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243 bolt action vs. 44 mag lever action

just-shoot
My 13yr daughter has outgrown her youth 243 single shot rifle. (that what I'm telling my wife) In your opinion, which would be a better choice for a young girl who is somewhat recoil sensitive. We hunt in northern Arizona, woodsy area, mule deer mostly seen within a 100 yd. Which has more recoil? Thanks in advance for your opinions.
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • idsman75
    .243! It is MUCH more versatile.

    SSG idsman75, U.S. ARMY
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  • groundhog devastation
    I think a 260 would probably be a good choice for the next gun for your daughter. Browning makes their A-bolt with a synthetic stock and I think the synthetics show a little less recoil than wood in the same gun.(my opinion) The 260 would have the range and the power and would make a lifelong rifle for the daughter. GHD
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  • JustC
    GHD makes a good long term point. I wouldn't go with any less than the 243 in a nice bolt gun. IMHO, the 44mag would be decent for dense brush and the like, but a 100yd mule deer harvest? I'm not so sure that it would provide the same margin for error. I am no expert on hunting with the 44mag in a rifle so I can't say. I beleive the 243 or the aforementioned 260 would be best all around.

    When in doubt...empty the magazine!!
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  • rballi
    Any 44 Mag lever action packs a punch. The max effective range would be about 100 yards. You can shoot 44 specials in it for practice or light game. The Mag does kick. I have used a bolt 243 in South Texas for Whitetail deer and coyotes. I also have a 44 Mag lever action that I take along during the off season for Hogs. You get more distance out of a 243 with less recoil than a 44Mag; I would say about double. Shot placement is everything. If she flinches taking a shot with a 44 Mag it doesnt matter if the deer is 25 yards away.

    Does she shoot scoped or unscoped? How does the rifle fit? Even if you don't have a bolt 243 or 44 lever right now, you might want her to try on one of your other similar guns if you have them. For example, let her shoot a lever 30-30 if you have one. Let her shoot your bolt action 308 if you have one.

    I'm sure your local gun shop will let her put a couple of rifles to her shoulder. It would be even better if she could shoot the same type rifle you are planning on getting her.

    Good luck.
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  • He Dog
    For that purpose (and I hunt in N. New Mexico, where I use one) I would choose a .257 Roberts. Recoil barely over a .243 and with a slightly heavier stock (She is young right?) it will be even milder. Other wise a .243 or a .260 Rem. Good shooting!



    Edited by - He Dog on 04/23/2002 11:47:03
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  • dobieman0690
    No contest get the 243 ive taken 34 elk and 6 moose with mine. with practice she will become a crack shot and wont be scared or the recoil
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  • just-shoot
    Thanks everyone for your thoughts on this matter I've been toying with. We've been very happy with the 243, but will also consider the 257 roberts & 260 rem. I was considering the 44 mag lever action for my own selfishness, since I dodn't have a lever action yet. I will defently stick with a bolt action for her. I have never shot a 44 mag, and since its a pistol round, I thought the recoil might be less. Thanks again.
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  • leeblackman
    Why don't you ask her what she wants???

    Visit me http://www.geocities.com/gunsmithlee
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  • fergusonmorse392
    STAY WITH THE 243, JUST GO WITH THE BOLT ACTION, SHOW HER THE REM 700'S & REM 7'S LET HER PICK.
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  • groundhog devastation
    If you're going to consider the 257 consider the Ruger Ultralight. I had one some years ago and should have kept it but it was at that time in my life when I wanted something different, I had to sell one I already had! There's a lesson here for you young guns! Don't ever sell it because at some point you'll say I wish I had that one back! Anyway the little Ruger was accurate and easy to tote. It was not the little short things they're making now. I don't know that that gun is still offered. As far as the 260 goes, I know Remington makes the Model 7 and I think the youth model in 260. Whatever you get should be more than a 243!! I know that a couple of the guys on here said stick with the 243 but not everyone is the accomplished marksmen they are! The 243 is a great varmint cartridge that just happens to have killed some elk and whitetail. Elmer Keith said he killed an elk at 400 yds. with a 17 Rem. That doesn't make me want to take a 17 to Colorado next fall to hunt elk!!! GHD
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