9 year old gun hunting suggestions

[gt2003]

My son is wanting to go hunting with me this year. My thought is to try out my muzzleloader with 70 grains of 777 and a 220 grain precision rifle dead center, all lead bullet. The maximum shot he would have in the area where I hunt would be about 40 yards. I have no doubt the bullet would perform at this distance. Does anyone have any other thoughts? The only other rifle I have is a remington 700, 7mm. Both guns have scopes and he will be able to practice but I will try the muzzleloader out first to see what kind of "kick" it has. I don't want to get him gun shy. I can always borrow a 30/30 or buy a .223 or .243 for him, or a 30/30. Please relay your opinions on what is best. He's a pretty good sized kid, probably 4ft 6 or 8 and 110 #'s. Thanks for the input. Greg

[gt2003]

Thats kind of what I was thinking, that there were many options. Please, others, give me your opinions. I'm leaning towards a 30/30 because they are cheap to shoot and I know they'll do the job, or a .243 because I think its an excellent choice for deer and for a youth hunter. Keep in mind that 40-50 yds is the maximum shot in out area, 20-30 yards is more typical. Thanks again for the input. Greg

[Shaun_300]

There are lots of short action calibers that'll do the job just fine. Like you said, the .30-30 and the .243. There's also the 7mm-08 or the .308. Both based on the .243 cartridge, but different caliber. It all depends on the grain of bullet you want to shoot which should make the decision between the .243, 7mm-08 and the .308. The .243 comes in 55gr to 100gr bullets, the 7mm-08 comes in 140gr bullets, and the .308 comes in 150gr to 180gr.

Hope this helps... Good luck with your decision!

[joebobhunter4]

i started with a 260 when i was 10... doesnt kick too bad im 14 now and use a 7mm

[BLH]

All the rifles you mentioned were great guns for him. I started out on a 30/30 when I was 5 and it was fine, I hunted with it until I was 12 or so and killed plenty of deer.

[Buckslayer]

I was a small youth when I was 12, about the size of your son, maybe smaller slightly. I shot a .30/.30, model 94 lever, and it was fine for me. It had no recoil pad I remember, so if you got a recoil pad for a .30/.30, it would be perfect. It is simple to shoot, good for brush and dense forest, and would make 150 yard shots easily too. If I were in your shoes, he'd get a .243. They barely kick, are accurate, and are more effective at bringing down deer than, say, a .223. I would recommend this option for the simple reason that it will also make target practice fun. You could shoot twice as many .243 than a .30/.30 before you started to feel it... remember that practice and not becoming recoil shy is what's going to make your son an accurate shot at an early age - a skill he'll be proud of the rest of his life.

-BS007

[Texan_Til_I_Die]

I'd probably stay away from the muzzle loader. Too much smoke and noise. Get a 223, 243, or something similar and then go buy the reduced recoil ammunition from Federal or Remington if you think it's necessary.

[robk]

there are so many ways to go with this. if you really want him to take a buck or doe i would suggest something small in caliber and woould think a 243 or even a 223 vs's the blackpowder. the smoke that follows is going to cause him to jerk the trigger and he wants to see where the bullet goes. clear vision is what he needs. also i would use soemthign in the 55 to 100 grain bullet for him. the 243 is an ideal gun for women and kids and won't knockk the fire out of him
rob k

[popgun]

One good option for a 9 year old is to go with a rifle that shoots a straight walled pistol cartridge like the .44 mag.
I have a Winchester 94AE Trapper with a scope that is good to 100 yards and more with very little recoil.

Remember when you are shooting a pistol cartridge, the felt recoil will be much less than if that same cartridge were shot from the handgun.
A rifle like the Winchester 94 is also one of the safest for a new hunter.
The 240 grn. XTP .44 mag. is a very good choice for a small shooter.
I am still a firm believer that a .223 is too small for deer, even with experienced hunters. Shot placement is everything, and the .223 leaves no room for error.
Good luck
....popgun

[ihunt365]

how about a shot gun it can be used for small and big game.

[gt2003]

Everything considered I'll probably go with the .243. It sounds like a great caliber and can be used at close range or an extended distance. I appreciate the input. I like the idea of being able to purchase one rifle that he can use for years. Thanks again everyone. Greg

[HitRmisS]

im 18 and i have killed nine deer all with a .243 this year i moved up to a .270 but only by choice not neccesity

[gt2003]

Update. I called a friend of mine who hunts quite a bit. He let me borrow his New England Firearms youth .243 for my kiddo to shoot with. He also has an ameristep doghouse and penthouse he offered for me to use. He is so excited that my child is wanting to start hunting and he wants to do everything possible to assist me. What a great feeling. Maybe the little one and I can shoot tomorrow. Thanks for all the advice. I'll let you know how things go. Thanks, Greg

[Shaun_300]

That's great news! Let us know how he likes the gun!

[lilcrackshot]

NEF/H&R single shot rifles in 243 or 25-06 would be about perfect. I started out on one of their single-shots and loved it.