Rifle recommendations

[Dmn0166]

Generally I'm new to guns, and I'm only familiar with handguns. I've shot my fathers M1 and such, but thats about it.

I'm looking to pick up a rifle in the future. I don't really hunt so it will be a range gun.

I'm looking for your opinions regarding which round. Something that will be cheap to shoot but not a .22. Something fun.

I was thinking about a bolt action with a nice scope on it for some long range shooting, but I'm open to ideas.

I'd like to keep it in the 500 ballpark. New or used doesn't matter.

I'd love an ar-15 but they are too expensive. I looked at some AK type guns but haven't found something that really catches my eye. That's why I was thinking a bolt action.

What would you recommend?

Derek

 

[45collector]

What makes you think .22 isn't fun? It's one of my favorite rifles to take to the range and spend all day making a soda can dance @ 100 yards without getting a sore shoulder or breaking the bank. I love my AR but the damn thing is so expensive to feed. Get yourself a sweet .22lr semiauto or bolt action rifle and you'll have a blast.

 

[Dmn0166]

thank you for your response. Maybe I'll look into some .22's

pros and cons... http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...angId=-1&parent_category_rn=33803&isFirearm=Y

Thanks

 

[45collector]

No prob. Another reason I'm pushing a .22 on ya is that you're new to rifles. I think everyone should start off their rifle collection with a .22. It's a right of passage!

 

[Mike-Mike]

Get a Ruger 10/22 or similar and then get a center fire. After a few range trips with the .22 you will know what you like in a rifle. you will also get the chance to shoot and talk with people at the range and try their equipment. Then narrow your search and come on here and post a question that is easier to answer.

good luck,

--Mike

 

[Harleynut]

I agree with 45collector, Get a 22 to start with. There is nothing that will help you as much at practice. Many of us even though we have bigger guns go back to the 22's just because they are fun and cheap to shoot. If you want to try something fun and chalanging get a couple of friends at a sand pit or range that will allow it and throw a golf ball down range and see who can hit it first. Usually you have to get it on the move before your friend gets it. That is great practice.
We met and talked one time at Bob's. When I see you there again maybe we can try it you will love it.

 

[matt]

If the initial investment of $500 vs $800-1000 for the rifle is an issue, then a .22 may be in order.

.223 bolt rifle though can be had in that range - Savage is very nice. The recoil is not bad, but ammo price will be $0.40/round minimum unless you reload. More than 10x that of .22. You can send a lot of .22 down range for short $$.

 

[Cross-X]

How about a military surplus rifle? An M1 carbine, perhaps?

 

[mike93lx]

I highly recommend picking up a 10/22 and reading up at rimfirecentral.com

Also, check out Appleseed training events (appleseedinfo.org) for a great way to learn to shoot.

 

[Dmn0166]

How about a military surplus rifle? An M1 carbine, perhaps?

My old man has an old M1 carbine he lets me use . Thanks for the suggestion, though.

I think a .22 sounds like it may be best. I don't want the cost of ammo keeping me from the range.

 

[glocky]

check out the new m&p15-22complient, suggested retail is $529 I think, and it has all the look of an ar but like everyone else is saying the ammo cost is drasticly cheaper. you can probably get it for a little cheaper than that. It might be my next purchase or hopefully a nice x-mas present from the wife

 

[jar]

I'd say get a 10/22, put some tech-sights and a sling on it and go to an appleseed or two. There's no cheaper or more effective way to learn the basic skills of riflery. Once you do that you'll get a better idea what you want your next rifle for and what features you like.

 

[wolf223]

get a Savage 10 FP in .223

throw a 10x42 super sniper on there www.swfa.com

or

a WOTAC 10x42 from www.sightwonders.com

and enjoy your long range shooting.

what distance are you shooting? if it is 100 yards or less, might want to stick with a 10/22....

but, here are two of my set ups

Ruger 10/22

$200 - ruguer 10/22
$80 - butler creek bull barrel
$60 - hogue stock
$130 - muelver APV optic

Savage 10FP
$500 - going price, and about what i paid for it via traide
$250 - bell & carlson stock w/ maxx guard finish
$280 - WOTAC 10x42 scope

**add a harris bi-pod or two, and caldwell sand bags

Savage 10, 1/9 twist, shoots 55gr .223 / 5.56 good up to 200 yards for me

Ruger 10/22 is a tack driver between 0 and 100 yards... a few clicks of the mueller optics and it's spot on!

 

[garandman]

My old man has an old M1 carbine he lets me use . Thanks for the suggestion, though.

I think a .22 sounds like it may be best. I don't want the cost of ammo keeping me from the range.

There are some wicked nice bolt action .22's, some for very little money. This cost me a total of $138.

 

[Dmn0166]

Chetd, In the picture of both rifles, which is which? both look like nice setups.

 

[wolf223]

top picture: Left is the 10/22 and Right is the Savage 10

bottom picture: Savage 10 in it's current state

ooppps. my bad

 

[hikerlt]

Mosin Nagant 91/30

$90
Mosin 91/30 at AIM


and a (2) 440 round tin of 7.62x54 ammo will be a lot less than $500.....
440 rd tin of ammo $80

 

[meth0d]

I'll echo the 10/22, one of my favorites to shoot; but be forewarned there are so many parts and options available for them you can easily spend a couple hundred on top of the purchase price.

I've changed mine up with a Whistle Pig barrel, Boyd's Blaster stock and a Mueller APV.

ETA: Check out Marlin's model 60.

 

[PaulD]

Given the budget, I'd get either a .22LR rifle, a Savage in .223. Or, I'd figure out a way to save another $95 and get a service grade Garand from CMP for $595.

 

[Coyote33]

Ruger, Savage, Marlin, Henry, and Thompson Center all make great .22 rifles, but you don't want a .22.

In that case, I say go with a .17HMR or .17HM2.

They are still less expensive than centerfire, offer greater accuracy than a LOT of guns, and are good for the range and for hunting. Plus, you can get them pretty inexpensively even with scope included!

 

[Scrivener]

As you are starting out with your first rifle, I'll concur with those recommending a .22 rifle. The ammo is far cheaper than any centerfire caliber and cheaper even than the .17 suggested above. The object of the exercise is to learn; that means practice and that means shooting (lots of) ammo. Hence the recommendations for a .22.

I'd go with the Savage precisely because it is NOT a semi-auto. When you don't get a second shot merely by pulling the trigger again, you learn to make your shots count. Discipline means accuracy.

Centerfire? .223 - about the cheapest accurate ammo out there and there is an excellent selection of rifles chambered for it. Again, I'll second the recommendation for a Savage FP 10. I am happy with mine.

Find out WHAT type of shooting you want to do before sinking big bucks into equipment. And all the optics, carbon fiber barrels, magic trigger groups, etc. in the world cannot compensate for lack of skill. Develop that first.

 

[jenlynn724]

We have a ruger 10/22, and that is fun to shoot.. I also like shooting the sks a lot, but I get sore after a while..

 

[Skald]

M&P AR-22 or GSG-5. You can get them for under $500. But honestly, I'd go with a Ruger 10/22 if I were you. They are a GREAT rifle.

 

[PaulD]

M&P AR-22 or GSG-5. You can get them for under $500. But honestly, I'd go with a Ruger 10/22 if I were you. They are a GREAT rifle.

Or, get a Ruger SR22 if you want something tacticool (since it's a 10/22 under the covers).

 

[SKS Ray]

Find a Chinese/Norinco SKS in decent shape and in original configuration for about $300 or lower and spend $199 on a case of ammo and enjoy a lot of semi auto fun all for under $500.

 

[glocky]

iv'e been told to stay away from the gsg-5 because of the hole copywright thing going on, but i do have to say it is a really fun to shoot

 

[Scrivener]

iv'e been told to stay away from the gsg-5 because of the hole copywright thing going on, but i do have to say it is a really fun to shoot

I'll bite - how do you "copywright" a hole?

 

[joehaus]

iv'e been told to stay away from the gsg-5 because of the hole copywright thing going on, but i do have to say it is a really fun to shoot

That is actually a good reason to buy one. They will not be producing them anymore so the value will only increase as the finite supply decreases.

 

[Coyote33]

I'll bite - how do you "copywright" a hole?

Ask Spyderco, they'll tell you.

 

[Scrivener]

Ask Spyderco, they'll tell you.

That's not a hole; it's a "Tactical Void."