Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Thunderstick on June 11, 2012 at 9:08pm

Another big advantage of .22 is the cost.   You can put a ton of rounds downrange for cheap.   If your really really a novice, I stick with renting rifles before switching to pistols.   Get used to some recoil and what the 'bang' sounds like before moving on to pistols.

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Permalink Reply by Buffalo Bill on June 11, 2012 at 10:40pm

The guns I first learned to use as a kid are good guns for any beginner: the .22 rifle and .22 single-action revolver. 

I've seen potentially great shooters develop a lot of bad habits by shooting big guns.  If you start with small calibers, you'll develop good habits and end up being a better shot with bigger guns.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Raleigh White on June 11, 2012 at 10:42pm

You can't beat a .22 rifle or pistol for fun and no recoil.  If I was starting someone out with absolutely no firearm experience, I would definitely start with a .22.  Low noise, no recoil -- sort of like playing darts with a gun.  And, while I'll admit that it can be fun to shoot a big bore or shot gun to appreciate the sheer power and force, you can also immediately develop the worst habit a shooter can face -- flinch.  If you shoot a weapon you are afraid of (whether it's recoil or noise or muzzle flash), you will be scared to pull the trigger, anticipate the negative, and close your eyes and pull the shot.  None of which is conducive to accurate or enjoyable shooting.  Start small and work up.  From there in handguns, I'd go to .380 or .38. 

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Permalink Reply by Jonathan Hansen on June 12, 2012 at 12:01am

So it looks like the general consensus is that I should start off with a 22 gun wether it be a rifle or a handgun. Now for the next question... Is there a really good 22 rifle ya'll would recommend and a great 22 handgun? Thanks for all the info... Keep it coming.

J1

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Permalink Reply by Jason Raleigh White on June 12, 2012 at 12:51am

Rifle:  Ruger 10/22.   Pistol:  Mark II or III Ruger or Browning Buckmark.  Both are very similar pistols and superbly accurate.  The 10/22 has been around for decades and is very fun to shoot as well.  I've hit targets out to 100 yards with a standard factory issue 10/22 and a 4X scope.  You can't really go wrong with a .22 as long as it is reliable.  As for working up from there, depending on your body size, I would recommend going to a 20 or 12 gauge shotgun (birdshot field rounds) before any serious center fire rounds.  It will get you used to the recoil, but it doesn't have the intense noise or pressure of a hunting caliber rifle...more like a shove instead of a punch. As for handguns, recoil quickly becomes an issue because of the light weight.  I've shot a Kimber .45 that punched 3-hole cloverleafs and was a dream to shoot, and a Ruger .44 Mag that almost flew out of my hands.  And they all will leave an unpleasant whistling in your eardrum if you don't use hearing protection.  If you are shooting at a commercial range, I imagine you should be able to explain your situation (and always remember to play dumb when it comes to firearms...there's always more to learn) and have someone there who can put you right in your slot.  I sincerely recommend starting small and working up, though.  It is very surprising what a heavier bullet, lighter gun, or shorter barrel can do to an unsuspecting shooter.

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Permalink Reply by LShieldes on June 12, 2012 at 9:34am

Quick aside about the 10/22.  It CAN be a great gun, but for a lot of them you have to make them a great gun.  If you are the type that likes to modify and personalize, you can turn them into a weapon that is impossible to miss. The upgrades are practically limitless. If you are the type that wants to take it straight from the box, shoot iron sights, you would be better off looking at some other brands.

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Permalink Reply by Paul_of_TX on June 12, 2012 at 10:05am

I purchased a Marlin 795 in December and it was awesome right out of the box. My 9 yo son is very accurate with it.

As for .22 handguns I might look for a revolver. I have seen some .22 semi-auto pistols that jam because the .22 cartridge doesn't have enough power to consistently operate the eject/load mechanism.

I think most places that rent guns will let you exchange the guns while you are at the range. You can buy the ammo then try out any gun they have in that caliber to see what you like best.

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Permalink Reply by Cody, D. on June 12, 2012 at 9:48am

I have been shooting for most of my life  and i own an assortment of firearms, I would recommend the .22 its cheep easy to use and hours of fun,  and there's nothing better to learn the basics on then a firearm that is as cheep and effective as it... how ever if your looking for something with a little more "pop" try shooting a .40 or a .9mm, i wouldn't recommend anything bigger when you just starting out,  not saying you cant handle it but with out the basic skills your not going to hit the target, and you don't want o spend the money on a bigger round and not hit what your aiming at

hope this helps

-cody d-

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Permalink Reply by Jonathan Hansen on June 12, 2012 at 6:09pm

Great feedback. Thanks guys! One last question... Do you all have any general gun tips? 

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Permalink Reply by JonEdanger on June 12, 2012 at 6:18pm

USMC Rules For Gun Fighting

• Bring a gun. Preferably, bring at least two guns. Bring all of your friends who have guns.
• Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammo is cheap. Life is expensive.
• Only hits count. A close miss is still a miss.
• If your shooting stance is good, you're probably not moving fast enough nor using cover correctly.
• Move away from your attacker. Distance is your friend. (Lateral and diagonal movements are preferred.)
• If you can choose what to bring to a gunfight, bring a long gun and a friend with a long gun.
• In ten years nobody will remember the details of caliber, stance, or tactics.
• They will only remember who lived.
• If you are not shooting, you should be communic- ating, reloading, and running.
• Accuracy is relative: most combat shooting standards will be more dependent on "pucker factor" than the inherent accuracy of the gun.
• Use a gun that works EVERY TIME.
• Someday someone may kill you with your own gun, but they should have to beat you to death with it because it is empty.
• Always cheat = always win. The only unfair fight is the one you lose.
• Have a plan.
• Have a back-up plan, because the first one won't work.
• Use cover and concealment as much as possible.
• Flank your adversary when possible. Protect yours.
• Don't drop your guard.
• Always tactically reload and threat scan 360 degrees.
• Watch their hands. Hands kill. (In God we trust. Everyone else, keep your hands where I can see them).
• Decide to be AGGRESSIVE enough, QUICKLY enough.
• The faster you finish the fight, the less shot up you will get.
• Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.
• Be courteous to everyone, friendly to no one.
• Do not attend a gunfight with a handgun, the caliber of which does not start with a "4".

Navy Rules for Gun Fighting

• Go to Sea
• Send the Marines
• Drink Coffee

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Permalink Reply by Douglas Aldrich on June 12, 2012 at 7:23pm

+! bahaha

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Permalink Reply by Douglas Aldrich on June 12, 2012 at 7:23pm

Never hurts to try a Red Ryder... Just don't shoot your eye out.

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