Need help starting New Shooter!

[Blain]

Ok, I have found another person who is interested in the shooting sports. Though he has never fired a gun before, he is really enthusiastic and wants to start shooting. He needs a gun, and wants to know what he should start out with. He has a few criteria he needs to fit, however.

#1. He only has $250 to spend on it.
#2. He wants as accurate a gun as possible, he is really into accuracy.
#3. He would prefere it to be a semi-auto.

Again he has never fired a gun before except for BB guns which he has accuracy competitions with his friends with.

This will be his first gun, and he would really like it to be an accurate one. As accurate as possible for the money.

He would very much like some assistance, so if any of you guys could direct him towards the best starter rifle for accuracy in his price range he would really appreciate it.

It's always nice to see new kids interested in the shooting sports, so lets try our best to make his introduction as pleasant as possible. You guys know your guns!

 

[BusMaster007]

A new Marlin bolt-action .22 LR; scope and lots of ammo is a great start.
If it must be a semi-auto, then a Marlin 60; Ruger 10/22 or Remington 597 ( a full size .22 ) would be good, too.
Good to hear about a new enthusiast.
Good luck and have fun.

 

[Soap]

What BusMaster said.

 

[762x51]

Yep.....10/22 is a great choice if he really wants a semi auto. There are hundreds of aftermarket parts and accessories he can use to upgrade it over time too. Stocks, barrels, triggers, etc.

 

[Steve Smith]

Ditto, but start with iron sights.

 

[Meanoldfart]

I agree with every thing said.
Why doesn't anyone even drill and tap the holes in the receiver so you can install a good aperture receiver sight.
This is the ideal set-up for a new shooter to learn on.
I have an OLD Glenfield bolt action .22 made by Marlin that is drilled and tapped for an inexpensive Redfield aperture sight.
I've taught a lot of youngsters on this set-up.
MOF

 

[Kaylee]

Another option -- bolt action this time though -- is the CZ 452 .22LR. Wonderful little rifle, and insanely accurate! Most folks I handed it to started routinely center-punching .45LC cases offhand back behind Tam's place.


That said... keep in mind all the suggestions you're getting here are for low-power target rifles. If your friend is looking to do something other than punch paper with this rifle, I'm afraid he's going to have to re-evaluate his priorities.

I can't think of a single centerfire rifle that gives you great accuracy and semi-auto fire for $250 or under.

You might get lucky with a milsurp or second-hand hunting rifle, especially if you're willing to go bolt action, but um..... your odds aren't so high, and it takes a fair amount of learnin' to know what all to look for when you take that gamble.

There's nothing more frustrating than shooting lousy and not being able to tell if it's you or the rifle. Not a good way to learn.

-K

 

[ruger357]

Nuther vote for the 10/22.

 

[goon]

CZ-452 rocks.
I also have a 10/22. Good little gun, but not anywhere near the CZ for accuracy.

I did just think of this...
If this is his first gun, then the odds are that he will not be good enough to use a CZ to its full potential for quite some time.
Put it this way, I have been shooting for years, and I doubt that I will ever be able to shoot mine as well as it could be shot.
For the beginner, there is nothing wrong with a stock 10/22.
Mine was the first gun that I ever shot...
Started when I was about 4.

 

[firestar]

If he wants a semi-auto, then he won't find a really accurate rifle that money. The 10/22 is NOT accurate, it can be made to be accurate but not without a lot of extra cash. Tell him to get a bolt action, the CZ-452 is the best for the money. I got my 452 "Standard" for $195 OTD and it is VERY VERY accurate. My 10/22 can not hope to to match it, maybe if I dumped a $1000 in it. Then I would have a $1150 Ruger 10/22.

 

[Bostonterrier97]

Ruger 10/22 with a target barrel

 

[cratz2]

Plenty recommend the 10/22 but I'll go against the grain a bit and recommend the 597. I've had a walnut model and a stainless laminated model. Both were great guns and plenty accurate. Full size stock, feels better in my hands. The other day I saw two synthetic 597s, a new one for $129 and a used one for $99. You really can't beat that.

On the other hand, the CZ 452 is really nice. Everyone in town has them in 17 HMR but I want either an American or a Varminter in 22lr. Of course, I also like the Kimber at $700 and the used Sako heavy barrel a shop has for $750 but I don't think I'm realy to ante up the money.

I agree with Steve in encouraging him to start with iron sights. I skipped over this step and have regretted it ever since. Teach him right!

I'd say, a synthetic 597 and about 10,000 rounds of ammo would be a good place to start. When it comes time for a scope, the Weaver RV7 is a really nice scope for the money.