Looking for advice on a first rifle for a college student

[El Rojo]

The ".22 starter" people have struck again. I guess they have some merit, but before I read the first few replies I knew exactly what was coming. Can't a guy just get a SKS for his first rifle? That was the first rifle I ever bought. Then again I was 17 and my first gun ever was a .22 Chipmunk when I was six.

For a .22, get a 10/22. They are super versatile. Sooner or later you are going to want to sink hundreds of dollars into your 10/22 to make it a super wonder .22, and the 10/22 is the easiest way to do that.

It really doesn't matter what you get first, it won't be your last. Everyone needs a .22 so what the heck, start there. By the time you are a junior, we expect you to have several rifles. I bought my M1A my junior year.

 

[DelayedReaction]

Actually I'm a senior this year, but living in the state of MD pretty much gives me a three year handicap anyway.

 

[Bwana John]

If you get a .22 rifle, spend a little extra money and get a good bolt action (CZ 452, Ruger 77/22, ect). Get one with open sights, you can scope it later.
There is nothing like a semi-auto and a cheap scope to ruin the learning curve to becoming "a rifleman". (IMHO)

 

[Legionnaire]

I'm with El Rojo ... sort of. I typically recommend .22s for first guns, and I don't think you can go wrong starting there. But you're already a shooter. Given your height, I don't think you'd find an SKS comfortable; the stock length of pull is pretty short. I'm inclined to recommend a bolt action in .223. I'd look for a second-hand Remington 700 ADL. .22 plinkers are great, and you need one in the collection. But I'd not rule out other options too quickly. My first long gun was a Mossberg 500 shotgun, and my second was a Marlin 336 (.30-30). A .22 plinker was my fourth or fifth.

 

[Norton]

I'm 6'7" and don't find my Yugo SKS to be uncomfortable but I will probably put a bigger butt pad on all the same.

 

[DelayedReaction]

Sounds like I'm gonna have to just go out and shoot stuff until I find out what fits me.

 

[MoeMentum]

Start with a .22, you can shoot often, and as a college student, the rifle, and ammo are relatively inexpensive.

 

[Bear Gulch]

See if their are any clubs at school or in your town. You'll find folks who will be happy to help you learn and spend that post graduation income!

 

[No_Brakes23]

SamlautRanger said...
M16A2 or M4. Uncle Sam will give to you.

I don't know what branch of service you joined, but right before Uncle Sam gave me my 40 acres and a mule, (DD214), the Marines made sure I gave the A2 back.

And it wasn't like I could fire it whenever I wanted to. Trying to get a range spot was like pulling teeth.