Looking for a second rifle!
- Thread starter hamont86
- Start date
Im with the other guys that suggest a 22lr bolt action, or a 223 bolt action.
Probably start with the 22lr, put a few thousand rounds through it, then step up the cartridge, and distance.
Only suggest the 223 for price and availability. Can always add more rifles afterwards if your planning on hunting big game. Or just make the leap from 22lr to something larger than 223. I'm a huge fan of the newer 6mmARC or 6.5 Grendel for new shooter. Not much more recoil than a 223, but is better at catching you some game.
Probably start with the 22lr, put a few thousand rounds through it, then step up the cartridge, and distance.
Only suggest the 223 for price and availability. Can always add more rifles afterwards if your planning on hunting big game. Or just make the leap from 22lr to something larger than 223. I'm a huge fan of the newer 6mmARC or 6.5 Grendel for new shooter. Not much more recoil than a 223, but is better at catching you some game.
- Location
- Delta B.C.
I gotta say a T-Bolt is just a great rig. My laminate stainless 17HMR is insanely accurate. So much fun to shoot. You can reload while keeping your objective. I don't know another rimfire that gives you that. Cheers
Answer based on Canada's political situation? Any CF semi that tickles your fancy. I don't love shooting them, but thinking "SKS"....even in this climate where people are trying to sell them for 2-3X what they paid for them. More of a "if you ever want one=time might be now" kinda answer.
Actual answer?
Bolt action 22L, and make it a decent one with good glass. Like a cruddy fishing rod=if you go TOO cheap you'll never realize how fun/good the experience could be. So, maybe weird advice...but if you're on the fence about 22LR I'm suggesting you spend even more. Don't gauge your interest in the caliber based on a $199 gun. My top pick for a few years now has been the Tikka T1x (20" barrel MTR), but the CZ457 is a fine rifle and usually prettier. I'm only getting to know my own 457, not even broken in but I'm a CZ fan through and through. Tikka T1x are now offered with a wood stock too, but mine has become a fine gopher slayer and I appreciate the lower weight of the synthetic stock.
I think the .223 advice is excellent too, but personally...looking back at how much 22 I shot before picking-up a centerfire rifle? No way I'd have stuck with the cost of .223 ammo working out the kinks like I did with 22LR. 223 is an ideal CF caliber to start with, awesome to caliber as your first reloading challenge too.
Actual answer?
Bolt action 22L, and make it a decent one with good glass. Like a cruddy fishing rod=if you go TOO cheap you'll never realize how fun/good the experience could be. So, maybe weird advice...but if you're on the fence about 22LR I'm suggesting you spend even more. Don't gauge your interest in the caliber based on a $199 gun. My top pick for a few years now has been the Tikka T1x (20" barrel MTR), but the CZ457 is a fine rifle and usually prettier. I'm only getting to know my own 457, not even broken in but I'm a CZ fan through and through. Tikka T1x are now offered with a wood stock too, but mine has become a fine gopher slayer and I appreciate the lower weight of the synthetic stock.
I think the .223 advice is excellent too, but personally...looking back at how much 22 I shot before picking-up a centerfire rifle? No way I'd have stuck with the cost of .223 ammo working out the kinks like I did with 22LR. 223 is an ideal CF caliber to start with, awesome to caliber as your first reloading challenge too.
