Quote:
Originally Posted by Xbolt7mm
Do a lot of your own research based on statistics and facts about your own son and the cartridges you are interested in, completely disregard statements like “a deer doesn't know the difference between a 30 caliber and a 243” this person doesn't know that!! Or the ole “243 etc will kill anything in North America with a well placed shot and a well made bullet” what kind of a statement is that? A .22 will do that. What if its not a well placed shot, that happens, would a different cartridge choice improve animal harvest? Only you can make that choice. It only matters to you what ethical values you instil in a young hunter and that needs to be measured against what recoil can be handled by him. Involve him in the research. Vague statements like mentioned above are nothing more than blowing smoke for justification through conjecture. BTW, i would look at a 30-30 with a great recoil pad. I’m sure a young man wont shoot past that cartridges capability and when he does and moves in a different direction, heck everyone needs a 30-30 in the safe.
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I don’t own a 30-30, plus I don’t like them at all actually. But that’s just how I feel about them.
But to contribute to the thread, My first rifle I bought was a .243 and still hunt deer with it today. It’s a great, accurate rifle in pump action and I own another .243 for coyotes. I really like the short action family of .308 parent case. Any rifle that fits your son in .243 would be my bet. Then if he gets older can change the stock and have a varmint rifle if he pleases. That is if you cut the stock down for his size now.