Buying my first gun, so many choices...

[Bullet Bob]

Those Nylon 66's are terrible, horrible guns. In fact, as a public service, if you'll tell me where it is I'll buy just to protect the general public.

For a first gun, I recommend a bolt-action .22. I know you'll ignore that advice, however.

 

[Gunrunner]

SoCalGeek,

I'm not sure about the specifics of the gun lock laws. It seems like each different store I've bought a handgun or rifle at, during the last 2 years or so, has a slightly different interpretation of the law. For the most part though they all had me buy a new lock. I'd tell them I've got a box full of locks already, but no luck getting around it.

I'd go with the advice given previously and take the lock and receipt from your friend with you and see if it will be accepted. If not, just buy the cheapest lock they sell. The ones I got were about $5.

Also, have you checked to see if the 10/22 comes from the factory with a lock? I recently bought a new Win M70 and there was a lock inside the box, so I didn't have to waste any more money. Seems like some of the manufacturers are starting to do this now, but I don't know if Ruger is.

Good luck and let us know what happens when you get it.

PS: The nylon 66 is alright, but you can't make modifications to it like the 10/22. And later on when you have more money to spend on stuff like this you'll most likely want to add or change components. The Ruger 10/22 KICKS BUTT !!!

 

[SoCalGeek]

Gunrunner- Ruger does include locks with their guns from the factory, but the gun is used so it may or may not be included.

Gungoboom- Hmm... that Marlin is an option to consider, but neither of the shops I went to had any (that i noticed, anyway), I think i'm gonna go look at a few more shops this weekend. There's two i haven't checked out yet, but i've heard good things about them. I'll get an SKS in a heartbeat if I see one.

 

[GunGoBoom]

SoCalGeek

Don't forget these things also:

1. If you really want a takedown .22 like the AR7, marlin also has a semi-auto .22 with detachable mags, that takes down similarly. Go here then click on the 70PSS (the "Papoose") - it's a weather buster config too - stainless/synthetic. There are other takedown .22s, but don't know of any other semi-auto ones - the other takedowns are going to be levers or pumps.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firearms/selfLoading22wClipMag/index.htm

2. The Marlins should be available dang near anywhere, so I would encourage you to do as you plan - to shop around several places. BTW, if you like the model 60 Marlin (semi-auto, tube mag), click on the 60C model on their website - it's an all-camo one - kinda cool.

3. As for semi-auto vs. turnbolt action in a .22: Very important, this consideration, when it comes to shooting non-standard ammo. If and only if you're sure that you'll only want to shoot .22 long rifle ammo, then by all means get the semi that you had planned too. But if you might be using the rifle for stealthy applications (i.e. suburban applications), and will thus be using rounds like shorts, CB longs or Aguila Colibri, then you'll definitely want a turnbolt instead (or a levergun even better), because the semis won't feed the shorter rounds reliably, particularly the shorts and colibris, and particularly the colibris - no chance of feeding that one. But turnbolts and levers will. Pumps - some will, some won't, IIRC.

You can always get another .22 later (and another, and...), so you can get a turnbolt or lever now, and a semi later. Or, you can get a semi now and turnbolt later, if you don't think you'll be desiring the stealthy apps in the near future.

Few things in the world funner than a .22 rifle - what a hootenanny!

 

[jercamp45]

Another vote for the 10/22!

A sweet little rifle and great first gun! It is reliable, accurate, can be customized in a great variety of ways to suit your percieved needs(which will change a few times!). It is easy to strip, clean, maintain and repair. It is an extremely fun, versatile tool to start a 'collection' with, a lifelong friend.
Then, I would look at an SKS. Similar operation. Still cheap ammo, reasonable recoil, a round that is a far brush- medium game and emergency defense/survival round in an inexpensive, reliable, durable package. Too, the SKS can be customized in a variety of ways.
The Mosin's are sweet, I have one as a beater trunk/truck gun. The ammo is cheap, and powerful. The guns are pretty reliable, durable and accurate. The bolt on some that I have shot is hard to manipulate fast, and corrosive surplus ammo means more cleaning. I imagine they'll be around for a while at a reasonable price. A nice add-on to your collection, but(for me) after the basics of a good .22 and a semiauto centerfire rifle for close to meduim range use.
Yuck on the AR-7!
Locks....if ya gotta buy one, they are cheap. The police departments hereabouts give them out, and the last few Ruger's I looked at had one with them.
Storage box.... good suggestions. Ammo can, cheap plastic tool box, inexpensive document safe.
Do not forget hearing and eye protection, cleaning gear(the Boresnake is wonderful), spare mags and alot of ammo!!! For a .22 buy five varieties of defferent brands and shoot each for accuracy. Your .22 will have a preference. Then buy that ammo in bulk and have fun!!
Jercamp45

 

[BozemanMT]

You know, the more i shoot, the more I like my .22's.
You start on a .22, get reasonable with it (for basically free, man I love .22 ammo prices) then go off and buy "those things you always wanted".
then, a year or two or whatever down the road, you think, boy I haven't shot this .22 in a while.
hey, this is fun why haven't I been shooting this. Then you go off and get more and different .22's (bolt if you have semi, semi if you have bolt, etc)
Besides, you can always take a newbie shooting with a .22. (plus chicks dig .22's )
You'll have your first .22 forever.

If price is a big problem, get the 10/22 (or a Ruger bolt action .22)
if you want to step up a bit, CZ makes some outstanding .22 rifles (with fine accuracy) in both bolt and semi for the low 200's.

Oh yeah, why do you need to lock up teh ammo? What are you going to do? throw it at someone?

 

[SoCalGeek]

Oh yeah, why do you need to lock up teh ammo? What are you going to do? throw it at someone?

Yeah, I know, I know. But do you have anyidea how huge of a step this is, especially for my parents? They went from
*"Don't ever play with guns"
*to "Okay, you can handle guns under the direct supervision of [gun owning friend]"
*to "Okay, we'll get you a range membership"

So if I have to lock up the ammo, I can live with that