[tsenn]

I'm looking for my first rifle. I was set on getting a Ruger 10/22, but I've seen a lot of people suggesting the CZ 452. For a newbie rifle guy, which do you guys like. Thanks

[Mark Tyson]

The exact model that you get will depend on availability in your area. however, I recommend that you get a bolt action or a break-open single shot .22 LR for your very first rifle. These inspire discipline, patience, and are generally more accurate than the autoloaders. Ammo is dirt cheap and you can carry hundreds of rounds around with no problem.

[ocabj]

A 10/22 is a fine starter rifle. It has lots of room for upgrades to it as well, to make it into nice 50yd target gun. 10/22s cost about $150-$175, but you could easily spend that much on a new heavy barrel.

If you want to go with something with more power, look into a Savage with an Accutrigger. You can get them in .223, .308, 22-250, .243, and .300. Great deal for about $450. Incredible accuracy out of the box and with the Accutrigger, it has one of the best triggers you'll find on a factory production rifle.

[Preacherman]

First, welcome to the wonderful world of rifle-shooting! You're going to have fun...

I'd very strongly recommend the CZ452 as a first .22, if you can find the money for it. It's an outstandingly accurate rifle - in competitions locally, I've seen shooters with CZ's beating shooters with Anschutz competition rifles costing four or five times as much! - but very reasonably priced for the level of quality you're getting. It'll last as long as you do, and be a nice rifle to hand down to your kids one day.

If cost is a factor, there are cheaper .22's available, including the 10/22. I've got nothing against them - but you pay for what you get. They're significantly less accurate "out-of-the-box" than the CZ, and need (expensive) customization to get them up to a comparable level of accuracy. Also, I agree with Mark that a bolt-action or single-shot .22 is the best way to start - it teaches you skills you'll be using with other, heavier-caliber bolt-action rifles later.

Enjoy!

[TallPine]

Marlin 25N bolt action is around $150.00 retail.

Add maybe $30.00 for a scope.

Good rifle until you decide what you really want, and just nice to keep in the back of the closet indefinitely.

[Brian Williams]

Savage MKII is a great starter bolt gun

PS do a search for starter and *22 and you will find pages and pages of info.

[Kaylee]

depends... what are your goals?

If you're more inclined to want to learn to really shoot a rifle, the CZ.
If you want to just have fun plinking and maybe spray the berm occasionally, the 10/22.



Now no, I'm not saying that ya can't learn to shoot right good with a 10/22.. I'm sure lots of folks here have done it. They certainly can be customized like crazy!

But for out-of-the box accuracy and mental discipline... the CZ is where it's at I think.

-K

[Beetle Bailey]

FWIW, I get a little trigger happy with the 10/22 and I don't think the rifle punishes me enough for poor technique. While I'll be the first to admit it's kinda fun to blast away and still get 1/2 inch groups at 50 yards (okay, minus one or two flyers :) ) it's probably not helping me shoot my Mosin Nagant or even my SKS.

OTOH, it's fun to shoot an empty soda can over and over with the 10/22 and try to hit it before it stops bouncing from the last shot you hit it with :D . What's great IMO about the 10/22 is if I'm having a bad day at the range, it's always there to make me feel like a sharpshooter ;) . I'd buy a CZ if you want a good learning tool and a 10/22 if you just want to punish soda cans etc. When you get one, whichever it is, post about it so we know how it turns out for you. And enjoy ;) .

[tsenn]

Thanks for the advice. I'll let you all know what I come up with!

[cookie]

The Marlin Papoose (http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firearms/selfLoading22wClipMag/70PSS.htm) (a takedown design) is also a great choice, and not too expensive.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firearms/images/firearmImages/70PSS_wBag.jpg