« previous next »
Pages: [1] 2   Go Down

Author Topic: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.  (Read 1917 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline old coach

  • Trade Count: (6)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 150
Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« on: December 07, 2009, 01:57:44 PM »
I have a friend that needs a rifle for his 11 yr old daughter.
He wants a center fire as she already has a 10-22 and a 22 Mag
Do they still make the light youth model in 223?
Or do you think a Ultra with the standard bbl with the stock shortened is better.
She will use it for target shooting and some varmit hunting. All shots from a rest.
She tried my 243 and thought it was toooo loud. She didn't like the recoil.
All help appreciated.

Coach
Logged

Offline quickdtoo

  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (149)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 43304
  • Gender: Male
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #1 on: December 07, 2009, 02:14:47 PM »
You'll get plenty of recommendations, this topic has been discussed many times before, there are a couple links to past discussions in the FAQs for you to take a look at. I wouldn't recommend the Superlight 223 for a lot of colony critter shooting, the barrel warms up quickly and accuracy goes away. It's still available with synthetic stock in the youth and adult version, of course stocks can be swapped out.  ;)

Tim

http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Rifles/handiRifle.asp
Logged
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Lazermule

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Contributor
  • *****
  • Posts: 418
  • Gender: Male
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #2 on: December 07, 2009, 02:36:39 PM »
Have you given any thought to the 357?
Logged
LAZERMULE

If I would have asked the people what they wanted, they would have said a faster horse....-Henry Ford

Offline old coach

  • Trade Count: (6)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 150
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #3 on: December 07, 2009, 02:41:37 PM »
I have a 357 Max in the Ultra that I will let her shot this weekend. Also have a Contender in 223 for her to try.
Keep the ideas coming guys.
Thanks
Coach
Logged

Offline Dinny

  • Moderators
  • Trade Count: (268)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5524
  • Gender: Male
  • "Medics Save"
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #4 on: December 07, 2009, 02:47:40 PM »
.22 HORNET

period, plain and simple.  I would almost guarantee she will enjoy it.

Thanks, Dinny
Logged
Handi Family: 357 Max, 45 LC, 45-70, 300 BLK, 50 cal Huntsman, and 348 Win.

"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day that my child may have peace"
Thomas Paine

Offline trotterlg

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (36)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3978
  • Gender: Male
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #5 on: December 07, 2009, 03:26:19 PM »
This why H&R needs a factory 32-20 barrel, it would be just the ticket, you could even take a deer with it.  Larry
Logged
A gun is just like a parachute, if you ever really need one, nothing else will do.

Offline Spanky

  • Moderators
  • Trade Count: (96)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4627
  • Gender: Male
  • USMC Semper Fidelis
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #6 on: December 07, 2009, 04:01:19 PM »
Quote from: trotterlg on December 07, 2009, 03:26:19 PM
This why H&R needs a factory 32-20 barrel, it would be just the ticket, you could even take a deer with it.  Larry


My better half loves my 32-20 Handi Larry. ;D



Spanky
Logged

Offline Mac11700

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (34)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6875
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #7 on: December 07, 2009, 04:20:33 PM »

If she thinks it too loud...then invest in a better pair of ear muffs or ear plugs for her..seriously....A 223 or 243 should be fine if shot off a rest all the time..

Mac
Logged
You can cry me a river... but...build me a bridge and then get over it...

Offline tykempster

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 798
  • I enjoy long range shooting and big guns.
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #8 on: December 07, 2009, 05:06:46 PM »
I know lots of little girls who wouldn't be comfortable with a Handi-weight 243.  That's a fair amount of recoil for a small child.
Logged

Offline trotterlg

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (36)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3978
  • Gender: Male
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #9 on: December 07, 2009, 05:32:42 PM »
I agree, a .243 can be a real mean kicker, they have a very sharp type of recoil which is quite anoying.  Larry
Logged
A gun is just like a parachute, if you ever really need one, nothing else will do.

Offline Sourdough

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8150
  • Gender: Male
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #10 on: December 07, 2009, 05:34:22 PM »
Caliber is not as important as proper fit.  Make sure you got a youth stock.  And for an 11 year old girl even that may be too long.

.223, .22-250, .357 (using .38spl), .44 Mag (down loaded to .44 spl), or .45LC.

Logged
Where is old Joe when we really need him?  Alaska Independence    Calling Illegal Immigrants "Undocumented Aliens" is like calling Drug Dealers "Unlicensed Pharmacists"
What Is A Veteran?
A 'Veteran' -- whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve -- is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America,' for an amount of 'up to, and including his life.' That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country today who no longer understand that fact.

Offline Squib

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1592
  • Gender: Male
  • G- S- T- and I ain't got time to bleed!
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #11 on: December 07, 2009, 08:58:36 PM »
you forgot to tell them about your tiny shooter sourdough-

you two fighting over guns lets them know that YOU KNOW what you're talking about...
speaking of I've still not got a tiny(stock) for my tiny one... (mine says she's 5'3'' but i think she's actually 4'11'' too)
Logged

Offline old coach

  • Trade Count: (6)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 150
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #12 on: December 08, 2009, 01:32:01 AM »
We always use good muffs when shooting.
I think it is the feel of the blast that bothers her.
My wife will shoot my most of my Contenders but says that  the 223 has the most blast.
Never thought of the Hornet but ammo is not cheap enough for alot of practice. Kids need to shoot as much as possible.
I think I will fill some plastic jugs with water and use some Win-white box 45grn, that should put on a good show.
This young lady is a good shot with the 22 and if she can get over the blast of the centerfire I am sure she will be OK.
Thanks for all the suggestions.

Coach
Logged

Offline billy_56081

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (5)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8575
  • Gender: Male
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #13 on: December 08, 2009, 01:44:31 AM »
I'm with Dinny, 22 hornet, even if it's a Super light.
Logged
99% of all Lawyers give the other 1% a bad name. What I find hilarious about this is they are such an arrogant bunch, that they all think they are in the 1%.

Offline Doublebass73

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (46)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4579
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #14 on: December 08, 2009, 02:16:33 AM »
It depends on what range you plan to shoot at. If shots are 100 yards or less then the choices are easy, any of the pistol calibers would be perfect. My 1st choice would be the .357 because .38 wadcutters are the cheapest to shoot, quieter than a .22, no recoil whatsoever, very accurate and plenty powerful for varmint shooting. Even shooting .357's is much quieter than a .243 with less recoil. If you reload then the .45 Colt is another very good choice or a .44 Mag.
Logged
"Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves."

---- William Pitt (the Younger), Speech in the House of Commons, November 18, 1783

Offline Bayou Stalker

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (5)
  • Avid Poster
  • *****
  • Posts: 200
  • Gender: Male
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #15 on: December 08, 2009, 02:58:17 AM »
My nine year old loves shooting her .357 mag.  With a Tamer stock, it fits her great.  I would like to lop off about 4"-6" of barrel just for weight and balance purposes, but she uses a shooting stick for now and it works out great.

http://picasaweb.google.com/kenducote/MaddiSHog#
Logged
Kendall

Offline BrianB

  • Trade Count: (3)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 192
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #16 on: December 08, 2009, 03:27:23 AM »
I think Dinny's suggestion of the .22 Hornet is a good one.   The .357 is also hard to beat...very quiet with .38's and still almost no recoil with .357 Mags.  Plenty cheap to shoot as well, also can be reamed to .357 Max later on if needed.  I'm shooting hot and heavy .360 Dan Wessons in mine and there is still almost no recoil. I can shoot it one-handed off a rest with little muzzle jump.
Logged

Offline Mac11700

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (34)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6875
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #17 on: December 08, 2009, 03:43:00 AM »
Quote from: tykempster on December 07, 2009, 05:06:46 PM
I know lots of little girls who wouldn't be comfortable with a Handi-weight 243.  That's a fair amount of recoil for a small child.

The recoil my friend would entirely depend on the load choosen..Saying the 243 kicks a-lot is exceedingly strange to me..Many are recomending using a pistol cartridge..For each of what has been mentioned..I am quite sure I can find a hard kicker in those if I choose to..

Take a look at a Lyman reloading book..a 84 grain cast bullet at 1605fps..kicks less than some factory 223 loads..

Jacketed bullets...lots of info out there for reduced loads as well...

Any rifle I have ever set up or helped set up for a small child..has always had a soft cheek piece on it..and a great recoil pad..Has always been fitted to the child using it..Have always made sure the child had the best ear plugs and ear muffs along with safety glasses..Doing this will reduce not only the felt recoil to them..but will reduce the majority of percieved recoil they experiance..

The 243 isn't a bad choice..you just have to set it up for the child..not yourself..

Mac
Logged
You can cry me a river... but...build me a bridge and then get over it...

Offline jlwilliams

  • Trade Count: (2)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1321
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #18 on: December 08, 2009, 03:57:08 AM »
22 Hornet will be a little less report than the 223, so she may like it a bit better.  The 223 will be WAY cheaper to feed, so her dad may like that better.  That assumes no reloading, if you reload there is virtually no cost difference between the Hornet and the 223.  Either should be a good option for her.

 
Logged

Offline spikehorn

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (84)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3000
  • Gender: Male
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #19 on: December 08, 2009, 05:41:28 AM »
I wouldn't suggest the super light. The 223 super light I had for my son I couldn't get it to shoot any better than minute of barn no matter what i did to or with it. that put him off of handi's even tho I've proven to him again and again with other handi's that they will shoot. 30-30 is another kid friendly round.
Logged
308 win                 45-70                       12ga         
30-30                    223 stainless steel   20ga TDC
44 mag                  Tracker II 20ga        20ga
45-70 Manlicher     20ga USH                28ga
                                                              410ga

Offline GrampaMike

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (3)
  • A Real Regular
  • *****
  • Posts: 904
  • Gender: Male
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #20 on: December 08, 2009, 06:03:18 AM »
Typical Recoil for Cartridges listed in this thread.

8.2   44 Magnum
2.9   357 Magnum
1.2   22 Hornet
8.2   357 Max
3.7   223 Rem
8.1   243 Win
1.7   38 Special
5.4   22-250 Rem
7.1   45 Colt
9.2   30-30 Win
3.6   44 Special
0.9   32-20 Win
Logged
Grampa Mike
U.S. Army Retired

"Say what you mean, mean what you say"
Father of 2 GREAT sons, and 9 grandchildren.

Offline BrianB

  • Trade Count: (3)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 192
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #21 on: December 08, 2009, 06:33:33 AM »
Grampa,

I'm guessing those numbers are pounds?  Just for grins, what is the number for the 45-70?
Logged

Offline GrampaMike

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (3)
  • A Real Regular
  • *****
  • Posts: 904
  • Gender: Male
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #22 on: December 08, 2009, 06:56:17 AM »
Quote
Grampa,

I'm guessing those numbers are pounds?  Just for grins, what is the number for the 45-70?

39.3   45-70 Government
Logged
Grampa Mike
U.S. Army Retired

"Say what you mean, mean what you say"
Father of 2 GREAT sons, and 9 grandchildren.

Offline Lazermule

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Contributor
  • *****
  • Posts: 418
  • Gender: Male
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #23 on: December 08, 2009, 07:21:24 AM »
Quote from: old coach on December 07, 2009, 02:41:37 PM
I have a 357 Max in the Ultra that I will let her shot this weekend. Also have a Contender in 223 for her to try.
Keep the ideas coming guys.
Thanks
Coach

Make sure you bring along some 38 Specials to run through the 357 max for her..

And definitely make sure she has the proper hearing protection...

LM
Logged
LAZERMULE

If I would have asked the people what they wanted, they would have said a faster horse....-Henry Ford

Offline Sourdough

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8150
  • Gender: Male
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #24 on: December 08, 2009, 08:40:04 AM »
Squib:  When she enlisted in the Air Force they let her keep her shoes on so she could make minimum height standards.  For 20 years she claimed she was 5'1".

Lazermule:  As some one else said good hearing protection will also help.  When introducing kids to guns bigger than a .22 I insist they use ear plugs, (the soft one you roll up and place in the ear canal opening) and a good pair of muffs.  Little kids usually have real sensitive hearing, and unless they really use good sound deadening equipment they are overwhelmed by the increase in noise, over a .22RF.

If any aspect of the shooting experience is unpleasant they will not like the whole experience. 
Logged
Where is old Joe when we really need him?  Alaska Independence    Calling Illegal Immigrants "Undocumented Aliens" is like calling Drug Dealers "Unlicensed Pharmacists"
What Is A Veteran?
A 'Veteran' -- whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve -- is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America,' for an amount of 'up to, and including his life.' That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country today who no longer understand that fact.

Offline BrianB

  • Trade Count: (3)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 192
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #25 on: December 08, 2009, 11:08:09 AM »
Quote from: GrampaMike on December 08, 2009, 06:56:17 AM
Quote
Grampa,

I'm guessing those numbers are pounds?  Just for grins, what is the number for the 45-70?

39.3   45-70 Government

Cool, thanks.
Logged

Offline old coach

  • Trade Count: (6)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 150
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #26 on: December 08, 2009, 11:41:13 AM »
Wow, you guys are great. Keep the suggestions coming.
I talked to her dad the morning and we will shoot on Saturday.
I have some 38s for the Ultra and some Win white box 45s for the Contender.
I think she will have a good time.
Good suggestion on the soft ear plugs, I have some that we use at work still in the packs.
I have an Eagle stock pack that I will add to the Handi to get the soft cheek rest.
I will let you know how it goes on Sat.

Coach
Logged

Offline kevinsmith5

  • Trade Count: (4)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1274
  • Gender: Male
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #27 on: December 08, 2009, 11:52:15 AM »
I vote 30-30. You can load it up or down in a single shot. 110 gr to 170 gr, mild to wild. She can use it for life.
Logged
If he's carrying a singleshot, don't expect a warning shot!

Offline av-doctor

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 238
  • Gender: Male
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #28 on: December 08, 2009, 01:35:30 PM »
i would need a bit more info before i give an option. is reloading an option or just factory ammo? handi rifle or something else?
Logged

Offline Wazukie

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 5
Re: Which Handi for a 11 yr old girl.
« Reply #29 on: December 08, 2009, 04:07:54 PM »
My 12 yr old daughter shoots a .243 with the youth stock.  She hits what she aims at out to 300yrds. In field we use sticks
Logged
Pages: [1] 2   Go Up
« previous next »