Best .22 for a new shooter

garthgorling

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Hello,

I just posted a new thread asking about what shotgun to buy for a new hunter.
I also plan to buy a .22 for target shooting and small game.
I am not sure if I want a scope or if iron sights are the best option.
Recommendations for targets and game?
For guns I was looking at the Savage FXP .22 and the Remington 597.
Are these good guns? Suggestions for better/cheaper choices?
 
Look into CZ. I have 2 both are accurate. I hunt with my CZ Scout all the time, never let's me down, I think for under 50y it's more acuracy with cheap ammo than my full size.
 
I'm going to be upfront with you right from the get go.

Are you cash strapped????

If you are, shooting/hunting likely isn't the game for you.

I tell all new shooters the same thing.

Don't get into it if you can't afford the ammunition to learn to shoot your choice of firearms well.

Nothing wrong with the firearms you've selected and they certainly are at the bottom price range.

Do you know what kind of accuracy your expecting? Are they ergonomically correct for your body shape???

Are you planning to upgrade later???

I would suggest you purchase the best grade firearms you can afford. Starting with lower grade firearms often puts people off the sport because the firearms don't fulfill expectations.

The firearms you suggest are IMHO good plinkers that can be pushed into the role of hunting. If you're plinking, you won't need a scope, if your eyes are good. With practice you should be able to shoot iron sights as well as with a scope out to 100 yards. This is documented by the way.

The reason I suggested a higher quality firearm is simple, in the end game it SAVES YOU MONEY and you will likely have a firearm that will fulfill expectations as long as you do your part.

Same goes for the shotgun. I would also suggest joining a local club and getting some experience shooting TRAP. Many of the new shotguns from Turkey are bargains for what you are getting and suitable for both TRAP shooting and HUNTING as they come with several chokes.

Joining a club and getting into Trap shooting won't be CHEAP. Trap shooting can also be addicting. The good thing is Trap shooters are usually more than happy to share their expertise and help you get the best out of your shotgun and yourself. Be prepared to shoot a couple of boxes every time you go to practice, which you will also have to pay for the clay birds etc.

I would also suggest you join a pro firearm organization of your choice and take advantage of their CHEAP liability insurance, which will more than cover the cost of membership.

TURF THE LIBERALS IN 2019

Liberals really like POOR people, they make more of them every day

If you can't vote CPC, stay at home in protest
 
Lots of problems with the 597, see the rimfirecentral.com in the states. 2 thumbs up for the CZ. You didn’t mention a budget but you can get decent CZs in the used section
 
I've had 10/22's, 597's, and now a Savage MK II BV (Boyd stock heavy barrel). The later model 597's are great shooters if you don't overtighten the rails after you lube them.
I'd buy a 597 if I wanted a semi auto.
Read this:
https://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1139037
The 10/22's were meh for me. Plus of the 597 is 30 round mags are legal!

With the Savage at 50 meters, I now pretty much end up with one ragged hole. I honestly don't shoot 50 anymore with this rifle, it's too predictable. At 100, usually 1-1.5" groups.
I'm using a Nikon 4-12 Rimfire scope. The whole package was $500 new, tax in. I just kept my eyes open and bought at the right time.
I really love this rifle. The Boyd's stock looks really nice too.
 
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I'm going to be upfront with you right from the get go.

Are you cash strapped????

If you are, shooting/hunting likely isn't the game for you.

I tell all new shooters the same thing.

Don't get into it if you can't afford the ammunition to learn to shoot your choice of firearms well.

Nothing wrong with the firearms you've selected and they certainly are at the bottom price range.

Do you know what kind of accuracy your expecting? Are they ergonomically correct for your body shape???

Are you planning to upgrade later???

I would suggest you purchase the best grade firearms you can afford. Starting with lower grade firearms often puts people off the sport because the firearms don't fulfill expectations.

The firearms you suggest are IMHO good plinkers that can be pushed into the role of hunting. If you're plinking, you won't need a scope, if your eyes are good. With practice you should be able to shoot iron sights as well as with a scope out to 100 yards. This is documented by the way.

The reason I suggested a higher quality firearm is simple, in the end game it SAVES YOU MONEY and you will likely have a firearm that will fulfill expectations as long as you do your part.

Same goes for the shotgun. I would also suggest joining a local club and getting some experience shooting TRAP. Many of the new shotguns from Turkey are bargains for what you are getting and suitable for both TRAP shooting and HUNTING as they come with several chokes.

Joining a club and getting into Trap shooting won't be CHEAP. Trap shooting can also be addicting. The good thing is Trap shooters are usually more than happy to share their expertise and help you get the best out of your shotgun and yourself. Be prepared to shoot a couple of boxes every time you go to practice, which you will also have to pay for the clay birds etc.

I would also suggest you join a pro firearm organization of your choice and take advantage of their CHEAP liability insurance, which will more than cover the cost of membership.

TURF THE LIBERALS IN 2019

Liberals really like POOR people, they make more of them every day

If you can't vote CPC, stay at home in protest
I have buddies with cheaper firearms and not a ton of cash and they still have fun. I would stick with what you can afford and be happy. Shooting can be expensive, but it can also be cheaper than some habits such as buying lunch and coffee everyday.... I would never discourage someone from getting involved with shooting unless for mental health reasons.
 
If money is tight,take a look at the Norinco JW15, a knockoff of a BRNO.Not as finely finished but they shoot just fine.I’ve got both .The only thing you can’t do is brag about them
 
I would recommend a CZ. Definitely a little more money but you get what you pay for. Accuracy is very important no matter your skill level.

I would stay away from 10/22. Good guns but horrible accuracy.
 
I would recommend a CZ. Definitely a little more money but you get what you pay for. Accuracy is very important no matter your skill level.

I would stay away from 10/22. Good guns but horrible accuracy.

And dont forget the stove pipes on the 10/22.

Sold mine to get a 455 Canadian. Never been happier.
 
for a Semi....

the best off the shelf unit I have used is the CZ 512 with wood stock. Such a nice little rifle.

For a Bolt gun with Irons again CZ 452/455 Lux with leaf sights

For scoped 22 CZ 452/455

you can buy cheaper guns but if you shoot for any time you will want some of the above. More affordable options are the JW-15orJW25, 10/22, savage mk 2
 
my 10/22s are plenty accurate, i'd avoid the takedown personally.
If you want semi auto, ruger 10/22 is the way to go plus more aftermarket support than a honda civic. if you want bolt action go cz
 
What do you plan on hunting with the .22? I have a bolt action .22 with a 3x9x40 scope on it, it’s good for shooting at small game 40y and out with the scope. At 15-25y it would be better to have iron sights for quicker target acquisition. I shoot way more small game with my shotgun as I see more small game in the 10-30y range, the scoped .22 sees way more range time shooting groups at 50y. If I buy another .22 it will have irons and the ability to add a scope later if I want it, maybe with a set of quick detach rings. I find a .22 with no iron sights a bit limiting for hunting small game where I hunt.
 
You really gotta go and shoulder them, you do not need to be experienced to tell what feels right - the rifle will speak to you. I am a new shooter who joined the CZ club... I would suggest iron sights, just cause it is fun and you can always add a scope later.

I also shoot my CZ with a Nikon P-Rimfire scope, they are pretty cheap and go on sale at Cabelas often. I typically plink under one hundred yards and it is perfect. As a newbie, I really like the tactical knobs as I am always playing around with my set-up.

For targets I love going out in the winter time in the forest and shooting clumps of snow in the trees with a good hillside as backdrop for safety. It is seriously so much fun as you can see your shots and constantly be switching between different distances. you are also practicing shooting in the same conditions you will be hunting!
 
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