Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles What is the best quality, cheap single shot deer rifle??

I recently picked up a Savage Axis 243 Youth model on clearance at Walmart for $199. A super cheap Barska 3-9 scope was installed and in a few minutes was shooting holes that nearly touched at 50 yards using 100gr Winchester factory loads that I bought in '84 and used to kill my first deer.
When pulling the target I spotted a groundhog at 125 yards and drilled him.
Despite the price, I am pretty impressed with the Axis so far and would recommend one. The trigger is decent and the oversized tang safety would be great for kids.

I had the CVA SCOUT in 243. It had both the short youth stock and the longer adult size. I liked the weight, balance, even the trigger pull. The problem was accuracy. Rarely did it shoot groups under 3 inches at 100 yards. It is traded off for 22 squirrel gun.

I purchased a Savage AXIS in 243 with composite youth stock. I dislike the looks of the new style composit stocks of Savage, Ruger, Remington and TC but the accuracy seems good with most of these guns. There is a fix for the AXIS heavy trigger pull and it can be found on the internet. Brought my pull down to 3 1/2Lb. All bullet weights from 60 SIERRA HP to Hornady 100 interlock group under 1 Inch at 100 yards.

Marlin XS7Y youth rifles are very smooth and rarely go on the market here. Good shooters with many features costing more in other brands. Of all comparable rifles, I would take the Marlin if it was available.

If your boy can handle the additional weight, the Savage 110 with shortened stock is as dependable as you will find. I have not had one in any caliber that would not group 1 1/2" or less with good ammo. The Savage 110s are selling in the $300 range in middle tennessee if in good condition. That is in same price range with the Savage Axis and $50 below Ruger All Americans. Youth models are in real demand and supply is very low.

NEF. Get a couple shotgun barrels, a muzzleloader, and a couple of calibers, have the trigger set while they're fitting the barrels, and you've got a light, handi, any season hunting tool. I've used mine on everything from rabbits to turkey to deer and hogs.

Otherwise, there are plenty of low cost, high utility bolt actions anymore.

Ella

"the best quality, cheap single shot deer rifle??"

A Ruger American with one in the chamber and none in the magazine.

I prefer my Ruger #1 in .280 Rem, though.

This +1 or any other inexpensive adult sized bolt gun and keep the chunk of butt you cut off to reattach as the kids turn into full size guys. By then it will need refinishing anyway. Magnum Man

Did you decide on a rifle yet? If not hit me up with a PM. I might just have the rifle for your daughter on the cheap in .243 Win and a spare stock to go with it.

Ruger American Compact is going to be the easiest for the mostest. I've been down this road and am still on it--all the rest of the suggestions involve dinking around to get nowhere good.

Get the 223 with the 9 twist--you'll be golden.