New to shooting, help for a newbie

LeMerle

Member
Rating - 100%
13   0   0
Hi,

I will received my PAL in a few weeks (I hope) and i'm trying to figure what is
the best thing to buy as a 1st rifle...I was looking at a rem 700sps in .308 then I saw in many forum that its better to start with a .22 since you can pratice more ($$$$$).

Is it really the best thing to start with ? I dont know why but in my mind a .22
is more like a toy than a real gun soooo

What do you suggest me for a good target shooting and perharps small game hunting rifle ? I think I would be much happier with a .17 since it has more range.

Thank you

Zac
 
A .22 is a real gun, and the best way to learn to shoot. A brick of 500 rounds for $40 or so, and no sore shoulder or flinch. You only have about a million different models of rifle to choose from, the selection of old and new is almost endless. Pick up any rifle that suits your fancy and you'll be fine to start. Browse through the Exchange for Rimfires and you'll see tons of choices for under $300.

Ammo for the .17 is pricier, just so you know.
 
Is it really the best thing to start with ? I dont know why but in my mind a .22
is more like a toy than a real gun soooo



Zac





YES a .22 is a perfect "first" gun to start with. Get used to shooting, then move on is my recommendation!

BUT it is NOT a toy and better get that OUT of your mind!!!!!!!!!

IT is a VERY dangerous gun, and NEEDS to be treated with respect. IT can and WILL kill.

Once you get used to shooting, you'll love it. I used to hunt, and shoot, but got out of it about 5 years ago. Untill recently I just started getting back into it. I absolutly love it. It's a lot of fun and gets me out with my family more. ( I'm trying to get them into the sport! haha )



My recommendation is to do as much research as you can, then make your first purchase.;)
 
If you want to practice for eventually upgrading to a bolt gun. Then I would recomend starting with a bolt 22 LR and learn the fundemental's first. My Remington Model FIVE was so accurate that after a while of shooting it the transition to the 700 was smooth sailing. Also shooting my semi-auto 22LR is a real hoot!
 
Ok so is it a good idea to pay more for 17 hmr or its better to stay with very low cost .22

Since Im a beginner, perharps I wont see the difference but I would really love to one day shoot the maximum range of my shooting club (200yrds).

So .17 or .22 ?
 
.22 good enough to 200yards ?

It think ill go with that lol

hope i wont change my mind this time, m14 to sks to cz 858 to rem 700 .308 to .22 hehe

thank you
 
Lots of newbies, including myself, go for the Ruger 10/22.

Pretty cheap, well built, highly customizable, tons of aftermarket parts/stocks/barrels/mags/etc..

It's been a great gun for me to start with.

Good luck with whatever you choose.
 
I shoot a lot of different rifles but spend the majority of shooting time with my .22. I have and still shoot the .22 out to 200 yards. Least expensive and should never be considered a toy....they have been recorded to have taken down bears and other large animals.

I truely suggest a bolt gun for the first. It teaches a "one shot...one kill" method ( safest way) as the semi will allow quick repetitive shots allowing a "I can hit it with the next shot if I miss". This is my opinion and many more have their own.
 
there are many bolts available in the EEs. Why buy new....if some of the older ones are of higher quality. I use a 1960 Mossberg 144lsb and 1940 Marlin model 81 along with a pre 68 Lakefield Mark II in the critter fields and after many thousands of shots, they still operate like new, and accuracy second to none, that I have shot with.. Lots of newer .22s up for sale ...that tells ya something.
 
First gun

Definitely go with the .22. It's a LOT cheaper than any centerfire, and about 1/6th the cost of .17. Another big thing to consider is that by starting with a .308 you might develop some very bad habits that will be extremely difficult to get rid of - namely flinching. Even though the .308 does not kick much, it does have a fair bit of recoil and a lot of noise. If you are not really used to guns, you most likely will start to flinch (unconsciously closing your eyes and jerking the trigger in anticipation of the shot). This is a very nasty habit and very hard to get rid of once you start. The .22 will allow you to develop trigger control, breathing control, and so on.

It is not a toy - I personally know of people that have killed moose with a .22 - definitely not recommended, but it has been done.

Do a lot of research before you buy, and it will pay off.
 
Yeah .22 is the way to go I think, I know its not a toy but if someone say hey, im a shooter, I shoot .22, and another say hey im a shooter, I shoot .338 lapua, I dont know if you get my thinking

but anyway,

Someone will sell me a lakefield one shot for almost nothing, is that a good .22?
 
well I did some research and it dont seem its very good so i'll probably buy something better =)

Is it risky to buy used gun ? Is it better to buy new to be sure its in perfect condition because buying on the EE, you cannot see it live
 
The Lakefield Mark I...barring any mechanical problem...is a great starting gun. safe and cannot be fired without preparation ( pulling bolt into full #### position). I have one and it surpassed many 10-22 at the 50 yard distance. It has shot out to 100 yards with good results . the choice is yours but if you wish to upgrade at a later date, then you have had no real cash outlay. main thing is learning where your gun shoots and the ammo it likes...accuracy comes with patience and practice . the big name and high priced rifles do not necessarily mean instant accuracy unless you do your part.

New does not mean perfect shooting condition....by reading thru many of the threads you will see that many have been altered to make them shoot better ( 10-22s come to mind most often) many others soon come up for sale a short while after sale. Look at the names and numbers... they will tell you something. After 70 years, my Marlin 81s shoot excellent for what i want them for, and I have replaced "no" parts whatsoever.

in the end , it is your choice...My choice is "old and proven". All my guns(36)have been bought thru this EE...only one disappointment and the seller refunded no hesitation.
 
If you see some thing you like in the EE .you can PM the seller and ask questions and have them email you pics.below there name you will see a trader rating the higher the rating the more deals this person has done.click on the high lighted number and you will see the feed back for that person.99.9% of the guys on this site are upstanding people.and welcome to CGN.
 
If the OP is looking for specific bolt action brand and models, this is my take:

low price: Savage MKIIF or G or FV or GV....2-300 shipped
I got lucky a month ago and found a Savage MKIY for my grandson....100 bucks almost new.

medium price: CZ452 American or Varmint...there is one almost new, on the EE for 475 shipped

high price: don't bother.
 
Back
Top Bottom