Hello All,
I am wanting to get some opinions on purcahsing a Mossberg Maverick Super Bantam 243 rifle for my 12 year old son to be used for deer and hog hunting. I know that this particualr rifle is not top of the line but I have read some reviews that it is a good gun for the money as a starter rifle. I have also read reviews that the tigger assembly has had some issues is the past. Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

Academy has this particular rifle on sale for $179.00. I welcome everyones opinions and suggestions! Have a wonderful day!!!

I picked up a Maverick about a month ago, similar sale. Have yet to shoot it, but the trigger is about as lousy as it gets, lots of creep and heavy. I know there was a "fix" posted here (I have it saved), but it's not all that easy.
And I have not researched if there is an available aftermarket trigger, as my intentions are to keep this rifle as "low budget" as possible.
Academy has a posted "no dry firing" policy, so picking out the best one is not possible.
Out the door for under $200 sure has its appeal, doesn't it?

I picked one up in 243 and the trigger was heavy (6 lbs) but broke clean. I guess I got lucky there.
Accuracy was average (1 3/4" groups) with Remington green box 80gr soft points but I'm sure that would improve with better or different ammo.
My 12 yr old hasn't had any trouble keeping his groups in a deer sized kill zone area out to 125 yds or so.
For the money I'm happy with it.
I like having a rifle that I won't feel too bad about him dropping or hunting in the rain with.
I say go for it.

I just purchased the new 100 ATR Super Bantam in .243 for my 10yr old daughter. I put a 4x-12x-40 Bushnell Banner on it. I went and shot it today, during my lunch break, and this is what I can say so far.

Fit & Finish: Average. Noticeable black smudges from when the barrel was "blackened". These do not rub off. Almost like the finish was just put on kinda sloppy. The bolt, isn't as smooth as I'd like. Fully pulled back, it has alot of play, not quite what I would have hoped for.

Trigger: I really love the trigger. Probably the best part about this gun. The two stage, no creep trigger really feels nice, and crisp.

Grouping: I only shot this gun from 50. I used cheap ammunition to get it sighted in. Using 80 gr. Remington Cor-lok, and a box of Winchester 80gr super x. This gun shot the Winchesters better than big green's. At the end of the lunch break, I was able to keyhole 2 of the 3 shot groups each time.

Overall, I'm happy with my purchase. The gun shoots well, for what it is. There were much more expensive first rifles I could have bought for her, but I think this one will be a great starter.

My brother picked up a full size Maverick when they wre $179 in .270 at Academy.

He is a pretty good shot and he shot a 3 shot group at/or under 1" at 100 yrds with Rem Corelokt 130 gr.

I would def. say it is a good shooter.