The time has come for kids (15) to get their first real rifle….

My twins are now 15 and the time has come. I told them I would buy them there first rifle and all the others are on them. So the million dollar question for you guys and I want to hear the opinions and why.

What would be the choice for a first rifle and why, what Modle caliber etc….

I just looked at the Winchester Modle 70 Super Grade in a 6.5 PRC and I'm not going to lie it was really hard to put down (Maple Stock) That rifle with a nice hunting scope would be amazing for everything up to black bear I think. I have also thought about a 270 for them or even a 30-06 because I want them to be able to find ammo etc. I have looked at the Modle 70's, Tika's, and also the XBolts. Other rifles I thought about are the Bagara's and maybe even a Weatherby even. Not sure if I love them that much . I want them to be able to have this all their life if they so choose to do so. Budget 2k and under.

So let's hear it.

Thanks guys…..

Tikka 6.5 creed, 7mm08, 25-06 for a 15 yr old.
My son just claimed my 6.5 creed superlite, he's 14. Best wishes…fun times.

What are they planning to do with it; target and/or hunting. And if hunting up to what size of game? Also, factory ammo or handload?

I've always been a winchester guy. I have a super grade maple in 243 and it shoots as good as it looks. My Dad bought a model 70 featherweight in 7mm 08 when my older brother was getting ready for his first season. Him my sister and I all killed our first deer with it was nice light accurate and a great little round overall.

I think I'd let the little buggers choose their own rifle. And may be completely different from the 2 of them and you. But then again it's not for you it's for them. So let them choose but also guide them in a sensible direction. Ammo availability and cost. That would be a great experience for a father to give that gift.
Good luck and have fun.

Well, at 15, my recommendations would be something like 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 6.5x55, maybe 270 Win or 6.8 Western. Those all have minimal recoil, generally good accuracy in modern rifles and have at least average supply of factory ammo suitable for deer, elk, antelope, and black bear.

While wood stocks look great, save yourself some heartache and put a good fiberglass or similarity tough polymer stock on their hands.

I would find a 20-24" barreled rifle that is threaded for a brake. I would get something bolt action with an adjustable trigger. A bolt action is accurate and safe. Being able to set them up at 3-3.5 lbs to start and lowering as performance grows is a great option!

I would also get them something that is right about 7lbs before adding 1-2lb optics.

There are many optics, but SWFA SS optics are generally quite durable even in much debated drop tests. The 3-15x is a great optic. Maybe a bit complicated to start, but they will understand with some teaching.

Also, make sure it is a common enough rifle that bases and gunsmiths are available to work on them.

I like Tikka T3X Roughtech or Lite Veil rifles. There are many good sales and a $75 rebate. Well, the rebate ends today.

That said, Tikka isn't the only good rifle builder.

There maybe others. I know I'm super impressed with my father's Meat Eater Weatherby rifle too. Since it is made by Howa, I'm sure the Midweight Howas are good too.

Make it worthwhile. Buy a couple Big Horn Origin Actions and let them pick their pre-fit calibers. Then, ya'll build the rifles together

wvbearhunter said:

Make it worthwhile. Buy a couple Big Horn Origin Actions and let them pick their pre-fit calibers. Then, ya'll build the rifles together

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You have a lot deeper pockets than my old man. Would you consider adopting a 52 year old? I'm house broken already!

Why don't you take them out shopping and let them choose?

blue0369 said:

My twins are now 15 and the time has come. I told them I would buy them there first rifle and all the others are on them. So the million dollar question for you guys and I want to hear the opinions and why.

What would be the choice for a first rifle and why, what Modle caliber etc….

I just looked at the Winchester Modle 70 Super Grade in a 6.5 PRC and I'm not going to lie it was really hard to put down (Maple Stock) That rifle with a nice hunting scope would be amazing for everything up to black bear I think. I have also thought about a 270 for them or even a 30-06 because I want them to be able to find ammo etc. I have looked at the Modle 70's, Tika's, and also the XBolts. Other rifles I thought about are the Bagara's and maybe even a Weatherby even. Not sure if I love them that much . I want them to be able to have this all their life if they so choose to do so. Budget 2k and under.

So let's hear it.

Thanks guys…..

Click to expand...

Go with your first gut feeling.
A pair of Model 70 , Maple stock, in a modern cartridge 6.5Prc, plenty of factory ammo, comfortable recoil, can use for hunting just about any N.A. animal and great for target shooting.

Rick Richard said:

What are they planning to do with it; target and/or hunting. And if hunting up to what size of game? Also, factory ammo or handload?

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I want them to be able to hunt almost anything they want. Factory ammo options for sure for them, mostly be a deer rifle and maybe out west. They can buy an Elk gun if they want. I was thinking maybe a 300WM but that's a little heavy for deer frankly in my opinion. Like I said I was looking at maybe a 270Win or something in that range.

Something in a 6.5prc, matching guns of course!!!

Rotten said:

I think I'd let the little buggers choose their own rifle. And may be completely different from the 2 of them and you. But then again it's not for you it's for them. So let them choose but also guide them in a sensible direction. Ammo availability and cost. That would be a great experience for a father to give that gift.
Good luck and have fun.

Click to expand...

That's a great idea also.

wvbearhunter said:

Make it worthwhile. Buy a couple Big Horn Origin Actions and let them pick their pre-fit calibers. Then, ya'll build the rifles together

Click to expand...

What do they run?

blue0369 said:

I want them to be able to hunt almost anything they want. Factory ammo options for sure for them, mostly be a deer rifle and maybe out west. They can buy an Elk gun if they want. I was thinking maybe a 300WM but that's a little heavy for deer frankly in my opinion. Like I said I was looking at maybe a 270Win or something in that range.

Click to expand...

"Mostly deer rifle"….6.5 CM in my opinion.