small rifles with poorly designed stocks kick like hell and will discourace new shooters. my fried bought his son a handi rifle in 243 and it kicks like a mule. go full size and cut the stock down to fit, the heavier the better!
I would not let my sons shoot a handi rifle under any condition!
My grandson is 12ys old, 5'11", weighs about 120lbs. The first 3 shots he ever fired with a centerfire rifle were thru that .243 Handi and they went around an inch and a half. The 4th shot dropped a doe. Recoil from that rifle is no differant than any other .243 I ever shot. Your friend's son must be a little tiny feller.
