First rifle? (With AR as the end-game)

[Iftrue]

I want to get an AR at some point, but I've never shot a rifle before seriously, and I've never learned how to properly sight/shoot accurately, etc. I'm fairly proficient with handguns, although I'm left-eye dominant and right-handed, and I don't like closing any eyes when I shoot.

Is learning to shoot left-handed possible/recommended? I'd also like to be able to effectively use shotguns at some point.

What rifle would you recommend for a beginner? I'll likely be limited to a 25-yard range for a while (I live in a city), but it allows any caliber rifle during certain hours, and any rimfire rifle during all hours.

At first I wanted the S&W M&P 15 22, but I think I'd rather have something classic but, but definitely semi-automatic.

I'm looking at the Ruger 10 22, and I'm wondering which model would be best. I probably want iron-sights of some kind, but I'll also be investigating red dot/other optics at some point. I don't know if I have any interest in hunting yet, although I may explore it and decide to get a larger caliber rifle at some point [not hunting with a 22, no worries ].

So far, the Ruger 10 22 tactical with the flash suppressor/threaded barrel and tactical rail look promising, as optics installation will be easy and I can attach a silencer for the fun-factor. The only problem here is that I'm not sure if I can attach front-sites to the 10 22 tactical, which limits my ability to use iron sights.

I'm open to other models, of course. What would be a good 22lr rifle recommendation to learn rifle fundamentals but also be a fun gun to keep in my collection? I caught the gun bug last year or so, so I'm interested in keeping quality/practical guns.

+points if the gun is available on budsgunshop.com.

Help?

 

[mljdeckard]

It might be a bit more than you wanted to spend, but you might look at building your own lower. (It isn't hard.) That way, you could have the options you want, buy a Spike's or similar .22 upper, shoot the heck out of it, and then get a regular upper when you are ready. Just sayin'.

 

[Robert]

Why not just get your AR? I know many people say to start on a .22 because of the low recoil, cost of ammo as well as other things. But really the AR is not a bad first choice. The AR has low recoil and the cost of ammo is not that terrible.

Are basic rifle classes offered in your area? If so take a class to learn basic rifle marksmen ship. Shooting is shooting in so far as the 4 Rules always apply. But rifles are different from pistols.

I am a fan of .22 rifles but I do not believe that one must start on a .22 and THEN move on to something else. I would not hand you my 45-70 loaded with my hot hunting loads the first time out, but an AR is a dream to shoot. And at 25y there is no need for optics of any kind. Irons will work fine.

 

[jad0110]

Sounds like the Ruger 10/22 might well be your best bet, as you've described. Those rifles have a nice amount of modularity and aftermarket accessories that will allow to start out on irons, then easily upgrade to other sighting systems later.

OTH, I am certain there are many other .22 rifles out there that can mount reflex sights, variable power scopes, etc. I've got a Marlin / Glenfield Model 60 that I paid $65 for at a Pawn Shop a couple of years ago. It is loads of fun to shoot, more accurate out of the box than your average 10/22 and you do have the option of mounting optics above the receiver (though you won't have the same flexibility as a "tacticle" style 10/22).

I also own a CZ-452 bolt action that would make a great beginner rifle. One advantage of a bolt gun is that it forces you to slow down and concentrate on the fundamentals, though you can always load one round at a time into an auto if you need to avoid the temptation to burn ammo all the time. Yes, I do sometimes let loose with my Model 60's 18 round tube mag. Makes short work of zombie toaster ovens and such.

One final option is a good quality single shot pellet rifle in .177 caliber. I picked up a Gamo Whisper break barrel and it has proven to be extremely accurate (minute of rotten egg accurate at 35 yards with open sights), and 500 .177 pellets only cost about $3 at Wal-Mart. I can even shoot that from my bedroom window into my back yard.

 

[okiewita40]

I say get a .22 to start with just for the cost of ammo. Mossberg just came out with the tactical .22 It is nothing more than their 702 plinkster with some plastic molding added to it vs. the standard stock. So you get the look and feel of an AR without the price. Plus it is about the same price if not cheaper than a 10/22.

Just another alternative for you to consider. good luck in your quest.

 

[SpentCasing]

You didnt mention a budget. If money permits get a normal AR with a .22 conversion kit. That should satisfy you needs exactly for a long time.

 

[TonyAngel]

I love ARs, but I'd say start off with a .22 bolt gun. Anyone can go out and blast, but if you really want to learn how to shoot, it takes lots of practice. If you just want something with a bit more zing, check out a bolt gun in .17 HMR. At around $12 for a box of 50, it isn't dirt cheap, but it's still less than half the cost of trash AR ammo. A shooting buddy of mine has a Savage and we usually shoot at things like paintballs with it at 100 yards.

I know that ARs are nice and cool and all of that. Like I said, I love ARs, but they really aren't all that economical. Blasting ammo will run you about $300 per 1000. If you want to shoot for accuracy, good ammo runs between $.50 and $1 per round, unless you load your own. What would suck would be to dump the $800 or so getting a basic AR and then not be able to afford to shoot it enough to be a good shot.

 

[451 Detonics]

The 10/22 is a great learning platform and good sights are available for even the .920" bull barrels. However I would buy the most basic 10/22 and then change the barrel and stock to suit you. You can get a better barrel that way and a stock that might for you better for the same money.