Favorite Youth Deer Rifles and 6.5 Creedmoor |

My ideal youth rifle in deer hunting calibers begin with a rifle that fits the shooter, otherwise known as Length of Pull, aka LOP. Most bolt action deer rifles are not adjustable, but there are some manufacturers that offer that feature. Mossberg offers a bargain priced adjustable stock rifle for youth or small stature hunters called the PATRIOT Youth Scoped for around $360 dollars. Wow! https://www.mossberg.com/category/series/mossberg-patriot/mossberg-patriot-bantam/

So does Savage Arms, it’s called AccuFit and is more expensive than the Mossberg but has comb rise features that Mossberg does not have.

I like them both but for a starter deer rifle for a budget minded parent, The Mossberg has it over the Savage. There are other LOP adjust rifles out there but these stand out in my mind.

Now, what caliber to choose depends on whether you hand load or buy off-the-shelf ammo. Lets assume off-the-shelf ammo. Does your youngster shoot now? Lets assume yes. What caliber does he shoot? Ok he shoots a .22LR and your .223 AR on occasion. Great! This is a normal progression but has little recoil. Next is to determine recoil sensitivity.

If sensitive, think 243 Winchester at less than 10 lbs in recoil, but in 2 or 3 years this caliber and rifle will see less action as recoil sensitivity diminishes. I’d jump to 6.5 Creedmoor. Why the 6.5 Creedmoor? Bullets range from light recoiling 95 grains for varmint like the .243 Win. all the way to long range 140/142 grain for big game and even higher up to 160 grain for hand loading. Personally, I’d jump past the .243 and go for the 6.5. The 6.5 Creedmoor, in smart hunting circles, is known for lighter recoil thus better accuracy and maximum penetration on deer, elk and black bear up to moose. I have written extensively on the 6.5 Creedmoor caliber so check out my articles, like:

Why the 6.5 Caliber Resurgence?

6.5 Creedmoor – 16 Reasons to hunt with one! By Ed Hale

Now if you hand load the 6.5 can be loaded down easily and equally loaded up for bigger game. The 6.5 is a one big game rifle for youth, adults and seniors that delivers the accuracy, punch, and penetration for big game and easy on recoil. And the 6.5 Creedmoor, shoots flat, excels at long distance hunting too. A Nosler 142 grain AccuBond Long Range bullet -ABLR traveling at 2700 fps can achieve deer killing distances as far as 600 yards if the shooter practices at that range. Or an elk at 350 yards! Wow!

For those who are veteran hunters and not recoil sensitive there are many larger calibers we have learned to love over the years but the 6.5 is here to stay in my hunting safe. Love it! My rifle of choice is the Weatherby Vanguard Weatherguard in 6.5 Creedmoor for under $700 but the stock is not adjustable.

Good Shooting!