New to the sport/hobby, need advice picking my first rifle!

[wikdslo]

Ok I hear this all the time in the motorcycle world. Ie so many people tell me they want a super sport because they will outgrow something to fast. this idea of outgrowing the rifle to me is total BS, same with bikes. Ie most people who buy a small bike and then sell it 3 months later saying they have maxed it out are totally wrong and are generally not that good. Example is I have used a cbr125 (TINY BIKE) on the track and whooped 600 bikes. Basically I consider the advice, go bigger now/ that you will outgrow something FAST as total junk.

Same with the 22. Sure in a few years you will want something bigger, bigger toys and sorting you can hunt with. But you can always bring out the old fun 22 and just go pinking/targeting. You will be able to use it for just fun as well as just practice. and in some cases even hunting. You never outgrow something as such, you just expand into more toys. But you will generally also still enjoy the old toy. I just hate the idea of shooting/riding something small to learn then quickly saying I have outgrown it as odds are you have not even remotely reached that toys potential.

Sorry, I didn't necessarily mean that I would physically or practically speaking outgrow the gun. More the term that soon enough I'd want to move on to something a bit more... adventurous (good word!). My original idea is to start with the 22LR, since it's a cheap entry level option, and the ammo is about as cheap as you can get, so I can go through a good amount of rounds and become more familiar with the rifle scene without diving in waist deep. Could I spend $500 on a Savage Mark II, sure! Is it a great rifle? Sure! Am I going to want to store it in the cage in favor of something bigger and more powerful? I have no clue.
I'm just looking to get into the sport, and with another kid due in April, and a ton of home reno's on my honey-do list, in addition to travelling for work, I just don't know how much opportunity I will get to go to the range, so for my personal situation, I'd like to keep the initial investment on the lower side this time around.

I totally agree with you on the idea that once I feel like I've mastered something, I'm only scratching the surface of my potential. I choose not never stop learning! And some times there is no point in wasting money on the cheap stuff. That's why I came on here though. Seems like for the most part, even a cheaper priced 22LR will be fine for my needs at this point. But by that analogy, a Ducatti Monster is not a good starter bike, and if that's your ultimate goal, then purchasing the best 125cc bike money can buy won't make a lick of difference in the long run if you don't spend enough time learning how to use it!
Who knows though, maybe I'll find a good deal on a used 22LR that I can't pass up!

Regarding the Lee Enfield, all the power to you! However you might find them a bit too expensive, given their rise in popularity.
Check out the milsurp forum to get the skinny on all the old collectables. Rifles like the Mosin Nagant and the SVT40 are reasonably priced and relatively cheap to shoot in the .30 caliber class.
Post war favourites include the Norinco M305 (M-14) and the SKS. The sks came out in '45 so I'll let others debate whether they're pre or post WW2, I'll just focus on taking them to the range!

Other than a 22LR that my grandparents took me shooting with once in my life, a Lee Enfield was the only other gun I ever handled, unloaded when I was younger (not that I've handled a bunch since then). It's always seemed like something I'd like to fire. I see them going used for $250 ~ $350 in decentish condition. Is that what is considered expensive these days?

 

[joe.danay]

...a Lee Enfield was the only other gun I ever handled, unloaded when I was younger (not that I've handled a bunch since then). It's always seemed like something I'd like to fire. I see them going used for $250 ~ $350 in decentish condition. Is that what is considered expensive these days?

I payed $400 for mine just before xmas. I've seen them frequently for $600+ so if you find one under $400, jump all over it like a fat kid on a smarty! Ain't nothing wrong with a 22LR. I still have my Savage MkII and Ruger SR22, and I still like shooting gophers with them. But if those gophers are 200+ yards away then I "switch clubs" and drive them with my Remington 700 SPS .223 varmint rifle.

You can still practice your marksmanship principles with an air rifle if you want to stay real affordable, and there are air rifles available that get up to 1200+ fps and require a PAL to own. Best of luck in your future endeavors!

Postion and hold: Position and hold must be firm enough to support the rifle.
Natural alignment: The weapon must point naturally at the target, without any undue strain or physical effort.
Aiming and sight picture: Correct aiming and sight picture must be achieved.
Shot release and follow through: Must not disturb the firer's position or affect the fall of shot.

There's your pearls of wisdom for the day. Master these with a rifle that has little to no recoil, then apply the same methods to larger calibers.
Breathing and relaxed posture are also important. When you get into optics with more magnification, you'll even see your pulse affecting your point of aim. Once you've mastered the basics, practice shooting in between heart beats.

 

[ShredLordXx]

The M305 is definately fun, my friend has one with archangel stock, bipod, that thing can definately shoot!

 

[wikdslo]

Postion and hold: Position and hold must be firm enough to support the rifle.
Natural alignment: The weapon must point naturally at the target, without any undue strain or physical effort.
Aiming and sight picture: Correct aiming and sight picture must be achieved.
Shot release and follow through: Must not disturb the firer's position or affect the fall of shot.

I have little understanding of what this means at present, but hopefully soon!

Thanks for the advice!

 

[ShredLordXx]

basicly means, you gotta be in a good shooting stance, totally relaxed not twitching and stuff, to keep your target aligned in the iron sights or glass, and keep aiming at the target and follow through even after you have pulled the trigger you will totally get it after shooting a few times, you will realise how still and calm you have to be to aim straight and accurately, big thing alot of new shooters do, is pull the trigger and move right away, you want to stay in place, and not move until your bullet has either missed or acquired the target. Sort of hard to explain haha feels like I talked in circles.

 

[wikdslo]

basicly means, you gotta be in a good shooting stance, totally relaxed not twitching and stuff, to keep your target aligned in the iron sights or glass, and keep aiming at the target and follow through even after you have pulled the trigger you will totally get it after shooting a few times, you will realise how still and calm you have to be to aim straight and accurately, big thing alot of new shooters do, is pull the trigger and move right away, you want to stay in place, and not move until your bullet has either missed or acquired the target. Sort of hard to explain haha feels like I talked in circles.

No worries, I understand the premise well enough, but the application I'll need to be in the motion of doing I think to fully apply it.

I've dabbled in some bow shooting, and it's similar I'm guessing. Don't release your fingers, pull through and let the it roll, keeping your form, etc.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[FyreFighter]

22 and a bucket of golf balls is the most fun you can have with your pants on.

 

[ShredLordXx]

No worries, I understand the premise well enough, but the application I'll need to be in the motion of doing I think to fully apply it.

I've dabbled in some bow shooting, and it's similar I'm guessing. Don't release your fingers, pull through and let the it roll, keeping your form, etc.

Thanks for the advice!

Yes its very similar to bow shooting, if not the same, with added re-coil well 22 has no recoil

 

[boren]

Or a 12 gauge and join a club w a trap machine. Or get a buddy to throw clays for you. You're going to get a 12g anyways. A nice classic sxs or a pump or an over under or a semi. Yep a 12g

 

[kolik1]

Sorry, I didn't necessarily mean that I would physically or practically speaking outgrow the gun. More the term that soon enough I'd want to move on to something a bit more... adventurous (good word!). My original idea is to start with the 22LR, since it's a cheap entry level option, and the ammo is about as cheap as you can get, so I can go through a good amount of rounds and become more familiar with the rifle scene without diving in waist deep. Could I spend $500 on a Savage Mark II, sure! Is it a great rifle? Sure! Am I going to want to store it in the cage in favor of something bigger and more powerful? I have no clue.
I'm just looking to get into the sport, and with another kid due in April, and a ton of home reno's on my honey-do list, in addition to travelling for work, I just don't know how much opportunity I will get to go to the range, so for my personal situation, I'd like to keep the initial investment on the lower side this time around.

I totally agree with you on the idea that once I feel like I've mastered something, I'm only scratching the surface of my potential. I choose not never stop learning! And some times there is no point in wasting money on the cheap stuff. That's why I came on here though. Seems like for the most part, even a cheaper priced 22LR will be fine for my needs at this point. But by that analogy, a Ducatti Monster is not a good starter bike, and if that's your ultimate goal, then purchasing the best 125cc bike money can buy won't make a lick of difference in the long run if you don't spend enough time learning how to use it!
Who knows though, maybe I'll find a good deal on a used 22LR that I can't pass up!

Other than a 22LR that my grandparents took me shooting with once in my life, a Lee Enfield was the only other gun I ever handled, unloaded when I was younger (not that I've handled a bunch since then). It's always seemed like something I'd like to fire. I see them going used for $250 ~ $350 in decentish condition. Is that what is considered expensive these days?

I'm trying to get a handle on what your reservations are exactly. I don't think there is a dispute about wanting to buy a .22LR first, and yes at some point you'll want something bigger and better. However, consider that selling that .22 to get the 'bigger and better' probably wont or shouldn't be the case. At any given trip to the range no fewer than 4 firearms go with me, my .22, my M91, either my .270 or .300winmag, and my M&P. Some days i'll just spend hours picking off targets with the .22 and the handgun, other days i'll get bored of the 22, and go run some rounds through the M91 and then check to make sure my hunting rifles are still shooting where i thought i put them, only to go back to the 22.

For a start pick up a good .22, be it new or used. There are a lot of good makes and models out there, if your looking at a used firearm just look it over for rust, check that the action cycles smoothly, and don't pay a lot of attention to dings on the stock, only be concerned about chucks of wood missing or large cracks, the dings are character . I'm sure that the bolt action Marlin would serve you well, you may also want to throw a cheap .22 scope on it as well, so budget for another $80 or so plus rings.

 

[deaf_shooter]

I wonder about myself

my family already have .22 LR bolt action, Lee Enfield, Shotgun and hunting rifle. (most my brother)

so, I yet to decide what will be my first gun

Ruger Mini 10/22?
Muzzleloader?
or something else?

 

[wikdslo]

I'm trying to get a handle on what your reservations are exactly. I don't think there is a dispute about wanting to buy a .22LR first, and yes at some point you'll want something bigger and better. However, consider that selling that .22 to get the 'bigger and better' probably wont or shouldn't be the case. At any given trip to the range no fewer than 4 firearms go with me, my .22, my M91, either my .270 or .300winmag, and my M&P. Some days i'll just spend hours picking off targets with the .22 and the handgun, other days i'll get bored of the 22, and go run some rounds through the M91 and then check to make sure my hunting rifles are still shooting where i thought i put them, only to go back to the 22.

For a start pick up a good .22, be it new or used. There are a lot of good makes and models out there, if your looking at a used firearm just look it over for rust, check that the action cycles smoothly, and don't pay a lot of attention to dings on the stock, only be concerned about chucks of wood missing or large cracks, the dings are character . I'm sure that the bolt action Marlin would serve you well, you may also want to throw a cheap .22 scope on it as well, so budget for another $80 or so plus rings.

Hrm, well my reservations are that this "hobby" can quickly add up!
Buying a gun only gets me 1 out of several necessary items.
I just prepaid for a membership at a range that is about 5 minutes from my house that is soon to open. It was $340 taxes in for a 1 year, and is free to use the range.
I will also need some means of transporting said rifle, and my personal preference is a locking hard case, in case I'm ever traveling with it or not going direct to/from the range, and those are easily $200.
Then you add on a proper gun storage case/safe for home, and that's another $200 for something entry level.

So before I've even bought a rifle, I'm already at $740 JUST to be able to own/shoot a rifle.
This also doesn't include some other incidentals that I'll need, like trigger lock, cleaning kit, safety glasses, and ammo.

Then you have to factor in getting into the outdoor scene/hunting, which for me involves another training course, licensing, suitable hunting gear, and I'm sure way too many things that I have NOOOOO idea about!

So mainly, if a .22 for $200 will suffice to shoot straight at a target that's 50 yards out, and I can fire several hundred rounds through it and have some fun just like a $600 .22, then for me that's good enough.

As i mentioned, there is a possibility of me traveling seasonally for work, kid #2 on the way, plenty of home renovations to occupy my money/time, and we like to take the camper and travel (which eats up MORE time and money I seem to be running short on) so if a .22 is only going to be something for me to get my feet wet with, then I think I'm ok with getting a rifle that will do the job, and maybe down the road I'll come across a good used .22 that will tickle my fancy and I'll know a bit more about what I'm wanting to invest in!

As you said, you don't go to the range with anything less than 4 rifles. I don't currently have any! I can't shoot what I can't afford.

Hopefully that helps explain a bit more about my thoughts on the situation. If I had more disposable income and more passion for the hobby I'd probably go a bit more deep into it, but for now, it may be something that I don't find much time to invest in.

Btw, you said I'll need to budget for rings. What are rings?

 

[wikdslo]

I wonder about myself

my family already have .22 LR bolt action, Lee Enfield, Shotgun and hunting rifle. (most my brother)

so, I yet to decide what will be my first gun

Ruger Mini 10/22?
Muzzleloader?
or something else?

That collection sounds pretty much exactly like what I WANT to own!
.22 LR for the cheap and fun shooting
Lee Enfield because it's badass.
Shotgun because also badass.
And hunting rifle to do something other than just shoot dollars out of the end of!

As for what your first gun should be I can't help you! Good luck though.

 

[jjohnwm]

It never occurred to me that I might outgrow my .22's, or get bored shooting them. After several decades of shooting and several hundred centerfire rifles, shotguns and muzzleloaders bought, sold and traded, I still shoot more .22 rimfire than anything else. I can shoot anything I want off my back deck, and I do...but the .22 is so much fun, so cheap to shoot, and provides such good practice that it just never gets old.

You also should consider the advice given above regarding air rifles. You could easily set up a safe airgun range in your basement, allowing you to practice anytime you want, even if you live in the city. A few hundred dollars will buy you a gun that will last a lifetime, and can be shot for practically nothing. And make no mistake...ANY shooting is good practice, and helps you develop and hone skills that will translate at least to some degree to any other type of shooting.

By the way, "rings" refers to scope mounting rings to attach your scope to your rifle. Just one of the zillion things you will find that you "need" as your interest grows.

 

[wikdslo]

Alright, well aside from the idea of outright selling a .22 to never be replaced, I think what might be more likely would be to buy another and/or sell and buy a better one.

Now, I'll indulge the idea of investing more money in the initial purchase of a .22. My question to you sir is, what's the difference between a $200 rifle and a $600 rifle, both bolt action .22, no scope.

What does my money get me?

 

[boren]

Hrm, well my reservations are that this "hobby" can quickly add up!
Buying a gun only gets me 1 out of several necessary items.
I just prepaid for a membership at a range that is about 5 minutes from my house that is soon to open. It was $340 taxes in for a 1 year, and is free to use the range.
I will also need some means of transporting said rifle, and my personal preference is a locking hard case, in case I'm ever traveling with it or not going direct to/from the range, and those are easily $200.
Then you add on a proper gun storage case/safe for home, and that's another $200 for something entry level.

So before I've even bought a rifle, I'm already at $740 JUST to be able to own/shoot a rifle.
This also doesn't include some other incidentals that I'll need, like trigger lock, cleaning kit, safety glasses, and ammo.

Then you have to factor in getting into the outdoor scene/hunting, which for me involves another training course, licensing, suitable hunting gear, and I'm sure way too many things that I have NOOOOO idea about!

So mainly, if a .22 for $200 will suffice to shoot straight at a target that's 50 yards out, and I can fire several hundred rounds through it and have some fun just like a $600 .22, then for me that's good enough.

As i mentioned, there is a possibility of me traveling seasonally for work, kid #2 on the way, plenty of home renovations to occupy my money/time, and we like to take the camper and travel (which eats up MORE time and money I seem to be running short on) so if a .22 is only going to be something for me to get my feet wet with, then I think I'm ok with getting a rifle that will do the job, and maybe down the road I'll come across a good used .22 that will tickle my fancy and I'll know a bit more about what I'm wanting to invest in!

As you said, you don't go to the range with anything less than 4 rifles. I don't currently have any! I can't shoot what I can't afford.

Hopefully that helps explain a bit more about my thoughts on the situation. If I had more disposable income and more passion for the hobby I'd probably go a bit more deep into it, but for now, it may be something that I don't find much time to invest in.

Btw, you said I'll need to budget for rings. What are rings?

It can be as expensive as you like or as cheap. You don't need safes or cases if you don't want them. A trigger lock is all you need at home for storing. That's about $5-$15. I bought a 1927 sxs 12g for $200. Take it to the fun shoots at the club once a month and bust some clays. Just bought a Russian SVT-40 for $200. Semi auto. Another fun gun. My hunting rifle is a used CZ 12g over .308win. Cost about $750

 

[FastBobby]

Why not try a Henry lever action? Affordable to purchase and shoot, and a fun and easy way to hone your skills. My Henry is still one of my favorite firearms in the safe.

 

[chadeech]

Well I will echo as already said best starter a 22 bolt...learn first
go caliber nutz later
there are lots of options new for a good out of the box shooter for around 200.00 or even under
no need to go used
Better to know it is safe if you may not know what to look for to be dangerous in a used.
Don't worry you will pick it all up fast enough
I would myself endorse a marlin xt ,was my first and think was around 165.00 still love it
Safe sporting

 

[wikdslo]

It can be as expensive as you like or as cheap. You don't need safes or cases if you don't want them. A trigger lock is all you need at home for storing. That's about $5-$15. I bought a 1927 sxs 12g for $200. Take it to the fun shoots at the club once a month and bust some clays. Just bought a Russian SVT-40 for $200. Semi auto. Another fun gun. My hunting rifle is a used CZ 12g over .308win. Cost about $750

I agree it can be made cheaper, but personal preference dictates that I'm going to initially spend more money on the safety factor, regardless.
If I'm going to own guns, then I'm choosing to buy a locking hard case for vehicle transportation, and a proper, anchoring, locking gun cabinet/safe. Those being non-optional, the use of a range is also costly. The local ranges near me, are not accepting membership applications. The only one that is, is not yet built and was the one that I signed up at. At $20 ~ $30 / drop in, it wouldn't make much sense to not just sign up for the $300 membership.
Anywhere else that I might be able to sign up for cheaper and/or use as a drop in is at minimum 30 minutes, and the next is at minimum 1 hour of a drive.
I don't have friends that have acreage and/or own or are interested in guns, so I can't go shoot on their property.
That pretty much leaves me with an initial investment that is on the higher side to just enter the hobby. Again, by choice, but those are my choices.

I do plan to get a heavier gauge later on. It's not a matter of buying the .22 for my first rifle, and hopefully adding in other rifles to my collection as time goes on.
I just haven't actually heard anything FOR the argument of buying a $600 .22 over a $200 .22.
In fact, most people have said the basic $200 .22 is a great place to start, and there is nothing wrong with it.

I've always figured my collection would have at least:
1 x .22
1 x Shotgun!
1 x .303 Enfield
1 x Hunting rifle?

When the rest happen, and the particulars are all very much up in the air.

For now I'm just trying to figure out a good .22.

I have 1 vote for Savage Mark II and 1 vote for the Marlin.
Both are pretty much as cheap as you can get without going into a Youth rifle.

 

[wikdslo]

Well I will echo as already said best starter a 22 bolt...learn first
go caliber nutz later
there are lots of options new for a good out of the box shooter for around 200.00 or even under
no need to go used
Better to know it is safe if you may not know what to look for to be dangerous in a used.
Don't worry you will pick it all up fast enough
I would myself endorse a marlin xt ,was my first and think was around 165.00 still love it
Safe sporting

That's the plan!
Urban Tactical around the corner has a Marlin XT on the shelf for $199. From what I can read about them, they seem decent!

Thanks for the advice.