Any suggestions for a small-framed woman's first rifle?

[WildBill]

Why do all of youse guys want to give a first-time rifle owner an evil black rifle? Maybe so they won't like it and you can keep it?

If you must get her a centerfire try a .243 Win bolt action. I agree with Carry-a-Kimber that the Remington Model 7 is a good choice.

[The Annoyed Man]

Hey TAM I couldn't help noticing that BIG claw hammer in the pic. Is that for when it doesn't fit?

That was for mounting the scope.

[apostate]

Why do all of youse guys want to give a first-time rifle owner an evil black rifle?

I typically suggest a .22 rimfire for first-time rifle owners. However, if that's not an option, it seems to make sense to go with either the ubiquitous AR or a .30 caliber bolt-action rifle, depending on their interests.

[Salty1]

Since she does not want a 22 cal then I would have her read up on Project Appleseed, if she will attend one she will find that the actual AQT's become addicting and are lots of fun and the 22 is a perfect rifle for that. IMO you cannot beat the training you get at one of their events. You would have options though, if not a Ruger 10/22 then consider an AR lower and get a dedicated 22 upper, if she really gets into rifle shooting then you can easily add another upper in 5.56, maybe consider a multi-caliber lower as well and have other caliber options as well.

[Seburiel]

Thanks for all the input, y'all.
She's decided on a ruger ranch in .223, I think. because it's "Customizable"
I guess we'll see how well that goes, eh?

[rcasady]

Thanks for all the input, y'all.
She's decided on a ruger ranch in .223, I think. because it's "Customizable"
I guess we'll see how well that goes, eh?

no kidding ? i think thats awesome . sadly that rifle didnt even come to mind even though its one of my favorites in my collection . its a tank , and very well may be easier to charge and cycle for a woman . its easier for me ....i dont know what that means exactly ..

anway good luck and have fun shooting with her !!

did she get a brand new one ? larger barrel model ? wood stock or synthetic ?

[lightbulb1988]

Thanks for all the input, y'all.
She's decided on a ruger ranch in .223, I think. because it's "Customizable"
I guess we'll see how well that goes, eh?

good choice! let us know how it goes!

[RECIT]

If its not purchased already I have a Savage Model 10 in .243 with scope mounted already for sale. I'm in the Houston area if interested. Very reasonable buy in price if you would like to PM me for details.

[XinTX]

I've been kind of on the lookout for a lever gun in .357 for the MUCH better half. She likes shooting her wheel gun, so I figured she might like a rifle to match.

[H2O MAN]

The rifle my wife picked for herself is this Winchester 94 .357 Magnum Trapper.
She likes the look and feel of this little lever action and that's what counts.

[XinTX]

That's kind of what I was thinking for her. Some of the 16" versions are about 5 pounds. Not too big. Only problem is I can't find a shop around here that has one. I'd like her to try one for fit first.

Then again, I wouldn't mind just adding one to the collection either.

[74novaman]

The only gun I own that my wife enjoys shooting is a lever action in .357. They are light, handy little rifles.

[Texas10X]

It sounds like you've already made a decision, but for future reference, here's one to consider: Savage Model 11/111 Lady Hunter. It's available in 22-250, 223, 243, 270, 30-06, 308, 6.5 CREEDMOOR and 7MM-08. It has AccuTrigger and is extremely accurate for shooting targets. The recoil systems in current rifles by manufacturers such as Savage and Remington are absolutely amazing.

I agree that she should start with a .22 (for same reasons already stated). Having two rifles (a .22 and a centerfire) is a good thing!

[bulletslap]

One of the easiest to handle long guns IMO is the good old M1 Carbine - light, ergonomic, good aperture sights, dependable, and pretty dang effective out to a 100 yards or so. Recoil is next to nothing, but they are a little loud. My late Uncle Lonzo thought pretty highly of them on his South Pacific Tours.

Auto-Ordanance makes new one that are good to go.