My first gun

[cdahl383]

If you continue to buy guns on a semi-regular basis, you'll maybe find yourself beginning to gravitate toward certain guns. Whether it's a particular type, specific brand, niche, design, whatever. For a lot of us, our interests ebb and flow. Don't sweat it though. Some folks are happy with a little bit of everything, some aren't. Some are happy with one gun for each potential purpose, some like multiples. Some of us just can't pass up a good deal and/or feel the need to try to take in every stray we run across.

Oh ok I see. Yeah I’m still pretty new to everything. I love my 12 gauge shotguns for their power, love the 10/22 with red dot for picking off little targets further out, and have taken a liking to revolvers now. I shoot my 9mm regularly at the range and carry that one with me 99% of the time. I’ve come a long way from the guy I used to be who said, well I’m not against guns but I don’t see a need to have one myself. Haha!

 

[DustyGmt]

Went shooting with my wife at my buddy’s house a few weeks ago and loved it. He’s got his own range in the back of his property. First time ever firing a gun in my life. Shot his .22 rifle, AR15, 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and a couple 9mm handguns. Really liked the .22 rifle and so did my wife.

So we bought our first gun, a Ruger 10/22. I got a few extra 10 round magazines and a couple 25 round magazines, and lots of Remington and CCI ammo. Got a nice locking cabinet for our room so the kids can’t get to it.

Went back to my buddy’s house today and got to shoot it. What a great gun! I think we put over 300 rounds through it today haha! Not as good with open sights as I was with my buddy’s rifle with a scope, but still had fun regardless. Unloading the 25 round magazines was really cool!

Really learned how to handle the gun today. Loading ammo, loading and unloading the magazine in the gun, using the safety, bolt lock, etc. Had a couple malfunctions with the cheaper ammo but clearing that was very easy. My wife enjoyed shooting it as well and also learned how to load the ammo and everything else.

Going to order more CCI ammo for next time we go shooting! I need to look into a gun cleaning kit too. I have a few things but need some oil and stuff.

Anyway, it was a great day. We got to his house around 1pm and left at 5:30 or so. Had a lot of fun! Think I found myself a new hobby!

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That's awesome. Better late than never. A Ruger 10/22 is an excellent place to start and it sounds like you got a good sampling of what's out there to choose from. Hats off to your buddy too. I have been shooting for many years and have had a few dozen firearms over the years and have a good few now, my 10/22 would be one of thr last I'd want to get rid of. They are hands down my favorite .22LR out there. Good for you man!

 

[Autodidactic]

If you continue to buy guns on a semi-regular basis, you'll maybe find yourself beginning to gravitate toward certain guns. Whether it's a particular type, specific brand, niche, design, whatever. For a lot of us, our interests ebb and flow. Don't sweat it though. Some folks are happy with a little bit of everything, some aren't. Some are happy with one gun for each potential purpose, some like multiples. Some of us just can't pass up a good deal and/or feel the need to try to take in every stray we run across.

Yes it took me a year or two, shooting a lot of guns, holding them, owning some, and carrying some to get a sense of what I like and even what are quality, reliable guns. My tastes recalibrated a bit.

 

[Autodidactic]

Oh ok I see. Yeah I’m still pretty new to everything. I love my 12 gauge shotguns for their power, love the 10/22 with red dot for picking off little targets further out, and have taken a liking to revolvers now. I shoot my 9mm regularly at the range and carry that one with me 99% of the time. I’ve come a long way from the guy I used to be who said, well I’m not against guns but I don’t see a need to have one myself. Haha!

Sounds like we have a similar lineup. FYI, I bought my first gun 2 years ago too, a 9mm. I had always wanted one and read about various types, but I had lived in NYC for 8 years prior to 2020, and California and foreign countries before that.

 

[twofewscrews]

I started with the 10/22 back in June. Now I also have a Ruger PC Carbine, Stoeger 12 gauge coach gun, Mossberg Maverick 88 12 gauge security model, and now the Ruger EC9S handgun.

I fear you're missing a scoped bolt action rifle. Semi autos/pump actions are fun but I personally find that shooting distance with a bolt action rifle and a scope has a zen thing going on that you don't get with a semi auto/pump action.
I have a Savage B-22 that, with the right ammunition and proper focus/technique, will put 10 rounds on a dime at 50 yards. To me there is something special or unique about racking the bolt, acquiring the target, reducing your breath/steadying the heart, moving your finger to the trigger, releasing your breath and letting that bullet fly.

Those moments when everything lines up and the bullets land right where you want em to go is akin to the first warm week of spring or the first snow, there's just something "right" about it.

 

[Bazoo]

I don’t understand what you’re saying. I’m just buying stuff that looks cool to me. How do you figure out what kind of gun guy you are? This is not a smart remark, just curious what you mean.

I didn’t read the whole thread. The first post and skimmed the last couple pages.

I have been into guns about 20 years. I remember those early days. I did, and still do, like just about anything. However now, after lots of trading and trying different stuff, I’ve found I prefer single actions like Ruger blackhawks, and lever actions like Winchester 94, marlin 1894 and 336 rifles. There is nothing wrong with buying what suits you at any given moment, if you’re tastes change, you can divest the ones that aren’t interesting anymore.

After 20 years, I still love shooting 22s. Marlin 60 and Ruger single six presently. I’d like another marlin 39a, some day. I prefer tube magazines as opposed to box mags.

 

[Jimbo80]

How do you figure out what kind of gun guy you are?

It's a natural progression that most folks just slide into. There are many segments in the gun world that are decidedly different. From Cowboy Action Shooting to Precision Rifle to hardly shooting at all. Until you have a sense of where you're going to fit in it isn't always a good idea to jump in wallet first. You got off to a good start but there are a lot of guns out there that look cool and aren't.

 

[Archie]

Congratulations! This can be an addiction. However this addition is both worthy and noble. By sticking with it, it will give and your Lady Wife a sense of empowerment and achievement so needed for proper self image. (Yes, there are other needs as well: a different discussion.)

Work at learning to use the iron sights. Yes, telescopic sights are easier, but the iron sights are alway available and seem to be a dying skill.

Again, congratulations and welcome to the fraternity.

 

[Poper]

Yes, telescopic sights are easier, but the iron sights are alway available and seem to be a dying skill.

Iron sights are rarely available on rifles these days. Especially high powered rifles. Personally, even though my eyes are 67 years old and don't work nearly as good as they used to, I still prefer iron sights myself. Especially aperture (peep) sights.