good gun for little brother

[younggunfreak]

he is 11 and is looking for a good gun in the size range of the 7mm-08 and 308 range so any comments will be helpfull

[gunmoney]

What type of "gun"? What usage? Budget? Experience?

[DanThaMan1776]

Let me start by saying I wish I had an older brother like you (my older sis just doesn't understand my gun addiciton).

If you are set on a rifle in that caliber range I will not argue. However, I will make the case for a smaller caliber. For starters, Im sure your younger brother LOVES to shoot because any sane person does. Don't you think, especially no an 11 year old budget which derives from cutting grass, he is going to encounter ammo problems.

Im just thinking back to when I was 11.. I usually never had more than twenty bucks in my wallet and that was even while constantly cutting grass. And I'm sure you or his parents will help him out a lot, but eventually even they will start to dislike buying such expensive ammo.

I would look at 223 or rimfire calibers. If you want a deer rifle AND a plinker, look at 243.

[gun nut]

Appreciate more info too many variables. Plinking, hunting what size game etc.

[thesheepdog]

Yes, need some more info, before I throw out any suggestions.

[azredhawk44]

Assuming this is for a first deer hunt or similar experience:

.30-30 levergun.
.243.

[younggunfreak]

its for deer hunting and mom and dad will pay for it and also he does not mind the kick he has shot a 410 slug gun and he did not mind it at all so thats not rely a problem

[younggunfreak]

but it has to be under 800 dollars

[zcowey]

there's nothing like a good ol' 30 30... great for target shooting and versatile enough for most hunting situations an 11 year old will encounter. not too expensive to spend a day shooting either which is always a plus.

[Old Grump]

I like the 7MM-08 for a younger shooter and an H&R handi-rifle or Savage bolt gun for a starter weapon. H&R will be in the $250 range and the Savage will be in the $550 range.

[thesheepdog]

its for deer hunting and mom and dad will pay for it and also he does not mind the kick he has shot a 410 slug gun and he did not mind it at all so thats not rely a problem

Bolt action: Remington 700 series in .243, 25-06, 7mm-08, 22-250, 6mm-284, .308.
A base model Rem 700 should run about $580 to $650, so that would leave you some extra cash for a decent scope and a box or two of ammo.

Lever action: Marlin 336c or 336BL in 30-30.
http://www.impactguns.com/store/026495017521.html

[gun nut]

Bolt action of your preference Remington, winchester, and savage come to mind. 243, 25.06, 308, 7mm.08. I personally started on a Marlin 336 in 30-30 and still have the gun. I believe I was around 11 when I took my first deer with that gun.

[aarondhgraham]

It's a personal prejudice of mine,,,
But I do like the H&R single-shot rifles.

They are very dependable,,,
Extremely accurate,,,
And inexpensive,,,
I own two.

I don't know how big he is,,,
But if he's on the small size buy a "Youth" rifle,,,
Then later on when he's gotten some height on him,,,
Order the full size rear stock (for about $25.00) and upgrade.

Use the difference in cost and buy him a Lee Classic Loader for the cartridge you choose,,,
That will help give him more trigger time and teach him another skill.

JMHO,,, YMMV.

.

[taylorce1]

There is a smoking deal on a Savage youth .243 (http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/30995) over at Bud's Gun shop right now. I like the H&R rifles as well but for not much more you can get your brother in a decent bolt action rifle. It even comes with a servicable scope out the door for less than $400 delivered. Don't know where you live but look for a transfer dealer that doesn't charge an arm and a leg on Bud's web site as well.

[James R. Burke]

I would go with the .308 if recoil is not a problem. Make I guess comes down to what he likes, and feels good with. I like the Ruger No 1A's in light sporters, but not sure you can get it in that caliber, maybe in there medium sporter. The cost would be a little more, but it is a real safe rifle. The only thing is you always need to put the safety back on, even when re-cocking. I am not sure why it does not return automatic, must be for speed being a single shot.

[Buzzcook]

Savage/Stevens, Tika, Vanguard, Remington, CZ. Just take him to the store and let him try them on for size.
Personally I think the CZ American is the nicest rifle of the bunch.

As far as cartridge is concerned, the only real advantage one has over the other is that the .308 offers lower cost surplus ammo for practice.
Lower recoil is an advantage, but a .308 won't take your arm off.

If I was starting all over, I think I'd go with the 6.5x55. I have yet to find anyone who has spent time shooting the 6.5 Swede who has anything bad to say about it and most people like the heck out of it.
Unfortunately not every gun maker supports the 6.5 Swede. The .260 is a good substitute.

But any standard round from .24 to .30 will work just fine. The gun is the important thing.

[jrothWA]

Remington M788 bolt-action in .243W or 30/30.

the handi-rifle as mentione

the T/C Contender carbine in 7-30 Waters or 30/30

[Mobuck]

I would suggest using managed recoil loads or downloaded handloads if you're going with the 7-08 or 308. Regardless of the fact that "he's shot 410 slug loads", proficiency with a rifle depends on practice and either one of those calibers has enough recoil to cause a young shooter to develop bad habits. I've started several young hunters and none of them responded well to that level of recoil right out of the gate. The Handi rifle in those calibers is quite a kicker BTW.