[roll_tide]

What would be the smallest caliber primative weapon that would be best for a youth to use? And where could you find one?

 

[dat yat]

The smallest would be the 357 magnum handi rifle. I think a better one with almost no recoil is the 44 magnum; my dad has defribulator/pacemaker and shoots one with no problem. I know Gander Mountain (Hattiesburg) and Puglias (N.O.) had a few 44s last season. I've never actually seen a 357 on sale in Hattiesburg or New Orleans.

 

[shane256]

^^ Yup. the next step up would probably be some of those old cowboy rounds (38-40 and such). But a .35 Remington is also down pretty low in recoil and a good deer gun.

 

[DOUGLASVEST]

.35 ?

 

[wyldfire61]

I just didn't know if you knew this but kids 16 and under don't have to hunt with a Primative weapon during PW season. They are allowed to use regular rifles.

 

[MATT K]

I just didn't know if you knew this but kids 16 and under don't have to hunt with a Primative weapon during PW season. They are allowed to use regular rifles.

You are correct, a youth can use any rifle during P/W, because P/W is the new youth season, which I think is crap but thats off topic. But, I think they define youth as 15 and under.

 

[wyldfire61]

Matt you might be right. I wasn't sure about the exact age 15 or 16

 

[roll_tide]

I am actually looking for a caliber that my girlfriend can hunt with! She has always used my youth model 243 but trying to find something small for her to use during early part of season with these so called great rule changes about to take place!

 

[MS Mule]

I sent my sons NEF Pardner receiver back to HR and had a .357 Mag. barrel fitted for it. I'm planning to ream it to .357 Maximum. With handloaded Hornady 180s it should get better than 2000 fps and have about 1150 ft.lbs. of energy at 100 yds. The grandkids can practice with .38SPCL wadcutters with little muzzle blast and almost no recoil. I put a little Weaver 4 power shotgun scope on it. Nice compact little package.

 

[upstech76]

I bought a 44 mag handi rifle last year for my 10y/o daughter and she loves it. Very little recoil.

 

[W]

.38-55 has very mild recoil. Son killed two with it when he was seven.

 

[surehuntsalot]

another vote for the 44 magnum,great little gun

 

[brogary]

+3 on the 44

 

[fusekiller]

If you're just talking about recoil, I'd actually get here an in-line muzzle loader. You can load them with 70-100gr of powder and they have much less recoil than others here. But you may have to load it for her (??). Another option would be to handload some "reduced" loads in the 35, 45-70, or 44. If you're just looking for factory stuff with the newer "primitive" weapons, I'd go with the 35 remington, 358 wichester, maybe a 444.

 

[roll_tide]

Thanks guys for all the good ideas. Ill give them all a good thought for sure.

 

[surehuntsalot]

38-55 or a 44 magnum are the best choices

 

[MATT K]

A .44 mag handi rifle is a pleasure for anyone to shoot.