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With so much gunnery available, why doesn't someone market an upgradeable, switch barrel rifle for learners to upgrade to elk calibers and full length stocks. Good scope, good action, accurate for $600. BUILD IT WE WILL COME!!!

Wayne

Switch barrels involve some considerable cost. Look at the design details in a Sauer 202 to see what they had to do. As long as the bolt face will handle the larger ("elk") cartridge, the same bolt will work, but for a major step up, that requires a second bolt. As switch barrels rarely shoot to the same POI, it also requires two scopes...

Usually only folks going to Africa who really, really want a switch barrel rifle will pay for all this just to have the same stock.

IMHO, no manufacturing facility in the US can do something like this for $600. Nice thought, however.

BUT - If the youngster started with a basic youth (or compact) rifle in something he could handle (.243 - .308?), that action could be sent off for rebarreling to an elk caliber and a full-length stock when he outgrew it. Still not $600, but a lot less expensive than a Sauer.

I would say that they already do. One for example would be the vanguard youth model that comes with two stocks. One of these in 7mm08 would do very well, loaded with 120s at modest velosity is pretty light on the shoulder and switch to 140-160s for bigger stuff later in life. Another solution would be the same rifle in 308 shooting the remington managed recoil load of 125gr @ 2600fps it should have very mild recoil but still be plenty of power for deer/hogs. Then later in life step up to a good 150-180 for elk/moose/bear.

Other options would be a Thompson Encore with different barrels and stocks. I think that Vanguard youth is about the best thing going for a youngster and plan on getting one for my boy in a few years.

BLR Takedown now comes in short and long actions.
.243 barrel and .308 barrel would be the trick.

Savage is already there.

Because an inexspensive switch barrel is a compromise over an equally priced fixed barrel gun. It's a pity when parents look at compromise low quality switch barrel guns vs a higher quality fixed barrel gun. One can tailor recoil by handloading, you don't need a mild recoiling barrel and a hunting barrel.

The term jack of all trades master of none is the best discription of multicaliber/barrel rigs.

+1

As the Dad of a 9 year old (and a lefty at that) I've given the Ute Rifle quite a bit of thought. If one wanted to switch barrels the Savage series is ideal. Gave that a lot of thought.

Scrapped the idea this summer after he shot Doecamper's 7mm08 off of sticks with a 120 gr bullet. It was OK he said and there was no whining to follow. By the time he's 12 and legal to hunt big game up here there will be NO problem.

Should he continue to show interest I'll scrounge for a SA left hand M700 action. Beater stocks are always available for cutting to size. Barrels are plentiful. Hey, what kid doesn't like legos ...

Planning a rifle is half (only half?) the fun. Pretty good way to build your own rifle looney too!

GE

Weatherby offers a youth vanguard rifle with extra full size stock for under $600. check out thier site. you can go with a 270 and use the reduced recoil load or load your own.

next wish list item?

oh, josh beat me to it!

I looked hard at that option myself for my daughter. Here is a link:
http://www.weatherby.com/products/guns.asp?prd=Rifles&prd_sub_type=3&prod_code=VGC7M08RR0O

Savage 10 buy it in 243 and add barrels until your heart is content. If the 243, 7mm-08, 308, 338 Fed, or 358 don't qualify as Elk guns you can always buy a bolt/bolt face for the WSM size and load up a 300, 325, or such WSM.

Oh, and they are pretty darn good rifles for adults too at well under $600.