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

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wikdslo

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Hello all.

I've always been interested in, but never had the means or the time to get involved in shooting. Finally at the point where I can, so I decided to go for it!

I took the safety course and passed my PAL, however, that really only taught gun safety, and I don't know much about the whole gun thing. Other than the knowledge that I don't know much about guns!

So without further babbling on, here's what I'm thinking:

I'd like to start out with something smaller and cheaper, just for target shooting. I have no plans to shoot anything other than targets in the foreseeable future, and at some point down the road will want to get into a bigger rifle for deer hunting. But I'm thinking in order to hunt, I need to know how to hunt, and have friends who hunt. 2 things I presently lack!

So, I've been doing some reading, and some people are pretty happy with a 22 in terms of just being a cheap fun gun for range shooting.
I also had a friend suggest a 17HMR, but seems the ammo is a little more scarce in some cases?
Cost is a factor, since I'm not really looking to invest a fortune into this hobby at this time. Sometime down the road when life is a little more calm and I have more purpose, things can change.

Any and all feedback is welcome.

Thanks!
 
Definitely start with a .22LR, bolt action or lever action. I prefer bolt.
Goto a store and try some on for fit. Consider the different shooting positions while trying it (prone/kneeling/standing).
Best to start with iron sights (open or peep) before adding a scope.
Learn the basics. Maybe join a range where the Range Officer can help or give pointers.

When it does come time for hunting, you will have to take the course in order to get your license and hopefully your friends will teach you good habits.

But definitely, with a .22LR, you can shoot all day long and not hurt yourself or break the bank. It's also a good rifle/calibre to start hunting with. Rabbit, groundhog, partridge, squirrel, etc.

Enjoy.
 
Bolt action 22 no doubt, there are a few that are just tack drivers if you look around..

CZ 452 American comes to mind..but that's a couple of hundred more than you might like to spend.
 
My first rifle was an SKS, its pretty cheap to shoot with surplus ammo, my hunting rifle these days is a browning x-bolt .308 the gun is amazing. I did first start shooting with a .22lr but it wasnt mine, also shot a .410 for a little while.
 
A .22LR is a good choice, and I'd also recommend a bolt action. The Savage MkII's run for about $300 and are good rifles. As a new shooter I would stay away from the semi-automatic's for now and stick with a good bolt action. There are many more choices out there with varying prices on them to fit you're budget, but you're pretty much looking at about ~$300 to start for a rifle.

Not only are .17HMR a bit less common than .22LR they are more expensive. You can buy ~500 rounds of .22LR for ~$30, or 50 rounds of 17HMR for $16.

Visit the Rimfire and the Optics sections of the boards, do some research, inform yourself, and see what's out there. There are plenty of good rifles, new and used, that will serve you well. Also a few lemons that you'll regret, there always are.
 
Damn, that's fast!
Thanks for the responses folks. Pretty much confirmed what I had been thinking. 22LR bolt action. Was also look at the savages since they are pretty budget oriented and decently reviewed for what they are.
Will stick with an iron sight to start!

I really want a .303 Enfield. Always liked the idea of shooting the WWII era rifle. My grandfather had one that he was going to give to me, but when I was there last he couldn't find the key for the lock, and about a month later he opted to turn them all into the police (BUUUUGGEERRSS). He even had a 22LR that was his fathers before him and he kept in mint condition.

Oh well, I guess I'll have to make my own collection from scratch.

Is buying a used 22 a bad idea? I've seen them go at auction for anywhere from $30 ~ $100, I'm assuming depending on their quality/condition. Or am I going to spend more money have a gunsmith look over a used gun that might be worth it on a $50 rifle, plus shipping.

Thanks again folks.
 
A Savage BSEV Series Bolt Action Rifles w/ AccuTrigger they're not cheap as 22 goes (specially if you put a good scope on it) but for cheap fun and accurate shooting for a long long time i think it's worth the money.

 
I think a used 22 is fine everyone's hating on the semi auto 22 but their pretty fun and just as good, in my personal preference I would get a semi 22 and then something bigger in bolt, shooting a 22 bolt and then a .30-06 or .308 bolt is a world difference.... You will get what I mean, if you don't already know what I mean, I get that 22 is cheap and gets your rifle accuracy in place no doubt about that, its probably the best place to start.
 
Well, not that I wouldn't mind a much more expensive 22, I just don't know that I want to invest money into it right now. I've talked to a lot of people and they said that I'm likely to quickly outgrow the 22, and will want something bigger. I figure at worst, a $200 rifle in a few months will still sell used for $75. I can eat that kind of loss and not think twice on it.
But a $600 rifle that I might replace in 5 months and not use much anymore gives me something to think about.

I decided to call over to the shop local to me, Urban Tactical. Talked to the gent there, and he said they sell a bolt action, 22 Marlin for $199. Looks like Marlin only really has one that fits into that category so I'm assuming it's the XT-22.
Is this a half decent rifle for my purposes? I've seen the Savages in around the $270 ~ $330 range. Not sure if they are worth the extra money. I think the Savages usually come with a scope on them.
 
Like others have already stated a .22 is a good starting place. New or used should be fine, there isn't much that normally goes wrong with a bolt action 22.
As a second rifle i would suggest maybe an SKS. Gives you a cheap way to see some larger calibers, different type of action and get a feel for tearing things down and cleaning them.
 
Be a Canuck and buy Canuck for your first .22

Get a Cooey from the EE.

My 2 cents.

Also look for a local club, that is accepting new members, i'm in kitchener and it is a pain to find local one that is accepting new members. Ended up going to HAHA just down the 403 from Brantford.
 
NorOntScout said:
Be a Canuck and buy Canuck for your first .22

Get a Cooey from the EE.

My 2 cents.

Also look for a local club, that is accepting new members, i'm in kitchener and it is a pain to find local one that is accepting new members. Ended up going to HAHA just down the 403 from Brantford.
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The Savage rimfires are made in Lakefield Ontario.
 
wikdslo said:
Well, not that I wouldn't mind a much more expensive 22, I just don't know that I want to invest money into it right now. I've talked to a lot of people and they said that I'm likely to quickly outgrow the 22, and will want something bigger.
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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.
 
I don't think you outgrow a gun per say, I think you become more adventurous, as I said, I started with a .22lr and quickly went up to sks, then .308, started in 22lr handgun, shot my first.45acp last weekend and my hunger to shoot bigger and badder things along with it, which in turn makes you want to buy more rifles, handguns! A thing i've learnt in the past is just buy whatever best you can afford, because if you like it, you will end up most likely buying both haha.
 
ShredLordXx said:
I don't think you outgrow a gun per say, I think you become more adventurous, as I said, I started with a .22lr and quickly went up to sks, then .308, started in 22lr handgun, shot my first.45acp last weekend and my hunger to shoot bigger and badder things along with it, which in turn makes you want to buy more rifles, handguns! A thing i've learnt in the past is just buy whatever best you can afford, because if you like it, you will end up most likely buying both haha.
Click to expand...

Exactly my point. You may expand or become adventurous, but to say you outgrew something quickly is odd to me based on my experience. Best advice is when you think you have mastered the tool (gun, bike or other) then you are just really mildly proficient and can lean more for sure with that tool.
 
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!
 
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