Youth Elk Rifle

[rvanbw00]

I have two boys (11 and 9) that I'm looking to get their first multispecies rifle. They have been shooting an AR i built in 350 legend, and I want to get something they can continue to grow into and use for years to come with elk calibers being built into this equation. I'm leaning toward the Ruger American Gen II in 6.5 Creedmoor (insert hate here). My intent is to put a pipe on it early next year, which will reduce recoil/sound and has since had me considering slightly higher calibers (7mm-08, 308, etc).

Im here for help a caliber selection and any other input that those wiser than me have to offer, hopefully from those who have been in my shoes. It may be worth noting that both boys are good shots and dont have much issue with flinching or wincing currently. We started very slow to avoid bad habits.

Any feedback is appreciated!

 

[Hnthrdr]

Sounds like you are on the right track, ps there will be 0 and I mean 0 hate here for 6.5 Cm, I think a lot of guys would actually steer you towards .243 or 6cm or even 6arc. Just pick an appropriate bullet and keep it above the recommended expansion velocity and you will be fine

 

[Neumie]

My son likes his Ruger Am gen 1 compact in 7mm-08. It’s taken 1 whitetail and 1 elk, both 1
shot with Barnes TTSX in 120 gr. He’s 6’ tall now so we’ll likely move it along at some point. It is a handy rifle to carry!

 

[Buglebrush]

My kids absolutely love shooting my Seekins Element in 6.5 PRC. Starting at ten years old, they all kill elk and deer with it. Why not step up to the PRC? Recoil is almost non-existent with a muzzle brake or can.

 

[wesfromky]

I have two boys (11 and 9) that I'm looking to get their first multispecies rifle. They have been shooting an AR i built in 350 legend, and I want to get something they can continue to grow into and use for years to come with elk calibers being built into this equation. I'm leaning toward the Ruger American Gen II in 6.5 Creedmoor (insert hate here). My intent is to put a pipe on it early next year, which will reduce recoil/sound and has since had me considering slightly higher calibers (7mm-08, 308, etc).

Im here for help a caliber selection and any other input that those wiser than me have to offer, hopefully from those who have been in my shoes. It may be worth noting that both boys are good shots and dont have much issue with flinching or wincing currently. We started very slow to avoid bad habits.

Any feedback is appreciated!

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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[claydan]

My son started with a 7mm-08 at 10 years old and I wish I never purchased it. He soon moved to a 6.5 creedmoor and its recoil is very light. If you’re worried about recoil get a limb saver buttstock and look at a good muzzle break or even a suppressor with a muzzle break.

That said my daughter turns 10 next year and I’m going to have her try the 7mm-08. If that goes well use the 6.5 creedmoor. My daughter is very little.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[butcherboy]

If they are confident shooters, which I think they are from some of your statements, I would go with a 7mm-08 or 308. My kids use a 270 and 270wsm. 14 yr old uses the wsm and 11 yr old uses the 270. 8 yr old is sticking with .22 rifles for now. Both 270’s have breaks on them. Started them both with .22’s then on to 25-06 and then 270. Not a lot of difference between a 6.5 and a 270. I also stick with calibers that I can walk into any sporting goods store and buy ammo off the shelf if I need to.

 

[Yoteassasin]

I’ll be a bit of a contrarian on this … my vote is an old 8mm Mauser hand load and make her purrr when the kids are small and load it full boat once they get big enough .

 

[wind gypsy]

If I had to have a 1 cartridge for everything antelope-deer-elk, it'd probably be a 25 Creedmoor. 6.5 is more than adequate. Lots of people here using 22 and 6mm for elk. I'd be plenty comfortable hunting with a 6mm for elk but not sure i'd choose it.

For kids under 12 i'd definitely lean more towards 6mms than 6.5s.

Hard pass on muzzle brakes and big push towards suppressors for kids.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Almost did a 25cm but opted for a 6 arc in my latest rebarreling only because savage makes bolt heads you can swap for 40 bucks, I want 25 to gain some more traction but I could definitely see rebarreling one of my tikka’s to 25cm in the future yet, its nice having to only buy 6.5 cm & 6cm… yet here I am getting an arc put together haha

 

[rvanbw00]

Thanks all, I appreciate the feedback!

 

[S-3 ranch]

.308win , 130gr ttsx , then they can grow into some heavier stuff ( 150-180gr )
Not a lover or hater of the 6.5cm but I like to stay under 130gr and -300yards with my 6.5cm , easy gun to use with a nice no dial scope