First rifle for a new shooter

X

xcross

New member
EE Expired
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Hey everyone,

I'm new to the sport and have been tackling that question we've all faced before; what should I get for my first rifle?

After doing a little reading, I settled on picking up a .22 since generally everyone agrees that's the place to start.

As of now, I'm strongly considering the CZ452, more specifically the Silhouette since I personally like synthetic compared to wood stocks.

Could I get some feedback on my decision as well as where I can get one of these in Canada? My interests right now are target shooting and eventually hunting but since I'm still green, I'm more concerned with learning the basics and proper technique.

Thanks
 
Well, just because your new I'm going to have to suggest that you get at LEAST a .375 magnum, perhaps a .416 or a .458 Winchester. Don't worry, I learned right here on CGN that these rifles provide "a slow push" for recoil, not "a sharp kick" like a fast .30 caliber magnum.
 
.22 is a great idea. From there, choose your caliber and manufacturer. I would opt for a .223, then perhaps a .308 but there is absolutely nothing wrong with learning to shoot better on a 7.62x39 (as long as it's more accurate than an SKS).

Disregard the above post as I'm just giving you a hard time!
 
xcross said:
Hey everyone,

I'm new to the sport and have been tackling that question we've all faced before; what should I get for my first rifle?

After doing a little reading, I settled on picking up a .22 since generally everyone agrees that's the place to start.

As of now, I'm strongly considering the CZ452, more specifically the Silhouette since I personally like synthetic compared to wood stocks.

Could I get some feedback on my decision as well as where I can get one of these in Canada? My interests right now are target shooting and eventually hunting but since I'm still green, I'm more concerned with learning the basics and proper technique.
Thanks
Click to expand...

A .22 is a great place to start :cool:, and many here absolutely adore the CZ452 :) (yes, even the synthetic version! :p) - I had a friend who "derided the .22" and instead chose a .308 Tikka as his first rifle, then proceeded to (1) constantly worry and wipe-down the wood furniture :(, (2) complain at every instance about the price of ammunition (he wasn't a reloader yet ;)), and (3) only take it out shooting once in a blue moon, b/c he needed to travel "a-ways" to get to an outdoor range for its use. :yingyang:

So, yea.....:redface:....I'm fully impressed with your attitude, instincts and choice for a .22 (not that you need my approval.....:dancingbanana:)
 
Shrek - Oh you bet I'll be stepping up to AT LEAST a .338LM, haha I appreciate the humor :p I was planning on stepping up to either a .223 or a .308 eventually but considering how many rounds I'll potentially be sending down range before I hit anything, the cheaper .22 route seems more for me. Thanks for the input, though I may have to stay away from the dangerous game cartridges for a little while ;)

Cyclone - Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it. It's good to hear I'm headed in the right direction. I figure that a .22 will be the cheapest and most convenient way to learn and not develop bad habits along the way. (I swear I just read that somewhere :runaway:)
I'm thinking it's the best way to get my feet wet, get a hang of the basics, and test the water before I step up to a higher power centerfire rifle. Walk before you can run right?

Does anyone know where I can order/purchase a CZ452 Silhouette here in Canada? I'm having no problems finding the American but maybe I'm looking in the wrong places?
 
Either look for something used in the EE or try gunsnthings they seem to have the best prices on CZs.

If the Canadian prices scare you too much don't be afraid to look at some alternatives. The MKII FV from Savage gets a good rep (and has a better trigger IMHO). Or an older CIL Anschutz (with wood stock) all seem to be awesome shooters.

Be sure to budget about as much for the scope as you pay for the rifle. A cheap scope gets you nothing but headaches where a nice one will stay with you through many rifles. If you've got a fixed budget then it's better to go cheaper on the rifle and get a scope you can grow with.

Look into shooting some rimfire Silhouette with your local club (most have it), it'll give you a way to watch your offhand shooting skills grow.
Cheers,
Grant
 
Grantmac - Thanks for the reply, I'll take a look. I've heard a lot of suggestions for good quality glass, cry once right?

I actually had considered the Savage for a while but the beefier bolt on the CZ sort of sold me, though, as a beginner I don't claim to know anything about what makes a rifle a good one.
Do you have any recommendations for the optic? I've been thinking a 3-9x variable with a mil-dot reticle and mil adjustments but outside of that I don't really know where I should be spending my money. I'll be sure to check out shooting some Silhouette, thanks for the suggestions!

wcat - Thanks for the link! It's tough to find credible looking distributors without a little word of mouth.
 
xcross said:
Grantmac - Thanks for the reply, I'll take a look. I've heard a lot of suggestions for good quality glass, cry once right?

I actually had considered the Savage for a while but the beefier bolt on the CZ sort of sold me, though, as a beginner I don't claim to know anything about what makes a rifle a good one.
Do you have any recommendations for the optic? I've been thinking a 3-9x variable with a mil-dot reticle and mil adjustments but outside of that I don't really know where I should be spending my money. I'll be sure to check out shooting some Silhouette, thanks for the suggestions!

wcat - Thanks for the link! It's tough to find credible looking distributors without a little word of mouth.
Click to expand...

You have an eerily good take on this for a new shooter! .....:)
 
Shooting buddies are hard to come by...... Good ones anyway......

I think you are on the right track looking at a CZ, IMHO it is 'better' than the savage..... & I love my MKII FV!

I would also have to 'x2' on the buy a good scope advice. 'cry once' is very sage advice (kudos to whom ever gave that litle gem to you).

Your choices for 2nd & 3rd firearms are also very good IMHO, sounds like you have already done your home work.

Go buy your rifle and welcome to the addicition! Before too long you will be looking at reloading presses, bench rests, crony's...... the list is endless.......

Cheers!
 
xcross - why don't you just walk into nearest gun store and buy whatever is looking at you? Some stores have a few second hand 22' for cheap, like a 100$ with a scope. You'd be shooting tomorrow afternoon instead of tracking your rifle's tracking number. If it turns out to be a lemon - you will be learning gunsmithing basics along with shooting, which is also a good thing. Kind of reminds me of one wannabe runner-bodybuilder who hit shopes instead of gym collecting all "the rightest stuff possible" instead of moving irons.
 
notsorichguy - Thanks for the input, I'm glad I'm on the right track with this one. This has already become an addiction and I haven't started yet :p

22lr - Thanks for your suggestion; while I do agree I'd rather be out trying things instead of thinking about what I want to be doing, the reason I haven't done so is because I haven't gotten my PAL yet; that makes it a little difficult to walk in and buy the first .22 I see.

I'm currently a student in my third year of engineering and at this time of the year, school is pretty busy. My plans were to get into shooting and get the necessary paperwork done come spring/summertime when I'm on holidays, since, right now I'm simply too busy. So while I agree that jumping right in would be the quickest way to learn, my situation is letting me make a very deliberate, planned purchase.

Yes, I am a wannabe. I want to learn the sport, get into shooting and I want equipment that will make that ride a smooth one. It's important to note that this wannabe wants results from himself and from the equipment he spends his money on so while learning basics of gunsmithing is on the to do list, it's not an immediate priority.

I certainly don't want to be the wannabe who has nothing to show for it at the end of the day; that's why I came here asking for suggestions and advice :)

Appreciate all the comments everyone has been leaving, Thanks!
 
xcross, another suggestion would be to join a gun club. Wherever you live there must be a shooting club somewhere near by. Some clubs have their arsenal of target rimfire rifles that they will let you shoot. That is while you are waiting for your PAL and it is good afterwards. Most clubs have weekly 22 shoot evenings, won't take much of your time and its fun and for most part bunch of great folks. If you are new to the sport and want to learn then club is proly the most important thing, more than what rifle to buy. You may actually get to try most rifles discussed here.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom