Need your ideas...

[Leaseman]

My son will be 12 the Sept opening day and it is time to get him something "bigger" to shoot that won't break the bank....he has done tons of shooting with the usual .22s, .410 and 20 gauge...at present he is 5'3" and 95-100 pounds....I was thinking .270 or 308....will be trying to get him into a deer this fall (as he has been in on our kills over the last 4 years!)...what are your thoughts on this and what pricing would you figure on??

Thanks
Mike

[Ozone]

Yup 12 sounds good ask long as hes got the courses and whatnot. As far as a gun goes if yours isnt to big let him use that until he fills out a bit. If you got a thumper (some that will give him a twich or just break his shoulder) then get him something small 243, 2506, 270 in that area. My dad let me shoot a 444marlin when I was 13 and if I could have picked the gun up after that first shot I would have beat him with it (I seperated my shoulder. Thanks Dad.).

[Dayto]

6.5X55 Sweedish , LIGHT LIGHT recoil very accurate long/flat caliber and no need to upgrade when he becomes older the 6.5X55 will take Deer,bear,moose,elk no problems at all . And you can finde nice Military sporters cheap .

[todbartell]

If you handload and have a few $$ to spend, a Remington Model Seven in 260 Remington.

If you shoot factory ammo and want to keep price down, a Stevens 200 in 243 Winchester.

[Elkhound]

My wife likes the .270 So your son should have no problem

[oldtimer]

If it is only deer your going for then firebird is bang-on. great caliber forr deer. If after something bigger then start at a 270 and go up. Mike

[CanAm500]

270 is good. My brother (12) shoots my .270win and has no problem.

[Schmaus]

I shot my first moose when I was 11 with my dads 30-06. I shot a 30-06 until just a couple of years ago when I bought a .338 win mag. My vote is with the 30-06, if you really think that the recoil is going to be a problem remington makes light recoiling factory rounds called managed recoil loads.

[rock]

My son at the age off 12 was comfortable shooting a 308 great all around caliber, pending how he reacts to the recoil, mine didn't like the 30 06 at that age but soon added some weight and height and was quite comfortable with it by 14.

[Mr. Dean]

I'd go with the 308. It's a good round w/ inherent accururacy and if by chance it's a little strong for him then some reduced hand loads will solve the problem.

270 would be my second choice - Both are great.