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Decisions, decisions: a fork in the road

8K views 81 replies 33 participants last post by  JoeSalerno117 
#1 ·
I'm in a situation now where I really don't know what to do. As I'll be turning 18 soon, I'm glad I'll have the ability to purchase my first firearm, but there's a few catches. (Warning, this may turn into a stream of consciousness) First off, I live in Commufornia, and don't want a "bastardized" gun for lack of a better term. This, for the most part, leaves me with rimfires, lever, bolt, and pump action guns. I already do most of my shooting at private property, but I don't think any kind of shotgun would really be appropriate there. When it comes to quality lever action or bolt action rifles, they can cost a pretty penny (not to mention the ammo) and I'm only in the market for +-$500. Additionally, looking at rimfires, I'm stuck in that mentality of "just a .22" despite the fact they've proven perfectly functional and economical. Finally, I considered another option, reloading. Seeing as how I do most of my shooting on an AR15, I figured it may not be a bad idea to invest in some reloading equipment, as it would be nice now and help in the long run when I get into some pricier ammo. I'm kind of all over the place, so any opinions, thoughts, advice, or recommendations are welcome. Sorry for the long post, just had to get it off my mind. Thanks in advance
 
#2 ·
Is a used firearm an option for you? There should be piles of good, used lever rifles out there in your price range as well as rimfires.

Whatever you decide get something you like and will enjoy, keeping in mind your tastes will probably change over the years.
 
#8 · (Edited by Moderator)
I've considered buying used, but if I do, I'd like some sort of military surplus such as the mosin that seems to have made it into every closet in America. My main deal with used is I have NO IDEA what to look for in condition besides making sure stocks aren't fractured anywhere.

First, Welcome to the Forum! Reloading won't save you any money. Any money you think you might save will just be shot up, as we all know. Reloading just allows you to shoot more! You say that most of your shooting is done with an AR, so stick with that platform. You can buy an AR in the price range you want to stay with, but you will have to shop. Then later on you may want to get into reloading so you can shoot more.
Since the AR I shoot now will be mine soon, should I just put the money into that gun? Put a new upper, trigger, stuff like that?

For semi-autos there are still a couple of viable options available here in CA. Ruger Mini 14's and mini 30's are still legal, they are super reliable and the fun factor is high. You can also get a Springfield Armory M1A1 if you want a heavier caliber gun.

To really learn to shoot, I recommend a bolt action. Tons of good choices in any caliber and at any price range. Simple to operate, generally very accurate (can't say that about many semi-autos).
I've looked into those guns, but their price tag is just about double what I can spend. It's possible I may see some extra cash come in for my birthday, but I doubt I can count on another $500. If you only had $500-$700 and wanted a cheaper caliber, what brand, caliber, or even model, would you choose?

I would always recommend a 22lr for a 1st gun. The Ruger 10-22 is a great 1st gun.
My only hesitation with Rim fire is the private property I go shooting on has been known to house mountain lions and coyotes. I know when I go out with my AR15, should I have to, I can take one down. Would a .22 be able to do that? What about a .17? I've seen those things have a bit more of a bite for the size.
 
#5 ·
First, Welcome to the Forum! Reloading won't save you any money. Any money you think you might save will just be shot up, as we all know. Reloading just allows you to shoot more! You say that most of your shooting is done with an AR, so stick with that platform. You can buy an AR in the price range you want to stay with, but you will have to shop. Then later on you may want to get into reloading so you can shoot more.
 
#7 ·
For semi-autos there are still a couple of viable options available here in CA. Ruger Mini 14's and mini 30's are still legal, they are super reliable and the fun factor is high. You can also get a Springfield Armory M1A1 if you want a heavier caliber gun.

To really learn to shoot, I recommend a bolt action. Tons of good choices in any caliber and at any price range. Simple to operate, generally very accurate (can't say that about many semi-autos).
 
#73 ·
For semi-autos there are still a couple of viable options available here in CA. Ruger Mini 14's and mini 30's are still legal, they are super reliable and the fun factor is high. You can also get a Springfield Armory M1A1 if you want a heavier caliber gun.

To really learn to shoot, I recommend a bolt action. Tons of good choices in any caliber and at any price range. Simple to operate, generally very accurate (can't say that about many semi-autos).
I'll second the Mini-14 or Rancher as they are called around here. Fun to shoot, accurate out of the box, reliable and reasonable in price. Also shoots Rem 223 or 5.56 ammo.
 
#9 ·
Would a .22 be able to do that? What about a .17? I've seen those things have a bit more of a bite for the size.
Picture this: a deranged madman swinging a machete is charging with the intention of separating your head from the rest of you. What would you feel more comfortable with, an AR-15 or a zippy rimfire? I've seen - actually more heard than seen - cats in northern Idaho, and if all I had was my 10/22 then I'd have to play the hand I was dealt, but I'd much prefer to have my 870 Police Gun loaded with 3" Mag 00 Buck.
 
#11 ·
Will a 22 kill a lion? Absolutely. Lion hunters routinely have their dogs tree a lion, and then shoot it with a 22 pistol.

Will a 22 stop a charging lion? I'd hate to have to find out.

You said you're in Californy, and don't want a bastardized gun, and then talk about an AR, which is about the most bastardized gun in the state. I be puzzled.

If it was me, and I was looking for a gun that was fun to shoot, that I could afford to shoot, that the state wasn't likely to outlaw next week, that wasn't a wimpy 22, and stood a chance of stopping an annoyed lion - I'd look hard at a "pistol-caliber" lever. Probably a 357, for the ammo price. You can feed them 38s, and a standard 38 158 SWC out of a 20" barrel is pretty impressive.
 
#17 ·
Ruger American in any standard caliber. 22-250, 243, 270, 30-06/308. Around here they are going for around $350 and shoot way above their cost. You can get them standard, or in ranch or predator versions. (Short or long)

I myself, would recommend a .308win. Plenty power for anything in North America, low enough recoil to be fun to shoot, can buy surplus and steel cased ammo for cheap, or any kind of hunting ammo for reasonable, plus plenty of higher end match ammo as well. Proven gun in a proven caliber and with your budget of $500- $700 you could buy the gun, a good scope, and a big chunk of ammo in diff flavors.
 
#20 · (Edited by Moderator)
Ruger American in any standard caliber. 22-250, 243, 270, 30-06/308. Around here they are going for around $350 and shoot way above their cost. You can get them standard, or in ranch or predator versions. (Short or long)

I myself, would recommend a .308win. Plenty power for anything in North America, low enough recoil to be fun to shoot, can buy surplus and steel cased ammo for cheap, or any kind of hunting ammo for reasonable, plus plenty of higher end match ammo as well. Proven gun in a proven caliber and with your budget of $500- $700 you could buy the gun, a good scope, and a big chunk of ammo in diff flavors.
It looks like the MSRP on those rifles is just under $500, so I'll have to check what my local shop has. Definitely looks like a contender though

Will a 22 kill a lion? Absolutely. Lion hunters routinely have their dogs tree a lion, and then shoot it with a 22 pistol.

Will a 22 stop a charging lion? I'd hate to have to find out.

You said you're in Californy, and don't want a bastardized gun, and then talk about an AR, which is about the most bastardized gun in the state. I be puzzled.

If it was me, and I was looking for a gun that was fun to shoot, that I could afford to shoot, that the state wasn't likely to outlaw next week, that wasn't a wimpy 22, and stood a chance of stopping an annoyed lion - I'd look hard at a "pistol-caliber" lever. Probably a 357, for the ammo price. You can feed them 38s, and a standard 38 158 SWC out of a 20" barrel is pretty impressive.
That sounds perfect, do you know any models in particular that take .357/38s off the top of your head?

Wait for Alpo's response. But I know that Marlin makes the .357, .44 mag, and the .45 LC in lever guns. All under $500. The .357 will shoot .38's, and the .44 mag will shoot .44 special. I have the .44 mag.
On Marlin's website I didn't see anything for .357/s8s, only 30-30, 35R, 44mag, and 45-70. Is the model your talking about discontinued?
 
#18 ·
Everybody needs a .22LR. Don't get the first cheapie you see, though. Try to get one that you will enjoy for many years to come. The ammo is cheap enough to allow you to shoot a lot.

Skip reloading, especially if you're on a budget. That doesn't save as much as you might think after you add in all the equipment and supplies. If you ever get to shooting 500 rounds of centerfire ammo per week, then reload.
 
#53 ·
Everybody needs a .22LR. Don't get the first cheapie you see, though. Try to get one that you will enjoy for many years to come. The ammo is cheap enough to allow you to shoot a lot.
Agreed. A nice 22lr is a must. A Savage MKII is an excellent, accurate rifle and should leave enough cash to buy another firearm. If not, you'll have a very good start to pay for your second firearm.
 
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#21 ·
I've got two Winchester 92s. Winchester is outa your price range.
Gun Firearm Rifle Trigger Shotgun


Got a Browning (the little one). Also outa your price range.
Gun Firearm Rifle Trigger Shotgun


And got five Rossi. 357 (top), 45 Colt (big loop)

Gun Firearm Trigger Rifle Shotgun

44/40 (both of them)

Gun Firearm Rifle Shotgun Trigger


And 44 magnum.

Gun Firearm Trigger Rifle Shotgun


All are the John Browning design, and they just don't come no better.

Rossi, in my opinion, would be the way to go. The only advantage Marlin has is it's a side eject, so it's easy to scope.

Rossi fits your price range new, and in California (the home of cowboy shooting) used ones should be pretty available. I've seen used in the 400 range.
 
#31 ·
I've got two Winchester 92s. Winchester is outa your price range.
View attachment 124328

Got a Browning (the little one). Also outa your price range.
View attachment 124329

And got five Rossi. 357 (top), 45 Colt (big loop)

View attachment 124330
44/40 (both of them)

View attachment 124331

And 44 magnum.

View attachment 124332

All are the John Browning design, and they just don't come no better.

Rossi, in my opinion, would be the way to go. The only advantage Marlin has is it's a side eject, so it's easy to scope.

Rossi fits your price range new, and in California (the home of cowboy shooting) used ones should be pretty available. I've seen used in the 400 range.
Nice collection of levers, Alpo. Love the winchester '92s. Yea i'd would say they are out of his price range.:rolleyes:
 
#23 ·
Ya like to go shooting but not a hunter. Seem's like the lion's and coyote's where you shoot concern you, they shouldn't. They will most likely see you first and you will never see them close enough to shoot. A rabid coyote might attack you. Or, attack's by lion's are not unheard of. The chance's of it though are unbelievably remote! Get a gun to have fun with. Who knows you might try rabbit hunting, not a whole lot better than a 22 for that, shotgun maybe. Problem with a shotgun it's real limited on range and it shoot's pattern's. 22 or 22 mag would be what I'd look for. Lot cheaper ammo that any centerfire gun, shoot's group's, fine for small game if you do decided to give it a go. Thinking about it, might be easier to find 22 ammo than 22 mag. My son got one of those 17's and I was with him one time when he got a box of ammo. I don't remember the cost but it was outrageous! There are a lot of good and relatively inexpensive 22, around in bolt and semi auto. Few lever's but I'm not sure they are in your price range and might still be a pump 22 around. Other than the Ruger 10/22 there is the Marlin mod 60. You might see it called the Glenfield mod 60, same gun.

If you want protection, you don't want a 22. If you want to shoot a lot, you don't want a centerfire, ammo cost is way to high compared to 22.
 
#24 ·
Looking at what you guys have recommended so far, I think a Savage Axis, Ruger American, or If I can work a little magic and get some extra dough, a Ruger mini-14 would be perfect. Earlier somebody mentioned buying used. Would that be something to consider? By used, I don't mean modern used, I mean surplus used, like a mosin, lee enfield, something like that. If I were to get a lever, I would want a .357, but those seem to be a bit pricey in the 7-8 hundreds.
 
#27 ·
.. I mean surplus used, like a mosin, lee enfield, something like that.
That would not be my first choice. Of course, it really depends on what kind of shooting you want to do.

I can't think of what kind of shooting you would do where either one of those military rifles would be a good choice.

If you're a hunter, then maybe, but getting hunting accuracy out of an old military rifle is more work than I would want to go through.

It might seem affordable right off the bat, but pretty soon you will want to start reloading, and that can run into some money.

If military-style competition shooting is what your'e interested in, then why not go for an AR15?

.357 is a revolver cartridge, and yes, some rifles are chambered in .357, but in a rifle it is on the under-powered end.

So what kind of shooting do you want to do?
 
#25 ·
I wouldn't recommend the Ruger Mini-14, I've had two of them and at best they're about 6" guns at 100 yards. Around here you can almost buy two AR-15s for what the Mini-14 costs. If you're just starting out in the shooting world, you don't want something that may or may not hit a dinner plate at 100 yards. Don't be afraid to buy second hand, most people get rid of them because they've lost interest in it, there are some bargains out there.
 
#36 ·
Your not burdening anyone here. These kind folks are glad to help!

As far as the Ruger American, they have been hard to beat and everyone ive seen comment on them has just helped to build up their rep.

I seen one guy say something about how high priced the 17hmr is, i believe he was confused about which .17 because they are right there with 22wmr. Just not what i believe your looking for right now. Now the 357mag carbine would be alright. A lil less power than 30-30Win.

I would still lean more toward the .308win for it being as powerful as it is for such little recoil and has ammo out there for any type shooting you decide to do with it. I would buy myself a good bolt gun like that RA and practice while you figure out what direction your shooting spirit leads you and what floats your boat the most. Wether you wanna get into military rifles, lever guns, pistol carbines, rimfire etc. No matter which way you go from there you still have that good cheap shooting rifle to cover several diff bases with so hard to go wrong that way. Good luck with your decision.
 
#37 ·
Perhaps the 22lr should be reconsidered they can be darn accurate and a ton of fun. Just think, you can pick up a brick of 500 of ammo for about $30, that can keep you and a friend plinking all day, :cool: you could play target games like battle ship or darts, because 22lr is really that accurate. Targets can be printed off of the internet, or made from any old thing that you want to shoot.


Or you could pick up some other caliber and pay$0.40 per shot! or more!! do you really want to spend $1.00+ per every trigger pull :eek:

With 22 rifle and a hunting license you could even hunt squirrels, rabbit, ground hogs and more, once you can hit a squirrel you could probably hit just about anything. ;)
 
#43 · (Edited by Moderator)
Perhaps the 22lr should be reconsidered they can be darn accurate and a ton of fun. Just think, you can pick up a brick of 500 of ammo for about $30, that can keep you and a friend plinking all day, :cool: you could play target games like battle ship or darts, because 22lr is really that accurate. Targets can be printed off of the internet, or made from any old thing that you want to shoot.

Or you could pick up some other caliber and pay$0.40 per shot! or more!! do you really want to spend $1.00+ per every trigger pull :eek:

With 22 rifle and a hunting license you could even hunt squirrels, rabbit, ground hogs and more, once you can hit a squirrel you could probably hit just about anything. ;)
The economic aspects of a .22 make so much sense, but the one time I went out with my friends shooting a 10/22 I couldn't help but feel like I was just shooting an airsoft gun. That's why I started considering pistol caliber carbines, but it was incredibly difficult finding a non bastardized PCC.

If want a used gun, my advice is to buy from a reputable shop. Shops don't want to sell you something that's going to get them sued, so they'll usually try to go over it before trying to sell it (at least the shops I go to) but if you find one you like take lots of pictures of it and post them and we'll tell you what we think. My first gun was a .22 and it did all I could've wanted. Here in my county .22 LR has killed more deer than any other caliber, possibly more than all others combined, so don't discount the power of that diminutive round just yet. Plus comparatively speaking the ammo is cheaper than you'd think, and you will burn through it quicker than you think. If you found a good rifle, maybe you could look into a handgun after?

Welcome to the forum!
You can bet the day I turn 21 is the day I get my first handgun! That sounds like good advice, I'll see if I can get around today and look at some of the local shops at their used guns.
 
#38 ·
You're concerned about used rifles due to a lack of knowledge yet you'd consider a Moisin? That doesn't make a lot of sense. They're probably the most used, abused mil-surp rifles available save perhaps some Arisaka's.
 
#41 ·
If want a used gun, my advice is to buy from a reputable shop. Shops don't want to sell you something that's going to get them sued, so they'll usually try to go over it before trying to sell it (at least the shops I go to) but if you find one you like take lots of pictures of it and post them and we'll tell you what we think. My first gun was a .22 and it did all I could've wanted. Here in my county .22 LR has killed more deer than any other caliber, possibly more than all others combined, so don't discount the power of that diminutive round just yet. Plus comparatively speaking the ammo is cheaper than you'd think, and you will burn through it quicker than you think. If you found a good rifle, maybe you could look into a handgun after?

Welcome to the forum!
 
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#44 ·
So you want to be a shooter. What kind?
It sounds like you don't hunt, and don't want to play rambo tacticool self defense all day. I like what I'm reading. You're thinking about the use. I'm guessing LEARNING and FUN is your target? Don't get another rifle ! Sounds like you already made up your mind.

You have an AR rifle.
You need a handgun.

You can learn and practice anything a rifle can do with that AR. Tons of accessories.

Shooting handguns is much more challenging than shooting rifles. You will learn much more about trigger control, sight picture, breathing, and shooting with a handgun. If you learn to shoot a handgun, shooting rifles feels like cheating.

I hesitate to write "every shooter", but I believe every shooter has a 22. The big 4 criteria for a great handgun are all met: accurate, least expensive, quietest, lowest recoil. This is THE platform to learn on and shoot the rest of your life.

Older 22 handguns like Ruger single six or Mark II, S&W 17 or 18, Browning buckmark, Colt woodsman, Hi Standard all offer great 22s in your price range ($300-$700).
Most of us would take any one of those as a first gun and grin all day long.

If you shoot moderately often, monthly or more, ammo will cost you more than the gun within a short time.
If $.50 a round and you shoot 100 rounds a month. In 10 months, you have equaled the cost of the gun.
If a 22 and $.05 a round, it will take over 8 years to equal the cost of the gun. It doesn't really work like this because you will shoot 3 times as much with a 22 versus a center fire.

I believe in buying the best gun possible, not the best priced. The gun you will have for a lifetime deserves your cash more than the ammo. Wait, save and/or borrow if need be, but buy the lifetime piece that fits your hand and style of shooting. Cry once.

Every shooter has exactly the same old story. That first handgun he bought. More tears have been shed over losing it than have flowed over Niagara Falls. Make your story worthy of a lifelong obsession.

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#47 ·
So you want to be a shooter. What kind?
It sounds like you don't hunt, and don't want to play rambo tacticool self defense all day. I like what I'm reading. You're thinking about the use. I'm guessing LEARNING and FUN is your target? Don't get another rifle ! Sounds like you already made up your mind.

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You pretty much nailed it (although one day I do hope to own a few handcannons). Right now it's mostly matter of weak and cheap ammo or around $1/round with some power. Although Monday I will be doing the rounds at some of the local shops to see what they have in stock.
 
#45 ·
I just lost a giant post on buying a handgun (site hiccup).

I just figured out that the OP can not buy a handgun in California because he's not 21. So the lost post worked out.

Switch gears. Buy 22 for price, quiet, recoil. You said you shot on private property; owners and neighbors will appreciate the 22. Not so much the big bores.
10X more shooting with 22. The AR takes care of all the other needs.

Wait for that 21st birthday and celebrate with a S&W 17.
Greatest "First HandGun" story there ever was.

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#48 ·
Have you ever shot a 22lr semiautomatic rifle? I have two browning 22-sa takedown and I love them! Dead accurate and a ton of fun. 10 shots as quickly as you can pull the trigger 10 times. Browning has made the gun for over 100 years, it is a beautiful little number. Plus it brakes down in half so it is easy to carry I take mine to the range right on the back of my motorcycle and no one knows it is a gun. I have taken it after the range out to lunch brought the case right into chill's no one questioned it at all. Because it dose not look like a gun case.
 
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#49 ·
Yeah, I've shot my friends 10/22 before and I couldn't help but feel like I was just shooting a gas powered airsoft gun. I started looking at 9mm that would be CA legal that aren't cut up ARs and it looks like the Chiappa m1 and possibly a soumi m31 would work. Although I'm not a huge .22 fan, I'd love a 9mm. If you know any 9mms that are essentially in traditional rifle stocks, please share.
 
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