Youth Rifle Opinions

[Kevin11mee]

I'm looking at possibly buying a youth hunting rifle for my daughters; the oldest will be able to deer hunt in 2024. She has shot a decent amount and can shoot my R700 ok although it's a bit large for her. I was thinking about the following options and I'd like some opinions:

1. Ruger American compact
2. Tikka Compact
3. Browning xbolt Micro

* Cartridges - I'm thinking a 6.5 Creedmoor with a mild load or a .243.

* Let me know your thoughts/opinions or if I left a good option off the table.

[Trapper]

Of the three, I'd go with the Tikka in 6.5. Recoil is similar if not less than the 243 and you have the option of shooting heavier bullets. It's also easy to step up to a longer length of pull as she gets older

[middleofnowhere]

I would stick with 6.5 and get a muzzle brake on the rifle.
Any of the rifles you mentioned are fine.

[Bainter1212]

I have a T/C Compass II Compact in .243. Stock has spacers for adjustable length of pull, barrel is shorter and threaded if you can have suppressors.

I bought it from KYgunco in a Christmas sale a few years back, for $185. It is very accurate and shoots very mild when suppressed, and 90gr Hornady bullets knock whitetail deer flat. I shot 4 deer with it last year and they all dropped on impact. I bought it for my kid and it has become my personal favorite deer rifle.

[XVIga_Rob]

All are good options. I guess you would need to factor in $, who will use it and for how long, how much will they grow, what is the largest game animal you expect them to actually hunt, etc.

I bought my daughter at 13, a Browning xbolt Micro in 243. Slightly less recoil than the 6.5CR. Prior to leaving CA, I created a load for it using 80gr Barnes TTSX. She has used it to hunt Antelope (3) in WY, Pig in CA, and now Deer in OR. She shoots well and that rifle & bullet combo is devastating. At 19, she is 5’4” and the rifle still fits her. If she ever needs more gun, I’’ll buy her something else, or she can always borrow one.

I have a slip-on recoil pad that adds 1” to LOP, and occasionally shoot her rifle. It’s a tack driver, and a joy to shoot.

[Kevin11mee]

Probably the biggest would be a cow elk in the next few years, so the 6.5 is preferable for a bit larger animal. Anyone have a Ruger American? They are a good bit cheaper than a Tikka or xBolt - guessing it isn't quite as nice as the Tikka or Browning.

[yoteassasin]

243 all day long ! My kids shoot a break action cva and that has killed over 30 pigs and got them both their first deer . Teach them how important that first shot is and you’ll never need a second.
Shooting drill include reloading and second shot placement . And try loading an empty spent shell with a bullet pushed back in … watch the flinch and train then through it

[XVIga_Rob]

Probably the biggest would be a cow elk in the next few years, so the 6.5 is preferable for a bit larger animal. Anyone have a Ruger American? They are a good bit cheaper than a Tikka or xBolt - guessing it isn't quite as nice as the Tikka or Browning.

If hunting Elk or Black Bear more often, the 6.5 is a good choice. Don?t discount the ability of the 243. With a quality bullet & a well placed shot, not an issue.
In CA, you are forced, by law, to use premium non-lead ammo. The good news is that the Barnes TTSX punches above its weight class!

[XVIga_Rob]

We also have a Ruger American youth/compact in 223. The bolt is not a slick and the forend of the stock is a little flimsy/weak. Neither of which are a big issue. My daughter enjoys shooting it.

[Kevin11mee]

I appreciate the opinions. I agree that the Barnes TTSX is an excellent bullet. My plan is a mild load with the 120gr TTSX if I go with a 6.5.

[XVIga_Rob]

I appreciate the opinions. I agree that the Barnes TTSX is an excellent bullet. My plan is a mild load with the 120gr TTSX if I go with a 6.5.

That will work.


You?re a good Dad!

[taperxz]

I just bought my kid a Christensen Mesa in 300PRC

[Kevin11mee]

That will work.


You?re a good Dad!

Thank you

[Kevin11mee]

I just bought my kid a Christensen Mesa in 300PRC

Very nice. Always liked CA

[RNE228]

I'd watch the used racks for a Remington mdl 7 in 7mm-08.

Otherwise which can you find easily, 243 or 6.5cm? Forgot or ran out of ammo hours from home? Seen both happen to others...