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

[Rotten]

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.

That would be an excellent choice for me you and the father. What if his kids was really into the black powder long range single shots. Like 45-120 or lever action 45-90
I'd much prefer a original Winchester in 45-90 than any Brazilian made model 70.
Even in maple id reject it.
Well not if it was linked to O'Connor. Good luck with that.

 

[blue0369]

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

lol

Im Blessed to be able to provide for my family. It took years of grinding my *** off but I finally made it. I would like to be under 2k scope and rifle. That should be able to find a very nice quality stick to kill deer and most anything else.

 

[98s1lightning]

First thing I'd consider is LA or SA, what's their height?

Are you putting them on scope guns for longer range ability???

Are your concerned w type of safety mechanism?
These are mine with new shooters.
Like the Ruger 3 position needs deliberate action to go hot, that's good for rifles that are being passed off to each other

I like USA made, and I like reliability; heirloom quality

IMO can't beat a Ruger on that

SA: 243 win, 7mm-08
LA: 270 win (25-06 abundant ammo?)

I'm out of touch w the 6.5 variety ammo availability. And I think the 30cals have too much recoil for most kids.

Used to be in the Northeast ammo on shelves at gas stations: 30-30, 45-70, 243win, 308win, 270win, 30-06 those were the find it anywhere, buy a rifle in that if you don't handload.

 

[blue0369]

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.

I think one of them will be a lefty so there is that also.

 

[98s1lightning]

I'd be hesitant on Maple; with firewood experience it splits easier than Walnut

I like the looks of it though!!!!

 

[98s1lightning]

Ruger made the MkII's in lefty I believe

I really like the Browning A-Bolts and A-Bolt II's, those came lefty also

 

[98s1lightning]

I also agree
A pair of Maples is a special son's gift, that its unlikely to run into someone else in the field that has a rifle similar

 

[98s1lightning]

I read of people having safeties break on Win 70's, and they are heavy rifles, that's what drove me away from them.
But there's probly more happy owners out there than people that had problems? Idk

 

[nksmfamjp]

That's a great idea also.


What do they run?

$900 before bottom metal or trigger.

 

[Rotten]

lol

Im Blessed to be able to provide for my family. It took years of grinding my *** off but I finally made it. I would like to be under 2k scope and rifle. That should be able to find a very nice quality stick to kill deer and most anything else.

It dam well better be. I remember my mother and father busting *** for a 70,000
Dollar home. When it was last sold for over 100,mill.
I won't go into details but I'm happy for you that that's a possibility in your life.

 

[fseaman]

Chambering/caliber 243 Winchester
Rifle brand: Tikka, Weatherby
Model: T3, Vanguard Synthetic Compact

I have shot Tikka. Loved it.

I lived so close to the Weatherby factory before their move that I am very Weatherby invested.

 

[blue0369]

First thing I'd consider is LA or SA, what's their height?

Are you putting them on scope guns for longer range ability???

Are your concerned w type of safety mechanism?
These are mine with new shooters.
Like the Ruger 3 position needs deliberate action to go hot, that's good for rifles that are being passed off to each other

I like USA made, and I like reliability; heirloom quality

IMO can't beat a Ruger on that

SA: 243 win, 7mm-08
LA: 270 win (25-06 abundant ammo?)

I'm out of touch w the 6.5 variety ammo availability. And I think the 30cals have too much recoil for most kids.

Used to be in the Northeast ammo on shelves at gas stations: 30-30, 45-70, 243win, 308win, 270win, 30-06 those were the find it anywhere, buy a rifle in that if you don't handload.

I have not really thought about the long vs short honestly. I was focusing on shoot ability more than anything right now for them. The rifle will have a scope for sure.

 

[blue0369]

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.

On another note- Are you a lineman also????

 

[kgarrett]

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…..

6.5 PRC is a fine cartridge for a big game rifle and more versatile than a 6.5 CM which is itself a fine cartridge. 280AI, 7 PRC, and 6.8 Western are the next step up in terminal performance and recoil and are worth considering.

That Win 70 is very nice option and IF it appeals to your boys go for it.

If they prefer synthetic stocks consider the Weatherby 307 Alpine CT or the Springfield Waypoint 2020. They could hunt, shoot PRS or NRL hunter with those though they are right at the top of your price range.

I used a 7 RM for years but have gone to a 6.5 PRC for elk sized game and smaller and a 300 PRC for elk sized game and larger. Very similar trajectory, but significantly more recoil and terminal performance in the bigger caliber.

However, for 95% + of my hunting the 6.5 PRC fits the bill perfectly. It's also a very popular cartridge so options and availability should be good going forward.