Good first semi auto rifle?

If you don't have an AR, get an AR.

I’ll also AR since they are probably the lowest they will be for a long time if not ever.

welcome, get an AR

Nother vote for an AR. It's hard to beat them especially at their current price.

Well if this was 5-6 years ago i would say WASR or other combloc semi AK, but since it's 2019 i would say an AR, maybe even a Ruger Mini-14 if you can find one in the sub $500 price range.

I hate voting for an AR for a first gun. There’s so many other guns out there that should be owned. But for your criteria, I don’t see a better option unless you’re talking 22lr. So it gets my vote as well.

Anyone recommend an AR yet?

If you do decide to go .22 Long Rifle, go with a Marlin 60, Mossberg 702, or Savage. They're all inexpensive enough you'll be able to quickly save up for your second rifle (which will be an AR.)

I just got an ar kit from psa and built the lower on an Anderson stripped lower great quality for under 400. Depending on your budget you could get both at and a 22lr. I also have 2 Marlin m 60's that have been going strong for years. They are light fairly accurate and relatively inexpensive.

My first rifle was a Ruger 10/22; my second rifle was a Colt AR15. This was over 40 years ago and they're both still doing just fine whenever I take them to the range.

What everyone's going to say: get an AR.

I'll add: get a Palmetto State AR. Price, warranty, quality. . . can't beat it.

I always recommend a .22LR as a first rifle and the Ruger 10-22 is a good one to start with. I also prefer the Deluxe stock that doesn't have a barrel band...preferably, a bull barreled, Target model.

A person can learn to shoot well with an accurate .22LR, but more than that, it's still fun to shoot the .22LR, even after you've become more proficient. It's easy to add a scope, red dot sight or receiver sight on them, as your budget and expectations for accuracy and/or longer range develop.

Ruger 10/22 should be everyone's first semi-auto rifle. Their second should be an AR.

How about a S&W 15-22? You get the AR style in a .22 LR. I have one, and it's a hoot to shoot. Buy you a McFadden loader and a stack of 25 round mags and get happy.

PSA AR-15. Take some time to do some research to insure you get the one that is right for you.

I vote Ruger 10/22. Reliable as the day is long. Lot’s of accessories available. The Takedown model is cool too.

+1 for an AR-15.

Either build one using a video to learn the intricacies of the rifle or buy one of the various options depending on your wallet and what you’d be using it for. A lot of shooters buy their first and build their second.

If you can follow instructions, use a punch and turn Allen wrenches you can build an AR though.

I liked the 22 semi then an AR mentioned earlier that way you can get used to a semi, shooting cheaper ammo and safety then save up for an AR either your build or a factory build. 22 ammo runs 3 or 4c ea and 223 runs 25c+ ea so it is a lot cheaper to get proficient with the 22.

You want a .22, get a .22. Several simple light .22 semi auto rifles out there, including Marlin 60 and Ruger 10/22. For something completely different there is the Marlin Model 70PSS, which is an all stainless steel take down design with a separate box magazine. Fits into a small inconspicuous included case.

Too many AR fanboys here who think it's the answer to everything. More diversity needed. lol

Pat Riot said:

I vote Ruger 10/22. Reliable as the day is long. Lot’s of accessories available. The Takedown model is cool too.

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................ I second the motion.

1st: Ruger 10/22. 2nd, and you will want one; AR.

Yep, others have nailed it. There are other viable choices, but you almost need to have a specific reason not to go 10/22 for rimfire and AR for centerfire among the self-feeders.

A 10/22 if you want to spend the minimum and only need a rimfire.

A true AR-15 lower (gotta distinguish now that the AR-10 is a serious thing once more. . . ) with a dedicated rimfire upper, if you want the flexibility of going centerfire later on.

All of the above (and then some) if you're going to hang around this group for very long.

And also get a nice single-shot .22, slow down and savor each trigger pull. Much as I love the 10/22s and black rifles, this is the one that's going to the range with me today:

AR is the easy answer, but $500 is a basic rifle. You can buckle and dime a $400 AR into a $1400 AR pretty easily, but if you build a rifle then focus your money on barrel and trigger. Find the cheapest trigger you can, double that price and find the best trigger you can in that ballpark. Similar for barrels, but with barrels it’s easier to buy by manufacturer reputation. AR triggers are plentiful and there are many that are good, few worth the premium asked. PSA has good deals on parts around holidays.

Dave DeLaurant said:

And also get a nice single-shot .22, slow down and savor each trigger pull.

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Some folks can do that with a semi-auto, too.