Good day, eh?
This my first post after a few weeks of lurking and reading.
I'm getting into the world of firearms ownership a little later in life than most of you (just turned 36), so I've got a few questions for you experienced chaps. In fact, I'll probably be following you around on the board here for a long while, tugging on your shirtsleeves, treading on your heels and asking for advice.
I've never owned a firearm, but I did some plinking recently with a Marlin Model 60, so I'm thinking of picking one of them up.
I'm also thinking of buying a WWII era bolt action like a SMLE or Mosin-Nagent. This is where I need some advice.
I'm looking to spend around $200. I don't know a blessed thing about upgrading/repair/maintainance, so in addition to needing something that will function well right away w/out my doing anything to it, this rifle will probably also serve as a guinea-pig as I learn. So I'm thinking it would have to be in pretty good condition so I can fire it safely, but not something collector's grade in case I ruin it through sheer incompetance.
As a total newbie I'm afraid of getting ripped off or buying the wrong type of rifle or whatever.
Is there a type of mil-surp rifle you guys can recommend as a good 'first'? Is there a reliable web-store I can order one from? Or even an actual store that would carry one that has a good reputation? (I live in Bloomington, Indiana).
Any advice is appreciated.
Cheers!
This my first post after a few weeks of lurking and reading.
I'm getting into the world of firearms ownership a little later in life than most of you (just turned 36), so I've got a few questions for you experienced chaps. In fact, I'll probably be following you around on the board here for a long while, tugging on your shirtsleeves, treading on your heels and asking for advice.
I've never owned a firearm, but I did some plinking recently with a Marlin Model 60, so I'm thinking of picking one of them up.
I'm also thinking of buying a WWII era bolt action like a SMLE or Mosin-Nagent. This is where I need some advice.
I'm looking to spend around $200. I don't know a blessed thing about upgrading/repair/maintainance, so in addition to needing something that will function well right away w/out my doing anything to it, this rifle will probably also serve as a guinea-pig as I learn. So I'm thinking it would have to be in pretty good condition so I can fire it safely, but not something collector's grade in case I ruin it through sheer incompetance.
As a total newbie I'm afraid of getting ripped off or buying the wrong type of rifle or whatever.
Is there a type of mil-surp rifle you guys can recommend as a good 'first'? Is there a reliable web-store I can order one from? Or even an actual store that would carry one that has a good reputation? (I live in Bloomington, Indiana).
Any advice is appreciated.
Cheers!