Question on .243

[JustinN]

My wife is starting to show some interest in possibly taking up hunting (her family is from California, she has never fired a gun in her life). I plan on taking her shooting as soon as we have a good weekend, starting with a .22, etc. Now, moving on to the actual hunting...I've got a 30-30 Lever gun she could use to get a taste for it, but I wold like to get her a bolt gun if she finds she does enjoy hunting.

My question is, for those that have shot it, how is the recoil of a 243? I'm thinking she wouldn't enjoy my 30-06. I want to get her a gun that would be good white tails, maybe pigs, etc. Anything Elk sized or so I know she'd need to step up, but I am thinking for the intended targets .243 would get the job done, yet still recoil to where she can get a lot of practice in without getting sore. It's also relatively easy to get your hands on around here. I have friends that have used .223 before, but I just don't like the idea of it for Whitetails....I may be way off course with that, but it just seems small to me.

Anyone have any opinions?

[Bawanna]

I think your right on track and agree with your assessment. The 243 is a good shooter, it recoils but it's manageable. My aunt, my mom and several others were all issued 243's for hunting. I strongly suggest you include your wife in the selection process as that's a big part of the fun of hunting and she shouldn't be denied.

I'd not try to find the lightest one out there either, stick with some bulk. She may think it's heavy to pack around but it will be rewarding during trigger time.

A model 70 Winchester if you can find one works great. A Ruger 77 or a Savage would be excellent choices too. Actually lots to choose from now days.

The little 30-30 will bust her harder than the average weight 243. That's what I started out with as a lad and it hit me hard. Pretty light gun the 94 but I still love em and show no signs of traumatization after all the beating.

[jeepster09]

I lived in Laramie Wyoming years ago, many of the local guides swore by the 243 as being the best all around calibers available.

[JustinN]

Well, It would come down to whatever she wanted, but she really knows nothing about guns in general, besides what i've shown her about making any of the ones in our house safe. The thing she's most disappointed in when walking around Bass Pro is how they don't have any "adult" guns in bright pink...

I'm happy to hear the .243 would be a good choice....plus I figured it might be good to have one, incase I ever needed it for varmint hunting or anything! Only problem I might run into is she is left handed....but isn't sure of which eye is dominant so theres still hope she won't need a lefty gun.

[Longitude Zero]

My son loves his .243. Recoil is easily manageable. However the report is soemthing to behold. Make sure you have top flight ear protection. I recommend a double up and use ear plugs and muffs with a .243, .308 also.

[Bawanna]

Well, It would come down to whatever she wanted, but she really knows nothing about guns in general, besides what i've shown her about making any of the ones in our house safe. The thing she's most disappointed in when walking around Bass Pro is how they don't have any "adult" guns in bright pink...

I'm happy to hear the .243 would be a good choice....plus I figured it might be good to have one, incase I ever needed it for varmint hunting or anything! Only problem I might run into is she is left handed....but isn't sure of which eye is dominant so theres still hope she won't need a lefty gun.

Somehow my spidey senses detected there was gonna be a left hand issue here, how did I know that.

Actually a left hand gun isn't a game changer really, especially varmint hunting. You can lift your head, run the bolt and not move your grip on the trigger hand. It does make it more challenging to find one but of late there are more and more rifle makers catering to handicapped, I mean left handed shooters.

I think Ruger is out, Savage I think has lefties, Remington has lefties off and on although I'm not a Remington guy. One of the detectives is hunting for a Browning BLR in 243, stainless. A pricey devil that one but it might be a good option too. Heavy, lever like the 30-30 but in 243. And you both can shoot it with ease.

[JustinN]

I am Remington guy. Ever since I was old enough to hunt I've had a 700 in '06, just like my dad, who got his around the time I was born. On of the guns I was considering for her was the Remington 770. Can be had for under $300 with a scope. The only bad thing on those is they have synthetic stocks, with check bumps....so you really can't trade right and left on them imo.

[mr surveyor]

I have a Ruger M77 MKII in .243 and love it. The Rugers can be a bit finicky if you don't know the secret to "tuning" them. Unlike the Rem 700 and Win 70, the Ruger's have to be tightened to about 90 inch pounds on the fron action screw to get the best performance/accuracy. Mine will consistantly shoot sub 3/4" three shot groups at 100 yards. As far as recoil, compared to the large bores the .243 is fairly mild, but keep in mind you're still sending 80 to 100 grain rounds downrange at 2500-3000 fps out of a necked down .308 casing. The .243 will handle most any medium game animal, which is anything in NE Texas. I can attest to several 250-300 pound feral hogs dropped DRT at near 300 yards with a single round of .243. I also agree that the .243, in a heavier platform, will have no more, or even slightly less felt recoil than a 30-30 lever gun, but they also "fit" different. There's also a very wide range of bullet weights and styles to choose from, with some of the lighter "varmint" rounds topping out near 4000 fps.

I do like the .243

[Ken_K]

I'm a Remington guy myself but I would steer clear of the 770. I'd go with a 700 sps 308. My gf is 5'5" and can shoot my 700 ADL 308 with no problems. Install a really nice butt pad and your good to go.

[JustinN]

Ken,

Why do you say to steer clear of the 770? I prefer the 700, but we're talking about half the price or so...

[jeepster09]

You want pink....or any color or pattern for that matter? These guys are awesome! Send them your stock. Reasonably priced.

http://campbellcustomcoatings.com/





This one done in "carbon fiber look"

[JustinN]

yeah....I don't think i'm going to open up that possibility....

[Bawanna]

yeah....I don't think i'm going to open up that possibility....

I think you'd look cute hunting varmints with your wifes pretty pink rifle. Who cares what other think. Blaze your own trail, leave the closet door wide open.

[JustinN]

Thanks for that Bawanna. LOL. I just mean too many choices and even at a reasonable rate, a bit too much money I'm guessing.

[Bawanna]

If you go pink, I'll chip in and I bet a few others would too. What say you fellow Kahrtalk members?