocks a CZ 22lr bolt gun with one of my rimfire cans and has decimated the gray digger population. In other words, for his age he's pretty well versed with firearms. This last deer season he hunted with my suppressed Ruger American 223. He shoots it really well, but I want to get him something that's his and he can legally use for larger game (elk). Moreover, I want it chambered in something that will increase his range/confidence on our steel plate range on the farm as his body of experience expands. A youth size stock with a 12.5" LOP +/- is key, but like his CZ 22, I want to be able to easily replace the stock in a few years after he's grown. Or add spacers.

I have been reading and reading about updated twist 243's, 6.5's, 270's, 7mm08, 308's and more and would be fine with any of these chamberings. I tend to prefer legacy chamberings myself (I own several 223's, a 270, a 30-06, 7mm RM) and don't really want to dive into a 6.8w or the like for him. 6.5 creedmore/prc is on the table, however. Optic will be probably a NF SHV 3-10 or comparable Trijicon.

He's had months where he's gone through 1k + rounds amongst the several firearms he shoots, but with a dedicated hunting bolt gun will probably mirror my firing schedule which is anywhere from zero to 100+ rounds monthly so factory ammo availability then cost is somewhat of a consideration.

How he rolls: never a single complaint out hunting despite cold, wet, blisters, heat, bugs, snow etc...his bino's crapped out on our last hunt when the focus wheel unscrewed itself. I handed him my back up Swaro 8x30's and he was like "oh man, these are nice! I can see everything..." lol. Turns out his young eyes became eagle eyes with the proper tool - in other words, I want him to have kit that won't limit his confidence and thusly his passionate involvement on our hunts.

Preferences are hinged bottom metal, weatherproof finish, pedigree of accuracy, good aftermarket, threaded barrel, good factory trigger or easily replaced, 18-22' factory barrel. Budget is $1k'ish for the gun by itself.

Tikka youth = not stainless/cerakote
Browning youth = not stainless/cerakote
Winchester youth = not stainless/cerakote
Bergara Stoke = contender
Ruger Compact = not stainless/cerakote
Ruger American Gen II = contender (but kinda ugly imho)
Howa = IDK, haven't really investigated

Pretty sure I've left out or overlooked different manufacturers. Input is requested!

Wildcard: my buddy has a low mileage Browning Hells Canyon 270 that he'll gift him but I'm having trouble finding an aftermarket stock with the correct LOP that's worth a crap. Likely my GoogleFu is bad, and I should feel bad.

 

[Encore4me]

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1071163341

There are other calibers available too.


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[eric1115]

My son will be turning 10 in February, and I am totally stumped as to what rifle I want to get him. Something cerakote or stainless to better endure wet coastal hunts here in Oregon, something classic/robust that won't just be a throw-away gun after 10 years of use. Ideally, it's threaded for a future can and either has a built-in rail for an Atlas bipod or can easily accommodate the addition of a rail.

His background: a little over 4' tall, about 100 lbs., strong and an athlete. Works on our property, hikes, shoots a 20g mossberg youth pump and CZ 20g semi-auto at clays, turkeys, starlings...he also rocks a CZ 22lr bolt gun with one of my rimfire cans and has decimated the gray digger population. In other words, for his age he's pretty well versed with firearms. This last deer season he hunted with my suppressed Ruger American 223. He shoots it really well, but I want to get him something that's his and he can legally use for larger game (elk). Moreover, I want it chambered in something that will increase his range/confidence on our steel plate range on the farm as his body of experience expands. A youth size stock with a 12.5" LOP +/- is key, but like his CZ 22, I want to be able to easily replace the stock in a few years after he's grown. Or add spacers.

I have been reading and reading about updated twist 243's, 6.5's, 270's, 7mm08, 308's and more and would be fine with any of these chamberings. I tend to prefer legacy chamberings myself (I own several 223's, a 270, a 30-06, 7mm RM) and don't really want to dive into a 6.8w or the like for him. 6.5 creedmore/prc is on the table, however. Optic will be probably a NF SHV 3-10 or comparable Trijicon.

He's had months where he's gone through 1k + rounds amongst the several firearms he shoots, but with a dedicated hunting bolt gun will probably mirror my firing schedule which is anywhere from zero to 100+ rounds monthly so factory ammo availability then cost is somewhat of a consideration.

How he rolls: never a single complaint out hunting despite cold, wet, blisters, heat, bugs, snow etc...his bino's crapped out on our last hunt when the focus wheel unscrewed itself. I handed him my back up Swaro 8x30's and he was like "oh man, these are nice! I can see everything..." lol. Turns out his young eyes became eagle eyes with the proper tool - in other words, I want him to have kit that won't limit his confidence and thusly his passionate involvement on our hunts.

Preferences are hinged bottom metal, weatherproof finish, pedigree of accuracy, good aftermarket, threaded barrel, good factory trigger or easily replaced, 18-22' factory barrel. Budget is $1k'ish for the gun by itself.

Tikka youth = not stainless/cerakote
Browning youth = not stainless/cerakote
Winchester youth = not stainless/cerakote
Bergara Stoke = contender
Ruger Compact = not stainless/cerakote
Ruger American Gen II = contender (but kinda ugly imho)
Howa = IDK, haven't really investigated

Pretty sure I've left out or overlooked different manufacturers. Input is requested!

Wildcard: my buddy has a low mileage Browning Hells Canyon 270 that he'll gift him but I'm having trouble finding an aftermarket stock with the correct LOP that's worth a crap. Likely my GoogleFu is bad, and I should feel bad.

Easy button on rifle is a stainless Tikka, buy a compact stock for $75 in the classifieds, and sell (or just keep) factory stock. Absolutely best of the bunch in terms of reliability/function especially in bad weather conditions.

If you hand load, that rifle in .243 with 108 ELDM's will be a great killer. Ideal cartridge in my view would be a 6mmARC, but the only factory rifle I'd even consider is the Howa mini. I like the one I have for the kids, but it takes work to get it running the way I want (stock mods, mag mods, trigger spring, and after all that it's still only approaching out-of-the-box Tikka functionality).

Lots of good info from lots of different folks in this thread...
Thread 'Kids rifle manifesto' https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/kids-rifle-manifesto.348812/

 

[Encore4me]

Sorry, didn’t see your price point at first. This Savage would be nice, the 110 is solid, I would stay away from the Apex. The scope could be pulled off and used on another if you wanted something nicer. The stock is adjustable and Savage has many aftermarket accessories available.

110 Apex Storm XP Rifle and Scope Package | Savage Arms

The 110 Apex Storm XP includes a stainless steel barrel and Vortex Crossfire II scope, offering top performance and adjustability for any hunting condition.

savagearms.com

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[Burnt Reynolds]

Easy button on rifle is a stainless Tikka, buy a compact stock for $75 in the classifieds, and sell (or just keep) factory stock. Absolutely best of the bunch in terms of reliability/function especially in bad weather conditions.

If you hand load, that rifle in .243 with 108 ELDM's will be a great killer. Ideal cartridge in my view would be a 6mmARC, but the only factory rifle I'd even consider is the Howa mini. I like the one I have for the kids, but it takes work to get it running the way I want (stock mods, mag mods, trigger spring, and after all that it's still only approaching out-of-the-box Tikka functionality).

Lots of good info from lots of different folks in this thread...
Thread 'Kids rifle manifesto' https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/kids-rifle-manifesto.348812/

Thank you! Can't believe I didn't realize the compact stock could be had so easily.

 

[eric1115]

A bit too much dinero

Thank you! Can't believe I didn't realize the compact stock could be had so easily.

They come and go in the classifieds, I've seen them listed for as little as $50, usually like $80-120 depending on if they are new or used, vertical grip or not, etc.

 

[rclouse79]

My daughter is only 8 now, but I have already been daydreaming. I think I will go with a Howa 6.5 CM threaded barreled action from Brownell's, a suppressor, an XLR elements folding chassis with a TR-2 butt stock either a SWFA 3-15 or Athlon Midas TAC 4-16. The TR-2 butt stock will adjust from 12 - 15 inches LOP, so the rifle can fit a kid from when they first start and grow with them for life. The folding stock will make the gun more manageable on a pack with extra length from the suppressor.
Once I went down the rabbit hole of looking at all this stuff, I decided I needed the XLR chassis for my Tikka. Time to step up my side hustle to pay for all this stuff!
Edit: I just called and XLR said you can actually get the length of pull starting at 10.5 without the folder.

 

[mtnbound]

My son will be turning 10 in February, and I am totally stumped as to what rifle I want to get him. Something cerakote or stainless to better endure wet coastal hunts here in Oregon, something classic/robust that won't just be a throw-away gun after 10 years of use. Ideally, it's threaded for a future can and either has a built-in rail for an Atlas bipod or can easily accommodate the addition of a rail.

His background: a little over 4' tall, about 100 lbs., strong and an athlete. Works on our property, hikes, shoots a 20g mossberg youth pump and CZ 20g semi-auto at clays, turkeys, starlings...he also rocks a CZ 22lr bolt gun with one of my rimfire cans and has decimated the gray digger population. In other words, for his age he's pretty well versed with firearms. This last deer season he hunted with my suppressed Ruger American 223. He shoots it really well, but I want to get him something that's his and he can legally use for larger game (elk). Moreover, I want it chambered in something that will increase his range/confidence on our steel plate range on the farm as his body of experience expands. A youth size stock with a 12.5" LOP +/- is key, but like his CZ 22, I want to be able to easily replace the stock in a few years after he's grown. Or add spacers.

I have been reading and reading about updated twist 243's, 6.5's, 270's, 7mm08, 308's and more and would be fine with any of these chamberings. I tend to prefer legacy chamberings myself (I own several 223's, a 270, a 30-06, 7mm RM) and don't really want to dive into a 6.8w or the like for him. 6.5 creedmore/prc is on the table, however. Optic will be probably a NF SHV 3-10 or comparable Trijicon.

He's had months where he's gone through 1k + rounds amongst the several firearms he shoots, but with a dedicated hunting bolt gun will probably mirror my firing schedule which is anywhere from zero to 100+ rounds monthly so factory ammo availability then cost is somewhat of a consideration.

How he rolls: never a single complaint out hunting despite cold, wet, blisters, heat, bugs, snow etc...his bino's crapped out on our last hunt when the focus wheel unscrewed itself. I handed him my back up Swaro 8x30's and he was like "oh man, these are nice! I can see everything..." lol. Turns out his young eyes became eagle eyes with the proper tool - in other words, I want him to have kit that won't limit his confidence and thusly his passionate involvement on our hunts.

Preferences are hinged bottom metal, weatherproof finish, pedigree of accuracy, good aftermarket, threaded barrel, good factory trigger or easily replaced, 18-22' factory barrel. Budget is $1k'ish for the gun by itself.

Tikka youth = not stainless/cerakote
Browning youth = not stainless/cerakote
Winchester youth = not stainless/cerakote
Bergara Stoke = contender
Ruger Compact = not stainless/cerakote
Ruger American Gen II = contender (but kinda ugly imho)
Howa = IDK, haven't really investigated

Pretty sure I've left out or overlooked different manufacturers. Input is requested!

Wildcard: my buddy has a low mileage Browning Hells Canyon 270 that he'll gift him but I'm having trouble finding an aftermarket stock with the correct LOP that's worth a crap. Likely my GoogleFu is bad, and I should feel bad.

Looking at your specs, I would say first choose the caliber. Out of your list, the 308 or 6.5 CM will have the cheapest, most plentiful factory ammo available for monthly shooting both will kill elk. If you reload, then it opens up a bit more, but you do not state that. For the rifle, I would go with a Tikka, as it fits all of your specs except a factory-threaded barrel and you can find a local gunsmith who can do that.

 

[Burnt Reynolds]

Sorry, didn’t see your price point at first. This Savage would be nice, the 110 is solid, I would stay away from the Apex. The scope could be pulled off and used on another if you wanted something nicer. The stock is adjustable and Savage has many aftermarket accessories available.

110 Apex Storm XP Rifle and Scope Package | Savage Arms

The 110 Apex Storm XP includes a stainless steel barrel and Vortex Crossfire II scope, offering top performance and adjustability for any hunting condition.

savagearms.com

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I have zero experience with the floating bolt, these are proven robust?

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

IMHO just get a tikka 243, bonus is that the new ones have a good twist rate but the older 10 twist kill well too. I'd not worry about the compact stock, your son is likely growing quickly and my boys didn't have much issue with a normal tikka stock originally when they were <5'.

They've mainly killed things with a 10twist 243win tikka shooting the 80gr TTSX, its quite effective at reasonable ranges. With a brake or suppressor on it, it is a pleasure to shoot.

Don't know if you're a cabelas member but their flier says the stainless superlites are gonna be $750 next week.

 

[Schmo]

Tikka stainless in 223 or 243.

 

[Pharmseller]

If you want to bring him to the Albany Rifle and Pistol Club we can turn him loose on a couple Tikkas in 7mm-08, a stainless T3 and a Superlite. He can get a feel for recoil. Standard stock size, though, but eric1115 is right, compact stocks show up every once in awhile.

Ain’t nothing on this continent a 7mm-08 can’t kill.

Same rifle I started my boy on at 10 years old.





P

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Tikka stainless in 223 or 243.

I think OR requires .243 caliber for elk.

 

[Burnt Reynolds]

Looking at your specs, I would say first choose the caliber. Out of your list, the 308 or 6.5 CM will have the cheapest, most plentiful factory ammo available for monthly shooting both will kill elk. If you reload, then it opens up a bit more, but you do not state that. For the rifle, I would go with a Tikka, as it fits all of your specs except a factory-threaded barrel and you can find a local gunsmith who can do that.

I don't reload. I have the ambition, and the plan is once our house is finished being built and we're out of the trailer I'll have safe/secure space to set up. Right now our shop is our main living space and not conducive to the activity.

To your point of choosing a caliber first, I started out looking at 6.5cm options then accepted that anything in that caliber range can accomplish my objectives while delivering pros/cons related to his shooting development. After which my search became finding the most gun for the money.

That said, I like the idea of a fast twist 243. Just a smidge more recoil than my 223's and he can have it forever...then in several years when he's done growing will be able to safely shoot my rifles if we feel more cartridge is necessary.

When I was 12 I was upgraded from a BB gun to a Remington pump '06. My dad: "here, be careful, now let's sit on this stump for 10 hours and wait for a buck". LOL. I couldn't sit still for 5 minutes and that gun would rattle my brain. I killed many deer with it. Nowadays I prefer to be on the move and so does jr. If we stop for more than a minute and aren't glassing he's suddenly digging a hole or looking for awesome sticks or something.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

That said, I like the idea of a fast twist 243. Just a smidge more recoil than my 223's and he can have it forever...then in several years when he's done growing will be able to safely shoot my rifles if we feel more cartridge is necessary.

Or let him shoot out the 243win over the years and toss another barrel of your desired cartridge on there.

 

[Gila]

6.5 Creedmoor is a hunt anything go anywhere caliber that he will never outgrow. The ammo is available everywhere. Recoil is good for a youngster. I prefer Tikkas myself. The adj trigger is about as good as it gets. I have always been a .270 dude. A .243 or .270 with a fast twist are good. The latter kicks a bit.

 

[Burnt Reynolds]

I think OR requires .243 caliber for elk.

Correct, otherwise I would just keep him behind my 223 that he’s pretty handy with already.

 

[eric1115]

It's been stated elsewhere, but I'll say it again here... I firmly believe that .243 is the absolute upper end of what I'd have a kid shoot a lot of.

Lots of guys view 6.5cm, 7-08, etc as good "kid guns" but anything with 40+ grains of powder behind a 140 grain bullet is producing more recoil than a kid ought to be trying to develop good habits with. I had a similar view, started my oldest with 7mm-08 at 10 with 120gr bullets and it was a mistake. He's a lot better rifleman now, and switching to .223 for him was a big part of that. A .243 pushes a 100lb kid around like a .30-06 pushes a 200lb guy, and a 6.5CM or 7mm-08 (15 ft lb recoil energy) hits them like an 8lb .300WM hits a 200 lb guy. People really underestimate how much of an effect recoil has on kids.

Every single person I know of who recommends 6.5CM/7mm-08 for preteen kids has either not taught nor than 2-3 kids to shoot seriously, or has not seen heavy tipped .22 and 6mm bullets on game. Every single person who has done both of those things is 100% 6mm and under for kids (and often for themselves)

 

[Schmo]

It's been stated elsewhere, but I'll say it again here... I firmly believe that .243 is the absolute upper end of what I'd have a kid shoot a lot of.

Lots of guys view 6.5cm, 7-08, etc as good "kid guns" but anything with 40+ grains of powder behind a 140 grain bullet is producing more recoil than a kid ought to be trying to develop good habits with. I had a similar view, started my oldest with 7mm-08 at 10 with 120gr bullets and it was a mistake. He's a lot better rifleman now, and switching to .223 for him was a big part of that. A .243 pushes a 100lb kid around like a .30-06 pushes a 200lb guy, and a 6.5CM or 7mm-08 (15 ft lb recoil energy) hits them like an 8lb .300WM hits a 200 lb guy. People really underestimate how much of an effect recoil has on kids.

Every single person I know of who recommends 6.5CM/7mm-08 for preteen kids has either not taught nor than 2-3 kids to shoot seriously, or has not seen heavy tipped .22 and 6mm bullets on game. Every single person who has done both of those things is 100% 6mm and under for kids (and often for themselves)

Exactly this!

 

[LeftyWilbury]

i love my tikka 243. sent it off to kampfeld customs to get it chopped and threaded. not many LH options so the hunter model as all i could get my hands on. took off the wood stock, stuck it in stocky's VG. i'm not concerned with rain or snow. i can wipe it down when i'm done playing.