New to firearms - incoming questions....

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ForlornHope

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Good evening, all!

I am currently in the process of applying for my PAL (I know, get comfortable. I am a patient soul). cou:

When my licence finally comes through, I think I will be ready to purchase my first gun; but before I do, I have some questions for you here at canadiangunnutz forums.

I figure getting a .22 rifle is the best platform to start with, and to learn with. I figure that I will be doing mostly target shooting at a local range, and would like to get a consensus from the people here what I should be looking for.

I find myself leaning towards a bolt-action rifle. I know the semi-automatic rifles are actually cheaper, and apparently more common, but I figure that as a target shooter (and possibly hunter later on...) that keeping to the bolt-action platform would teach proper form/technique/feng shui.... Am I correct on this? Or should I be looking into the semi-automatics as well?

Once I am happy with my performance on my .22, I figure I will head off to shotguns or the larger rounds in rifles (again, bolt-action)...

If I am on the right path, can you recommend any rifles to start? I'm currently leaning towards a Savage Mark II, but I'm happy to take suggestions/opinions!

Cheers!
 
Leave the savage. Its a cheap gun at heart no matter what anyone says. I have had a handful of them and none are with me now. I bought a few cz's and the savages were sold as fast as I could. The quality difference is amazing. Accuracy was never that great for me with any savage rimfire I had. My cz's outshoot the savages I had very easily. Oh and that accutrigger *barff* what a joke.
 
I'm very happy with the Savage FVT model with the peep sights. I have it on a bipod and I'm perfectly happy with its accuracy. It is a heavy barrel model so that may help. I might be in the minority but I love the accutrigger on mine. YMMV
 
Let me start by saying CZ rifles are just great. Everyone who has one just loves it. Capable of shooting the wings off a fly at 1000 yards, etc, etc. So don't hate on me for dissing CZ. I'm not.

That being said, You could pick up a Savage FV-SR (bolt) and a Marlin 795 (semi-auto) for less than the price of a CZ and have enough money left over for a bunch of ammo.

Just sayin'
 
Forgot to say...the Accu-rigger is awesome and the Savage rimfires are made in Canada.
 
CZ's are really nice. They have a certain heft to them and act and feel much like a regular centerfire rifle. Expensive perhaps, but they hold their value well and are very well made.
 
I have used Savage rifles for a few years now and my base mark II F is still the most accurate/reliable .22 i have. Yes a CZ may be better looking and potentially more accurate, but for the price a mark II is a great starting 22.
 
You cannot go wrong with the Mark II. I'd get one with a heavy barrel and laminate stock. My friend has the BRJ and it's beautiful.
 
You are definitely on the right track.
A good bolt 22 is the best to learn i will throw a Marlin XT out there great bang for the buck
and accurate out of the box.
I wouldnt say to deprive yourself of some semi auto fun though they are fun.
Again i love my Marlin 795
My next step was a shotgun as well for fun went with a pump
But i think you will see as you get more involved in the sport certain disciplines will catch your interest
more than others and your collection will evolve following those interests.
Have fun safe shootin
 
Without entering into a "Savage vs. CZ" debate, I'd like to suggest to the OP that YES, you're on the right track. A bolt action .22 (not a semi) is the best first choice for a gun, period. Inherently more accurate, better triggers, easier to clean, you name it. I've never shot a Marlin XT, but have heard good things about them and for about $200 new, worth consideration. In terms of what you SHOULD get...if someone put a CZ, Savage, and a Marlin on a table and said "pick your favorite"...I can't imagine ANYONE not picking a CZ. They're just that nice, you can see it..you can feel it. BUT, getting a CZ with a half-decent scope and rings will easily catapult you towards the $1,000 mark. There are countless people on this site who spend way more than that on their guns, but don't let anyone here tell you that if you don't spend $1,000...you'll have a crappy, inaccurate gun. Just not the case. I don't see the price of the CZs being a down side because once you own one, you realize it's actually good value for what you're getting..but, of the 3 brands mentioned, the CZ will be the most challenging to scope due to the high bolt throw. CZs kind of dictate your scope choice, or, force you to mount it very high.

All that rambling aside..set yourself a budget, and don't hesitate to consider used gear to save some $ if money is tight. Lots of people cut their teeth on Cooey single-shot .22s, and a VERY nice specimen will set you back $150 or less.
 
I second .22LRGUY, if money is tight have a look at the Cooey .22LR rifle. They can be had for not much money, fun to shoot. Once you get tired or want to upgrade they sell fast.

My 2 cents.


Lawrence
 
The thing I find with most lever action and bolt action 22s. Is that after awhile of learning the ropes sometimes you just wana cut loose and waste some ammo. You can't really do that with a lever/bolt 22.

I love my 10/22, its a sturdy, reliable and accurate little beast. Also common as all heck so finding parts and accessories is also easy. Which is also useful as a 'building platform' there is allot of 3rd party gear for a 10/22. Test out what you like on your plinking platform and learn first hand how it behaves. Then one day when you graduate to larger calibers you can take what you've learned on the small scale and apply it to that.

Semis my friend. Good solid fun.
 
Get a 10-22, a CZ, an anschutz, and a Savage for beating up on a wheeler or in a truck.

That way everyone here can say you made the right choice, and you can use whatever you want that makes you happy!!



PS: I second the cooey vote, cheap and reliable. Plus while you use it you will determine what you like and want or need without asking all of us opinionated gun nutz!!
 
In my opinion, semi and bolt is all about how much you want to do between shots. Once the round in chambered and ready to go down range, your form and discipline should be the same. obviously you'll get quicker follow up shots with a semi but other than that its about preference.
 
I was in the same place earlier this year and decided to go with the Marlin xt, its been great fun to shoot and very accurate without any problems. I don't think you will go wrong with any bolt action 22. that has been suggested but the Marlin has been great for the price under $200.

Check a few out and choose whatever makes you smile!
 
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