First real gun

[LkWinnipesaukee]

I'm looking for my first real gun. I'd like it to be a rifle of some sort. I like the bolt action and semi autos in .223. I would like to do some long range plinking (like, soda cans at 200 yards would be nice).
I dont really want a 22lr, because I have a .22 airgun that I have been practicing with. I would rather have something with a bit more 'oomph', and a longer range.


Few Questions:
Would a 223 rifle fit that order?
Any other calibers that I should look in to?
And does anyone have a recommendation for a rifle? I have already looked at the Ruger Mini 14.


Thanks!!

 

[mnrivrat]

.223 would be a good choice in my opinion. Great for plinking up to 300 yds and less costly than many other centerfire calibers.

Mini 14 is not a bad choice either , but not noted for being the most accurate . As in being a challenge to hit pop cans at 200 yds. The AR 15 style weapons are typically more accurate .

Bolt actions are known for their ability to shoot even better than the auto's and there are several brands to choose from. The Savage/Stevens having gained a great reputation for accurate bolt actions for the money they cost.

Another great choice in my opinion is the New England Firearms handy rifles. The one I owned in .223 would shoot 1/2 inch groups at 100 yds which is great by most peoples standards.

I'll let other recommend other calibers like perhaps the 7.62 X 30 for a plinker.

 

[carterbeauford]

SKS fits the bill if you're on a budget... if you are not familiar with the SKS, it is a semi-automatic intermediate-power eastern European military surplus rifle which is built like a tank and can be found in excellent condition for dirt cheap. They are chambered in 7.62x39MM. Its trajectory is less flat than .223 but it makes a good general purpose plinker.

Or an AK-47, chambered in the same caliber. Or an AK-74 in 5.45MM. Just throwing some suggestions out there.

 

[LkWinnipesaukee]

Thanks for the advice. ANy suggestions on specific models?


Also, is plinking/shooting at soda cans at 200 yards a common practice? Or am I some kind of weirdo?

 

[gbran]

Also, is plinking/shooting at soda cans at 200 yards a common practice? Or am I some kind of weirdo?

Nope, that's perfectly natural. What you need is an all around fun gun that is accurate and easy to tote in the field. Benchrest and very heavy guns aren't a lot of fun to lug around.

.223 is a great all around choice. Good for plinking and varmints (big and small). Get a good scope and a set of shooting sticks, maybe even a bipod. Look at the Savages, which are bedded, have floated barrels and adjustable triggers from the factory. They're economical also.

 

[LkWinnipesaukee]

What would you consider a heavy gun? I'm a little guy, 5'7 maybe 130 (I'm only 16 )

 

[gbran]

Benchrest or heavy target guns weigh 10lbs +. I'd look for a gun in the 6 to 7 1/2 lb range. Pick it up, put it to your shoulder to see if it's a good fit. Feel the heft of it and ask yourself if you'd like to carry it around for an extended time. Most hunting bolt guns will be in this range, but varmint guns are heavier.

 

[Glock_10mm]

I'd suggest a bolt action over an autoloader (like SKS) for long range plinking. Its more accurate and helps with long range percision shooting.

If you want a fun gun, try a .357 mag lever gun. Will allow .38 for short range practice, then work your way up to .357 mags! Even good for deer hunting.

Now if you've shot quite a bit (which it sounds like you may have), a .308 may be in order. If you have quite a bit of experience, the .308 will be a good all around gun. You can extend range to around 500 yards with lots of work (I'm good to about 300, but shoot alot), and hunt pretty much anything. Again I'd suggest a bolt action, but I have a really accurate DPMS LR 308 autoloader that will compete against the best of bolt actions out there for accuracy. I wouldnt suggest this if you dont have alot of experience as you may pick up a flinch or bad habits. Its also more costly to shoot.

If you are a tight budget the .22LR is a good choice as the guns are cheap and you can get about 20x .22lr round for the price of a .223 or 30x 22lr for the price of .308's!

.223 is a viable choice. There are alot of options and it is easy to shoot. also consider this, but still consider a bolt action. You will have plenty of time to buy many autoloaders in the future! Get good with a bolt action and you will be a great shooter!


The .357 lever gun allows the best of both worlds...cheap range ammo, and high power long range shots when you get to that stage.

If the gun is too powerful or the ammo is too expensive, you wont develope good shooting habits, which is the ultimate goal. Weigh what is right for you.

 

[Jackal]

Maybe you should consider a .17hmr rifle like the Savage 93R17. Incredible accuracy, low noise and just super fun to blow up cans with. Also quite affordable. In the $200-$300 range. Add a nice scope and you have a very enjoyable toy.

 

[rangerruck]

I think maybe a Savage package rifle, for about 400 bucks is just the ticket, good not only for beginners, but old pros dig em too. excellent accuracy, good bbls, that you can change out, and the price is right. 223 cal is fine and cheap to start with. if you wanna get farther out, the 308 or 30.06 , in the same rifle, will fill the bill nicely, plus you can hunt any game you like with it , really.

 

[rangerruck]

one more thing, bolties will do a much better job, teaching you shooting basics. Not that a semi can't , you just need more discipline, to not heat em up.

 

[theotherrookieshooter]

consider an ak

ive never actually shot an ak but i want to someday. anyway they're generally chambered in 7.62x39 but you can find some ak copies that are chambered for .223. from what ive heard aks are about the most reliable thing out there, i saw a show on the history channel saying you can pull back the cocking handle and throw a handfull of sand in the gun and still shoot it with no problems. they arent that accurate from what ive heard but they sure do pack a lot of "oomph".

 

[airmonkey]

don't forget about .222 Rem I have two rifles in that caliber and get exceptional accuracy at that range with them. +1 about buying a bolt action have always gotten better accuracy from them. don't forget to fill the cans up with water then you can really get them to explode don't last very long though

 

[loki.fish]

Guys, he's wanting something he can plink with at 200yds...I've never tried a .22lr or .17hmr past 100yds. And at 100yds I've only done .22lr out of a bolt action rifle...it's not easy for me to adjust the distance, and if he's a beginner, I doubt he'll be able to do it as well.

LK, sounds like you're pretty dead set on a .223 rifle. As I haven't shot everything out there and can only go from what I've heard from people who have shot a pretty fair amount of the different kinds, I'd say you're best bet is a Savage bolt action .223. Mini-14s aren't known for accuracy...just the opposite actually. I have a buddy with a bolt action .308 from Savage and out of the box it's more accurate than a majority of beginner shooters. As it's only my opinion on what I think you should get, somebody gave good advice beforehand. Shoulder a few and see what feels comfortable.