I know that when we try to help with little detail it can be frustrating, but when I read the OP’s responses I see myself 16 years ago. I had to learn somewhere. I didn’t know what a minute of angle or a soft point was. I picked hunting ammo based on which had a picture of the animal I was hunting on the box.
it’s true that I reload and do my own gunsmithing (unless the required tools are not worth buying for one project) NOW, but I certainly had to learn all of that over time. I can’t speak for anyone but me, but I hope we can cut the guy some slack. A little patience and understanding and walking in the shoes of others and all.
Having said that let me add two things: first, I think y’all are a great group and I’m not lecturing you. Heck I depend on this place for knowledge and inspiration. Second, to the OP, I suggest you buy a fairly cheap project gun. Mine was a rusty marlin model 60 that I grabbed for 50 dollars at a gun show. Take it down to nothing but parts, clean it, strip it, blue it, scope it with a cheap (but still useable, like a bushnell banner or something) scope. Get a kit and replace the trigger springs. Doing a project like this gives you an expendable subject to learn on with low risk. More importantly it offers you experiential knowledge, teaches you the terminology people like us ask for on forums, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, gives you confidence. You don’t have to rely on guys behind the counter when you can do it yourself.
It also gives you some pride. That model 60 looks and shoots great. Best shot was a 40 yd headshot on a squirrel.
could be a 10/22, a 795, a bolt action… whatever is cheap and in need of tlc but has readily available parts.