That's a great question actually!! A lot of people jump in head first going for the "biggest and best" and then are very disappointed as they have an expensive rifle, that takes expensive ammo and kicks too hard for them to be accurate and comfortable shooting it. Great job trying to do some research!
If you can't find a range that loans guns, your best bet is to buy a cheap .22lr (say Marlin 60 or Ruger 10/22--should be less than $200.. buy used if you can and it will be even cheaper), go to a range and start up a conversation with the people around you letting them know you are new the firearms world and am just trying to learn some of the basics. You'll meet the nicest people at gun ranges. And most people love to show off their rifle and tell you how great it is and will usually let you take a few shots. I guess it makes them feel better about their purchases and themselves
And then get some actual instruction on how to shoot.. don't learn bad habits right off the bat. It's easier to learn right first then to learn wrong and have to break habbits. Find and Appleseedpe or an NRA event (I think they do this kind of stuff) in your area and learn the basics.