Kids rifle build opinion

[Silentnight]

I’ve been wanting to build a rifle for my kids using a manners cs stock for the adjustable LOP.

I would like some opinions on cartage. Something that would be a little more efficient in a 16-18” barrel shooting around 100grain bullet.

A 12” suppressed Grendel is what my oldest shoots now and it kills just fine but I would like to get a bolt gun built. I figure I will get my money’s worth with 4 boys under the age of 8.

I was considering doing a SBR bolt gun with a switch lug for when they get older and want to shoot something different, but I don’t know if it would be worth the hassle.

[tmurray]

25-06 or the boring old .243

[Silentnight]

I’m planning on using a short action so 25-06 would be out. I’m not sure if there is a good option for 25 cal in a short action. Maybe 25 wssm but not sure how they recoil and I would HAVE to reload for it.
I was thinking maybe the 6mm creed but I don’t know if it would have too much recoil either. The rifle will be suppressed when the kids are shooting.

[Dale Moser]

260


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[Walker]

4 boys under 8, I'd get them a howa mini in grendel right now and start working on a 260 build.

[trophy8]

While I’m not a 308 fan....it’s hard to beat the efficiency of it in a short barrel. Roll 110-125 grain bullets and let em eat.

6 creed. 7-08. Both would be good. Or a 22 creed or fast twist 22-250.


Grendel is best suited for a gas gun. Way better options for bolt actions.

[Jon B]

Originally Posted by trophy8

While I’m not a 308 fan....it’s hard to beat the efficiency of it in a short barrel. Roll 110-125 grain bullets and let em eat.

In my opinion, the .308, 7-08 or .260 is very hard to beat for this application. I am a big .308 fan and can't think of a better whitetail or pig gun that is polite enough for the shoulders of growing young men. Personally since we are giving opinions, I would stay away from the .243. in my mind it is fantastic for yotes, blackbuck and javie sized critters but doesn't have the muscle for big heavy pigs caked in Texas mud.

[c3products20]

My 4yr old has been practicing with his 8yr old brothers howa mp1500 6.5 creedmoore. He shoots it well enough to harvest a deer or hog but he's not ready to take a life yet. The 8yr old on the other hand, he's been keeping me busy at the cleaning station!!! The gun is pretty heavy so there's not much recoil and it shoots really well!

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[TCB]

If the gun is going to be suppressed, go with a 6.5 CM and load up some 100gr barnes. I've got one cut to 16.5" suppressed and barely notice any recoil. Pigs were all DRT and the buck I shot went 50 yards.

As they get older and want to go after bigger game, you can load up some 140gr. and kill basically anything in Texas.

[TX03RUBI]

I put this 6 Creed together for my nephew on a Manners CS. He’s the smallest 5 year old in his class be a full head, and he handles it just fine on his own. That said he’s using my barreled action for the time being, but his action is sitting in my safe and we’re just waiting on the barrel to come in. Going with a 20” carbon 6 Creed shooting factory 103s like he’s been doing.



He’s killed 4 pigs with it in the last 2-3 months, and none have made it more than 20 yds. I’ve killed a lot more than that with it, and few rarely run. Personally I prefer the 108 ELDM for hogs. I’ve got a pretty good body count on my 22 Creed for hogs as well, and Trophy8 can attest to its abilities for dropping them.

[txagyotebuster]

Just do the 6 creed and then it can double as your truck gun we've been talking about....do it

[mzurovec]

Short/heavy barreled .243, 7-08, .308, 6.5 Creed, 6 Creed. I wouldn't worry about velocity losses with the short barrel as I'd bet shots at critters will be sub 300.

[Fmjag64]

243 with 18'-20' threaded barrel. Tons of versatility from blazing fast predator rounds to heavier deer rounds.

[Silentnight]

Originally Posted by TX03RUBI

I put this 6 Creed together for my nephew on a Manners CS. He’s the smallest 5 year old in his class be a full head, and he handles it just fine on his own. That said he’s using my barreled action for the time being, but his action is sitting in my safe and we’re just waiting on the barrel to come in. Going with a 20” carbon 6 Creed shooting factory 103s like he’s been doing.


He’s killed 4 pigs with it in the last 2-3 months, and none have made it more than 20 yds. I’ve killed a lot more than that with it, and few rarely run. Personally I prefer the 108 ELDM for hogs. I’ve got a pretty good body count on my 22 Creed for hogs as well, and Trophy8 can attest to its abilities for dropping them.

Good to hear. My kids are on the small side also so I’m glad to hear it fits him well.
Any reason you went with the CS vs the CS2?

I kinda like the CS for the narrower and shorter forend but I don’t know if you can find them.

[Silentnight]

Originally Posted by txagyotebuster

Just do the 6 creed and then it can double as your truck gun we've been talking about....do it

Maybe... just maybe. I’ll just tell the better half it’s for the kids lol

[TX03RUBI]

Originally Posted by Silentnight

Good to hear. My kids are on the small side also so I’m glad to hear it fits him well.
Any reason you went with the CS vs the CS2?

I kinda like the CS for the narrower and shorter forend but I don’t know if you can find them.

Specifically went CS for the shorter forend. It took me a while of looking, but I finally found it in the Manners Stocks Ready to Ship page. I refuse to order a custom build from Manners ever again after the last couple incidents I’ve had with custom orders, as well as others by buddies.

[Artos]

I'm a big fan of the 257 Roberts...whole lotta folks have killed their first deer with my great grandmother's 722 which was cut down.

[kck]

Any 308 based or 30 TC based case and go with it. They’ll all shoot well as shorties. If you go with a 7-08, don’t worry about making an ackley out of it as you won’t gain enough to matter.

[bam bam]

6mm ARC

[JRG_80]

Originally Posted by Artos

I'm a big fan of the 257 Roberts...whole lotta folks have killed their first deer with my great grandmother's 722 which was cut down.

Took 17 post but the right option was finally posted!
257 Roberts
.
.
.the 260 would be my #2 and is a excellent choice too.


jrg

[kkp005]

Will it be suppressed? If so I’d go 16-18” 308.
My 308’s suppressed have hardly any recoil. Even shooting 175gr bullets

[Silentnight]

Originally Posted by TX03RUBI

Specifically went CS for the shorter forend. It took me a while of looking, but I finally found it in the Manners Stocks Ready to Ship page. I refuse to order a custom build from Manners ever again after the last couple incidents I’ve had with custom orders, as well as others by buddies.

I see your CS doesn’t have the adjustable cheek rest. Does your nephew still get a good cheek weld?

[Silentnight]

Originally Posted by trophy8

While I’m not a 308 fan....it’s hard to beat the efficiency of it in a short barrel. Roll 110-125 grain bullets and let em eat.

6 creed. 7-08. Both would be good. Or a 22 creed or fast twist 22-250.


Grendel is best suited for a gas gun. Way better options for bolt actions.

What no love for the 6.5 MB Matt?? I see you posted ever other creed option but that one lol

[Silentnight]

Originally Posted by JRG_80

Took 17 post but the right option was finally posted!
257 Roberts
.
.
.the 260 would be my #2 and is a excellent choice too.


jrg

I like the 257 Bob but I kinda want to stick to something I can find ammo for easily and won’t have to reload for.

I have a 260 already and shoot it suppressed. It would be one that I would consider for sure

[trophy8]

Originally Posted by Silentnight

What no love for the 6.5 MB Matt?? I see you posted ever other creed option but that one lol

Cuz the others do a good job. The 6.5 doesn’t haha. Never understood why folks don’t take to the 260 or 6.5-284 like they do the 6.5 creed.

I will add....a buddy just build an 18” 6.5 creed cuz he got parts cheap and a prefit for like $300. He’s slinging heavy pills at 2700+. Handloads. That impressed me. My 24” was slow as ****.


With so many options there’s only one thing to do.
Build a few!

You’re welcome to test drive my 6 creed or 22 creed. Same rifle. Switch lug.

[Silentnight]

Originally Posted by trophy8

Cuz the others do a good job. The 6.5 doesn’t haha. Never understood why folks don’t take to the 260 or 6.5-284 like they do the 6.5 creed.

I will add....a buddy just build an 18” 6.5 creed cuz he got parts cheap and a prefit for like $300. He’s slinging heavy pills at 2700+. Handloads. That impressed me. My 24” was slow as ****.


With so many options there’s only one thing to do.
Build a few!

You’re welcome to test drive my 6 creed or 22 creed. Same rifle. Switch lug.

I actually have a 260 and 6.5x284 for that very reason! Only reason the 6.5 bun is popular is because of marketing.

Your buddy’s creed is getting it out of an 18” barrel. That’s pretty impressive. Automatic sniper lol

I might have to take you up on that one day. We aren’t but about an hour apart and we can stretch it out pretty good around here.

Are you liking the switch lug? Is it as repeatable as they claim? And is it a pain to have to re adjust your scope after switching barrels or not too bad?

[TX03RUBI]

Originally Posted by Silentnight

I see your CS doesn’t have the adjustable cheek rest. Does your nephew still get a good cheek weld?

I’d be lying if I said I knew. I put the rifle together, zeroed it, and dropped it off with my brother in law. He’s the one that’s been with my nephew anytime he shoots. I did have him shooting a custom 223 at 4 years old though

For myself I was expecting to have a compromise in cheek weld. It was actually much better than expected. I wouldn’t have any issues running that rifle as is.

[tommy1005]

I have the CS with the cheek riser on a 6.5 Creed with a 22” barrel. My 8yo handles it ok, but would handle it better if the barrel was 18” especially since it always has a suppressor on the end of it. Wish I’d thought of giving it to him when I was building it a few years ago for one of the APR builds, but I had planned for it to be mine. Ended up putting the stock on it to take to Africa incase he wanted to shoot something, but he hasn’t been quite ready to take a life and I’m sure not going to rush him. He loves being in the stand with me and I always have his rifle incase he decides today is the day.

[Silentnight]

Originally Posted by TX03RUBI

I’d be lying if I said I knew. I put the rifle together, zeroed it, and dropped it off with my brother in law. He’s the one that’s been with my nephew anytime he shoots. I did have him shooting a custom 223 at 4 years old though

For myself I was expecting to have a compromise in cheek weld. It was actually much better than expected. I wouldn’t have any issues running that rifle as is.

What are the specs on that cs? Elite shell and DBM with mini chassis?

Also are the inlets as specific as they say on manners website regarding the action or do all 700 clones work for the most part?

[Silentnight]

Originally Posted by tommy1005

I have the CS with the cheek riser on a 6.5 Creed with a 22” barrel. My 8yo handles it ok, but would handle it better if the barrel was 18” especially since it always has a suppressor on the end of it. Wish I’d thought of giving it to him when I was building it a few years ago for one of the APR builds, but I had planned for it to be mine. Ended up putting the stock on it to take to Africa incase he wanted to shoot something, but he hasn’t been quite ready to take a life and I’m sure not going to rush him. He loves being in the stand with me and I always have his rifle incase he decides today is the day.

I’m in the same boat as you. My 7 year old killed his first deer when he was 6 and is all about it. I think it may take my 5 year old a little longer to jump in, but I’m definitely not going to push it.

[TX03RUBI]

Originally Posted by Silentnight

What are the specs on that cs? Elite shell and DBM with mini chassis?

Also are the inlets as specific as they say on manners website regarding the action or do all 700 clones work for the most part?

Standard shell, Rem 700 footprint, non mini chassis, cut for M5 BDM. The only change I had to make was a slight inlet for the side bolt release.

[PROD49]

Originally Posted by trophy8

While I’m not a 308 fan....it’s hard to beat the efficiency of it in a short barrel. Roll 110-125 grain bullets and let em eat.

6 creed. 7-08. Both would be good. Or a 22 creed or fast twist 22-250.


Grendel is best suited for a gas gun. Way better options for bolt actions.

This. Also I think my .308 bolt has less recoil and is way more quiet suppressed than my Grendel suppressed.

[trophy8]

Originally Posted by Silentnight

I actually have a 260 and 6.5x284 for that very reason! Only reason the 6.5 bun is popular is because of marketing.

Your buddy’s creed is getting it out of an 18” barrel. That’s pretty impressive. Automatic sniper lol

I might have to take you up on that one day. We aren’t but about an hour apart and we can stretch it out pretty good around here.

Are you liking the switch lug? Is it as repeatable as they claim? And is it a pain to have to re adjust your scope after switching barrels or not too bad?

I really don’t swap the barrels hardly ever. But it did repeat. In fact, I had the entire gun taken apart. Scope off. Action by itself. Barrel off. Slapped it all back together and torqued the action screws and it was sighted in perfectly.

[Tommyh]

22-250, or 250-3000, make it interesting.

[Silentnight]

Originally Posted by TX03RUBI

Standard shell, Rem 700 footprint, non mini chassis, cut for M5 BDM. The only change I had to make was a slight inlet for the side bolt release.

Good deal. Well if you come across another CS I’d be interested in buying it.

[Silentnight]

Originally Posted by trophy8

I really don’t swap the barrels hardly ever. But it did repeat. In fact, I had the entire gun taken apart. Scope off. Action by itself. Barrel off. Slapped it all back together and torqued the action screws and it was sighted in perfectly.

That’s pretty good. I was maybe considering a switch lug on this rifle but that’s a ways off. Have to find a stock first

[Cajun Blake]

Originally Posted by Silentnight

Good deal. Well if you come across another CS I’d be interested in buying it.

You can order a CS from Manners as the price varies from $759 for a plain Jane, no frills added stock, to $1600 for all the bells and whistles. You occasionally see them for sale "used", as prices range from $950 to $1200 depending on options. When priced around $950, they don't last long. The most common versions FS that I run across are the TAC elite shell with the Gen 1 or 2 chassis DBM.

[JACK750]

22-250. My daughter loves it.

[Silentnight]

Yeah I’ve been on manners website looking at prices. I figure the configuration I want would run around $950. If you come across another one let me know I’d be interested. New or used.
I’m going to post a WTB in the classifieds also. I don’t really get on any other hunting or shooting forum

[Silentnight]

Originally Posted by Cajun Blake

You can order a CS from Manners as the price varies from $759 for a plain Jane, no frills added stock, to $1600 for all the bells and whistles. You occasionally see them for sale "used", as prices range from $950 to $1200 depending on options. When priced around $950, they don't last long. The most common versions FS that I run across are the TAC elite shell with the Gen 1 or 2 chassis DBM.

I haven’t looked into it much yet but do you know the difference between gen 1 & 2 chassis?

[trophy8]

Gen 2 doesn’t have the barricade blocker on the front of the magwell. And I believe the mag release is different.

[lglidewell]

I’d go 308 like some of the others mentioned. My 6 yr old shoots my Tikka T3 308 16” barrel suppressed easily. It’s also the lightest rifle I have, total weight under 9 lbs.

[Silentnight]

Well the deed is done.. getting a rifle built at West Texas Ordnance

6 Creed
Switch lug
Manners CS stock in High Plains (had on order already)
TL3
TT special
16.5” proof sendero (they had the blank in stock)
Hawkins precision hunter bottom metal

Clayton said he had all components in stock except for the stock which has already been on order. He is expecting to get the stock in about 90 days. He said the rifle would be done shortly after that.

Should be pretty handy

[RF76]

7mm-08

[txagyotebuster]

Originally Posted by Silentnight

Well the deed is done.. getting a rifle built at West Texas Ordnance

6 Creed
Switch lug
Manners CS stock in High Plains (had on order already)
TL3
TT special
16.5” proof sendero (they had the blank in stock)
Hawkins precision hunter bottom metal

Clayton said he had all components in stock except for the stock which has already been on order. He is expecting to get the stock in about 90 days. He said the rifle would be done shortly after that.

Should be pretty handy

Should be pretty sweet. I'll show you how to shoot it when it comes in

[SRK14]

250 savage?

[Jason Slocum]

I’m going the other direction and am starting to look for a single shot H&R (sbr) 12” 300 blackout with a custom 1:5 twist barrel. I’m a big fan of the AAC handy rifle, but want a short, and 1:5 twist barrel for shooting and stabilizing 190gr + subs, and still be able to shoot supers

Jason Slocum

[1sickLT1]

A suppressed 6.5 is definitely what I'll be building for my oldest when its time for his first.

[JakeGraves]

If your range isn’t going past 200 yards, I would look heavily at the wimpy little 300 blk. 110’s in a 16” barrel are perfect for Texas deer and pigs as well as the recoil is so minimal, the little ones won’t develop a flinch.

[JakeGraves]

My 6 year old has already killed three deer with a 300blk SBR.