3-4 must buys for new shooters

[GARY56]

That Henry might be too much for them but strong consideration. Thanks for the suggestions!

Any reason on the Tikka 22lr bolt? I’m thinking a higher caliber will help them get more of a feel for the rifle.

22 bolt action offers cheap practice fun to shoot of the bench, the 357 can also shoot 38 special which is very soft recoil.

 

[1riot1ranger]

Thanks for the suggestions. Yes these would be range guns. I'm just finishing up the hunting course so maybe hunting will be in the cards for me in 2026.

One thing to remember about Tikka is that it can be upgraded. If you buy, say, a Ruger American (a bit less than the Tikka), it might have a better stock out of the box, but it's not as easy to upgrade later. It's better to spend a bit more on something that's upgradeable.

Cadex Rifle Stock

 

[CoughyMcGee]

One thing to remember about Tikka is that it can be upgraded. If you buy, say, a Ruger American (a bit less than the Tikka), it might have a better stock out of the box, but it's not as easy to upgrade later. It's better to spend a bit more on something that's upgradeable.

Cadex Rifle Stock

View attachment 1059715

Thanks for the in depth clarification. Greatly appreciated thank you!

 

[paul792]

That Henry might be too much for them but strong consideration. Thanks for the suggestions!

Any reason on the Tikka 22lr bolt? I’m thinking a higher caliber will help them get more of a feel for the rifle.

You can shoot .38special from the Henry as well. Which is a beautiful caliber to target shoot with. And affordable for a center fire round.

 

[Bittereinder]

A range bag is a nice simple gift idea. Lots of choices available. I got one of the Savior brand bags off Amazon earlier this year to replace my old one which was getting shabby. They are good quality.

Others can chime in but I don't think even .357 has hard recoil from a lever rifle. I used to have a Ruger .357 bolt action and it didn't kick hard shooting. 357s. I only sold it because of limited safe space and funds at the time, and wanted to replace it with a .308 for my son to hunt with. For plinking with something more than 22 I now use a Henry Homesteader (9 mm) and really enjoy it.

Anything in .223 would be also be a good choice for range fun.