Hi Folks,
Assuming that I could find one to buy, do you think that a .25 Remington (Model 14) would make a good youth rifle? I have been thinking of buying a .243 for my 10 year old son, but I got to thinking about the .25 instead. I'm thinking of getting a shorter stock made for it but keep the original for him to grow in to. I have a .35 Model 14 and I thought it might be neat to have a father/son deer hunting combo.
Any thoughts?
Carl
Model 14 .25 Rem Youth Rifle?
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remington600
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Re: Model 14 .25 Rem Youth Rifle?
You talking about a little more weight, but I would live with it. I love the idea of using a vintage gun. Sounds good to me.
Re: Model 14 .25 Rem Youth Rifle?
I know this is going to cause some debate, but I would rather it be in a larger calibre. The 25 is a little lite for deer, unless someone is a very good shot. Not saying he won't be and that it hasn't been done, but a 30 or a 32 would be a better choice. 25 ammo is also hard to find, not that 30 or 32 is any easier.
Re: Model 14 .25 Rem Youth Rifle?
Well, the .30 rifles are certainly easier to find for sale than the .25s.
How does recoil compare between all the model 14s and, let's say a modern .243?
How does recoil compare between all the model 14s and, let's say a modern .243?
Re: Model 14 .25 Rem Youth Rifle?
To me, it would depend on what type of (deer) hunting......from a stand, in brush or woods, open country, short distance or longer ranges.
Personally, I consider BOTH cartridges (.25 Rem and .243 Win) to be "light" for deer unless they're within about 100 yds. and/or the shooter being able to make a very-well-placed shot.
The .25 Rem is the rimless equivalent of the .25-35 Win. From the energy numbers at 100 yds., it's marginal. And, it would be strictly a handloading proposition and cases would probably have to be formed from .30 Rem brass.
I'm a lover of .25 caliber cartridges. I grew up with a .25-35 Win that belonged to my grandfather (although I have no knowledge of what he may have shot with it) Some of my own 25's are in .25-20 Win, .25-35 Win, .257 Roberts, and 25-06 Rem cartridges.
I live in Wyoming and most of my hunting territory is in open country, so I've never used anything less than one of my .257 Roberts rifles on deer......and more often, one of my 25-06's. I consider myself to be a reasonably good shot, but I know the limitations of the cartridges. Very seldom have I ever needed more than one shot to bring down a game animal.
By the way, I do have some 24 caliber rifles (.243, .244 and 6mm), but only use them for varmints.
Den
Personally, I consider BOTH cartridges (.25 Rem and .243 Win) to be "light" for deer unless they're within about 100 yds. and/or the shooter being able to make a very-well-placed shot.
The .25 Rem is the rimless equivalent of the .25-35 Win. From the energy numbers at 100 yds., it's marginal. And, it would be strictly a handloading proposition and cases would probably have to be formed from .30 Rem brass.
I'm a lover of .25 caliber cartridges. I grew up with a .25-35 Win that belonged to my grandfather (although I have no knowledge of what he may have shot with it) Some of my own 25's are in .25-20 Win, .25-35 Win, .257 Roberts, and 25-06 Rem cartridges.
I live in Wyoming and most of my hunting territory is in open country, so I've never used anything less than one of my .257 Roberts rifles on deer......and more often, one of my 25-06's. I consider myself to be a reasonably good shot, but I know the limitations of the cartridges. Very seldom have I ever needed more than one shot to bring down a game animal.
By the way, I do have some 24 caliber rifles (.243, .244 and 6mm), but only use them for varmints.
Den
Re: Model 14 .25 Rem Youth Rifle?
This is all good stuff. I appreciate you all taking time to reply. Please keep your thoughts coming.
So, would the .25 be at least as effective as a .243? If so, it's good enough for me. I have a lot of confidence in the .243. Around here that rifle can get the job done all day long. We all grew up shooting deer with a .243. Sometimes the deer dropped in its tracks and sometimes it went 100 yards. I've got two friends, both in their 50s and 60s who still hunt with a .243. Both have killed three deer with them this year, and they shoot several deer most years. Nice bucks and does.
The way I hunt is strictly in hardwoods. I can't imagine getting a shot at 100 yards. If by some chance I did have a clear window at that distance I'd pass on it. I don't have the confidence to shoot iron sights at 100 yards. All of the deer I have killed in the past 9 years have been at 9 yards to MAYBE 60 yards. I'd say my average shot is 20-40 yards. Typically I don't have any trouble seeing deer and I don't usually have any trouble getting close. Mostly from a stand - sometimes still-hunting. Also my son would be hunting with me, either in a ground blind or two man ladder stand so I would tell him what shots he is allowed to or not allowed to take.
So, with all that said, how do you think this gun would do. I'm going to get my son a deer rifle. If it's not a Model 14 .25 it'll be a .243.
Carl
So, would the .25 be at least as effective as a .243? If so, it's good enough for me. I have a lot of confidence in the .243. Around here that rifle can get the job done all day long. We all grew up shooting deer with a .243. Sometimes the deer dropped in its tracks and sometimes it went 100 yards. I've got two friends, both in their 50s and 60s who still hunt with a .243. Both have killed three deer with them this year, and they shoot several deer most years. Nice bucks and does.
The way I hunt is strictly in hardwoods. I can't imagine getting a shot at 100 yards. If by some chance I did have a clear window at that distance I'd pass on it. I don't have the confidence to shoot iron sights at 100 yards. All of the deer I have killed in the past 9 years have been at 9 yards to MAYBE 60 yards. I'd say my average shot is 20-40 yards. Typically I don't have any trouble seeing deer and I don't usually have any trouble getting close. Mostly from a stand - sometimes still-hunting. Also my son would be hunting with me, either in a ground blind or two man ladder stand so I would tell him what shots he is allowed to or not allowed to take.
So, with all that said, how do you think this gun would do. I'm going to get my son a deer rifle. If it's not a Model 14 .25 it'll be a .243.
Carl
Re: Model 14 .25 Rem Youth Rifle?
Thanks for explaining your hunting territory.
Given the choice between a .243 and a .25 Rem., I'd choose the .243, hands down. It's got more energy to deliver to the target (at any range). It's cheaper to purchase the components and reload for (if you're into that). And, since the ammunition for the .25 Rem. hasn't been manufactured for many years, handloading is the only (expensive) option. So, obviously, if you buy off-the-shelf ammo, the .243 is really the ONLY option.
Den
Given the choice between a .243 and a .25 Rem., I'd choose the .243, hands down. It's got more energy to deliver to the target (at any range). It's cheaper to purchase the components and reload for (if you're into that). And, since the ammunition for the .25 Rem. hasn't been manufactured for many years, handloading is the only (expensive) option. So, obviously, if you buy off-the-shelf ammo, the .243 is really the ONLY option.
Den
Re: Model 14 .25 Rem Youth Rifle?
A sweet little 250 Savage would git 'er dun. 260 in a M7 youth, although a little loud, would work well too. The 25 Rem is just too anemic in factory form and nothing can be done to make it any better. I shoot a little M600 Remington in 35 with a scout scope set-up in the same type of area you hunt. Less than 8 pounds fully loaded; a dream to carry and point. Recoil is surprising controllable and you can handload down a we bit. Same in 308 or 6mm might be in line as well. 308 managed recoil is a factory loaded down round that would be accurate and not punishing to shoot.