New Shooter/Hunting Rifle Advice Needed
- Thread starter Aiko
- Start date
If you are looking at a .308, I don't believe recoil should be an issue. I shot a 30-06 when I was 6 years old in our backyard in Anchorage AK. I think my dad was seeing if it would knock me over and to the best of my memory, I stayed upright. Nevertheless, if you are concerned about recoil, don't get an ultra-lite rifle. Weight matters with recoil, the more weight, the less the recoil.
That stated, if the 14 yo is going to be shooting it, I would NOT get a muzzlebreak since the damage to his hearing could be significant, especially at such a young age. Get a good recoil pad and a rifle with a bit of weight to it. In .308, it shouldn't be an issue.
That stated, if the 14 yo is going to be shooting it, I would NOT get a muzzlebreak since the damage to his hearing could be significant, especially at such a young age. Get a good recoil pad and a rifle with a bit of weight to it. In .308, it shouldn't be an issue.
Doodlebugger45
New member
I have a wide selection of hunting rifles but still find myself grinning a whole lot when I pull out my Win Mod 70 in .308. To me, the recoil is just right. Enough to feel like a real rifle but not punishing after 50-60 rounds. A good recoil pad does wonders, but it's more than just your shoulder that takes the force. It is transferred to your neck, back, and butt. The .308 doesn't make my back stiff the next day after a prolonged shooting session the way some of my bigger rifles do.
Still, there is a whole lot to be said for a .243. I have one of those in Savage as well and they are a super good way to learn the finer points of shooting technique with a bolt action.
One thing not mentioned so far. In addition to a good recoil pad, get a PAST Recoil Shield. They don't look like much and don't cost much. I was skeptical the first time I bought one. But they are wonderful things indeed. I have shot my 7 mm mag with and without and the difference is amazing.
For sure stay away from a muzzle break! The extra sound and concussion wave to your face is way worse than the recoil.
Still, there is a whole lot to be said for a .243. I have one of those in Savage as well and they are a super good way to learn the finer points of shooting technique with a bolt action.
One thing not mentioned so far. In addition to a good recoil pad, get a PAST Recoil Shield. They don't look like much and don't cost much. I was skeptical the first time I bought one. But they are wonderful things indeed. I have shot my 7 mm mag with and without and the difference is amazing.
For sure stay away from a muzzle break! The extra sound and concussion wave to your face is way worse than the recoil.
i've been prone to migraines and headaches all my life. I have damaged neck vertebrae, and unrepaired rotator cuff damage in my right shoulder.
I will never, ever, fire anything of any significance anymore without a recoil pad and double hearing protection, and the idea of ever firing a large bore pistol again is just out the window.
Whenever I talk about recoil, this is why I'm always so conservative. Even the recoil of my .243 is painful after a box.
The thing that I'm most concerned about is that giving a person more gun than they want leads them to try and make it work, since the expectation from a parent that they can "handle it" is hard to ignore. This is why I'll always say to avoide the 30 caliber class for a young teenager or person of that size.
And seriously, why would anyone buy a bigger rifle than needed, just on the premise that "someday" the kid will go after moose, or grizzly?
What is it with you people? would you really take away this kid's opportunity to buy a rifle just for moose hunting when he gets the chance?
I will never, ever, fire anything of any significance anymore without a recoil pad and double hearing protection, and the idea of ever firing a large bore pistol again is just out the window.
Whenever I talk about recoil, this is why I'm always so conservative. Even the recoil of my .243 is painful after a box.
The thing that I'm most concerned about is that giving a person more gun than they want leads them to try and make it work, since the expectation from a parent that they can "handle it" is hard to ignore. This is why I'll always say to avoide the 30 caliber class for a young teenager or person of that size.
And seriously, why would anyone buy a bigger rifle than needed, just on the premise that "someday" the kid will go after moose, or grizzly?
What is it with you people? would you really take away this kid's opportunity to buy a rifle just for moose hunting when he gets the chance?
The_Unseen
Inactive
My first centerfire rifle was a remington model 700 in a .308 caliber i was 13 years old when i got it and the recoil never bothered me. Either the 30-06 or .308 would be the best choice when it comes down to ammunition. Both calibers have a ready supply of cheap millitary surplus round to shoot at the range and not bust the bank, Both calibers also have awesome hunting rounds for taking down game.
as far as recoil and performance down range go i would choose the .308. their recoil is mild and their performance is amazing a decent .308 will have no problem placing accurate shots at 750-900 yards if need be with plenty of knockdown power.
savage makes a couple of good shooting .308 caliber firearms ranging from 350$-600$ for example the savage axis it performs great and has a price tag of 350$ NIB
i own all three of three of the calibers mentioned more than one of each. i shoot everyday and the one that gets to see the most daylight is the .308 hands down.
as far as recoil and performance down range go i would choose the .308. their recoil is mild and their performance is amazing a decent .308 will have no problem placing accurate shots at 750-900 yards if need be with plenty of knockdown power.
savage makes a couple of good shooting .308 caliber firearms ranging from 350$-600$ for example the savage axis it performs great and has a price tag of 350$ NIB
i own all three of three of the calibers mentioned more than one of each. i shoot everyday and the one that gets to see the most daylight is the .308 hands down.
Just as a follow-up, I ended up picking up a Thompson Center Venture in .308. I checked out the Savage, Remington and Weatherby but the TC felt best. It has a lifetime warranty and guaranteed MOA @ 100 yards. Trigger is user adjust adjustable from 3.5 to 5.5 lbs, mine feels like it is set @ 3.5.
Will update after I shoot it with a few different types of ammo.
Will update after I shoot it with a few different types of ammo.
I like T/C's too. I nearly bought one myself a while back.