As my boy is 12 and passed hunters safety, this is the first year he gets to hunt deer (if he draws a permit anyway). Because of this I've been looking for a deer rifle for him. Due to him being a lefty, its been difficult to find youth models that fit... but we finally found one! A Left handed Savage Axis Youth. I chose the 7mm-08 over a .243 as I felt it offers more flexibility down the road for elk and other big game due to a wider selection of heavier bullets.

I found a smoking online deal on a new one for $280, with shipping & tax + fee's, the out the door price is $310. The cool thing is my boy has been working and saving up for a while now and he will make this purchase himself with his own money so it truely will be "his" rifle. It should arrive at my local dealer in a few days.

I picked up a used Nikon Buckmaster 3x9 scope for it so all we need are some rings and some ammo. The ammo seems to be the sticking point, its just not available. I'm surprised 7mm-08 is priced so much more than other ammo, we'll pick up some dies and eventually reload... unless I can find some brass somewhere. Anyone here sitting on a bucket of once fired 7mm08 brass?

Hopefully we can get the gun all set up and as work dies down (Still doing the 60-70 hour a week thing... it sucks), we'll get in some shooting time to break it in.


-DallanC

Good on you Dallan!
7mm-08 sounds good, but IMHO pretty savage a recoil for a young person.
then again if your boy has a robust frame they might be suitable.
Why not a 7.62 caliber?

gelandangan wrote:

Good on you Dallan! 7mm-08 sounds good, but IMHO pretty savage a recoil for a young person. then again if your boy has a robust frame they might be suitable. Why not a 7.62 caliber?

7mm-08 is milder than a 270 and he shoots that fine. I havent seen any youth models in 7.62


-DallanC

well, um..

7.62 x 221 - 300 BLK - 300 Whisper..

I am just trying to propogate my preferences

Never mind

Congrats on one of those special Dad times. My son's first was a H+R in .243. I also bought him a 20 gauge H+R so the actions were the same. If you can't find 7mm-08 brass try for .308 and just reform them. The .308 brass might be easier to find.

Sounds like a good choice Dallan! In a few years you can get an "adult" stock so he an keep using it. Sounds like you went through the same thought process as I did when I decided on the .260 Rem for my kids (who unfortunately didn't get the bug to hunt with me ). The .260 and 7mm-08 just offer a lot more versatility than a .243, IMO.

I still to this day use a youth stocked .270 Remington M700, I have shorter arms and the shorter stock helps clear layers of bulky clothing in cold weather.

This youth model only has a 20" barrel so when he gets older we can get him into a adult sized gun and he can either sell this one, or keep it for when he has kids.


-DallanC

sounds like a great choice.
huge choice of projectiles to load with and making a mild recoiling load will be very easy.
the price of factory ammo over here is usually high for 7mm08 as it is so popular.
my nephew has had a great run with his and find it kills very well.

If I had a child that age I would have chosen the 7mm08 also. I am fond of any of the 7mms and the '08 is the best of the mid-range lot. Have fun and enjoy the time with your son!

Excellent choice. You did very well. All the best...
Gil

A rifle he will give to his son...7mm-08 very good on you.

Excellent cartridge.....love mine !!!

I also have a 20" barrel...... deer don't know the difference !!! (Sorry no extra brass)

WEll done big guy!!!! I think you made a good choice for him. On the stock though if he has shorter arms the "youth" stock may work just fine for his entire usage of the rifle. I have short arms and these stocks cut for guys with "gorilla arms" are a pin for me to use. But I do!! HE HE HE!!!! I will try to keep an eye open for some brass.

I wish you a LONG LONG TIME together in the fields.

A fine choice.

Good Choice Dallan, Enjoy these years with him as they will fly bye..Hopefully ammo prices will come down after these troubled times in the White House change hands. I see you mentioned Nikon.. good scope, I have the Monarch on my .270.. love it..