My son turns 10 this next year and he'll be able to hunt and I was wondering what everyone thinks of the savage axis in 308 with reduced loads as a first gun for him. He shoots my dads ar15 just fine. Also maybe the threaded axis with a muzzle brake and reduced loads as another option. Both will have a recoil pad. Thanks
first gun
- Thread starter Hurl427
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I own a 308 wit a jp muzzle break on it.It kicks like an AR,literally.No recoil will allow concentration on accuracy.I would use their tactical style if you get theirs.If you can shoot someone else's at the range that has one do it.I have hooked several of my sons girlfriends to shooting wit a 22 and 200 yards with my 308.They love making the ringers jump at 200.Very addicting to new shooter,no pain involved at all those days will get them coming back.
Creedmoor shooter
Well-Known Member
Have you considered a 6.5mm cal or are you set on a 30 cal? Because if you are open to suggestions the 6.5 Creedmoor would be an excellent gun for him. My 9-year old sister shoots my handloads all day long. Great cartridge for recoil sensitive shooter. Kicks less than a 308. As far as the savage axis goes i have a friend he has one in a 270 and its ok for a beginner. Shoots around i believe 1-1.5 moa with factory ammo.
J E Custom
Well-Known Member
My vote would be the 7/08 (A 308 necked down to 7mm). or the 260 Remington (A 6.5 x 08)
Plenty of ammo, lower recoil than a 308, better ballistics with lighter bullets, an easy 600yard+ cartridge for hunting, great accuracy to a 1000 yards, short action, And does not need a barrel longer than 20 to 22''.
The youth model in Remington has a shorter stock and comes in a Model 7 (A short 700).
Savage also chambers the 7/08.
Just my opinion
J E CUSTOM
Plenty of ammo, lower recoil than a 308, better ballistics with lighter bullets, an easy 600yard+ cartridge for hunting, great accuracy to a 1000 yards, short action, And does not need a barrel longer than 20 to 22''.
The youth model in Remington has a shorter stock and comes in a Model 7 (A short 700).
Savage also chambers the 7/08.
Just my opinion
J E CUSTOM
Creedmoor shooter
Well-Known Member
Do you reload?
Creedmoor shooter
Well-Known Member
Honady makes some good ammo for the Creed at a good price. Also Nosler will be making ammo for it.
varmintH8R
Well-Known Member
I will +1 JE Custom on the 7-08 recommendation. We have set several kids up with them in our hunting circle and they are well tolerated, very flexible in application, and ammo is reasonable.
varmintH8R
Well-Known Member
The younger kids are using either reduced recoil factory fodder or "reduced strength" handloads.
J E Custom
Well-Known Member
The 120 grain loads are tolerable for the youngsters and devastating on deer.
The managed recoil loads are good for practice and when you switch to the standard 120 loads for hunting, the youngsters won't notice the difference.
I know the 120 sounds light but I have had success at 500+ yards with them.
J E CUSTOM
Kennibear
Well-Known Member
Hurl427
Maybe consider a 243 Win. Bullet weight is a big contribution to the recoil. Solid copper/ guilding metal bullets can be used in a slightly lighter weight to reduce it some more. Still the top weight is only 100 grains.
243 Winchester has dropped a lot of deer over the years. Very few 10 year-old's can shoot well enough to out distance it. The 7-08 is probably going to stay with them longer but I believe no one out grows a gun, they only get old enough to need another!
Age is relative, what size is the shooter? At age 10 my three boys were 5'-6" or more and 150 lbs. My daughter was as tall and maybe 135lbs. 308 would have been fine for any of them. You can use the Barnes 308- 130gr TTSX and cut the recoil a bunch.
Maybe consider a 243 Win. Bullet weight is a big contribution to the recoil. Solid copper/ guilding metal bullets can be used in a slightly lighter weight to reduce it some more. Still the top weight is only 100 grains.
243 Winchester has dropped a lot of deer over the years. Very few 10 year-old's can shoot well enough to out distance it. The 7-08 is probably going to stay with them longer but I believe no one out grows a gun, they only get old enough to need another!
Age is relative, what size is the shooter? At age 10 my three boys were 5'-6" or more and 150 lbs. My daughter was as tall and maybe 135lbs. 308 would have been fine for any of them. You can use the Barnes 308- 130gr TTSX and cut the recoil a bunch.
