Hunting & Fishing Gonna buy a hunting rifle for my daughter.

[libertyman777]

So, she had a Savage Hog Hunter but complained that it was too heavy. I think it was just nose heavy. She isn't particular, it just needs to be threaded and in .223 Remingon.
Funds are an issue right now, I'd like to keep the price at $400 or less.
So, I've narrowed things down to the Savage Axis. Ruger American Ranch, Remington 783. Is there anything else you're aware of? Also, anything we should avoid?
Thanks,
Paul

 

[WeiserBucks]

My son shoots a Ruger American, feels cheap but shoots factory ammo sub MOA.

 

[gopherslayer]

Find a different barrel. They are extremely easy to swap.

 

[libertyman777]

We tried on rifles yesterday. Only for fit, they all had trigger locks installed. She liked everything but the Savage Axis. Probably gonna go with the 783 depending on the trigger. I’ve dry fired the Ruger American Ranch and it was rough.

 

[rookie7]

@libertyman777 will she be using this on whitetail? What bullet are you planning on using?

Thanks

 

[libertyman777]

@libertyman777 will she be using this on whitetail? What bullet are you planning on using?

Thanks

Yes and pigs. I've been handloading the 65 grain SGK to great effect. All of our shots are 100 yards or so. I dropped one a few years ago, quartering away from me, running at 118 yards. The round entered high, just behind the last rib and exited out 4" behind the opposite shoulder. Exit would was near 50 cent piece sized and he ran maybe 10 yards into the thickest crap imaginable. I had to get on my hands and knees to get to him. The wound channel was very good. He weighed 175 on the hoof which is a good sized buck down here.

 

[missed]

My daughter has a Tikka T3 lite in 223 she likes it and it's not heavy at all.

 

[mountainman308]

Have you considered a CZ 527? https://cz-usa.com/product/cz-527-carbine-223-rem/

They are light weight and balance well.

 

[556ARs]

The Marlin XS7 comes in a youth version. It is an excellent rifle that sells for only a few hundred bucks. Savage sells some youth models but they are a little more expensive. The Remington Model 7 youth is super rifle but get ready to shell out some pretty serious dollars to get one.

 

[rookie7]

Yes and pigs. I've been handloading the 65 grain SGK to great effect. All of our shots are 100 yards or so. I dropped one a few years ago, quartering away from me, running at 118 yards. The round entered high, just behind the last rib and exited out 4" behind the opposite shoulder. Exit would was near 50 cent piece sized and he ran maybe 10 yards into the thickest crap imaginable. I had to get on my hands and knees to get to him. The wound channel was very good. He weighed 175 on the hoof which is a good sized buck down here.

I’m next door to you in Georgia, so we have similar size deer.

It’s funny how people will use AR’s in 223 for hogs down here, but they feel the need to use 30/06 up to 300 wby on our size deer.

Some of the pigs we have can have pretty thick shields.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

Ruger American Predator is light and is threaded. Could even do a 6 Creed and load it light for her to practice.

 

[libertyman777]

I’m next door to you in Georgia, so we have similar size deer.

It’s funny how people will use AR’s in 223 for hogs down here, but they feel the need to use 30/06 up to 300 wby on our size deer.

Some of the pigs we have can have pretty thick shields.

Agreed. There have been some HUGE hogs taken with .223, dropped in their tracks. I actually don’t feel like I’m compromising or settling with .223. I prefer it.

 

[rookie7]

Agreed. There have been some HUGE hogs taken with .223, dropped in their tracks. I actually don’t feel like I’m compromising or settling with .223. I prefer it.

In your opinion, how has the internal damage been with 223 vs larger calibers? Blood trails?

I have only shot one deer with a 223 - an average doe. She was only 40 yards, and a 55 gr Barnes TSX dropped her where she stood.

 

[556ARs]

If you looking t hunt hogs, I will recommend a .22 rimfire mag rifle.

 

[STX6.5]

Full size or youth models?

 

[Big Ern]

Take a look at the tikka t3 lite. Really great rifle at the price point.

 

[libertyman777]

In your opinion, how has the internal damage been with 223 vs larger calibers? Blood trails?

I have only shot one deer with a 223 - an average doe. She was only 40 yards, and a 55 gr Barnes TSX dropped her where she stood.

Haven’t had the need for blood trails. Internal damage has been significant. I’m north of 2800 FPS with my load, I can’t remember now if it’s VV or Varget .

Personally, I think the 6mm class of projectiles are perfect for deer.

I choose to tailor a load in .223, it’s very accurate, we practice and shots are limited to 100 yards or so.

 

[BLKWLFK9]

Here in NC, a lot of deer hunters that run dogs use AR's in .223. Use appropriate ammo, and you would be good to go. Hogs are much heartier than deer, especially here in the south east. another option is getting a howa barreled action in 6.5 grendel and get the cheaper MDT chassis line b/c they have some for the howa mini action. The grendel is a great deer caliber here in the south east.

 

[libertyman777]

Full size or youth models?

Really either. She’s grown, normal sized female.

 

[eddie102870]

christensen arms mesa is nice but wont fit in your budget

 

[Blackkettle]

257 Roberts is a good gun. I had a gal in Alaska the roberts was all she used and took lots of sheep and deer with it.

 

[Kevins750]

Tc compass or ruger American predator

 

[Ken Burton]

Got my Gdauther a .243 and she loves it for the deer she's been shooting here in SD, she's all of 5' and near 120 but enjoys the sh** out of the .243. Good Luck with your search. Hhardrock

 

[shax2lex]

Have you tried looking for a bolt rifle in 224V?