Starter hunting guns for my sons

[Sogaard]

My twins will be turning 14 next summer, so I've starting looking for deer guns for them for the Holidays so they have enough time to practice.  I think I'm going with either a .270 or a .308.  When I first started looking, I was checking out bolt actions, but then I came across the TC Encore Pro Hunter Platform.  I know it's a single shot, but having the ability to buy turkey and MZ barrels instead of multiple guns sounds fantastic in the long run. 

 

Does anyone here have firsthand knowledge of the Encore and feel like sharing some advice?

Edited October 11, 2013 by Sogaard

[bowslinger]

no with encore but 308 my kick too much for them i would lean toward the 7=08 round its a 308 necked down to take a 7 mm bullet not much kick plus 308 is hard too find right now

[MACHINIST]

I would also look at the 7-08.the encore is to much money if you ask me.By the time you buy a shotgun barrel for it,you could get a 870 for almost the same cost.Look at the ruger American or the savage line

[verminater71]

I have a encore, and a contender

 

I would not recommend it personally, don't get me wrong they're great guns, however for what barrels cost, you're better off buying a different gun for different hunts,

 

you can get a pretty nice ruger American and save enough money to buy a decent shotgun

 

and every one would rather own two guns

[MACHINIST]

and every one would rather own two guns

This!!!!!

[thphm]

Didn't someone on another post say they bought a compact Ruger for there child and it kicks too much, forgot the caliber. If it were me I would look for a used .243 or a  .270 with a Wooden stock.And an older single shot shot gun or guns.As they get older the might wan't to up grade.Or could go the other way Not Interested. 

[MACHINIST]

Ruger compacts are small and very light compared to the American from what I can remember

[cdmckane]

If you're set on center-fire rifles, I'd go with a .270 Win or a .25-06.  Personally, once my daughter is old enough, she'll be hunting with my 20g slug gun.  It's deadly to 200 yds and I won't let her take a shot beyond 150 as long as she's hunting with me.  Unfortunately, I guess that means I'll have to get a new slug gun.  Well. maybe not.  Just in case Savage ever decides to stop making the 220F, I've got three brand new ones, still in boxes, unopened, in my gun room. 

[Suilleabhain]

30-06 and Managed Recoil Ammunition. Kick is like a 30-30. My grand-nephew is using that today @ 14 y/o.

[pawle76]

I would throw the Marlin 336 in .35 rem. into the mix. Was my first deer rifle and it's still my go to rifle.

[Suilleabhain]

My grand nephew took a doe with a Model 70 Win carbine in 30-06 with 125 gr Remington managed recoil load. Deer dropped in its tracks.

[jjb4900]

Didn't someone on another post say they bought a compact Ruger for there child and it kicks too much, forgot the caliber. If it were me I would look for a used .243 or a  .270 with a Wooden stock.And an older single shot shot gun or guns.As they get older the might wan't to up grade.Or could go the other way Not Interested. 

might have been me, I bought a Ruger M77 ultralight in .308.......kicks like a mule, so he's been shooting the managed recoil ammo out of it.......I also picked up a T/C Venture for myself in .308, recoil is hardly noticeable. 

[Five Seasons]

i've heard good things about the new rugers and the savage 308. I would also say that your boys will grow into the bigger guns. I would not pick a gun based on their starting age, assuming they're average height and weight. At 16 my 12 gauge gave me a good kick. Still does, but I'm glad I have a 12 gauge now and not a 20.

[Culvercreek hunt club]

I have an Encore and love it. I use it for multiple uses. ML, 223 rifle, .308 win in a 15" pistol. If you keep you eyes open and check the Encore Classifieds there are very good deals to be had on barrels. What the other guys said is true about almost being able to buy multiple guns for the cost is true. The initial configuration I got was in ML and it was $700. My .223 barrel with a new foreend was $275 used with a scope. My 308 pistol barrel was $280 with a scope and stocks. SO for almost $1,300 I have three guns.

Edited October 15, 2013 by Culvercreek hunt club

[irish_redneck]

1300

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[irish_redneck]

I have a contender muzzle loading handgun. Wanna buy a 270 handgun barrel for it. (It is on my permit before anyone asks)

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Edited October 15, 2013 by irish_redneck

[Culvercreek hunt club]

1300

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Thanks...lol. I wish it was 300

[Guest FrostyLeaves]

I am 15 years old and i am getting my own deer rifle this year and i chose the marlin 336 in 30-30. I hunted with it last year and it did the job with a very small amount of kick and its a great brush gun but is also fairly accurate at ranges of 175+ yds

[Guest FrostyLeaves]

I am 15 years old and i am getting my own deer rifle this year and i chose the marlin 336 in 30-30. I hunted with it last year and it did the job with a very small amount of kick and its a great brush gun but is also fairly accurate at ranges of 175+ yds

[jjb4900]

I've never been a big fan of guns with exposed hammers for kids just starting out, unless they have prior experience handling them. The fact that the hammer has to be let down by holding it back, pulling the trigger and easing it forward once it was fully cocked makes me a little uneasy.

[steve863]

I'd get the kid a less expensive bolt action rifle in something like a .308, and then an inexpensive pump shotgun in 12 gauge.  With this combo he's good to go for most anything.   I wouldn't give a kid a single shot weapon for taking game, most especially if their time afield will be limited.  Not like we could expect a kid to make a perfect shot, so having a quick second or third can mean the difference between a dead animal and one that got away.  Nothing that will ruin a kids confidence or their interest in hunting altogether quicker than NOT putting the first animal he shoots down for keeps.   

[Guest FrostyLeaves]

Jjb4900 i didnt consider that. It was my mistake. I assumed most kids would because i grew up with my 22 having a hammer on it.

[jjb4900]

Jjb4900 i didnt consider that. It was my mistake. I assumed most kids would because i grew up with my 22 having a hammer on it.

no mistake, you obviously have the experience and others may as well.........just something for others to consider.

[PWGUNNY]

I was going to recommend the Marlin 30-30 with the reduced recoil load, but I thought about the hammer.  Having to gently lower the hamer on a cocked rifle may be a bit tricky for new shooter.  That is the gun I started deer hunting with and I still use it today.  I never focused much on recoil, too focused on the shot.  Reality is they just need to shoot their new gun a few times to get familiar with it, beyond that you really hope they just shoot it once in the woods.

[HuntOrBeHunted]

My first rifle was 30-06 it was ok for my age at the time but I ended up getting a 270.and loved it.

 

Why not a 243. if you're deer hunting its a good round. I know a lot of people disagree but thats fine, my uncle has a bad back and shoulder and can not have much kick and the 243 is nice a doing the job. Deer always are found and some time pile right up like they got hit with a bigger caliber.

 

I would try and have em put some rounds down see what he likes see if the kick has a effect in his groupings.

 

Good Luck