First Rifle

A

alfonzo1955

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After over 3 years of lurking here and learning everything I could about firearms and shooting sports in general, I finally applied for my PAL and I'm expecting it to show up in the next month or so. Since I'm getting my licence, I think it's also a good idea to think about my first rifle.

My criteria are as follows:
  • Won't bankrupt me (I'm currently a university student)
  • Fun
  • Relatively discreet to store (I live in a house with other students that aren't the biggest fans of firearms)

I was thinking of a Ruger 10/22 Takedown or something similar. I was also considering an SKS, but I really don't know which would be better.
 
Three firearms which I would recommend are the following

1. 10/22 is a pretty good choice for plinking and are relatively cheap.
2. Mosin Nagant 91/30 (or save up a little more and get a M38), cheap ammo (.25 cents a round) and since it is a bolt action you don't shoot as much ammo. They are also fairly accurate guns which you can work on improving your accuracy with.
3. SKS, cheap ammo (16 cents a round) however since it is a semi-auto you will likely go through ammo quicker than a Mosin Nagant and it is not nearly as accurate.

A thing to consider if your trying to keep your rifles out of sight is that you likely won't want to use corrosive ammo as it involves completely stripping the rifles. The Mosin Nagant you can get away with just putting a kettle of boiling water down the bore (through a funnel followed by a quick dry by a pull through) but the SKS you can't really do that (needs to be completely stripped and cleaned with boiling water). This means if your using a SKS you will want non-corrosive ammo which increases your cost significantly for shooting.
 
It all depends. Historically many people started with full power rifles (Lee Enfields, Mosin Nagants, K98ks) for there first rifles (or first issued firearm). It all depends on the shooter how they perform. Personally the first thing I ever shot was a 12 gauge with slugs, you couldn't have wiped the smile off my face if you tried.

Likely the best bet for you will be some sort of .22 for the moment as it is cheap and relatively easy to keep clean.
 
alfonzo1955 said:
I also looked at the mosin, but I'm worried the recoil will be a bit much for a new shooter.
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Good thinking! You already have the right idea with a takedown .22 because it will discreetly breakdown into something you can carry in
a briefcase which is going to help you get it from house to car or bus and back with out attracting all that attention that comes with a big
gun case. Also, the .22 is going to be your least expensive, all things considered, choice and give you the most benefit as a new shooter.
Have a look at the Marlin Papoose as well as the Ruger. Don't bother looking at the Henry.:wave:
 
Just with the criteria you have given, I believe the Ruger 10/22 Takedown would meet your needs quite well, it breaks down into a small backpack already and is cheep to feed.
Whatever you decide have fun shooting, be safe, be an ambassador to our sport/hobby, and welcome to the club.
 
10/22 was my first gun 25 years ago, when I was 12. It's a great little gun.

If you're looking for a bit more accuracy for the same price range, the Savage's are nice. If you'd like to have a bit more distance capability, consider a .17HMR - but a bit more cost too...

Don't forget to plan for a scope too, although, learning to shoot with open sights isn't a bad thing.

ENJOY!!!!

-J.
 
I'm concerned about recoil because I'm not exactly a big guy. I don't weigh a whole ton, so I want to start with something a little more manageable. Would a 12ga be worth considering as well?
 
alfonzo1955 said:
I'm concerned about recoil because I'm not exactly a big guy. I don't weigh a whole ton, so I want to start with something a little more manageable. Would a 12ga be worth considering as well?
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Recoil can be fun once you have learned the basics of shooting. A .22 has very little discernable recoil so it is nice for learning on but at some point
you will want something with more flash, bang and fire and that will be the right time to get another gun, perhaps even a 12 gauge which is a big
difference from a rifle. If you are learning to shoot as a hobby while going to school, a .22 is just right for all your criteria. A 12 gauge can be more
expensive to feed than most rifles as well as needing different techniques and circumstances to shoot.
 
While .22's are great in every way you might consider a 9mm carbine. To be exact a kel tec sub2k (gen 1 or 2), not terribly expensive, very fun to shoot , and folded in half will fit in a small back pack . Just a thought.
 
So was the ISSC Mk22 your first gun? What are you getting next? (yes, I got bored... Just wanted to see if you had any posts on your Mk22. LOL). As much as I'd really really like to recommend an SKS, the bulk surplus ammo is getting much harder to get. Mossberg 500 or a Remington 870 for skeet shooting is a lot of fun! You can get a smaller SpeedFeed Buttstock which also has more rubber to take the impact of the kick. LOTS of fun! I got one on my 870.. works really good. But, I'm guessing you already have something in mind?
 
Take a look at the Kel-Tec Sub 2000 in 9mm. I don't currently own one, but its on my WTB list.

Non restricted
Easy to store
9mm is relatively inexpensive
Extra glock mags if you decided to get into pistols


As I'm writing this, I see ultramo had the same idea...

Edit. This thread is wayyy old..
 
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I agree. A 10/22 is a great first choice cheap to shoot fun, it was my first rifle and my second was a SKS.
my third a mosin, really I think all "enthusiastic" firearm owners should have all these in their collection. They are all great choices for a first gun. Not sure which is the best but personally I learn towards a mosin or SKS because they have a bit more bang which is fun but are a little more expensive ammo wise. I like bolt actions so the mosin is awesome and it does take awhile to get through a mag which is cost efficient.

Also if your worried about recoil of the mosin, don't be for me at least I think it's nothing. Less than a shotgun, probably feel it more than SKS and .223 but I would not say it's at all uncomfortable.
 
Hello,

If you're concerned about the Mosin recoil, you might consider a slip-on pad from Limbsaver. I started using one when shooting the Mosin prone; I get as low as possible and that necessitated shooting off the collarbone.

It's an interesting sensation, when a bone flexes.

Regards,
Josh
 
A bolt action in .223 is a good option as well.. surprised it’s not been an option suggested by others. About as cheap as it gets to shoot in a centre fire, non corrosive cartridge. Hunt small game, accurate, shoot longer ranges, and basic rifles serve as nice platform to upgrade/customize if that’s ones thing.
 
Any .22LR would be a good way to start and very economical..but what concerns me is the fact that it sounds like you don't have the ability to store your firearm properly. A gun safe and trigger lock would be an excellent initial investment. :)
 
alfonzo1955 said:
After over 3 years of lurking here and learning everything I could about firearms and shooting sports in general, I finally applied for my PAL and I'm expecting it to show up in the next month or so. Since I'm getting my licence, I think it's also a good idea to think about my first rifle.

My criteria are as follows:
  • Won't bankrupt me (I'm currently a university student)
  • Fun
  • Relatively discreet to store (I live in a house with other students that aren't the biggest fans of firearms)

I was thinking of a Ruger 10/22 Takedown or something similar. I was also considering an SKS, but I really don't know which would be better.
Click to expand...

Based on the criteria you have identified then I would suggest a 10/22 takedown as the ideal choice. The takedown is easily concealed in its broken down state and with a 1000 rounds of .22 being so dirt cheap you really cant go wrong.
 
Welcome! I hope you realize that you will inevitably own at least 3 guns; a shotgun, a .22, and a bolt action centerfire.
To better answer your questions, a budget is nice to know. Personally, I would buy a .22 bolt action to get familiar with how to take down a rifle and clean it, as well as working on my flinch. A centerfire .223 is fantastic for reaching out to 200m and beyond. If you plan on hunting, get a .308. A Limbsaver on a .308 makes it very manageable. The shotgun can wait. But you'll eventually find out what you want. The resale value on guns is good, so if you get a good deal, you can usually sell for the same or a bit less.
 
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