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Feb 7th, 2025
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 A dilemma
#3327616
06/27/12 08:17 PM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 163
kgraber
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 163 |
I want to take my 8 year old hog hunting. I have 3 rifles to choose from and I'm afraid 2 of them may be too much for him while one may not be enough for a hog.
Would you let an 8 year old shoot a .270 or 30-30? The other rifle is a .22WMR which would be fine if I were confident of him putting it in the ear of the hog but I don't think he's ready for that. The other option would be to put the 30-30 up for trade and see if I could get a .243 or .223 for him.
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: kgraber]
#3327652
06/27/12 08:34 PM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,077
ProneOutfitters
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Pro Tracker
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Posts: 1,077 |
I think that even though it may be a little hard on him, it would be alright to use the .270. I would also recommend ballistic tips. If it's his first hunt, he is going to be nervous. There's no stopping it. He'll be shaking, and you need something that is powerful enough to put it down even if it's not a perfect shot. One thing you could do is put a $5 Sissy Pad on it, and that may give him more confidence. At that age, it's mind over matter in my opinion. If he thinks he can handle it, he can. If he thinks it's going to hurt, it will. Get his confidence up and you will see much better results.
Another thing you may consider, is giving him a shotgun with buckshot. Have him shoot it with 7-8 shot before you hunt to make sure he's accurate, then stick a shell of buckshot in when you go hog hunting and he won't know the difference. His adrenaline will be going so much that I doubt he even knows it's a different load. Then tell him what it is after, and he'll be even more proud of himself. Just make sure you're within 20-30 yards and he puts it on the hogs head.
Good luck!
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: ProneOutfitters]
#3327664
06/27/12 08:40 PM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 163
kgraber
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 163 |
I think that even though it may be a little hard on him, it would be alright to use the .270. I would also recommend ballistic tips. If it's his first hunt, he is going to be nervous. There's no stopping it. He'll be shaking, and you need something that is powerful enough to put it down even if it's not a perfect shot. One thing you could do is put a $5 Sissy Pad on it, and that may give him more confidence. At that age, it's mind over matter in my opinion. If he thinks he can handle it, he can. If he thinks it's going to hurt, it will. Get his confidence up and you will see much better results.
Another thing you may consider, is giving him a shotgun with buckshot. Have him shoot it with 7-8 shot before you hunt to make sure he's accurate, then stick a shell of buckshot in when you go hog hunting and he won't know the difference. His adrenaline will be going so much that I doubt he even knows it's a different load. Then tell him what it is after, and he'll be even more proud of himself. Just make sure you're within 20-30 yards and he puts it on the hogs head.
Good luck! The 270 already has a limbsaver on it. I may see how he feels about shooting it this weekend.
![[Linked Image]](http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u312/kvgraber/IMG_1179resize.jpg)
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: kgraber]
#3327790
06/27/12 09:26 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 37
dkhnt
Light Foot
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Light Foot
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 37 |
I'd sell the .30-30 and buy a .243 or .223 and let him use that for now. How big is he and has he shot much? The worst thing that could happen is for him to become recoil or sound sensitive at this age. He may not want to hunt again and that would be a REAL dilemma!
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: dkhnt]
#3327824
06/27/12 09:36 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,585
aggiehunter03
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,585 |
Remington makes a 110 grain low recoil round for the 270, but I haven't tried them yet. I would think it wouldnt kick much harder than a 243 with a 100 grain bullet. Take the kick pad off and drill some holes to add weight to the stock, that will help too.
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: aggiehunter03]
#3327955
06/27/12 10:17 PM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 862
High Country Archer
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 862 |
I have used the low recoil in 270 when my son started shooting which was around 9yo and he had no problems shooting it. Just make sure you take him out before to make sure he is comfortable with the minimal kick (about a 223/243). He dropped two nice bucks with them and a couple of pigs. Heck, I even enjoyed shooting them for doe hunting and pigs and each one dropped from the shot.
If you ain't hunting, you ain't living right. 
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: High Country Archer]
#3328035
06/27/12 10:43 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,682
cmorsch
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
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I would say go with the biggest thing you can, but then again I was shooting a 20ga when I was 5.
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: cmorsch]
#3328681
06/28/12 01:48 AM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 186
Terri's Great Outdoors
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 186 |
sell off the 270. check out the ruger m77 hawkeye compact.JUST MY OPINION . BEST KIDS GUN ON THE PLANET. i have twin girls that have been shooting one sence they were 7. small, light weight, almost no recoil,cheap to shoot. will kill anything. better off getting him something he will be comfortable shooting.will make him alot better shot. they are 20 now. and have killed lots of deer and hogs with it. my wife has taken it over now. and has killed all her deer with it for the last two years. filled every tag. and havent lost anything yet. again ! just my opinion. better off to get the smaller caliber. and teach him to shoot.
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: Terri's Great Outdoors]
#3328710
06/28/12 01:56 AM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 186
Terri's Great Outdoors
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 186 |
a good shot with a .223. beats blowing a leg off with a 300 mag. lol.( SHOULD TEACH HIM THAT EARLY ). and i shoot nothing but the cheap walmart ammo. its all about shot placement.( THIS SHOULD GET INTERESTING ) OK SOMEONE INCERT THE LITTLE SMILEY EATING THE POPCORN NOW ) again ! just my opinion.
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: Terri's Great Outdoors]
#3328914
06/28/12 02:38 AM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 163
kgraber
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 163 |
sell off the 270. check out the ruger m77 hawkeye compact.JUST MY OPINION . BEST KIDS GUN ON THE PLANET. i have twin girls that have been shooting one sence they were 7. small, light weight, almost no recoil,cheap to shoot. will kill anything. better off getting him something he will be comfortable shooting.will make him alot better shot. they are 20 now. and have killed lots of deer and hogs with it. my wife has taken it over now. and has killed all her deer with it for the last two years. filled every tag. and havent lost anything yet. again ! just my opinion. better off to get the smaller caliber. and teach him to shoot. .270 isn't going anywhere. That's my rifle. I don't have a problem selling off the Marlin to get him something that's more specific to him.
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: kgraber]
#3328957
06/28/12 02:45 AM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,667
Southtexas36
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,667 |
Remington makes the managed recoil in 30-30, 125 gr. my 6yr old killed his first deer this year with that setup. Try to keep shots less than 125 yds.
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: Southtexas36]
#3329744
06/28/12 12:10 PM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 163
kgraber
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 163 |
For some reason I completely forgot about the reduced recoil rounds. Maybe it was the excitement of having the possibility to add another rifle to the safe...
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: kgraber]
#3329979
06/28/12 01:56 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 333
jono7183
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 333 |
My 9 yr old shoots a .243 with hornady custom light ammo, reduced recoil...it's perfect,and I can vamp up the ammo and still use for me. Just don't tell my wife thn she'll claim I bought the rifle fr me instead.
"People sleep peacefully at night because there are a few rough men prepared to do violence in their behalf" www.cantuknives.com
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: jono7183]
#3331529
06/28/12 10:04 PM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 9,273
blackcoal
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 9,273 |
There is recoil and perceived recoil. LOP, stock design, weight, etc. can make a difference. 243 & 30-30 have about the same actual recoil according to tables and 270 has about 50% more recoil. People are returning to 30-30 now that Hornady has introduced Leverution ammo. If the 30-30 is too much then the 243 will probably pose a problem. Ask the kid, he may have a rational choice.
The Greatest Enemy of knowledge is not ignorance,
it is the illusion of knowledge.--Stephen Hawking
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: blackcoal]
#3332691
06/29/12 03:22 AM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,003
Talisman
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,003 |
At the age 7 i was shooting a 30.30. I honestly think he would be alright shooting one him self. The only thing is, if it kicks him to hard he might be a lil worried the next time shooting and will start flinching.
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: Talisman]
#3333011
06/29/12 06:41 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,959
Scoop
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
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Posts: 1,959 |
Can he physically handle the 270? Not talking recoil. I had a young man (8) hunt several times, and take a hog off my place a few years back. He was just too short-armed to properly handle a standard rifle. His dad was a woodworker and did a great job cutting down a stock (I believe it was a 243) and it he used that rifle until he outgrew it.
If the 270 is 'yours', I would rule out the low recoil ammo, unless you like re-sighting it every time it changes hands. My go-to rifle stays sighted for my ammo. My kids would shoot a different gun set up for them. Just my opinion...
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: Scoop]
#3334271
06/29/12 07:20 PM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 309
San Saba Hogman
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 309 |
I gotta tell you, my wife and both kids really like the .243. If you can get your hands on one, that is definately the way to go for the youngsters. My son shot his first deer with that gun. So did my daughter and wife. My wife has also killed at least a dozen hogs with it. It's not just about the recoil. A women/youth model 243 is designed for the smaller folks and is lighter too. I use a 270, but they were all scared to use "Daddy's Gun". Sometimes, confidence is everything. My 2 cents.  
Last edited by San Saba Hogman; 06/29/12 07:38 PM.
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: San Saba Hogman]
#3334445
06/29/12 08:17 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,593
der Teufel
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,593 |
Sometimes, confidence is everything. My 2 cents. Exactly! Like I always say, " Negative expectations yield negative results. Positive expectations also yield neg..." Um, well anyway, confidence is good.
I have two unwritten rules:
1.
2.
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: der Teufel]
#3334765
06/29/12 10:30 PM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 163
kgraber
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 163 |
I'm looking into all options right now.
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: kgraber]
#3341361
07/02/12 04:28 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,960
1FowlHntR
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,960 |
My friends 12 year old daughter shot my .270 WSM with a limb saver pad and 130 gr. bullet no problems. I'm sure ur son can shoot the managed recoil round with no problems.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: 1FowlHntR]
#3349028
07/05/12 04:37 AM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,269
swmays
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,269 |
My son took his first pig with a 22wmr when he was 7. Right behind the ear. He just practiced such that a tight enough group on a paper target became no problem. Then, BAM, down went the piggy. We did keep the distance down though, about 60 yds. He's 9 now and has taken a couple of deer with his .243. Not sure I'd have my son shoot my .270 yet. My $.02.
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: swmays]
#3351251
07/06/12 01:29 AM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 140
Shane O mac
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 140 |
I agree with the .243. It is a perfect mix. You don't want it to light where you are going to wound an animal with a bad shot, but you also don't want it too strong where you are going to have first timers scared to pull the trigger.
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: blackcoal]
#3351331
07/06/12 02:09 AM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,667
Southtexas36
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,667 |
There is recoil and perceived recoil. LOP, stock design, weight, etc. can make a difference. 243 & 30-30 have about the same actual recoil according to tables and 270 has about 50% more recoil. People are returning to 30-30 now that Hornady has introduced Leverution ammo. If the 30-30 is too much then the 243 will probably pose a problem. Ask the kid, he may have a rational choice. This is true, just my personal preference but I prefer for my kids to be shooting a .30 caliber instead of the .24. I understand shot placement and that is the number on thing I preach to the kids. They will, however, get excited and sometimes the shot will be off. I just think you have a better chance of recovering an animal with the 30 cal bullet in circumstances like this.
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: Southtexas36]
#3352388
07/06/12 03:14 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 527
mattm
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 527 |
I'm going to offer a blanket statement now: This is just one man's opinion...
The 30-30 might fit his size better, but you can't really go wrong with the 270. Even without the reduced recoil rounds, it doesn't kick all that much in my opinion. I've never really liked the .243 and I know there is a following here that would string me up out back for that statement, but I've always been a fan of the larger calibers. The .243 is an okay close range deer rifle and for most hogs and even though some people have reported 200+ yard shots with the caliber, but I've never felt that I could recommend it as a multi-use cartridge. I would say it's a good predator, antelope and deer cartridge w/i 150 yards. The .270 will cover any North American game animal out to 300 yards and beyond. For range and vesatility, I'd go with the .270; for fit and comfort, the 30-30 would do nicely for deer and hogs.
...as He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free...
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Re: A dilemma
[Re: mattm]
#3352588
07/06/12 04:18 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,228
Red D
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,228 |
you can always opt for AR with adjustable stock.
You can buy one with .223 and add different upper for youself later.
Will be teaching my 8yo this way. Later may add larger caliber upper.
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