My 13 yr old shot his first deer at 10 with a 22-250. Over the next two seasons he moved into a 6mm, and really liked that round in 100 grain. This year I backed off from a 7mm Mag to a 25-06, a round I have always been enamored with, since the 80's. Got a Winchester Mod 70 Featherweight, and with factory 120 gr CoreLokt covers almost all of 5 shots in a nickle. He tried it on a late season hunt to shoot a doe. He almost salivates when I take it out of the safe.

Ship has sailed on low cost, good AKs. I'd look elsewhere for an affordable first gun for an 18 yo.

Remington or Savage .270 or .308

In addition to my OP, if anyone has any used .243 calibers (or comparable) with a scope for sale PM me.

Heck, really any of the many recommended rifles in the thread let me know. I may try and help him find a good used one to use or try out. Best case scenario he tries one out and buys it from me, worst case I have a new serviceable deer rifle in the safe he can use in the meantime.

It's a high school kid who works pretty hard maintaining an old Ag's (not mine - c/o '63) land. I talked to him again and his burget is 400-500 bucks all incl.

I'm in Houston but would travel anywhere on the outskirts of town and towards CS for the right deal.

SanAntoneAg said:

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Irish_Man said:

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I enjoy reading threads like these.

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Even though each one is like a broken record.

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yet somehow noone has suggested a .45-70 or 300 wby in this thread? What if he gets an opportunity to hunt mule deer one day and all he's got is a .30-06? What then?

in all seriousness the pawn shop gun racks should be prime pickings right now, have him handle a few dozen rifles and see if anything speaks to him

Milwaukees Best Light said:

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Rem 700 in .270 is the answer.

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this is what I have with a Nikon Prostaff. My 15 year old daughter shoots it with a pad on the stock and she loves it. An 18 year old boy should be fine.

7mm-08

NRD09 said:

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in all seriousness the pawn shop gun racks should be prime pickings right now, have him handle a few dozen rifles and see if anything speaks to him

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Good idea too.

BenderRodriguez said:

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Ship has sailed on low cost, good AKs. I'd look elsewhere for an affordable first gun for an 18 yo.

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One can of course argue good first gun and whether AK fits that bill but the PSA PSAK is US made and between $500-600 I haven't fired it but it looks promising. That's what you'd pay for a new handgun.

I really like my Browning Xbolt Micro Midas 7 mm 08

I picked up a Savage Axis 308 for my son not too long ago. I see it grouped with the Ruger American and the Stevens Model 200 as the best combos of performance and price.

I have been pretty happy with it . . . .I see lots of folks complain that the stock is a bit flimsy and the trigger is too tight but I have had no problems. There is a pretty big aftermarket to modify it if you wish.

Something to consider. They have an Axis II model with a fancier trigger that has drawn good reviews.

Check out the Webley and Scott Empire. It's got a very good Howa barrel, comes in all the calibers we've been discussing, and can be had brand new for less than 500.