Gun for the fiance?

[schian]

Hey guys, I'm pretty sure this has been asked kind of recently but I didn't want to dig up an old thread.
My fiance wants to get into hunting and I would like to start her off rifle hunting before she gets in to bow hunting.
Anyway, what would you suggest? Maybe .243 or .270?
Or anything else for that matter.
She's quite a small frame (around 125lbs) and has not had a lot of experience shooting except for my .30-06 and a friends .223 a few times.

Thanks a lot
Schian

[elkhunter11]

A 223rem is not legal for big game sport hunting in Alberta.

[schian]

A 223rem is not legal for big game sport hunting in Alberta.

thank you, i did know that actually, just forgot if it was .223 or .243 that was the smallest legal...my bad

[dadof5]

7mm-08. Has a great punch, reaches out to 300 yards no prob, kicks lots softer than a .270. My kids shoot a Tikka in this caliber. Soakin wet they don't hit 100 lbs. it'll knock down an elk, deer, black bear, yote and even a moose when shot well. Thought it w the best option for my daughter to harvest her first elk with, that is why we went that way instead of the .243 which kicks a little less, but has its limitations.

[GeoTrekr]

I agree with the 7-08 suggestion above, or really any cartridge in its class. The .243 is a minimum, and while it is functional (ie. won't bounce off a deer's nose), it's nice to have a little insurance in the form of a little extra oomph.

The .243 is great for going after varmints and some large game, and so is a great round for versatility in this way, but if your focus is large game, the 7-08 would serve you better.

[schian]

from what i've read here and in other threads the 7mm-08 seems to be the way to go.
Silly question maybe, but why doesn't everyone shoot one? ha

[Homesteader]

7mm-08 is a great suggestion, add to that the 6.5x55, and the 260 Rem.

[Ice Fishing Maniac]

My wife "back then my fiance" took over my first Tikka T3 LS 270WSM so I bought another for me. Great caliber. She has taken deer, elk, mooose.

Another is 7mm-08, maybe a 260Rem...good for moose and elk, where as the 243 IMO good for deer and predators.

Make sure to buy a rifle that "fits" your fiance. May need a rifle with a shorter stock. I'm not a Remington fan myself, but the Model 7 or a Savage youth model might be the ticket then.

[schian]

definitely some good advice, might try and find a 7mm-08 from a friend that i can borrow so she can try it and then start looking for a rifle
any thoughts on a good model? looking to stay fairly inexpensive as shes not sure how much she would actually get out to use it (and also have a wedding this year)
thanks a lot folks

[Redneck Renagade]

Savage 111, Savage axis, Marlin XL7. All are reasonably priced and great shooting guns.

[schian]

Savage 111, Savage axis, Marlin XL7. All are reasonably priced and great shooting guns.

ya i bought the 111 last year in .30-06 and its definitely a good shooter, debating getting the same thing for her
but im not sure we want the same rifle haha, might be an excuse to try something else out

[Eric hunter]

I bought to my wife a Tikka 260 rem and cut off 5/8 off an inch on the stock even if she is tall for a woman and fit a Limbsaver recoil pad on it. I put a 4x32 Leupold on it as I was looking for a light setup but the 4x wasn't enough for her to shoot at 100 yards so I changed it for a 3 x 9 x40. I reload for her kind of a youth load (lightest load in Hornady book 100 gr. bullets) and she doesn't have any problem with it. I would say she love her gun now but even better, she loves me and will be at my side next fall for hunting wich is perfect.... She shoots 1 1/2'' groupings at 100 yards right now and getting better each time.
She should be ready for her first hunt next fall in Wyoming (antelope).
Since I met my wife 25 years ago I was dreaming to have her with me to share that prime time and I got it now... Yahoo !!!
By the way... More you share good time with your wife in the outdoors more fun you will have in the bed with her... Beleive me...
Eric.