Hes about ready to graduate after next year. His little brother will be ready to start and inherit the 243 Handi Rifle Youth and big brother will move up a bit. Into another "perfect deer cartridge".
I havent made my mind up yet on what to get him. I think Im going to get him something I have been wanting. A TC Encore. Probably with 25-06, 17Rem and 50cal blackpowder bbls. He can use it for both our deer seasons and coyote hunts. (May be two bought just alike, dad wants one too....
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He dont know much about ballistics, more than you probably think he would for his age, as hes been around it alot.
For him, the 243 has been a perfect deer cartridge. Good for any kid I would think. I know alot of adults that swear by it too. I have killed several deer with mine too, but it seems to gather alot of dust anymore. Found others I like better for deer and coyotes. Still a fine round.
BTW, Brit, you are correct. He knows that if he sees a deer that dad says is in range and he lays that little rifle up on those sticks and puts those crosshairs behind the deers shoulder and holds it steady as he squeezes the trigger, the deer will go down and he is one happy camper. And dad gets a full body arm and leg hug.
Well, I did. I guess hes growing up. This year he got up and shook my head and said thanks, that is a nice deer.... My little boys growin up.
Andy