My first rifle, want to get it right

justmessing said:
Hey guys, super new member, hoping to get some help and there seems to be a wealth of knowledge here

My local range offers a black badge course, and IPSC definitely appeals to me, but that's a conversation for a different thread.

What I'd like to start with is a .22, to build fundamentals while not breaking the bank, and work from there. In the beginning I will be at a 40yard indoor range. I have some pretty awesome long distance ranges close by, and I can see myself spending entirely too much money on some high powered goodies in the future.
Click to expand...

Like others have mentioned chances are you will buy and sell some before you land on what you want. I would also take some time to try handgun shooting since you expressed interest in IPSC. After a few sessions of shooting handguns and shooting rifles you may completely change your mind about what you want to get into first. Don't buy a whole bunch of stuff the day you get your RPAL before trying things out.

My first time shooting regularly was at a 22 rimfire indoor range shooting single shot Anschutz prone, so I thought I wanted to keep doing something similar. When I got my RPAL I spent (wasted) countless hours on the internet looking for a left hand bolt action with nice iron sights. In the end I got a Savage Mark II in left hand and just put a scope on it. I took it to the range maybe three times before I found handguns were more interesting. If I had to do it again I would probably just get a CZ Lux model, enjoy the nice wood / sights, and adapt to the right-hand bolt like most other lefties. Shooting prone or off a bench it doesn't matter much anyway.

I also got caught up in semi vs bolt accuracy but the fact is plenty of people get their Project Appleseed Rifleman badge (not a cakewalk from what I've heard) using Tech Sights and a mostly factory 10/22. So while bolt guns are more accurate mechanically, exploiting that accuracy is a different story.
 
The deciding factor for a rifle first is the season. I can spend all spring/summer taking advantage of outdoor shooting, and when the dirty old Alberta winter hits again, indoors with the pistol it is. My local range has unlimited use of their handguns with a membership, with about 15~ 9mm to choose from. Hopefully forge a few friendships along the way, and get some trigger time with some gear that's not available to rent. (Got a Sig P320 in Edmonton, anyone? Hit me up)
 
honestly for a 40 yard indoor range I think you would have fun with a stock 10 22. I don`t think you will regret having one even if you get something else down the road. Don `t be in a big hurry to upgrade it, but I will say that you will want to lighten the trigger and there are various options for that. Keep in mind for optimal accuracy you need higher end ammo. If you want to stick with cheaper bulk ammo the stock ruger will be reliable.
 
For a first bolt .22lr rifle that you will probably keep and pass on to your kids, go with a CZ 45x, any variant that catches your fancy, w or w/o sights, thick or slender barrel, walnut beech or synthetic stock, new or used. Go to a lgs to handle one or look at pictures or read reviews. Doesn't matter, they all work and you'll probably buy more than one CZ anyway.

My first 22 was actually a beautiful Anschutz 1416D with set trigger. Sold that without thinking too hard about it and one of very few guns I ever regret selling. But my CZ452s, Varmint, Style and Scout ease the pain. In fact I feel my CZs are just as well built and accurate as my long gone Annie. I've had Marlins, winchesters and still have 2 savages. I may sell the savages, both of which are extremely accurate, comparable to the CZs but may sell them to get another Scout or American 16" barrel if ever one comes up.
 
I still believe the best bang for your buck is with older rifles. I don't know how many newer model .22's I went through... Dozens, looking for the right one. I'd buy them either new or off the EE. I tried anything I could get my hands on. Savages, CZ's, Marlins, you name it... (Besides ruger. Because they are more like tinker toys imho...) It wasn't until I bought a mossberg 146-B that I finally knew how good a gun could be for the money... Color case hardened steel sear, trigger and bolt handle, walnut stock, huge mag capacity, never a FTF or FTE ever, and more accurate than any CZ or Savage I ever owned which was hard to believe. It is easily on par with the BSA international ISU I owned.

The saying, " they don't make 'em like they used to" was never so accurate as when describing rifles.
 
I agree with "they don't make 'em like they used to" but by the same token they don't make them anymore. This means parts will be harder to come by if ever you need parts or simple things like springs or magazines. I sold all my really nice and accurate oldies like my Winchester 190 and 69A, Marlin Glenfield 70 and Stevens 87A because I wasn't really a collector.

What scared me was that while at the range couple years ago, my buddy's Win 69A bolt got stuck and nothing he or the RO could do to free the bolt. And it was loaded! It was a fine shooting 69a until this incident and I believe a more knowledgeable owner would've been able to fix it. I think the RO buggered it. So anyways he gave it to me and I tried and tried to remove the frozen bolt but it wouldn't budge, I think I will part out this 69, to recover some of my bud's cost.

Some guys are collectors while some are shooters and some are both. I'd rather shoot and not worry about mundane stuff like parts so I sold all my older 22s to guys who would appreciate them and know how to take care of them.
 
My first was a marlin 925. Nice little rifle from when Marlins were actually made by marlin...

Now, I'd have a hard time recommending a new model rifle for a new shooter. Older guns are just so much better quality, and they're much more affordable. I'd suggest an older marlin, CZ or mossberg. One in good condition complete with all original hardware. It'll be twice the rifle at half the price of anything new.

If stuck on new, I'd say either a CZ or a savage bolt action. The new(ish) e-series receivers are pretty solid. Probably the only rifle I'd recommend new vs old. Even the CZ I'd say get a 452 over a 455... But that's me.
 
1st rifle? The only rifle that is appropriate for your FIRST rifle is the one that YOU want. It doesn't matter the reason. It looks cool, it's a semi, it's your favorite gun in COD, it has Russian symbols on it, whatever. Get the one that you want, not necessarily the one that's the most appropriate. You only get ONE first rifle. You'll get more, trust me.
 
First .22 rifle was an Anschutz 1416D with double set trigger. After I sold it in a fit of insanity, it was downhill. It wasn't a high end match grade Anschutz but it shot amazingly well on cheap ammo.

Pretty much downhill since then. After buying and selling a bunch, I decided to keep a few CZ452s and Savages. Current favorite of these is the CZ452 Scout. I like the lightness and compactness of it, without sacrificing strength and accuracy.

This thread "http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1358329-Tell-me-about-Anschutz-rifles" has rekindled old memories of my first Anschutz. May have to sell some pcs to afford this "h t t p://w w w.nordicmarksman.com/1416-D-G-20-Classic-22-LR.html"
 
easyrider604 said:
First .22 rifle was an Anschutz 1416D with double set trigger. After I sold it in a fit of insanity, it was downhill. It wasn't a high end match grade Anschutz but it shot amazingly well on cheap ammo.

Pretty much downhill since then. After buying and selling a bunch, I decided to keep a few CZ452s and Savages. Current favorite of these is the CZ452 Scout. I like the lightness and compactness of it, without sacrificing strength and accuracy.

This thread "http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1358329-Tell-me-about-Anschutz-rifles" has rekindled old memories of my first Anschutz. May have to sell some pcs to afford this "h t t p://w w w.nordicmarksman.com/1416-D-G-20-Classic-22-LR.html"
Click to expand...

The scout is a great little rifle! I had one for a couple years, but I felt it was too nice and shiny to carry around anywhere, and I didn't want to damage it for fear of it losing value. But still... It's one of the few setups I kinda wish I had kept.

She sure was purdy.

 
mikeystew said:
The scout is a great little rifle! I had one for a couple years, but I felt it was too nice and shiny to carry around anywhere, and I didn't want to damage it for fear of it losing value. But still... It's one of the few setups I kinda wish I had kept.

She sure was purdy.
Click to expand...

She sure is (was?) pretty.

For a first .22 rifle, the Scout ranks close to the top of my recommendations. Short youth-length stock notwithstanding, it's very shootable after you get used to the short stock. It probably won't be the last 22 one will buy, but it will likely be a 22 that many will ever need, as I am discovering now. Stock is easily remedied with a slip on butt extension.

I am hoping CZ would see a niche for a synthetic stocked, nickel finish Scout or 16" American. That would be my ultimate survival .22lr. Got lucky and logged onto the EE at the right time and snagged my Scout within an hour or so of listing, very well priced at $375 shipped. Almost new, without a single scratch, it came without rear sight, but with scope rings and 5-rd mag instead of the single shot adapter (I want one of these adapters).
 
Last edited:
My 452 16" American is on my never sell list. Laser accurate and a joy to carry in the field. I've debating getting a scout as well over the years, but just can't seem to justify it.

Thanks,
Cal.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom