just got my PAL, looking for a good starter gun

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Mattity

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as the title says, im looking for recommendations for a starter gun to buy, looking for something in .22Lr and semi (but am open to suggestions)
if this isn't the right place to post then oops, let me know where to ask, still getting familiar with this site

EDIT: A big thanks to everyone who took the time to answer me, ill take everything said into consideration as i look into buying.
 
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If you want to learn to shoot (marksmanship), buy a bolt action rifle. SAs do not promote marksmanship because subconsciously you know there is another round waiting. The best rifles to promote marksmanship are single shots. Gotta make every shot count.
 
Mattity said:
as the title says, im looking for recommendations for a starter gun to buy, looking for something in .22Lr and semi (but am open to suggestions)
if this isn the right place to post then oops, let me know where to ask, still getting familiar with this site
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My first gun was a Cooey bolt action.
 
Depends on your goal. If you're looking to plink cans in the back 40, I'd be looking at a Winchester Wildcat, Ruger 10/22, GSG 16, or Derya TM-22. I'd recommend Marlin 795 as well, but they don't make 'em anymore so you'd have to buy used and the prices on those have been climbing in recent times. Of these I own the Winchester Wildcat and Marlin 795. They both have last round hold opens, which is something I greatly prefer on a semi auto 22lr. If you love buying aftermarket stuff to put on your gun, then the 10/22 is the only option worth considering. If high capacity magazines are your jam, then the Wildcat and Ruger are out, the rest all have ~25rd mags available.

If you are going to be shooting at paper targets at the range, then I would follow the previous suggestions and look towards a bolt action. I'm biased because it was my first gun, but I really like the Savage MkII as an affordable starter bolt action. If you're going to use it for small game hunting get the sporter weight barrel, but if its a range-only gun pony up the extra money for the heavy weight barrel, you will not regret it.
 
If you want a semi 22lr, it's really hard to go wrong with the Ruger 10/22. That was virtually the only 22 I shot for years growing up, and for a number of years afterwards. While I could have benefited from learning on a bolt, I don't regret it one bit. That thing, with its old straight 4x32 Bushnell, became an extension of me. Sure, I couldn't punch ragged holes in paper from the bench, but while hunting, that thing and me just clicked. I could head shot chickens with a snap shot at 50 yards, and rolled a rabbit on the run at 100. Did it without thinking. So, my advice is pick something that feels right in your hands, and then practice endlessly with it.

Also, hard to go wrong with a CZ bolt action, if you end up not wanting a semi.
 
I really have a thing for rimfire and after 25 years swapping guns, I own two 10/22s, cz 452custom, Remington 572 and a Marlin 39m. You might as well start with a Ruger and several magazines. That way you will figure out what you like. You can always get a vq hammer if you find it too stiff.
 
Mattity said:
as the title says, im looking for recommendations for a starter gun to buy, looking for something in .22Lr and semi (but am open to suggestions)
if this isn the right place to post then oops, let me know where to ask, still getting familiar with this site
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I second the bolt action. It is easier to move on to the next stage with it. A bolt action is better as a trainer.
 
Marlin 795 were accurate and was half the price of a 10/22. But don't see them much anymore, or the 70 HC which was a older 795. Same as the Marlin 60, those were the tube mag version. Older Mossberg 151 were great guns and tube fed. Again another accurate gun.
 
OkayShooter said:
Marlin 795 were accurate and was half the price of a 10/22. But don't see them much anymore, or the 70 HC which was a older 795. Same as the Marlin 60, those were the tube mag version. Older Mossberg 151 were great guns and tube fed. Again another accurate gun.
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The damn trigger guards turn to dust. I loved mine but rarely shoot it now a days. What a deal that thing was...
 
FarmerDanz said:
The damn trigger guards turn to dust. I loved mine but rarely shoot it now a days. What a deal that thing was...
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Got metal upgrades now. Yeah they were what 179$ less than 5 years ago. I think I paid that for my 70 HC in the early 2000s when I bought my first rimfire from CT.
 
Haha, I also love the CZ bolt actions and have two... but ignore us, that can be your next .22!

I don't have a 10/22, but I plan to get one as they have so many options to upgrade and they look like a blast! For me, a big part of the hobby is customizing and accessorize my rifles - very few platforms offer the options that a 10/22 does.
 
Ruger 10/22 was my first rifle and with all the information and aftermarket parts and upgrades, it seemed like a affordable way to get into the hobby. The ammunition is very affordable comparatively. You can put a lot of rounds through in a day and not cost you a arm and a leg, while still working on speed shooting or 100-200yrd longer range for the 23.
 
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