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Nathan Foster

Hi Randy, I went over this some time ago here on the forums but cannot find the thread just now. This is a handgun that has been dressed up as a rifle.

In plain terms, this is not ideal for starting out. It will set up bad habits due to the stock pitch and poor cheek weld. Optics generally have to be set high and back towards the shooters face. The butt is by contrast low. In form, it is akin to attempting to learn boxing with ones weight on the back foot.

The barrel will always be at the mercy of the forend. The barrel cannot be floated. Accuracy is best in lower powered / velocity cartridges which do not boast a great deal of harmonic whip.

Some shoot OK, some don't, as can be expected with harmonics. But as I have said, accuracy is only a part of the issue. This rifle does not lend itself well to good technique.

Ideally, it is good to start with a rifle that has a good ergonomic form and inherent accuracy potential by design. This will allow your son to work to a goal. Without consistency in the rifle, he will not learn to differentiate between his errors and those of the rifle.

The teenage brain is indeed questioning everything at this time. But we must still provide some guidance, fending off distractions. As you said - "I’m encouraging his exploration provided it’s not silly". In much earlier times, a 14 year old young man would by now be either nearing or engaged in an apprenticeship, no different to young male animals kicked off the tit and running with alpha males. I know, its always difficult, working out just how far to go with teenage decision making. You are not alone with this question, the previous post I mentioned was of an identical nature. I believe many folk look to the TC as a possible youth gun. Others will benefit from your question.

Ultimately, it comes down to this - Son, what you want comes second to the needs of the animal. The animal deserves a fast and clean death. A high powered cartridge can be very effective, but cartridge power alone cannot always achieve a fast kill. If you put the animal first, you will find that this is actually in your own best interests, having an effect on the tools you choose and the methods you employ to use them. A more useful power will come with the development of your own skills.