Choosing the best deer hunting rifle for a youth hunter guarantees success and enjoyment out in the field. That’s a bold statement and it’s simply not true because there are no guaranteed successes in hunting. However, you can set up a youth hunter for failure by having them use a firearm that’s too big or too heavy.
My first deer rifle was a Remington 7400 .270, a semi-automatic rifle that was extremely heavy and hindered my performance in the field. I hauled that gun around for years and rarely found success when I pulled the trigger. It’s not to say that the gun wasn’t accurate or it was a poor shot opportunity. However, the gun was too long and heavy for me to shoulder during an adrenaline-filled hunt and make a consistently accurate shot when it mattered most. I killed a few deer from a seated position with a good rest, but every time I had a chance to kill a deer from my feet, I always missed. It wasn’t until I got a new, lighter-weight rifle that I truly started finding success and confidence when I pulled the trigger.
So what made me buy that gun in the first place? As a youth, I relied on the recommendations of friends and family for most of my hunting knowledge and someone told me that it was a good gun. That individual was an adult at the time and the gun was more fitting for him than it was for a small-framed hunter like myself. Fast forward 20 years or more and I’m in a position to help others avoid the mistakes that my mother made when she bought me my first deer hunting rifle.
With so many choices at one’s fingertips, picking the right firearm requires first considering such factors as recoil, weight, and adjustability. This full guide looks into the leading rifles available in the market for youths to ensure that every young hunter has the proper tools necessary to get the job done, whether it’s whitetail deer or mule deer hunting. From bolt-action rifles to adjustable stocks, we’ve got you covered.
Best Youth Deer Hunting Rifles
1. Ruger American Compact
The Ruger American Compact is ideally recommended to young hunters because of the short length of pull and lightweight features. Chambered in.243 Winchester and 7mm-08, this bolt-action rifle also has an adjustable trigger pull between 3 to 5 pounds, making it comfortable and accurate enough for younger, smaller shooters. Coupled with its ergonomic synthetic stock and recoil pad that is much more forgiving for recoil, it is thus an excellent choice for the starting riflesman. The Ruger American Compact boasts a detachable box magazine that enables one to reload easily and makes a great gun for hunting big game if you choose the correct caliber.
2. Weatherby Vanguard Compact
Another top performer is the Weatherby Vanguard Compact, which is an accurate and rugged rifle that can withstand various stresses and elements. This one comes with a 20-inch barrel and in calibers like .243 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor. The adjustable trigger and synthetic stock make it supreme, as it will more suitably withstand the elements. This low-recoil rifle is perfectly balanced for young hunters just starting out.
3. Savage Axis II XP Youth
Savage Arms developed the Axis II XP Youth model bolt action rifle specifically for young shooters. It features an adjustable AccuTrigger for crisp, clean trigger pull. The 20-inch barrel and lightweight build will make the gun easy to handle, while an included scope will help young hunters with their aim. Chambered in a variety of options, including the popular .243 Winchester for low recoil, this rifle will be perfect for youth hunters.
4. Mossberg Patriot Youth Super Bantam
What really sets this all apart is the Mossberg Patriot Youth Super Bantam. The length of pull for the rifle adjusts, therefore following that little hunter in his progression. It has a 20-inch barrel and is available in .243 Winchester. Trigger weight is adjustable between 2-7 pounds for any shooter. Synthetic stock and recoil pad make it rugged yet comfortable for any youth hunter.
5. Browning AB3 Micro Stalker
The Browning AB3 Micro Stalker has a number of features that make it far more accessible to young hunters. In addition to being chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, the firearm also features a weather-resistant composite stock with a 13″ length of pull and the Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad for improved comfort. The free-floating barrel improves the accuracy of the shooting. Its short bolt lift makes for quick cycling, which is greatly appreciated by a younger shooter.
Characteristics of a Good Youth Rifle
There are several critical characteristics when buying or building a rifle for kids. Most of these vary because of age and size—meaning a 12-year-old is going to be able to handle larger rifles than a 7-year-old. First, take measurements before you buy or build it. Probably one of the most critical factors is the length of pull.
Length of Pull
LOP stands for length of pull, which is the distance from the back of the buttstock to the trigger. It is a measure of distance your child will reach around the stock when it is shouldered to the pulling of the trigger. For adult rifles, LOPs are typically on the order of 13–14 inches. Now, youth model rifles are going to have a much shorter LOP, around 12 inches, which might be the sweet spot for kids ranging from 10 to 14 years of age.
However, if your child is younger, you’ll probably have to cut down the LOP yourself. While cutting down a stock may sound drastic, the benefits of a properly fitting rifle make it more than worth it. The majority of shots any young hunters take will be within 50-75 yards, so there is no need for some high-end, uber accurate rifle; just a regular $300-$400 rifle will work just fine.
A Thick Recoil Pad
Whether you’re normally fitting the stock or not, a thick recoil pad is in order. This recoil can be intimidating for young shooters, but it really makes a difference with a good pad. I remember when I was young, even having a thick recoil pad on my .243 didn’t find it that easy to shoot. But in the field, hunting gets really exciting, which overshadows the discomfort one suffers due to the shot. A recoil pad for young ones under 10 could be a good idea. Just keep in mind it may put a little length to the LOP.
Weight
Youth rifles need to be lighter than their adult counterparts to be easier on young hunters to handle. While these very young kids, 12 and under, should not be carrying the rifle themselves for safety, a lighter rifle still is advantageous in maneuvering in the stand. Kids often can’t free-hand a rifle whether it is 8 pounds or 4 pounds, so stabilization methods such as bipods or shooting rails are paramount.
Stabilization Capabilities
Maybe the most important part of the shooting process for a youngster is a shooting rest. Trying to freehand a rifle during an adrenaline filled hunt isn’t going to produce the results you’re looking for and the idea of installing a bipod on a youth gun isn’t a wise solution either. Our goal is to build a lightweight rifle, not weigh it down. What I’ve found works best for youth hunters is the BOG Deathgrip. You can steady the rifle, reduce the recoil and help your little hunting buddy make the perfect shot if you’re hunting from the ground or in a blind. However, it won’t work in a treestand as it’s too big. However, there are other accessories on the market that will help steady a gun and even the shooting rail of a ladder stand is a good way to stabilize the gun.
Sight Options
Because most shots are going to be within 75 yards, high-powered scopes are not needed for a new hunter. A red dot sight is exceptionally good due to its ease of use and clear sight picture. Look for a red dot sight in the 6–8 MOA range on a youth rifle. Iron sights work OK at short range, though a rod dot can generally be easier for kids to use, especially at distances past 50 yards. My son uses a red dot on his shotgun and it drastically increased his shooting ability. Now, that’s not to say that you can’t install a riflescope on a youth gun. You most certainly can, just make sure you spend hours practicing on target acquisition and how to find a deer or target quickly though the scope.
Other Considerations When Buying Youth Hunting Rifles
Caliber Selection:
The choice of caliber for a young hunter is paramount. Many go with .243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, or .308 Winchester; this is a manageable recoil and one that will work well in deer hunting. These calibers will allow a young shooter to get out and practice without the discomfort of heavy recoil. In states like Ohio that only permit straight-walled cartridges to used, a .350 Legend is ideal. They’re really fun to shoot also.
Adjustable Stock
One elementary thing about an adjustable stock that has a big impact is what makes or breaks a young hunter—the level of comfort and accuracy. While most of the rifles out there do have adjustability regarding the length of pull, this truly makes the rifle grow with the shooter, ensuring proper eye alignment with the scope and providing an enhanced overall shooting experience. Stocks may need to be adjusted from season to season depending on age and growth, but when they’re ready, you can always pick up a high-quality Boyd’s Hardwood Gunstock to replace the old stock.
Recoil Management:
Young hunters need rifles that reduce recoil. Guns with a recoil pad, muzzle brake, or a gas-operated system will help to reduce this recoil, which accounts for a larger share of enjoyable shooting while minimizing bad habit formation. The caliber and load will dictate how hard the gun kicks, but there is specific ammo designed for hunting that’s reduces recoil. Now, it’s a good idea to let your kid practice with reduced recoil loads at the range and save the more powerful (and expensive) hunting rounds for when it’s time to hunt. Just make sure the gun is accurately sighted in with the appropriate hunting ammo.
Conclusion
The best deer hunting rifle with respect to youth hunters is the one that can balance things such as recoil, weight, and adjustability. Some of the best choices in this category are the Ruger American Compact, the Weatherby Vanguard Compact, the Savage Axis II XP Youth, and the Mossberg Patriot Youth Super Bantam or Browning AB3 Micro Stalker. Being able to take a closer look at these offerings and knowing exactly what features to expect, like proper caliber selection or recoil management choices, will get the young hunters of your family on their way toward successful, truly enjoyable hunting experiences. Each of the rifles listed would make a great Christmas Gift for a Youth Hunter.
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