A question regarding the pick of my first rifle

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Vincent Vash

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Oct 4, 2008
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Maine
First of I would like to say hi, as I am new here.

Now, as for my question, I am not asking "what is the best starter gun" because that bleeds ignorance. I know there isn't any "one" rifle that is perfect.

I want to learn target shooting and hopefully eventually enter competitions. I am looking for a rifle between the 200-600 dollar price range. That more of an estimate, since i'm not rolling in money I am looking for the cheaper side.

That said, do I want a bolt action or semi? .22 or .308? I just don't know, and I was hoping for some advice.

I would love an H&K SL7 but thats just me dreaming :)

Also, I am 17. In my state (Maine) you must be 18 to buy but 16 to own. I never really got that. Just a side thing maybe somone can clear up.

Thanks for all your time guys.
 
I would have to say go with a good quality bolt action .22. Ammo is a lot cheaper than a center fire so you get a lot more practice. You also won't have the recoil of a center fire so you won't develope a flinch while your learning.
 
There are plenty of good rifles in eithe .22 or .308 it really depends what kind of competition. There are both small bore competition and distance competition for larger calibers.

You could also go with a military rifle like an AR, k98, SKS, Mosin Nagant, etc as many of these could be had for very cheap and most every gun club I've seen has military matches, That may be good to get used to rifles.

As for .22 smallbore competition the Ruger 10/22 is hard to beat as thee is an endless amount of after market accessories you could modify to meet your competitive needs.
 
cz 452 various models but if you can find a super brno for under 400 grab it. add a scope if you wish, google 'cz 452 brooks' and upgrade to a GREAT trigger for under $20.00. another favorite being a ruger 10-22; grow it any way you wish. ruger will be 1 inch all day at 50 yards. cz should be sub 1moa at 100. these groups are 'after' you find the ammo that the gun likes. 22lr never gets old and is a very good way to start out. especially as the cost of ammo is most reasonable. for fun & accuracy a mosin-nagant is inexpensive to own and feed. SKS more fun but less accurate. good luck.
 
I don't have enough knowledge of bolt actions to say what one you should get. From what little I've read probably a CZ. But I'll let people that know more direct you on that. I plan on learning more from the responses also.

www.cz-usa.com

I hear a lot of good things about this one. Only thing I don't like is no iron sites. I wonder if they could be put on after market by a gun smith.

http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=1
 
Savages are reasonably-priced, have a decent trigger, and shoot well. Learn the basics, then upgrade from there. Welcome to the hobby/pastime!
 
As a fellow teen, I recomend my first rifle.

A Marlin 39A (Mine is a Golden trigger. And pre-safety)
 
"what is the best starter gun"

As noted, a .22LR bolt action with iron sights.

I own and can recommend the CZ 452s – Trainer or Lux would work great; a Brno Model 1 through 5 would be excellent as well if you come across one – but they’re becoming rare and pricey.

Welcome and good luck. :)
 
.22's are great, CZ's are great, 10/22's are great, Savage is great.

Start with a .22 and go from there. Lots of folks like .308 for an all around rifle in a bolt gun.

Folks like Marlin's too. Lever action with a pistol cartridge is accurate and cost effective. Add a scope and they're great up to @ 200 yards.

I bought a used Mini 30 and LOVE it!
 
I would recommend an INEXPENSIVE .22 to start. 981T, 81T, Model 87, Marlin/Glennfield Model 60, 10/22, etc.

Then you might consider something like a Savage 110, but best to start simple and keep your pennies saved up until you're into the hobby enough and exposed to enough to know what you like.
 
I'd get an AK while you still can. For a centerfire rifle, the ammo is very cheap and everyone should own one defensive rifle.
 
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