.455_Hunter
Member
My first semi-auto rifle was a Norinco SKS, bought NIB when I was 18 in 1994 for $100ish. Great gun, and I still have it.
I always recommend a .22LR as a first rifle and the Ruger 10-22 is a good one to start with. I also prefer the Deluxe stock that doesn't have a barrel band...preferably, a bull barreled, Target model.
A person can learn to shoot well with an accurate .22LR, but more than that, it's still fun to shoot the .22LR, even after you've become more proficient. It's easy to add a scope, red dot sight or receiver sight on them, as your budget and expectations for accuracy and/or longer range develop.
New to wanting to own a gun also looking for a good first semi auto rifle for any where under 500$ not above though please. Wanting something fun to plink around with at a range. But also looking for something accurate & reliable. And also looking for something in a 22 Caliber. And also looking for something with a barrel length between 16' to 20" Inches. Thinking of a good AR-15 or something else any recommendations? Also have a good day everyone I'm new to the forums.
First of all, welcome to THR! As you're a new shooter, I'm going to join those who have recommended a .22LR. Learning to shoot well takes time and rounds. There's nothing cheaper to shoot than .22LR. Right now, you can buy cases of .22LR for around 5 cents/round. The cheapest centerfire ammo that I've seen runs at least triple that. You could pick up a basic 10/22 and 5K rounds and still be under your $500 budget.Cool thanks. Would you at least recommend AR-15 Chambered in 22 for a first? Also has anyone heard of the TC/22 Competition to the ruger 10-22? Also would y'all recommend the AR from tippmann arms?
This where I’m at. I have an ultra accurate CZ bolt .22 with a nice scope. I had new shooters consistently hitting a 2” metal spinner at 100 yardsLet me also suggest that you consider a bolt-action .22. As much as I love my 10/22, if I were actually teaching someone to shoot, that's where I'd start. Making a new shooter slow down isn't a bad thing for learning the basics.
Good advice I'll have a look see on the Ruger American Rimfire & 10/22 and other 22's.First of all, welcome to THR! As you're a new shooter, I'm going to join those who have recommended a .22LR. Learning to shoot well takes time and rounds. There's nothing cheaper to shoot than .22LR. Right now, you can buy cases of .22LR for around 5 cents/round. The cheapest centerfire ammo that I've seen runs at least triple that. You could pick up a basic 10/22 and 5K rounds and still be under your $500 budget.
I looked at the TC/22, and it looks like a decent rifle. Thompson/Center has been around a long time, and AFAIK, they make pretty good guns. I don't have much experience with them, though. I do have experience (about 40 years) with one particular 10/22, and it's really one of my favorite guns. I haven't really tricked mine out. It's the basic carbine model that's had a trigger job and a scope put on. But I have a ball shooting it.
Let me also suggest that you consider a bolt-action .22. As much as I love my 10/22, if I were actually teaching someone to shoot, that's where I'd start. Making a new shooter slow down isn't a bad thing for learning the basics. The Ruger American Rimfire shares magazines with the 10/22, and I'm pretty fond of mine. There are also bolt action Savages, Marlins (I think?), and quite a few other makers that would probably suit your needs.
One small bit of advice to OP regarding a first semi, I'd suggest a magazine-fed design rather than a tube. I feel it's safer because it's easier to unload and clear the weapon. If you do, get at least 3-5 mags, just in case you get a bad one. Good luck and happy shooting!
There's no need to get nasty, I was just offering the original poster my opinion. Nor do I recall telling him to choose this, that, or any other make or model weapon.because before the all mighty 1022 came out people had more brains and did not shoot themselves when loading the gun.