[Buckethead]

The wife suggested getting the Wee Man a new rifle for Christmas. Right now, he's been using my old Mod 788 Rem in .243 and done very well with it, killing 2 deer so far. Although its small, its pretty heavy. That, and he'll be 12 next year and all he's talked about is bear hunting. While a .243 will kill a bear, I'd be more comfortable with something a little larger. I was thinking about a Model 7 in .260. The model 7 would be lighter than the 788 and this would be his very own, new gun. The only other gun that is truly "his" (bought for him, not commandeered from me) is a used Savage youth .22. The .260 seems like a good caliber. Another thought would be one in 7mm-08 but for some reason, the .260 interests me.

 

[springfreak]

In my opinion it would be best to get him something in a more common caliber that would be easier to find on the shelves, maybe .270 or 308 or 06.

 

[winchesterbob]

The wife suggested getting the Wee Man a new rifle for Christmas. Right now, he's been using my old Mod 788 Rem in .243 and done very well with it, killing 2 deer so far. Although its small, its pretty heavy. That, and he'll be 12 next year and all he's talked about is bear hunting. While a .243 will kill a bear, I'd be more comfortable with something a little larger. I was thinking about a Model 7 in .260. The model 7 would be lighter than the 788 and this would be his very own, new gun. The only other gun that is truly "his" (bought for him, not commandeered from me) is a used Savage youth .22. The .260 seems like a good caliber. Another thought would be one in 7mm-08 but for some reason, the .260 interests me.

I bought a synthetic-stocked Model 7 in .260 for a foul weather hunter. Perfect rifle for your boy and won't break the bank when you buy it...it's probably also chambered in 7-08 which means cheaper and more plentiful ammo. .260 factory stuff can be expensive and hard to find....

 

[Buckethead]

I do like the 7mm-08. My nephew has the model 7 in that caliber. I was with him when he shot his first buck. He hit it behind the shoulders and it dropped in its tracks. I was pretty impressed. I didn't realize the .260 was that obscure. Like I said, my son is 11. He's also rail thin so recoil is a bit of an issue right now. What's the recoil like on a 7mm-08? I also considered a .308 but he would have to use reduced recoil loads for awhile. I have shot the mod 7 in .308 and it hits you pretty good.

 

[winchesterbob]

The 7-08 is not a kicker. He'd be fine with either the .260 or 7-08. You'd like the ammo bill for the 7-08 and the bullet selection..

 

[.257]

7-08 for sure way more of an ammo selection and definitely cheaper ......That model 7 is a sweet little gun

 

[ROVERT]

I don't buy ammo but is 7mm-08 really that much cheaper than .260? I'm thinking a couple of bucks a box at most. I'm sure 7mm-08 is easier to find on the shelves but .260 is certainly out there. If it appeals to you more, I'd say go for it. Performance wise, you'll see little difference.

On recoil, the .260, 7mm-08, and .308 are all the same case. If you shoot a 140 grain bullet out of each one (I know there aren't many, or any, .30 cal 140's) the recoil will be very similar for each one. With these three chamberings, recoil will be pretty much all about what weight bullet you choose. There will be some variance because a you get a bit more velocity from larger calibers with like bullet weights but it is not going to be a lot.

 

[Springer Rage]

I am looking at the model seven in .260 as well. I have been buying a lot of my ammo online lately (not sure if I'm allowed to name the website). It seems like the 260 is readily available online and in a reasonable variety. I tend to keep plenty of ammo on hand so The idea of ordering online is no issue for me.

Cabelas in Hamburg keeps it in stock too. It may be more of an issue if you pick up ammo at your local sporting goods store.

 

[basdjs]

The .260 is a great caliber but keep in mind that if recoil is a issue moving from a heavier 788 to a lighter 7 in .243 will increase felt recoil. If you do go to a model 7, I'd put a good recoil pad like a Sims Limbsaver on it. There's no way I'd go bigger than a .260 shooting 120 gr. loads or a 7mm-08 with reduced recoil loads for him. Felt recoil from factory loads will generally increase from .243 to .260 to 7mm-08 to .308 due to increased powder capacity and bullet weight.

Personally, if he's shooting the .243 really well, I'd stay with the current rifle for another year.

 

[Buckethead]

The .260 is a great caliber but keep in mind that if recoil is a issue moving from a heavier 788 to a lighter 7 in .243 will increase felt recoil. If you do go to a model 7, I'd put a good recoil pad like a Sims Limbsaver on it. There's no way I'd go bigger than a .260 shooting 120 gr. loads or a 7mm-08 with reduced recoil loads for him. Felt recoil from factory loads will generally increase from .243 to .260 to 7mm-08 to .308 due to increased powder capacity and bullet weight.

Personally, if he's shooting the .243 really well, I'd stay with the current rifle for another year.

He would be getting the rifle for Christmas so he'll be using the .243 the rest of the year. I planned on having him shoot reduce recoil loads if I went with the 7mm-08 or .308. I just want to get him something he could be set with for life if he choses to keep hunting. I tried to convince my brother in law to sell me the Ruger hawkeye compact .308 my niece hunted with (she no longer hunts, kind of contrary to that whole vegan thing she has going on) but its the only rifle he owns and he claims he may hunt some day.

 

[Buckethead]

Well, my buddy's dad is a model 7 nut so I thought I'd call him. He has a synthetic in 7mm-08 he picked up that is like new. He complained about me breaking up his baker's dozen but he loves my kid and relented. Got it at a very nice price. Anyone have any experience with the Hornady reduced recoil ammo? I was looking at their 120 gr SST's I use the 95 gr Hornady ammo in his .243 and have been very impressed by them.

 

[dce]

My son is 11 years old and weighs 90lbs.He's not a big kid.I have him shooting a Kimber Montanna in .308 which weighs less than a model 7 and he has no issues with recoil.I loaded it down for a couple years but this year he's shooting 130gr Barnes tssx with 48.5gr of Varget.Just make sure you get a decent scope with enough eye relief.The recoil of a .308 should not be any concern for a 12 year old who has experience shooting.

 

[springfreak]

7mm-08 is a decent caliber and the model 7 has a good rep and I like synthetic stocks, I'm sure he will love it, good choice.

 

[MaddiesDad]

go .308 and that is coming from a .260 lover! just makes more sense to get something that is common and can be found at every sporting goods store. shoot reduced loads if he would like, but a light rifle = more pronounced recoil

 

[Buckethead]

My son is 11 years old and weighs 90lbs.He's not a big kid.I have him shooting a Kimber Montanna in .308 which weighs less than a model 7 and he has no issues with recoil.I loaded it down for a couple years but this year he's shooting 130gr Barnes tssx with 48.5gr of Varget.Just make sure you get a decent scope with enough eye relief.The recoil of a .308 should not be any concern for a 12 year old who has experience shooting.

I just ordered a 2x7x Leupold for it and leupold bases and rings. I don't reload so I'll start him out with those hornady's. We can always move up from there. Its going to be hard for me to wait until Christmas to give this thing to him. :santa:

 

[.257]

The 95 gr. SST's are deadly in the .243 they should be good in that gun as well ......I think you'll both be happy with your decision

 

[Buckethead]

The 95 gr. SST's are deadly in the .243

I'll say! That doe he killed a couple weeks ago in the early season dropped like a rock. That bullet literally turned the heart into a fine, red mist. There was not one solid piece of heart anywhere to be found. :shocked:



I'm excited about giving him this rifle. He loves that .243 but its a "hand me down" This will be his very "own" deer rifle. I can't wait to see his face.

 

[winchesterbob]

If he's shot a 20 gauge that 7-08 will be a walk in the park, even from the bench...

 

[NativePA]

I use a model 7 in 260. Great rifle, highly recommend it. Compact, accurate and not much recoil.

 

[Jack]

I love any Model Seven,bought one in the 7mm-08 for my grandson,he's only 9 and it shoots great...