Hunting Rifle for Her
My wife will start hunting this year. She's rather small (5' nothing and about a buck and change) so I did some (not a lot of) research on an appropriate gun (weight, length and caliber) for her. I first thought about getting a Marlin Model 336 30/30 - good for the brushy area we will primarily hunt for whitetail. Nice gun, but I wanted something even lighter for her to carry if possible. Next I looked at the 1894CP. Perfect weight and length but what about .357 for deer hunting? I've seen some ballistics - all handgun - and am not impressed. True, a brush gun will be used for closer range shots but what kind of effective range would I have? Of course the round will be the determining factor there but what is available? Any info on alternative firearms or other details/suggestions would be appreciated.
Gourty
... we don't need no stinkin' badges!
Gourty
... we don't need no stinkin' badges!
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Take a look at the .243 or the .257 Roberts. Both are mild recoiling cartridges. You can likely find a used rifle in either caliber which would leave you the budget to have the stock cut down if needed.
A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand0 -
Im with HE DOG the .257 Roberts would be an ideal caliber.
Best!!!
Rugster
Toujours Pret0 -
YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK OUT A YOUTH MODEL IN 243, REMINGTON OR SAVAGE. 0 -
The Browning A-Bolt in 243, 260, 7mm-08 are all short and light. Mine (the only Browning I own) is very accurate in 7mm-08 and very do-able for a smaller woman. Other than that, the Remington model 7 or 700 mountain in those calibers would probably be my first choice. Nice short barrels and light enough to carry for hours as well as to hold steady when waiting for just the right shot.
A great rifle with a junk scope,....is junk.0 -
Hi, my wife is small to about the same as your wife. She likes the size and weight of the Ruger RSI. I bought her one in 250 savage and she really likes it. Ruger also came out with a new rifle this year I think its called 77 compact. This would make a good choice also I think. If your wife doesn't like recoil, stay way from a 308 in these small guns, many people may suggest a 308 but the recoil is a little harsh in a light gun. I suggest 243,250 savage and 260. 0 -
I'd recommend a Remington model 7 or model 700, Or even a Browning A-bolt, In caliber less then .308 Dia., Such as 243 Win, 6mm rem, 257 roberts, 260 rem,25-06, 270 win., All these will work great with mininum of felt recoil. All these will work just fine on deer size game.
I'd recommend staying away from the lever gun and go with a bolt gun. Dont over look the 25-06 caliber, This is a real sweet caliber to shoot, With plenty of medium long range power to bag a deer, And a excellent varmint caliber too.
Hotrodusa0 -
Definetly look at the Rem 7 in 260 or 7mm-08. Light weight plenty of power, accuracy in a handy package.
"Those who stand for nothing will fall for anything."0 -
Ruger makes a little semi-auto carbine in .44 mag. This is a great brush round, and the kick wouldn't be bad. I am not sure about max range but you read about guys shooting deer at 100 yards and more with the .44 mag pistol and whatever the pistol will do this rifle will do better. My buddy shot a 4 point at 80 yards with this gun and it folded up. 0 -
Well I got a Marlin 1894C in 357 that I use every year and it hasn't failed me yet, great little gun, no kick, super light, I put a 2 1/2 power scope with see thru's and an extended hammer spur on it and it's a real tack driver out to 100 yards easy!! I shoot PMC 158 gr. semi jacketed wad cutters, she holds 9 in the tube and 1 in the chamber. It can also shoot inexpensive 38 specials out of it for plinking or small game like rabbits (head shots with the scope). I also carry a ruger single action 357 so I only have to carry 1 kind of ammo instead of several.. I have had the gun for 15 years now and I have taken 5 real nice bucks and 8 real nice does up here in Northern Wisconsin where they are considered pretty fair sized animals.. If your in a lot of brush and want a solid gun thats light enough to carry all day I wouldn't hesitate to take this one!! JMHO..
I don't think you will be sorry.. Besides you can always trade up as these seem to always be in demand..
Oh and by the way my wife who is about the same size as yours carries a Winchester M100 auto in 308, (considered by many to be a light gun) usually by the end of the day I'm carrying that and she's got my 357 as the Winchester gets a little heavy for her!! 7 or 8 pounds carried all day can be quite tiresome for the smaller gal's.
AL.
Edited by - yoslick on 09/23/2002 21:14:190 -
Don't get me wrong- I have two 30-30 rifles and they are good guns, but no good past 100 yds per-say.
A .243 is a fine choice as it can drop a whitetail as well as varmits ect.
It's an old saying about the 30-30 being a good brush gun because twigs and such won't deflect the bullet as much. This is simply not true! The 30-30 is called a good brush gun due to the shorter distance needed in the brush and the energy/velocity is well suited for this type of use.
The recoil is pretty stiff with the 30-30, but the .243 is easier on the shoulder and will help her make better shots due to the lessened fear of recoil. A good 100 grain bullet shot is better than a 150-170 grain bad shot.0 -
I agree with Mr. Griggs. From whats described the .44 mag is probably the better short range brush gun. I would avoid a light hi-speed bullet in a thick brush situation. Ruger auto is short, light and easy on recoil. Inexpensive too. I know some 200 lb. experienced hunters who choose it in those conditions and leave their flat shooters at home.
Duty Honor Country0 -
All the above suggestions are good. Both of my bous were 10 when they started hunting and they both started with a 243 Win. My oldest son is now 20 and he still grabs his 243 to hunt white tail with. He could use his 30.06 or 7mm Mag. He is 6'1" and weighs in at 195# He just loves his 243. But if you arn't looking for a high dollar rifle, give the 7x57 mauser and the 6.5x55 Swedish mauser a look. The recoil is just about no exsistent and the ammo can be found in most sporting good stores.You can find some real good deals on either calaiber on this auction sight for under $300.00 ready to hunt with. Good luck
and happy hunting
Hornet0 -
Gourty,
Think .243 all the way. Accurate, low recoil, ammo is everywhere in different loads. Model 7 has a shorter stock, Model 70 in Featherweight or Compact would likely fit her. The Ruger compact was mentioned earlier but also look for the Ultra Light model. 6 3/4 pounds out of the box.
I have a friend that is 6'2" 300plus, he loves his Ruger Ultra Light in .243 for deer hunting.
KC0 -
I agree with daddo that .30-30 kicks! Call me a cry baby, I am 6-3 and 225 and my main deer rifle is a .30-06 but I don't like to shoot the .30-30. I don't know why that little gun kicks so much. It is critical to get your wife a gun which doesn't have too much kick for her. If she is flinching ya'll are going to have a long day in the woods, tracking a wounded deer, that's why I recommend the little Ruger .44 for her, but the .243 is good too. ps Maybe someone can give the .357 and .44 rifle ballistics but I'm sure you know you get a lot more power out of that .357 rifle than the pistol.
Edited by - allen griggs on 09/24/2002 08:30:090
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