Advice for new shooter (Not me)

[pmeisel]

One of my sons just got bit by the bug after a recent shooting outing.

I have had him out to the range before for some pistol practice, but this time we were shooting his brother's STG2000 (brother off in service right now). After shooting a couple boxes of 7.62x39, and a little .357, our host goes in to get a few more things to shoot.....

a nice 7mm mag Ruger 77 -- and a H&R 45-70....

After a little fun with those, and his 9mm, we put everything away and enjoyed a cold adult beverage.

Then my son got to watch me browse through the used rack at our nearby gun store.

He now thinks he wants a rifle -- but what kind?

My advice to him ---

1. You need to make sure there is a rifle range convenient to you (he goes to Michigan State)
2. Probably will get a better deal buying used.
3. Get a caliber you can afford to shoot (not too big)

He is leaning against a .22 -- I recommended either a 30-30, or a lever action in one of the pistol calibers (I am a .357/.38 lover myself).

Your advice?

 

[heron]

Since he's in college, he's on a student budget, so go with something that's (relatively) cheap to feed. If he lives in a dorm, check the rules carefully. I doubt they'd allow reloading.

 

[Art Eatman]

I started out at age seven with "borrowed" .22 rifles, and got my first "very own rifle" when I was eleven. A Marlin bolt-action, tube magazine. I then "moved up" to a semi-auto Remington 550 at age 16.

Looking back, I won't say the 550 was a mistake, but I sure did a lot more "spray and pray" with it. I ws fortunate that the earlier rifles had made me learn about sight picture and eye/finger coordination with a lot less waste of ammo.

Part of the learning process is self-discipline, IMO. Doesn't matter what the activity is, whether soccer, race cars or rifle shooting. IMO, it's better to get a good education at low cost than any lesser education at higher cost. It takes many a round of ammo before there is an acceptable skill level.

Somebody on a budget? Still learning about rifles? Hey, a .22 is a lifetime critter, and all it takes to have something with more Oomph is a relatively small amount of money--which comes later with jobs and paychecks...

, Art

 

[JImbothefiveth]

I'd go with a .22, but other cheap calibers include 9mm, 7.62x39, and .38 spcl(Which can be fed through a .357 magnum carbine.) He might also want to get an airsoft, BB, or airgun, for indoor (and very cheap) practice.

Looking back, I won't say the 550 was a mistake, but I sure did a lot more "spray and pray" with it.

If he does get a semi-auto, he should be careful not to "spray and pray".

 

[jpwilly]

I agree with first rifles being 22lr. A 22lr that's accurate will keep anyone interested in shooting it. I got my 22lr at 12 or 13 can't really remember.

If he already has served his time shooting a 22lr and is proficient I'd go for the first centerfire in 223. A fun low recoiling and useful varmint caliber. If deer hunting is included on the list than step up to .243 instead of the 223.

I also believe that an SKS in 7.62x39mm is a great first rifle (don't let him bubbaize it!) as it was my first centerfire at 16 and shot a few 1000's rounds out around the farm house (didn't farm just lived in the country surrounded by farmland).

Enjoy

 

[woof]

I too, would advise him to determine how much he would be willing to spend on a centerfire, and then put that into a really fine .22 like a CZ or Savage Mark II. There is a lot to be said for simply how many rounds he fires, and he will fire a lot more at 3 cents each than at 50 cents each.

 

[Duke of Doubt]

I'd recommend either the SKS (find a Romanian or Yugoslavian, and be prepared to do a little fine tuning and a lot of cleaning up), or a lever action Winchester Model 94 .30-30. .30-30 is still cheap, yet a good deer caliber and a decent target caliber at moderate distances. Also a wonderful plinker. Around here, Model 94s are available for about $200 - $250 for a very nice used example. If he fancies himself a sharpshooter, look for a drilled and tapped 94, and a used scope, perhaps already mounted, for peanuts.

 

[crushbup]

Hi-Point carbine, perhaps? Cheap ammo, great warranty, and if he doesn't like how it looks, he buy a replacement stock for ~$50.

 

[Jim Watson]

Agree with the .22. I learned on a .22 and am coming back to the .22 more and more.

If he is leaning against a .22, get him to survey the ammunition shelves and price tags instead of the gun racks for a while.

 

[shotgunjoel]

I would urge a .22, there are too many great options for me to recommend just one. But if he is for whatever reason against .22s then I would start to lean toward an SKS. They are a blast and one of the cheapest centerfire rifles you could buy. The ammo is also the cheapest centerfire cartridge you could shoot. Let him shoot both and see what he likes.

 

[MT GUNNY]

M4gery, 10/22 ruger, mini14, P22,

 

[JImbothefiveth]

He should be allowed to shoot a few various guns before he decides, he might not like the recoil on some guns.

 

[MCMXI]

or a lever action in one of the pistol calibers (I am a .357/.38 lover myself).

+1

That would be my choice for him. He can shoot .38s at reasonably low cost, particularly reloads, then when money or necessity demands, he can shoot .357 Magnum rounds. Many of the carbines such as the ones from Marlin have 10 round magazines. A lever action rifle in .357 with a 10 round magazine is a formidable, practical (hunting, self defense, plinking) and useful tool to have. I bet he'll end up using it his whole life. He can start out with iron sights and then add a scope if he wants or just keep it stock.

Good luck!

 

[franconialocal]

Great Question

It sounds like he's ready for a bit more....
These are my picks...

Ruger Mini 14 .223

Savage Arms Bolt Action .243

AR 15 (several brands)


IMHO

 

[John828]

Seriously, he can get a .22 now or get one later. Either way, he'll end up getting one. With prices where they are, the .22 is the way to go.

The diminutive .22 has been known to slay elephants as well as many pieces of paper, so read this thread to him and save a lot of grief. Get a CZ 452 American or a Marlin autoloader depending on your action taste. Never look back and build from there.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

The College Trio:

1. Cheap .22
2. Cheap pump shotgun
3. SKS

In that order. Unfortunately, SKSs aren't dirt cheap like they were when I was in college, but they're still a pretty good value.

 

[pmeisel]

Thanks for all the responses. He isn't always so hot on advice from dad, but I will try.

1. He has access to my old pump .22 any time he wants. Doesn't seem too attracted, the lure of the centerfire "bang" has him....
2. His brother has an STG2000 he can borrow when he is here. An SKS is a possibility but they are harder to find around here these days
3. 30/30 levers are easy to find here....
4. Pump shotgun--I seldom use mine anymore and he could borrow it but I don't think he has access to a cheap place to shoot it
5. I think, from watching him browse, he would like to try a bolt action. I have a lot of leftover .243 ammo from a rifle I traded... if I find a cheap one it might be a birthday present.

When he finally makes a decision, or a gift does for him, I will let you all know. Really, thanks again.