However, I remembered that my first experience with shooting actually was with a .22. It was at a Boy Scout shooting range. I rather suspect that the Boy Scouts don't do shooting anymore... I'd be relieved to hear I was wrong.
They did when I was at some camp some 10-8 years ago... I never got to take the rifle or shotgun merit badges as they were the most popular badges and were filled up instantly. However we did go shooting many other times where we weren't out to earn a badge.
First gun I ever fired was a Mossberg .22 autoloader and then the first handgun was a Ruger RST-4. Both at 11 years old. Then the first rifle I owned was a Stevens model 34 .22 bolt at 12, and the first handgun I owned was a Ruger RST-6 at 23. The last firearm I bought was also a .22, a GSG-5. .22s are more fun than anything to shoot.
I learned to shoot with a Ruger Bearcat. Still have it, along with two other (and newer) models. It's still a lot of fun to shoot and a great gun to introduce new shooters to the sport.
The first rifle I owned was a 22. I cant remember what the first long gun i ever shot was. I think either a 22 or a 410. First handgun I shot was a Ruger SP101 in .22LR - sweet little gun.
Early on, my dad let me use a Crossman CO2 rifle in .22 caliber, but traded it off (against my objections) when it needed work.
My maternal grandfather let me practice with a .410 shotgun a few times, but I liked to shoot it so much he traded it off for a Buick Electra rather than buy shells for it...
But the first rifle I called my own was a beautiful Black Nylon and Chrome Remington Nylon 66, which my paternal grandfather encouraged me to use to help control varmits on the farm. When he died (tractor rolled on him) my grandmother handed me the rifle, and told me grandpa always wanted her to be sure I got it.
Not only do I still have it, I still shoot it regularly. And it has quite a few siblings to keep it company.
So I voted 'yes' on 22 LR. Oh, I also ended up with Granny's H & R 9-shot 22 pistol. Dispite being a 'cheap' pistol, it has served very well for many years.
My first was a NEF 20 gauge youth model. It wasn't until I was 21 that I purchased any additional firearms (benelli nova, marlin 981t, and a taurus .357).
The first rifle I ever fired was my father's mint BL22, one of these days I'll purchase one of them. Beautiful rifle.
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