Help me pick a rifle to learn with.

[hksw]

Keep in mind, though, that although the CZ452 is an incredible buy in terms of shooting performance, it is not perfect. The bolt movement will most likely be a little (some times a lot like my .17HMR Varmint) rough and the trigger will have some creep but the former will smooth out over time and working on the trigger isn't difficult. (I'm actually waiting for Rifle Basix's trigger for the CZ but folks seem to like the Brooks modification well enough.)

In the end, the gun's accuracy (actually precision) trumps all of its shortcomings.

 

[Cueball]

I would suggest a bolt action .22 with good iron sights. I can't name any particular makes or models. This is what we were taught on in JROTC many moons ago. It allows you learn sight alignment, breath control, and re-acquiring sight picture.

IMHO, the CZ 452 Tranier (aka Special) is the perfect gun to learn on. Mine shoots 1/2" groups @ 50yds out of the box. They can be had for $220-240 new and are great for practice, plinking, and small game hunting. They have great iron sights that you can start with and you can add a scope to it if you want to. You won't regret going with a CZ.

 

[zemp]

I own a 10-22 and it has been a good gun for me. there is many upgrades you can get for it and it is in the $180.00 price range.

 

[kentucky_smith]

The top one: Cz 452 Special. Stock looks as good as walnut to me.

Bottom one is an old Marlin I'm restocking.

 

[Farnham]

Can anyone point me towards a "how to" sort of webpage for learning to shoot accurately?

Try here.

It's for the M-16, but the basics of sight alignment, sight picture, breath control, trigger control, natural point of aim, and bone support apply for all field positions and all rifles.

S/F

Farnham

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Ditto on Farnham's Field Manual reccommendation: recall that every year thousands of Marine recruits are trained to hit a man-sized target at 500 meters with iron sights. The PMIs have a lot of good advice, and the FM should cover a lot of the basics.

I've been browsing up on the CZ 452, and ran across a site that has trigger upgrade kits, and more importantly, aperture sights: http://www.cz452.com/

For $17, that seems a pretty good piece of gear. Myself, I just can't go back after getting used to aperture sights.

I just picked up a Marlin 39A lever-rifle .22LR, but if I wanted a bolt, I'd get the CZ .22 Trainer and buy that aperture rear sight. Do come back and let us know what you end up getting, and how it works out for you. A good .22 can be passed on to the grandkids. Your desire to learn is admirable!

-MV