Recommendation for First Gun or Guns?

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Sharkman711

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Hey all! I just joined CGN earlier today and am looking for what you guys think would make a good first gun.

I haven't yet gotten my PAL, but I have a strong interest in the more historical, surplus rifles (Mosins, Kars, etc.)

In any case, let me know your recommendations
 
Pretty simple, really. Find something you like - or that you've always wanted - at a price you're willing to pay. If you're still unsure, you can post in the appropriate thread, about the piece you are contemplating buying and get the opinions of some of the most knowledgeable gun guys I know.
- or just do what I do. I want one - I don't have one - the price is fair - I buy it.
 
If your a new shooter start off with a .22 , bolt action is usually best . Low to no recoil helps in developing good habits , ie. no flinch . Good luck with whatever you decide !
 
Go with a mosin and an sks
If you shop around you should be able to still get both of them for a grand
It’s pretty sad to say but not long ago both could be had for 500 and under :(
 
I suggest a 22 LR (has to be a rifle these days with the ongoing unjust handgun transfer ban).

I never had a 22 LR bolt action but they are often recommended by experienced shooters. I don't think you could go wrong with a semi-auto or a lever as well. The semi-auto is potentially a bit more complicated, for example, some ammo may not cycle reliably in a given semi-auto rifle. But it's not too difficult to sort out. Lots of people start with a Ruger 10/22, but there are other good choices. Lever actions are also a lot of fun. I still regularly shoot mine. I have a Marlin but I've heard good things about the Henry 22 levers.

Because the ammo is still cheaper than other cartridges, 22 is the best way to get in lots of practice.
 
First rifle? How about a Lever Action in 22LR. Ideally spend less than $600, a Henry or a Rossi perhaps. Why? Because they don't massively benefit from extra accessories (so the sticker price is the price), widely available, reliable, satisfying enough to persist with, accurate enough to improve techniques, fast enough to shoot rapidly, mag capacity is as good as things get, cheap enough ammo to shoot as much as you want, no recoil, can be quiet enough to not always wear ears, purposeful manual action, timeless, unpolitical, beautiful aesthetics. If it was the only rifle maybe not, but the first, sure why not?

Edit: sorry missed your point about historical surp ... I enjoy when owners tell the backstory of a piece, so the richer a history the better perhaps?
 
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i was considering the SKS as my first gun but i wasnt sure if i could handle the recoil of that as my first gun

ended up picking the ruger PCC
 
GunNoob123 said:
i was considering the SKS as my first gun but i wasnt sure if i could handle the recoil of that as my first gun

ended up picking the ruger PCC
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I find the sks is pretty good at soaking up recoil. I find it's a good intermediate step on the way up to larger center fire rounds. Even in the current $450-$500 range it's still a pretty good deal.
In terms of learning the fundamentals a .22 will let you get lots of practice for a low cost and the low recoil will help you avoid developing a flinch.
 
Winchester model 70, or a CZ 455 or 457 for rimfire. If old school bolt actions with walnut, aren't your thing. Look into the GSG line of the German ww2 STG-44 and the MP40. Could all ways get a Ruger 10/22 they come in all shorts of shapes sizes and are easy to customize. Or get a good old Savage 64, for a 22lr, made right here in Canada.
 
millythe dog said:
cooey 60, rem 870 and a 303 British is all i wanted or needed until i found this site
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That is about timeless recommendation out here on the Prairies, although shells cost a lot more than they used to (50 years ago). A bolt action .22 Long Rifle for plinking and general raising hell, in my case, a single shot Cooey 12 gauge shotgun, but I always wanted a pump action 870, and a 303 British to shoot at deer and moose. Grow from there or stop right there - is all good!!!
 
Potashminer said:
That is about timeless recommendation out here on the Prairies, although shells cost a lot more than they used to (50 years ago). A bolt action .22 Long Rifle for plinking and general raising hell, in my case, a single shot Cooey 12 gauge shotgun, but I always wanted a pump action 870, and a 303 British to shoot at deer and moose. Grow from there or stop right there - is all good!!![/QUOTE
i hunt with a couple good gentlemen that can out shoot a pump with a single shot 12, and a box of cf will fill their freezer for 10 years, but it took a lot of 22 not fired from a bench at a range to get as good as i hope to be
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If you are just looking for anything to start shooting I'd say a 22lr bolt action would be a good start. Being a new gun owner myself I got a savage mk2. Its fairly budget friendly and accurate. As for reliability I did have a few ejection issues with blaser ammo.
If you are looking for a surplus rifle I like the British 303 not shure how much they are as my dad gave me mine. If you want a surplus simi auto the sks is fun aswell.
 
SKS is a great first choice since they are quite affordable and prices are only going up.

For $1000 you could likely buy yourself an SKS and a crate of 1500 rounds.

Or an SKS and a semi auto .22.
 
GunNoob123 said:
i was considering the SKS as my first gun but i wasnt sure if i could handle the recoil of that as my first gun

ended up picking the ruger PCC
Click to expand...

Hardly any recoil to a SKS, I take it you never fired one, not that I would buy one for first gun, a good bolt action 22 is the best , always a gun you can use.
 
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