Do not be fooled by "youth" in the title of this firearm. This is a great rifle for a pre-teen/teenager/woman who has the need for a weapon of a smaller size. The full sized synthetic stock allows the gun "to grow" with the shooter. This is the 2nd of these configurations that I have purchased for a younger family member. As they get into their college years, this rifle will be perfect. My wife loves the shorter trigger pull and slightly shorter barrel (4" shorter). The .243 is an excellent caliber that is perfect for both the novice & advanced shooter. It is not too small, and will not be outgrown. There are varying loads available from squirrel to deer sized loads. My 13 year old uses his to take 300 lb. wild boars & whitetail deer... plenty of punch for both! The factory mounted & bore sighted scope means that we're off to the range when we take delivery... instead of another few weeks of acquiring mounts, rings, installation & bore sighting the scope. This is a tremendous value and a great "entry level" Weatherby for any young shooter.