Good Starting Firearms

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MattG666

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After going to the range with a friend of school (we used a 9mm Pt92 Taurus and a .12ga defender), I am convinced to get my license and start shooting. Problem is, I don't know what the best way is to get into it (just regular license or should i get both unres. and res. in one go?)

What type of firearm is good to shoot as a beginner? I tend to lean towards more precise guns like rifles and pistols rather than shotguns (i plan to do just mostly target shooting).

What are good beginner guns for both pistols and rifles? Bolt action or semi? Semi-auto or revolver? DA or SA? The main thing i am worried about is the cost of the gun and ammo, not so much the cost of getting both licenses.

So far it seems like .22 calibre is the best for beginners in both rifles and pistols. I am a huge WW2 buff, but I heard the ammo to feed these guns is fairly expensive.

Thanks guys, just looking for quick, comprehensive noobie buying guide.
 
Well get both non and restricted, as you can have a rifle and it can go on the restricted list, that happened to me. Get what you like, some will still you to start samll and move up, but if you get a 22 and than you move to bigger calibers, your stuck till you sell with a lot more guns than you need, of course you can always sell, I started with my first hnad gun a big bore 1911, and learned to shoot it, for rifles I have both bolt and semi, get what you like, is all I can suggest. If you want a nice cheap botl action, think about getting a mosen nagant, or an old 303. Semies, well sks comes to mind or a norinco m14.
 
Welcome to the sport. I'd recommend getting your RPAL right off the bat. That way you won't have to go back and get the restricted later. You are right about one thing already, .22 is the way to go. For target shooting the cost factor is such a huge incentive for a .22. Many people have "strong opinions" on what type of guns you should own but it's up to you to decide what is right for you. Main decision is semi vs bolt/pump/lever for rifle and semi vs revolver for pistol. figure out what you like and you can find lots of info on all of the makes using the search function or on the internet in general.
 
TGC said:
., but if you get a 22 and than you move to bigger calibers, your stuck till you sell with a lot more guns than you need, .
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More guns than you need? What does that mean? I didn't think there was such a thing.:)


Starting with a .22 is a good plan, and it's handy for many things, so even if you only wantt few guns, a .22 should be one of them.

my.02$
 
Ok liking the comments so far, but I would still like to know a few suggestions for the different rifles and pistols. Good to see a forum where the responses are quick and informative :D
 
well i just ment you may never used it again, i have some i have not shoot in years, and yes i want more guns also, just ment to say that he may end up with one he may never use again, so get what you want, not what people suggest.
 
MattG666 said:
Ok liking the comments so far, but I would still like to know a few suggestions for the different rifles and pistols. Good to see a forum where the responses are quick and informative :D
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It'd be pretty difficult to offer suggestions. Buying a gun is like buying a pair of shoes - everyone has different tastes and a different sized hand. Depending where you live, there might be a range nearby that allows you to rent different firearms to try out several.

Also depends if you're planning on hunting, target shooting and/or getting into competition.

hdave said:
is .22 ammo cheaper than 9mm?
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Yes. .22lr is the cheapest. It'll cost you about $5 for a box of 50 rounds. It's about $15 for a box of 50 in 9mm.
 
I know that ultimately I am the only one who can pick and enjoy my own gun, but I am asking people for their opinions so I can narrow down my options. Personally I think rifle-wise I would prefer bolt action, and the action on a pistol doesn't seem like a big deal (though SA seems the easiest to shoot with such a light pull).

I live in the KW area very close to The Gun Centre, and not too far from Shooter's Choice. Both Places have good websites, and I am kind of nervous asking to shoot guns that A) am not licensed for yet B) don't really have an extensive knowledge of.

Of the WW2 rifles out there, which ones are relatively cheap for the gun AND ammo? Lee enfield unfortunately shoots .303 which if I remember correctly is damned expensive for recreational target shooting. Nagants are cheap rifles with an ammo price I can't seem to find. Any help?
 
hdave said:
is .22 ammo cheaper than 9mm?
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Depending on the maker, you can get 500 rounds of .22 for about $20.00.

Depending on the type of 9mm:
Full metal Jacket (FMJ) store's like Le Baron sell Winchester USA Brand: 100 rounds for $28.00
Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP): Winchester LE are 50 rounds for about $30.00, while Winchester SXT JHP are 50 rounds for approx. $45.00. Again, different makers charge different prices.

I just bought som .45 Winchester WinClean at Lebaron 50 rounds for $31.00.

Shop around. Some stores are cheaper than others, and buying bulk (500 or 1000 rounds) can save you money.
 
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My humble opinion. Get a good accurate .22cal. bolt action rifle. .22cal. ammunition is cheap. Marlin, Savage, Browning or Ruger should be O.K. with at least a 20" barrel. Should run about $300.00 for a new rifle. A heavier target barrel would be a good idea if you want really accurate shooting. The magazine usually holds at least 7 to 10 shots. If you are near a reputable firearms store you may be able to get a good used rifle of this type. Get your RPAL so you can get a handgun later on. Don't forget hearing protection and shooting glasses.
 
Again my humble opinion. Stay away from old WW2 rifle and center fire rifles in general for now. You can go high powered later. Right now you need to learn how to shoot and all about safety etc. Use your iron sights ( open sights ) for awhile then you could look at a scope. Many people own and use .22cal. very effectively.
 
Types

For a handgun, 22 would be my first choice. A Semi is great here as you don't have to collect your brass for reloading and they are fun to shoot. Ruger or S&W would be a good choice for SA handguns but not the only ones out there. For a rifle another 22 would be very cheap to shoot and I believe you can find K98 Mauser trainers in 22 if you want WWII looks.

After that I would suggest a newer bolt in a 223 maybe as they are less expensive to feed than say 308, 303, 7.62x39, 8mm or 7.62x54 Russian.

The SKS and variants do offer a good choice of low costs ammo and low cost firearms.

You will more than likely find in most cases that a bolt rifle will shoot more accurately than a semi, pump or lever. Also most heavy barrel rifles have a tendancy to shoot better than sporter barrel.

Search the ee forum for everything to get an idea what's out there and search the ammo forum as well to get an idea of ammo costs. A few hours on the computer may just save you hundreds of $$$ and help you make your decision.
 
Just my 2 cents worth of advice Matt....Before spending a dime on anything, take a trip down to your local Sportmens Clubs...(ask or look around for one local to you)
Tell them you are new....
IF the guys are anything like the ESSA club, they will practically line up and volunteer their firearms for you to try out. Ask them which ones they like and do not like.
After shooting several, you will know which ones you like. Then hunt down a good used one...or two...or three....and join a club.
 
Get your RPAL ASAP.

Glock 17 (9mm and maybe a Mech Tech Carbine Conversion Unit)
AR-15 (.223 and maybe a tactical inovations .22lr upper)
Savage (.22lr or .22wmg)

If I could start out all over again, those are the three firearms I would buy first. The Glock and the AR-15 are very versatile. The Savage is pretty accurate for the money.
 
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