max the bullet in the box is a great idea, however I think she might be expecting a little something else in that box, so that could definitely backfire.

Great Advice everyone! I may be leaning more towards the 243 at this point, if for no other reason that Ammo will probably be easier to find, and it seems like recoil will be less (right now that is my main concern) She loved the youth model 22-250 that she shot her first one with, so I'm probably going to see if I can find a 243 in a youth size.

You could always wrap up a bullet in bubble wrap (so it won't shake/rattle), then put it in a bigger box that she wouldn't be expecting jewelry out of.

Personally, I like this approach because she'll first be disappointed because it's not a gun and she already told you that's exactly what she wanted. THEN she'll be excited to find the bullet in the box and that she actually IS getting a gun!

Or, you could just buy her a box of .243 ammo and wrap it up. Hopefully she's smart enough to equate getting ammo to getting a gun.

My dad bought a Remington 700 youth chambered in .243 for my sisters while we were growing up. I've shot it several times and really like it, but it's too small for me. I'd recommend it.

I like the bullet in a jewelry box idea. Similarly, my dad bought me an exhaust system for Christmas one year when I was restoring my mustang. The box just had a muffler in it, and I got the point. Go for it!

My wife has a 6MM and a 240 Weatherby Mag. She hes shot my 25-06 before and its not a problem for her. My 12 year old nephew shoots a 25-06.

So, what did you decide?

quote:

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I may be leaning more towards the 243 at this point, if for no other reason that Ammo will probably be easier to find, and it seems like recoil will be less (right now that is my main concern)

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25-06 ammo is easy to find. And every place online that sells ammo has it readily available.

Check out this like to Chuck Hawks recoil table

http://www.chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm

Unless you would be planning to step up to a 120 grain bullet in the 25-06 the recoil is virtually identical (very low).

Ok so I know everyone is extremely curious as to what the final decision was:



Used Browning Medalion 25-06

And hopefully you guys can keep a secret, but this is just part of her birthday present that I am giving her tomorrow... the other is small, round, and quite shiny.

shhhh.....



[This message has been edited by Tony almeda (edited 3/1/2012 8:22p).]

Congrats!

Thanks for the input '06. At the end of the day the girls on the board sold me on the 25-06

Good Choice Tony

I don't have any experience with .25-06, but I have a .243 and a 7mm-08 (both are Remington Model Sevens). Both are great rounds.

Good guns for girls? Yes.
Good guns for anyone? Yes.

She's a lucky girl.

Good call on the rifle!