Thread: First Rifle For Lad

I know it's going to start a cock fight, but looking at getting a rifle for my boy. Everything I know about ballistics etc is either self taught or read, so it's fair to say I don't know a lot. I'm biased towards another 270,(it was the first one I got myself 25yr ago), but prepared to look at other options. Not after a long range rig, more something that will do the job possibly out to 400m. I believe if you have to range and adjust scope, it's to far out, get closer. I don't reload, so easy,accessible caliber choice please. Got a 223, so have the smaller game sorted, after a red deer, tahr caliber.
Shot placement is crucial, so I know that a bigger gun isn't going to be the golden egg. But after dropping a Fallow the other day at 175m, I had a crack at his mate at 60. It struck the bone and veered off. It took a while to catch up and dispatch. Bang flop is what I'm after, hence something bigger.
So I'm after something that's not to hard on the shoulder(he's a slight build),not to hard on the pocket ammo wise, and a size which is readily available. I'm prepared to eat humble pie if 7mm08 is suggested, only to make it as enjoyable for him as possible
He has shot the 270 successfully, but see him tense up during the shot, so am thinking maybe something else. Only other rifle we've got access to is a 303 with brass buttpad, so I've got nothing really to compare to or play with.
I'll get my popcorn and read with interest.

6.5x55 in a DPT suppressed Tikka T3x

270 and a bucket of ammunition

What 7mmsaum said. Or get one in .308Win.

I probably wouldn't get the lightest model T3x either. Just get a standard stainless synthetic or the hunter model as the slightly more weight will help mitigate the recoil as well. An 18" to 20" barrel and suppressed would be good.

DPT suppressed .308 with 16 inch barrel ,150g sst factory ammo...job done.Mines a Winchester featherweight,feels like .223 to shoot but punches deer to 300 easy.

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.308. Hit them and they drop. Plus it's a very common calibre to buy ammo for, plus it'll likely sell just as easily if he chooses to subsequently upgrade.

My 2c worth.

I suspect rifle fit is likely to be an equally important q. Calibre aside does he need to simply shoulder a few rifles to ascertain what brands fit/suit him best?

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

270 and a bucket of ammunition

Just after having a cup of cement?

.270 suppressed really has it covered. Recently I suppressed my second .270 and now it is a baby to shoot even with some of the extra hot loads I make up for it.

Good on ya for wanting to set the lad on the straight and narrow. I won't offer advice except to say that none of the above is bad advice.

338 Edge

Originally Posted by Gibo

338 Edge

2 cups of cement needed for that. Should get one for me though

Originally Posted by oraki

2 cups of cement needed for that. Should get one for me though

Na they're soft shooting with a good brake.

Bergara. 308 | Trade Me

Throw a suppressor on it and get into it. In my opinion a single shot is a very good rifle for a beginner. Very safe, and they teach a young shooter the importance of shot placement.

Any suppressed 30cal (or 6.5-7mm) in a stock style that fits him well and he likes. Done.


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Shame you missed out on Buzzmans tikka he just sold, would have been perfect