Did you start out on a .22lr?

[JWF III]

The first gun I ever shot was a M1 Carbine (.30 carbine). I was all of about 3 years old. My dad had to hold both me and the gun up. (I'd guess the gun was his primary concern. He knew the ground wouldn't hurt my butt.)

The first gun that I could call mine (of course my dad bought it for me) was a Stevens 311 SxS in 20 ga. That was at 10 years old.

Now 35, my dad's been gone for 10 years this December, and I still have, and shoot both. Now I'm trying to decide what my childs' first will be. Heck, my dad did good with me. Why change a good thing?

Wyman

 

[iLikeOldgunsIlikeNewGuns]

First firearm I ever held or fired was a Thompson-Center Contender, single shot break action rifle in .22lr. i was 11 years old, and this was the only firearm I had access to for a few years. Next was a 20 gauge 870. I'm really glad I learned general shooting and rifle fundamentals with that firearm. As it was single shot breech load, it would inspire me to make sure my shots weren't wasted, and the recoil wasn't the least bit intimidating. Now a days I have a decent collection of center-fire guns, including 9mm, .45acp, a few magnums, and a few hefty rifles, but in addition to the big bores, I now have a .22 SA revolver, a .22 conversion-slide and mags for my 1911, a compact semi-auto .22LR pistol, a Remington 521-st bolt action .22lr rifle and a Remington Nylon 66 semi-auto .22lr rifle. I love big loud rounds, but the .22s are more fun than words can describe, and very affordable to send downrange. i would never sell any of my .22lrs, and hope to add a few more to my collection! Whenever I introduce a new shooter to the sport, I always start them off with a .22lr rifle, then pistol, and it seems to have great results when we move on to higher calibers.

You can tell a LOT about a shooter by how they shoot a .22!



-Edit: This thread inspired me to take a group photo of all my .22s at the moment, Really want to add a S&W DA .22 revolver and a Ruger 10/22 to the collection, but I'm happy with what I have for now

 

[Bullnettles]

First gun I ever fired was a 12 gauge at 5 years old. I didn;t shoot again until I was 8 and that was a 303 British. My first gun was at 7 and a Red Ryder, and my next was at 12, youth model 20 gauge. I recommend a 22lr to not scare them off of it (I was for a while.)