Thread: First Rifle For Lad

Originally Posted by oraki

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 even with out the add on wizardry is an excellent beginner cartridge. great knock down out to 400 yards and soft on the shoulder. its a caliber that will provide for the table without developing bad shooting habits and be a pleasure to shoot with.