My first rifle

Bergamascho

Bergamascho

New member
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Lower mainland, BC
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am appealing to the CGN masses again for advice on what I should buy for my first rifle. I am 99.9% sure I will go with a Simonov SKS but I thought I would ask the old pros and enthusiasts on here for advice.

Primary use will be at the range for target practice. No immediate plans to hunt but advice on hunting guns would be good too!

Thanks in advance
 
Since you're 99.9% sure already, my chances of steering you towards a Chauchat are probably slim...but give it a look

Chauchat-.jpg


What a gun!
 
Have you done much shooting before. If not I would recommend you buy a 22lr rifle before you buy a centerfire. If you have done lots of shooting before a SKS is an excellent rifle to buy actually a sks was my second rifle after a ruger 10/22
 
Head on over to Lever Arms and grab yourself an SKS and a crate of ammo for 350.00 and have a blast... just make sure to clean it after each outing real well if you want it to last.
 
Soze75 said:
Since you're 99.9% sure already, my chances of steering you towards a Chauchat are probably slim...but give it a look

Chauchat-.jpg


What a gun!
Click to expand...

Chauchat. French for "Piece of Garbage" or "Surrender"

Don't feel like steering him in the direction of a gun that is actually worth while?
 
Recce21 said:
Chauchat. French for "Piece of Garbage" or "Surrender"

Don't feel like steering him in the direction of a gun that is actually worth while?
Click to expand...

260,000 CRSG 1915 were fielded in that conflict making it the the most widely distributed true LMG.

Yes, it had issues being quickly designed and built under the stresses of war but provided much needed firepower on the assault.

BTW, the constant mindless aping of worn out American anti French slogans from 2003 is really getting tiresome. Need I remind you that we refused to go to Iraq too?

To the original poster: Get an SKS (and a good .22 of some sort). You will enjoy both. :)
 
Last edited:
eos said:
260,000 CRSG 1915 were fielded in that conflict making it the the most widely distributed true LMG.

Yes, it had issues being quickly designed and built under the stresses of war but provided much needed firepower on the assault.

BTW, the constant mindless aping of worn out American anti French slogans from 2001 are really getting tiresome. Need I remind you that we refused to go to Iraq too?

To the original poster: Get an SKS (and a good .22 of some sort). You will enjoy both. :)
Click to expand...

The irony is that the French were a ally of the patriots during the American Revolution providing funding, arms, ammunition, and supplies.
 
Buy the SKS/Ammo combo from Levearms, yes.

Buy .22LR rifle, preferably bolt action, yes.

In any order, but do both soon and get to the range. At least before Levearms runs out or decides to end the summer sale.
 
Let not these nay-sayers dissuade you from getting a first rifle in 7.62x39. It really comes down to you.

If you remain disciplined 7.62x39 makes a great start. However, if you just want to goof-off a .22 might do you better service, especially in terms of cost, until you want to do some more serious shooting.

In either case, buy it, get to the range, and enjoy it while you've got the chance.
 
A good 22, preferaby a boltie, is a both a learner and lifetime shooter keeper.

If ammo budget is a concern, and it is for most of us, a .22 can keep you at the range or in the field longer.

Shooting basics are the same with any caliber: breathing, trigger control, range and windage estimation, etc. Only big differences between 22 and the centerfires are recoil and range.

You may purchase a 22 now or later but chances are you will buy one eventually.
 
I would go to a few of your local gun shops to "try on" a different rifles. If your local shop has good staff they should be able to show you a range of rifles that you might like. Then take that list and go online to check reviews and prices. I find it better to make the decision after I have actually held/fondled a particular firearm.
 
At $350 for an SKS with a crate of ammo, plus another $65-150 for a used bolt action .22 and a brick or two of ammo (about $20 each), you'll be ready for lots of target practice.

The .22 is good for learning to hone your basic markmanship skills and some small game hunting while the Rusky SKS will allow you to practice in all sorts of shooting positions at 100 to 200m. It's can also serve as a good hunting rifle for deer sized game at closer ranges. While most SKS's are not tackdrivers, if you avoid the temptation to shoot carelessly as though it's just a cheap gun with cheap ammo, you can really develop your shooting skills with one.

I've seen bolt action Cooeys in decent shape for $65 up, and would happly pick up one of the Lakefield Mark IIs at less than half the cost of a Ruger 10/22. The Savage Mark II is the new version of the same gun. There's several other good and numerous bolt action .22s available used at very reasonable prices which can be found at most gunshops.

Good Luck,

Frank
 
Live near any other CGN member? Ask them if you could join them at the range and try out some of their rifles under their guidance. Good to have an experienced shooter give you some pointers, chat in person, you'd be able to make up your mind more easily I think.

Lou
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom