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#1640029 02/04/16 03:38 PM
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14 point
14 point
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I'm heavily considering getting a compact Ruger American (.243) for my wife to shoot and for my son to get started on in the next couple of years. Can get it for $339 at Simmons or $399 for the all-weather version. I already have the RA in .308 so I know what to expect out of the gun. I'm pretty set on .243, but what other rifle can you recommend at that price point?

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14 point
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I started my son and granddaughters on 7mm-08 as far as a deer rifle.


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Freak of Nature
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I don't know if they still make the Marlin XS7 but I can attest to the accuracy of those. They were/are about that same price point.

Having said that, I've only owned one Rugah I didn't like. It was a 9mm semi auto pistol that was best used as a paper weight or hammer. I don't remember what model it was but it was made in the early 90's. I have several Ruger rifles, pistols and revolvers.

2nd vote for 7mm-08. I know your son is pretty small and I remember you posting a picture of him after he got tattooed with your 308. Remington makes a reduced recoil load for the 7-08 that is very low recoiling. I think it's a superior round to the 243 and I've used both to kill deer with.

Last edited by FurFlyin; 02/04/16 03:55 PM.

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American in 7mm-08

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3rd vote for 7mm08 with reduced recoil til grow into regular loads. They recoil like a 243.


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Originally Posted By: FurFlyin
I don't know if they still make the Marlin XS7 but I can attest to the accuracy of those. They were/are about that same price point.


They do and I just bought one for my youngest son. Joe, I have the Marlin Brad referenced above and also the Mossberg Youth (basically the Patriot before they labeled it "Patriot") both in 7/08. You are welcome to take and shoot both of them if you would like.

I know you didn't ask for it, but another vote for the 7/08. Mine started with managed recoil and there is virtually no kick.


Originally Posted by CNC
Ya'll are just overthinking it now

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Originally Posted By: FurFlyin
I know your son is pretty small and I remember you posting a picture of him after he got tattooed with your 308.


Luckily my wife laughed about that one..

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IMO, Ruger American is as good as it gets in that price range....

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Originally Posted By: LUMPY
IMO, Ruger American is as good as it gets in that price range....


I think so too, but enjoy the discussion and various points of view.

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Ruger American compact but I'll vote 7mm-08 too. The 120's in reduced load will recoil as little as a 243, and you have the option to go up from there.

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Originally Posted By: SouthBamaSlayer
American in 7mm-08


This^^^^^



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Another vote for reduced recoil 7/08. My 5yr old has a steyr and handles it with ease.

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Booner
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7-08 in Savage Axis Youth. Have posted this before that some people do not like the trigger, but we(me and my two daughters) have no issues.

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I have a browning bar 243 that I had custom fit to my 7yr old that he has outgrown. Beautiful walnut with cerakote finish.

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Pope of Aldeer and Expert
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You know i'd have to recommend the .260 right? Or the 7-08.


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Savage axis in .243 would be at that price point as well, probably a little cheaper. I got my little sister one for Christmas for her first gun. Shoots and handles really well.

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purchased a Remington 783 compact last fall on a whim. It's a compact 243. It groups well, and has a decent trigger (similar to the savage accutrigger).

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10 point
10 point
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savage 223. after he out grows it can be a good truck gun for yotes or whatever you choose to shoot with it


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Old Mossy Horns
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I'd get the ruger American compact in 243...


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I started and still use my 7mm08....a .243 to me can easily be outgrown while somethin like a 7mm08 is perfect


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