I have been airsofting for a few years now and am looking to get into some real shooting. I have shot a few guns before (12 gauge, 22 rifle, 22 revolver) but never owned one. I am looking to get a 22 but I have no idea what I should be looking for. Like I said, I have been into airsoft for a while so I am not new to the saftey and responsibility aspects of owning a firearm. I'm only going to be using the rifle for some target shooting at the range so I'm not looking to get $400 into a gun. I live in CA and know that the firearm laws are very strict here so I need to know what I need to do to legally own a gun. Any help you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated. If you need any more info please just ask. Thanks
Choice on a first rifle
- Thread starter Trptman
- Start date
I expect that this will soon become a series of Ruger 10/22 recommendations, with a few Marlin 39a or CZ 452 (?) Dissenters. Any of them will work great!
My first 22 rifle of my own was a Henry lever action -- bought it because of good reviews and it looked right.
Nevertheless, as much as I like to avoid the road most travelled, I wish I had a Ruger 10/22. It's hard to beat for popularity, function, and customizability -- and a low price. Everyone but me has one ;-).
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My first 22 rifle of my own was a Henry lever action -- bought it because of good reviews and it looked right.
Nevertheless, as much as I like to avoid the road most travelled, I wish I had a Ruger 10/22. It's hard to beat for popularity, function, and customizability -- and a low price. Everyone but me has one ;-).
Sent from my Ally using Tapatalk
What do you intend to use a rifle for in the long run? Hunting? (Hunting what, exactly? And where?) Plinking? Competitive target shooting? (What type of competition?) TEOTWAWKI?
My advice is to decide that now, and get a .22 as similar to the rifle you will use for your intended purpose .....
Hunting or GP, I'd go with a bolt action...... but then I'd probably go with a bolt gun fo just about anything but CQB (and then I'd want a short shotgun).....
There are a lot of good bolt action .22's out there. Find a gun store and check them out......
My advice is to decide that now, and get a .22 as similar to the rifle you will use for your intended purpose .....
Hunting or GP, I'd go with a bolt action...... but then I'd probably go with a bolt gun fo just about anything but CQB (and then I'd want a short shotgun).....
There are a lot of good bolt action .22's out there. Find a gun store and check them out......
I'd go with a bolt action .22lr of some sort. I think it helps you learn to appreciate each and every shot, something I would recomend with any firearm. Of course a 10/22 is a wonderful rifle and I would also recommend it highly.
The 10/22 is a semi auto rifle, and can be used in California with it's standard 10 shot removable magazine. I think you would enjoy having the 10 shots available at just the pull of a trigger, and it would be closer to what your used to having a backround in airsoft.
However, I think that makes the case for the .22lr bolt action. 1st of all they are cheaper, probably $100 less for one that will shoot just as well if not better than a 10/22. There are a lot of options for .22lr bolt rifles, some of them are single shots, others are have external removable magazines, many of them hold 10 rounds. The bolt action in it's self is fun... there is nothing like speedily working the bolt on a .22 and sending shots down range. A lot of them will have better triggers than a 10/22. And like I said before, the importance of aiming and placing each shot on target is more obvious when using a bolt action. I believe that good solid marksmanship is the first thing one should practice when first getting into firearms, and I cant think of a better way to practice that than with a .22lr bolt action rifle. And it's a ton of fun!
Besides, if you really get into it, then you can go buy a 10/22.... and a Browning Buckmark....... and a Ruger Single Six.... and Then a Shotgun... then a........................
You get my point
Good luck and Enjoy!
The 10/22 is a semi auto rifle, and can be used in California with it's standard 10 shot removable magazine. I think you would enjoy having the 10 shots available at just the pull of a trigger, and it would be closer to what your used to having a backround in airsoft.
However, I think that makes the case for the .22lr bolt action. 1st of all they are cheaper, probably $100 less for one that will shoot just as well if not better than a 10/22. There are a lot of options for .22lr bolt rifles, some of them are single shots, others are have external removable magazines, many of them hold 10 rounds. The bolt action in it's self is fun... there is nothing like speedily working the bolt on a .22 and sending shots down range. A lot of them will have better triggers than a 10/22. And like I said before, the importance of aiming and placing each shot on target is more obvious when using a bolt action. I believe that good solid marksmanship is the first thing one should practice when first getting into firearms, and I cant think of a better way to practice that than with a .22lr bolt action rifle. And it's a ton of fun!
Besides, if you really get into it, then you can go buy a 10/22.... and a Browning Buckmark....... and a Ruger Single Six.... and Then a Shotgun... then a........................
You get my point
Good luck and Enjoy!GunXpatriot
New member
Maybe I can help?
Well, there are a few I could recommend right off the bat. They arent too expensive, so you wouldn't be breaking the bank.
Semi-auto.
First (my first rifle), the Marlin 795. 125 with $25 mail in rebate. There arent many things you can do to this gun, but there are a few things available. You can get a dragunov stock, bullpup stock, etc off the top of my head. If you really dont care about customization too much, you cant go wrong. This has to be one of the best budget guns ever manufactured. We wont be able to get more than 10 rounds for these... :'(
Second, the Mossberg 702 Plinkster. Also a pretty cheap option. I really don't know much about it, but it seems to be a good rifle. Check it out. You're gonna be in the mid 100's I believe. 10 rd mag.
Third. Ruger 10/22. This isn't the most accurate gun out of the box, but it will do fantastic for most people. You can customize it to no end, there is just so many stocks, aftermarket sights, triggers and all that good stuff. The only problem (for us both) is that we live in states with high regulation. No mags bigger than 10 for us, but I beleive you can get good pre ban mags. No idea where. They are available though, this is an old gun. At my local shop, a basic model seems to go for about 200-230 bucks. Kind of expensive for what you want.
Bolt-action
Mossberg 802 Plinkster. This is the bolt-action version of the 702 plinkster. I've honestly heard nothing bad about this rifle. Seems like a good option. Again, not too knowledgable on the Mossbergs, but I'm sure this won't be more than about 175-200...
Marlin XT-22. Probably one of the best budget .22's on the market (for what it is). It seems to be extremely reliable when it comes to accuracy. For more information, check out "nutnfancy"s XT-22 video on youtube. It's worth the watch. I'll be picking one up myself soon. Looks fantastic and performs as well as it looks. My local shop has it for $225. The only thing I thought twice about was a stiff bolt. I worked it a bit in the shop, but it seems like it will loosen up quickly. A few hundred strokes before even shooting should do the job. Not that bad of a task. Looks like a good deal for a great modern looking rifle. I believe it's a 5 round mag? I think the 795 mag fits it, but in all honesty, I'm not sure. 7 rd mag.
Savage Mark II f (f being the basic Mark II model). MSRP is $214. The new models have the accutrigger, which seems promising, but to a veteran shooter, it wont make a difference. You can find a non-accu-trigger model for about $130-$150. I would recommend the accutrigger model, since you're relatively new to firearms. The Savage Mark II is a veteran in the rimfire world. It seems to be a good option and I don't think it will do you wrong. Was my original choice for a bolt until I found out about the XT-22. I beleive it's a 5 rd mag.
Verdict?
You want something relatively inexpensive. I would recommend the 795 simply because it's cheap and right now, I just dont feel like I want too much customiztion. When I do, a 10/22 will be purchased. But to start off, I would recommend the cheapest thing you can get. Now here, cheap doesn't mean crappy. The 795 is a great rifle, not only for the "price", but all around a solid gun. You can also see Nutnfancy's video about it on youtube. He hit the nail on the head with that review. As for ammo, my 795 like Federal Bulk (Value pack version) the one you can see at walmart (in a redish box). BY THE WAY, the 795 can't shoot hyper velocity, I forget what it is, but it wears out... I believe it is a plastic recoil buffer (I think it's called) is to blame. As for a bolt, I plan on getting the XT-22, but if I didn't, I'd go with savage. You said you didn't want to spend $400, but if you do spend that much, you could end up with 2 of these rifles that I mentioned and also a few thousand rounds of ammo depending on how expensive the guns you buy are.
I just hope I pointed you in the general direction of something you may want to buy. Anyway, good luck. You can message me if you need to ask anything. Again, good luck. And most importantly, have fun!
Well, there are a few I could recommend right off the bat. They arent too expensive, so you wouldn't be breaking the bank.
Semi-auto.
First (my first rifle), the Marlin 795. 125 with $25 mail in rebate. There arent many things you can do to this gun, but there are a few things available. You can get a dragunov stock, bullpup stock, etc off the top of my head. If you really dont care about customization too much, you cant go wrong. This has to be one of the best budget guns ever manufactured. We wont be able to get more than 10 rounds for these... :'(
Second, the Mossberg 702 Plinkster. Also a pretty cheap option. I really don't know much about it, but it seems to be a good rifle. Check it out. You're gonna be in the mid 100's I believe. 10 rd mag.
Third. Ruger 10/22. This isn't the most accurate gun out of the box, but it will do fantastic for most people. You can customize it to no end, there is just so many stocks, aftermarket sights, triggers and all that good stuff. The only problem (for us both) is that we live in states with high regulation. No mags bigger than 10 for us, but I beleive you can get good pre ban mags. No idea where. They are available though, this is an old gun. At my local shop, a basic model seems to go for about 200-230 bucks. Kind of expensive for what you want.
Bolt-action
Mossberg 802 Plinkster. This is the bolt-action version of the 702 plinkster. I've honestly heard nothing bad about this rifle. Seems like a good option. Again, not too knowledgable on the Mossbergs, but I'm sure this won't be more than about 175-200...
Marlin XT-22. Probably one of the best budget .22's on the market (for what it is). It seems to be extremely reliable when it comes to accuracy. For more information, check out "nutnfancy"s XT-22 video on youtube. It's worth the watch. I'll be picking one up myself soon. Looks fantastic and performs as well as it looks. My local shop has it for $225. The only thing I thought twice about was a stiff bolt. I worked it a bit in the shop, but it seems like it will loosen up quickly. A few hundred strokes before even shooting should do the job. Not that bad of a task. Looks like a good deal for a great modern looking rifle. I believe it's a 5 round mag? I think the 795 mag fits it, but in all honesty, I'm not sure. 7 rd mag.
Savage Mark II f (f being the basic Mark II model). MSRP is $214. The new models have the accutrigger, which seems promising, but to a veteran shooter, it wont make a difference. You can find a non-accu-trigger model for about $130-$150. I would recommend the accutrigger model, since you're relatively new to firearms. The Savage Mark II is a veteran in the rimfire world. It seems to be a good option and I don't think it will do you wrong. Was my original choice for a bolt until I found out about the XT-22. I beleive it's a 5 rd mag.
Verdict?
You want something relatively inexpensive. I would recommend the 795 simply because it's cheap and right now, I just dont feel like I want too much customiztion. When I do, a 10/22 will be purchased. But to start off, I would recommend the cheapest thing you can get. Now here, cheap doesn't mean crappy. The 795 is a great rifle, not only for the "price", but all around a solid gun. You can also see Nutnfancy's video about it on youtube. He hit the nail on the head with that review. As for ammo, my 795 like Federal Bulk (Value pack version) the one you can see at walmart (in a redish box). BY THE WAY, the 795 can't shoot hyper velocity, I forget what it is, but it wears out... I believe it is a plastic recoil buffer (I think it's called) is to blame. As for a bolt, I plan on getting the XT-22, but if I didn't, I'd go with savage. You said you didn't want to spend $400, but if you do spend that much, you could end up with 2 of these rifles that I mentioned and also a few thousand rounds of ammo depending on how expensive the guns you buy are.
I just hope I pointed you in the general direction of something you may want to buy. Anyway, good luck. You can message me if you need to ask anything. Again, good luck. And most importantly, have fun!
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MrDontPlay
New member
A 10/22 can be anything you want it to be, target style, hunting style or tacticool. They are a must own for sure. I have one and I'm about to buy another to build another style rifle out of it.
TheNocturnus
New member
I recently got a Mossberg 702 Plinkster. I paid $117 for it. It is a decnt gun for a very affordable price. It is a .22lr and has a 10 round magazine but there are larger ones available.
Ruger 10/22 would be my choice.
As for the Stingers you can shoot them in the regular 10/22, it's only the 10/22 Target model that they aren't recommended for.
For ammo, one of my favorite cheap rounds is the Federal 510's. I also like the Winchester Xpert bulk packs, but the majority of guns other than 10/22's I've shot them in have jammed quite often on them. So it's really just what your actual gun likes. If you want match ammo, I'd give Wolf Match ammo a try. I've found usually it and the Federal Gold Medal Match give me the best results, and the Wolf is $5-6 a box while the Federal is $15.
As for the Stingers you can shoot them in the regular 10/22, it's only the 10/22 Target model that they aren't recommended for.
For ammo, one of my favorite cheap rounds is the Federal 510's. I also like the Winchester Xpert bulk packs, but the majority of guns other than 10/22's I've shot them in have jammed quite often on them. So it's really just what your actual gun likes. If you want match ammo, I'd give Wolf Match ammo a try. I've found usually it and the Federal Gold Medal Match give me the best results, and the Wolf is $5-6 a box while the Federal is $15.
Wow...Thank you all of you. I watched nutnfancy's vid as Gun Patriot recommended and I really like the look of the XT22. Its pretty cheap, accurate and looks like a lot of fun. I also like the look of the 10/22 but bolt action just seems like a little more fun. Also, all I will be using this for is target shooting and plinking so being cheaper, I am leaning more towards the Marlin. I have been looking around at different types of ammo and I just have no idea what to look for. I know the gun is .22 and in the video, nutnfancy mentioned that he preferred the 40 grain bullet. Would this work http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/659/products_id/66126? Once again, thank you to everyone that has responded to this post.
GunXpatriot
New member
Well to be honest, I absolutely hate Remington's .22 ammo. I don't know much about the other loads besides the "golden bullet", but there's nothing golden about it. It did terribly in my 795. It looks like they took them out of the trash and wanted people to buy them so they could just continue to line their pockets with money from poorly manufactured ammunition. If your going XT-22, you wont really have too many feeding issues with a bolt-action, but even still.
I'd honestly like people to boycott Remington .22 ammo, it just looks like crap. Even if it does well in their gun, at what cost? It's so dirty I can't even tell you. Like, just go into Walmart, ask them to get the ammo out and just look at them for a second. They are dusty, dirty and their bullets are practically hanging out of the cases!? Not something I want even NEAR my gun. I was in for a surprise after I opened them... That ammo may work, but no promises. Rimfire is overly picky anyway, so nothing is guaranteed until you've tried. OH, best of all, look at this. I've only heard / seen this happening with Golden Bullets.
An occurrence like that can have potential to be catastrophic. Not likely, but anything can happen... Unfortunately, it's remington.
If you're going to try anything, try Federal. Out of the three cheapest and readily available bulk packs, Federal makes the highest quality ammo. "champion" (blue box) and ".22 value pack" (red box) are fantastic from my 795. Winchester did terribly, at least one problem with every mag... Remington sometimes two or three. If you don't try Fed, at least try Winchester.
As for higher quality ammo or novelty, try CCI Mini Mags, Velocitors, CB longs (fires off only primer compound) which kinda turns your .22 into a high powered air rifle in a way. Aguila Super Colibri (same thing), Aguila SSS (Sniper Sub Sonic) which is a large 60 grain bullet in a .22 short case which fits the .22lr. Cool novelty type of round.
I second that Wolf ammo, it's pretty good.
I'd honestly like people to boycott Remington .22 ammo, it just looks like crap. Even if it does well in their gun, at what cost? It's so dirty I can't even tell you. Like, just go into Walmart, ask them to get the ammo out and just look at them for a second. They are dusty, dirty and their bullets are practically hanging out of the cases!? Not something I want even NEAR my gun. I was in for a surprise after I opened them... That ammo may work, but no promises. Rimfire is overly picky anyway, so nothing is guaranteed until you've tried. OH, best of all, look at this. I've only heard / seen this happening with Golden Bullets.
An occurrence like that can have potential to be catastrophic. Not likely, but anything can happen... Unfortunately, it's remington.
If you're going to try anything, try Federal. Out of the three cheapest and readily available bulk packs, Federal makes the highest quality ammo. "champion" (blue box) and ".22 value pack" (red box) are fantastic from my 795. Winchester did terribly, at least one problem with every mag... Remington sometimes two or three. If you don't try Fed, at least try Winchester.
As for higher quality ammo or novelty, try CCI Mini Mags, Velocitors, CB longs (fires off only primer compound) which kinda turns your .22 into a high powered air rifle in a way. Aguila Super Colibri (same thing), Aguila SSS (Sniper Sub Sonic) which is a large 60 grain bullet in a .22 short case which fits the .22lr. Cool novelty type of round.
I second that Wolf ammo, it's pretty good.
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I've got a Mossberg 702 Plinkster that runs like a top. Shoots well too. Paid just over $100 for it at Walmart and picked up a 550 round bulk pack of Remington.
Buy a bulk pack and run it through in however long it takes. I've still got my original bulk pack from around this time last year.
Buy a bulk pack and run it through in however long it takes. I've still got my original bulk pack from around this time last year.