Suggestions for a First Rimfire?
- Thread starter Wildtrip0d
- Start date
A CZ 455 or 457 as a first gun would be my recommendation. A good quality, good looking, and generally accurate rifle. Depending on finances, intended purpose, there is a whole bunch of nice .22’s to chose from. A 10/22 would be a good one.
That largely depends on the shooter.
Semi Autos do allow a shooter to focus on the target and their shooting position without having to break position between each shot to manually #### the action. One less thing to have to think about for new shooters.
I’m not saying that a semi is a better choice than a bolt for a first rifle, but each has their uses.
- Location
- Nova Scotia
But 22s are like Lays chips. You'll have more than just one. My 10/22 is my least used 22.
Starter rifle with irons. Lakefield Mk2, Toz 8m, B22.
Id get a Tikka T1x and get irons installed.
- Location
- Nova Scotia
I never see a 10/22 do well in our rimfire rifle comps, that you can win with a Cooey.
Too many will just shoot too fast. That being said I started shooting a 22 semi auto pistol. Then most of my guns after were semi auto. Now most are bolts and more accurate.
Semi works fine, but in my experience new shooters tend to focus on shooting lots vs shooting accurately with a semi. I also personally dislike the 10/22, my buddies certainly doesn't live up to the reputation, it's not super reliable nor super accurate, and it's lacking in the controls and features department (no last round bolt hold open for example). The fact the best feature of a 10/22 is that you can replace most of the parts down the line is not a good thing - aftermarket support is great, but it's not a good thing to be "the best part" IMO.
I'm a big Savage mk2 fan. For the price they're really hard to beat. For a bit more money you can look at things like CZ and Tikka.
Savage mk2 is also made in Canada, and CURRENTLY made in Canada, so you're actually supporting Canadian jobs by buying a new one. Nothing wrong with Cooey of course, but if supporting the Canadian economy/Canadian jobs in the firearm industry is the goal of buying a gun made in Canada then Savage is the better option.
Buy once cry once is supposed to imply that cheaping out will cause more crying in the long run. But I dunno anyone who's crying over their Savage mk2. Ymmv of course.
I have never/will never suggest a semi or a 10/22 as a first gun. They have their place, they are fun, but a bad choice for a first firearm for about 4-5 reasons that come to mind instantly.
The CZ comments are tied to some political stuff that I'm trying to ignore, but it's hard to. lol I would say the finest irons I've used on a .22 were on a BRNO 2E, which are not difficult to find in the used market if you have an ounce of patience. That particular rifle (though grooved for scope use) is NOT a good candidate for optics due to the stock geometry very much favouring use of irons. You can square peg/round hole that if you want, but I don't suggest it.
A BRNO 2E would be a fine rifle in anyone's collection, so if you're keen on the irons thing....I think it's a great choice but to keep as an iron sight gun.
I'd also consider your age-if I was starting into this sport @ the age I am now/with my eyes....I'd simply bypass irons altogether and just buy a 20" Tikka T1x and scope it.
The CZ comments are tied to some political stuff that I'm trying to ignore, but it's hard to. lol I would say the finest irons I've used on a .22 were on a BRNO 2E, which are not difficult to find in the used market if you have an ounce of patience. That particular rifle (though grooved for scope use) is NOT a good candidate for optics due to the stock geometry very much favouring use of irons. You can square peg/round hole that if you want, but I don't suggest it.
A BRNO 2E would be a fine rifle in anyone's collection, so if you're keen on the irons thing....I think it's a great choice but to keep as an iron sight gun.
I'd also consider your age-if I was starting into this sport @ the age I am now/with my eyes....I'd simply bypass irons altogether and just buy a 20" Tikka T1x and scope it.
