Inexpensive "training" rifle?

alter3d

alter3d

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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Location
Ottawa, ON
Hey guys; I introduced my girlfriend to shooting a few weeks ago, and she's really (and surprisingly) bought into the whole shooting sports thing -- she's even talking about wanting to get into Cowboy Action, and she's already picked out a rifle she wants to buy for target shooting (Savage Mark II BSEV -- she thinks it's "pretty", and I can't say that I disagree :p ).

However, that BSEV doesn't have iron sights on it, and I'd like to introduce her to marksmanship using irons so that she doesn't become scope-dependent. I'm looking for opinions on cheap-ish (~$300 or less) .22LR rifles with decent (adjustable) iron sights. I'd *prefer* a mag-fed bolt-action, but I'd be willing to consider a semiauto if there's a good reason to do so (I've already got a tacticool semiauto .22 for myself (among other toys ;) ) -- I'm seriously just looking for a "newbie" rifle to teach her basic marksmanship).

Right now I'm looking at either the Savage Mark II F for a bolt gun, or one of the Ruger 10/22 variants if I decide to go semi, but I'd appreciate any other options the CGN community can suggest before I buy. ;) TIA!
 
Zastava Z5.
Under $300 .Comes with open sites (steel). Rear sight folds down front sight has a hood. Grooved for scope if required.Wood stock. Fits like an adult rifle.
These are all steel construction. Only plastic in the whole gun is the butt plate.
In Ottawa you can probably get one at Sail Sports store.
 
Watch the EE for a used Lakefield mossberg, or marlin. The kind of rifle you are describing was fairly common and should be out there.
 
If she likes the Savage Mark II BSEV...

jaycaldwell.jpg


Just go out and buy her the Savage Mark II BSEV...


~


You can worry about sights and what you *prefer* on *your* next purchase...

:D
 
I learned to shoot with a Winchester Model 67A. Single shot .22LR - iron sights - great accuracy - and very easy to use. Can be picked up at gun shows for around $100 - $150. The Model 68 replaces the open sights with an aperture sight.

If mag fed is your thing - the Model 69 would be my choice, but the price goes up. Check out the EE for an old Lakefield or a Marlin. Gun shows can be a good place too.
 
sillymike said:
If she likes the Savage Mark II BSEV...

Just go out and buy her the Savage Mark II BSEV...

You can worry about sights and what you *prefer* on *your* next purchase...

:D
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Heh, generally, I'd agree with you, but learning on irons is actually something she WANTS to do, after having talked to some other experienced shooters. She was actually the one who brought it up. :eek: Plus... I don't really mind adding another gun to the collection, I guess... :D

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions thus far!
 
I got my wife a Savage MKII fvxp scope package.
If I had the extra $100 at the time I would've got the one with peep sights.
 
Archer Sam said:
Zastava Z5.
Under $300 .Comes with open sites (steel). Rear sight folds down front sight has a hood. Grooved for scope if required.Wood stock. Fits like an adult rifle.
These are all steel construction. Only plastic in the whole gun is the butt plate.
In Ottawa you can probably get one at Sail Sports store.
Click to expand...

If you're looking for new I'm with Archer Sam. The Z5 feels like a full-size rifle and built like a tank. Fit and finish of the metal and wood is excellent. You can spend a lot more and get a lot less.
I've recently gone back to real basics and picked up a minty pre-WWII Savage 3C from a fellow G'Nutter. It's a bolt action single shot with front hood sight and a simple rear peep. I have other fancier more expensive toys but this one is quickly becoming a fav! Something good about craftsmanship of wood and metal from another era.
EE is your friend....
 
sillymike said:
To drill and tap for the front sight is a simple affair...

~

To have a girlfriend that shoots, knows how to aims with peep sights and has a pretty rifle... Priceless :cheers:
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Yeah, those sights are definitely an AWESOME idea. Know of a Canadian distributor? The manufacturer says they only ship to US... :(

Lots of other great ideas here as well. Lots of looking around to do now. ;) Thanks everyone!
 
alter3d said:
Right now I'm looking at either the Savage Mark II F for a bolt gun, or one of the Ruger 10/22 variants if I decide to go semi, but I'd appreciate any other options the CGN community can suggest before I buy. ;) TIA!
Click to expand...

You've got the bolt gun right. My Savage MKIIF is a tack driver, 1 inch groups at 100 meters are possible on a good day with Dynapoint bulk (Ok I just did that once....usually 1.5 inches:D)

Ruger 10/22 is fine for a semi-auto, I have seen one with a cheap scope that did 1 inch groups at 25 meters.

The only semi-autos I own right now are Marlin 60s. Got two and really love them....both are almost as accurate as my MKIIF and CZ452s. I sold my other semi-autos, which happen to be great rifles as well, Cooey/Winchester/Lakefield 64Bs, Winchester 190 and MarlinGlenfield 70.
 
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