Handi rifle in .44 or .357. My seven year old shoots a .44 that I load to around .44 spl +P velocities. I also shortened the LOP and put a Limbsaver recoil pad on to make it a more comfortable fit. He's scrawny and I limit his shooting to 6-10 shots per session. He cloverleafs them at 50 yards. He took his first deer last year in youth season with it!
A 357 lever action is kinda mild, with standard loads, (or you could even start them out with 38's ) The 357 can be loaded to near 30/30 levels if you reload.
If the girls feel comfortable with it enough to become proficient (good shot placement), the 357 is plenty of gun for Indiana whitetail.
How do you feel about a 12Gauge with a rifled slug barrel and the shot barrel combo? That way you can shoot skeet or fowl if you want and still hunt. Plus the Mossberg 500 combos are under $400.
This is THE best way to RUIN a young shooter!!!How do you feel about a 12Gauge with a rifled slug barrel and the shot barrel combo? That way you can shoot skeet or fowl if you want and still hunt. Plus the Mossberg 500 combos are under $400.