My first rifle should be???

marklyftogt · July 23, 2012, 12:36 AM

I have been shooting and XD9 and a 4" S&W model 66 for a while and am now getting the rifle itch. Looking for a Marlin 1894 in .357 but the older ones are hard to find.

What would be a good starter rifle for me and I am not interested in a .22.

Don't need a canon either or something that would break the bank on ammo.

Thanks.

SIGSHR · July 23, 2012, 12:48 AM

Hard to beat a good 22 for not breaking the bank on ammo, plus it's easy on the shoulder, easier to shoot indoors and the skills developed carry over to centerfire rifles. You might look for a good used Rossi Puma, I have seen complaints that the quality control on new ones is not what it should be.

mrawesome22 · July 23, 2012, 01:20 AM

Your intended ranges and targets will give us a better idea to a recommendation.

Sent from HenseMod6.

marklyftogt · July 23, 2012, 01:25 AM

I mainly plan on target shooting. 50-100 yards.

Nine the Ranger · July 23, 2012, 01:33 AM

My first rifle was a Marlin 336 30-30, it was used for around $250-300.

I've seen new ones at Wal-Mart for $400. Not sure on new quality, but mine has performed perfectly.

Rustle in the Bushes · July 23, 2012, 02:06 AM

pretty vague, but 50-100 yards helps.

Bolt- (winchester model 70, or CZ 550 for .308/30-06 rounds that are definitely manly but not crazy big. Ammo gets pricy though.

Sounds like youd be pretty happy with a cz 527 in .223. You dont want a .22, but want something thats cheap right? .223 is perfect unless you wanna go really cheap and get a 7.62x39 and shoot crummy surplus, though you wont print tight groups if thats important to you.

the rifleer · July 23, 2012, 02:15 AM

Get something fun, like a mini 14 or a sks.

riggins_83 · July 23, 2012, 02:35 AM

If you want a good plinker I'd go bolt action 223; many good inexpensive rifles such as the Savage Axis may be found in this caliber.

shaunpain · July 23, 2012, 03:50 AM

It's hard to beat a nice old surplus rifle, bolt or semi. It really depends on what you want to do. If you're interested in getting glass, I would probably look at a newer, more modular platform like a Remington 700. You can upgrade as much as your wallet permits. If you're just shooting with irons, an SKS seems like a good deal to me. They're plenty fun, feel like a ton of gun, and are cheap to feed. It's a win/win.

Hunter Customs · July 23, 2012, 08:42 AM

marklyftogt,

It sounds like you are interested in lever action guns.

You say you don't want a 22, does that rule out all rimfire cartridges?
If not maybe a Henry lever gun in 17HMR.

If it has to be a centerfire rifle, as others have suggested a bolt gun in 223 would be a good choice.

Best Regards
Bob Hunter

Edward429451 · July 23, 2012, 01:09 PM

You're on the right track. Keep looking for a lever action 357/38 rifle. It will fill all the requirements that you want and levers are a hoot to shoot.

tahunua001 · July 23, 2012, 01:39 PM

a 357 carbine is quiet, light and pretty accurate out to 100 yards. however the 1894 in 357 is one of the hardest leverguns to locate these days. I have been looking for one off and on for about 2 years now and none of my LGS ever have them. if you are dead set on a levergun you might be able to compromise on the caliber and get the marlin 336 in 30-30. it has about the same capabilities as the 357 in the ranges you specified and does a little better out past that. it's not a super loud round but it is louder than 357 and has a bit more recoil but still within a reasonable amount for a starter rifle. last I checked ammo was about the same cost between the two but the 336 generally costs half of what the 1894 does and is a lot easier to find.

AC 45-70 · July 24, 2012, 12:26 AM

M44 for the cheap surplus rounds. Its also good past 100 yards.

trg42wraglefragle · July 24, 2012, 12:36 AM

Target shooting for groups or steel targets and the like?

Why wouldn't you want a 22?

Edward429451 · July 24, 2012, 02:17 PM

I can think of a couple reasons. Increased stopping power in case he might decide to do something else except target shoot, and cost. Perhaps he reloads and 38 Special can be reloaded for about 1/2 the cost of decent 22 ammo.

tahunua001 · July 24, 2012, 02:36 PM

Quote:

M44 for the cheap surplus rounds. Its also good past 100 yards.

let's see, heavy trigger, kicks like a mule, blows out everyone's eardrums in a 1/4 mile radius, 4 MOA with a good bore, and requires a 2x4 to open the bolt after each shot... but it's got a flip up bayonet so it's pretty much awesome.

the M44 is a good gun for someone that needs a cheap shooter but it's a horrible choice for a first time rifle buyer.

RedBowTies88 · July 24, 2012, 03:01 PM

Quote:

the M44 is a good gun for someone that needs a cheap shooter but it's a horrible choice for a first time rifle buyer.

I whole heardly disagree with this. Sure its not the most practical but the sheer awesomeness of the even that occours when you pull the trigger will make you smile every time. That will leave you wanting more and more.

fun starter rifles on the relitavely cheap

91/30 and m44
sks
ak variant.

chris in va · July 24, 2012, 03:23 PM

If you're gonna do rested target shooting, a levergun might not be the best tool. Something like a bolt action 223 would work better. Low recoil, accurate.

Of course I'm going to throw in a CMP Garand, just because.

tahunua001 · July 24, 2012, 04:00 PM

Quote:

I whole heardly disagree with this. Sure its not the most practical but the sheer awesomeness of the even that occours when you pull the trigger will make you smile every time. That will leave you wanting more and more.

bruised shoulders and ringing ears is how new shooters develop a flinch, the M44 makes even the most seasoned milsurp shooters cry and rub their shoulders for a few days. that is not the way to learn to shoot a rifle.

Caliber · July 24, 2012, 08:32 PM

how about a S&W m&P ar-15 for about $650 ?

Caliber · July 24, 2012, 08:33 PM

or an AK-47 for about $450+ and you can get bulk ammo deals from pretty much worldwide

Nathan · July 24, 2012, 08:56 PM

Not sure if this is a best choice, but lots of people like a 17 HMR.

For 50 - 100 yd shooting at paper, any round and action type will be fine.

For cheap ammo, 223, 17 HMr and 22 lr come to mind. 308, while slightly more is a great round. A 357mag rifle would be common to your revolver.

What are your rifle shooting goals, dreams.

jackpine · July 24, 2012, 11:53 PM

get an NEF rifle in 223 and then send it in to get a 357 barrel fit to it. Add a scope on each and shoot stuff.

marklyftogt · July 25, 2012, 12:29 AM

like that idea jackpine...i will check on that.
I really don't want another caliber to reload so 357 is a good idea.

**44 AMP** · July 25, 2012, 09:35 PM

Even though you aren't "interested" in a .22LR, its the best thing to start with. Gets you trained on rifles, cheapest to shoot, and tons of fun.

Sell it later if/when you get bored.

Although its just a "popgun" its a real rifle, and everything you need to learn about rifle shooting (except how to manage recoil) you can learn, and learn well from a .22

Also, shooting 500 times for $20 is (for me, anyway) better than shooting 20 times.

One thing, begining shooting with a hard kicking rifle is counter productive. You can do it, but it makes the learning curve really steep, and if you develope a flinch problem, it can be tough to cure.

July 23, 2012, 12:36 AM	#1
marklyftogt Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2012 Location: Salinas, CA Posts: 133	My first rifle should be??? I have been shooting and XD9 and a 4" S&W model 66 for a while and am now getting the rifle itch. Looking for a Marlin 1894 in .357 but the older ones are hard to find. What would be a good starter rifle for me and I am not interested in a .22. Don't need a canon either or something that would break the bank on ammo. Thanks.

July 23, 2012, 01:33 AM	#5
Nine the Ranger Senior Member Join Date: June 22, 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 171	My first rifle was a Marlin 336 30-30, it was used for around $250-300. I've seen new ones at Wal-Mart for $400. Not sure on new quality, but mine has performed perfectly. __________________ 'A Vote is like a Rifle; It's usefulness depends upon the character of the User.'-Theodore Roosevelt 'In a Man to Man fight, the Winner is He who has one more round in his magazine.'-Erwin Rommel

July 23, 2012, 02:15 AM	#7
the rifleer Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2008 Location: Sunny California Posts: 1,209	Get something fun, like a mini 14 or a sks. __________________ There is no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid people.

July 23, 2012, 02:35 AM	#8
riggins_83 Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2009 Location: Wherever I may roam Posts: 1,456	If you want a good plinker I'd go bolt action 223; many good inexpensive rifles such as the Savage Axis may be found in this caliber. __________________ l've heard police work is dangerous. Yes, that's why l carry a big gun. Couldn't it go off accidentally? l used to have that problem. What did you do about it? l just think about baseball. -Leslie Nielsen

July 23, 2012, 03:50 AM	#9
shaunpain Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2008 Location: Chicago Posts: 437	It's hard to beat a nice old surplus rifle, bolt or semi. It really depends on what you want to do. If you're interested in getting glass, I would probably look at a newer, more modular platform like a Remington 700. You can upgrade as much as your wallet permits. If you're just shooting with irons, an SKS seems like a good deal to me. They're plenty fun, feel like a ton of gun, and are cheap to feed. It's a win/win. __________________ "Shut up, crime!"

July 23, 2012, 12:48 AM	#2
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 2,625	Hard to beat a good 22 for not breaking the bank on ammo, plus it's easy on the shoulder, easier to shoot indoors and the skills developed carry over to centerfire rifles. You might look for a good used Rossi Puma, I have seen complaints that the quality control on new ones is not what it should be.

July 23, 2012, 01:20 AM	#3
mrawesome22 Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2005 Location: Ohio, Appalachia's foothills. Posts: 3,779	Your intended ranges and targets will give us a better idea to a recommendation. Sent from HenseMod6.

July 23, 2012, 01:25 AM	#4
marklyftogt Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2012 Location: Salinas, CA Posts: 133	I mainly plan on target shooting. 50-100 yards.

July 23, 2012, 02:06 AM	#6
Rustle in the Bushes Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2011 Location: Canada- West Posts: 174	pretty vague, but 50-100 yards helps. Bolt- (winchester model 70, or CZ 550 for .308/30-06 rounds that are definitely manly but not crazy big. Ammo gets pricy though. Sounds like youd be pretty happy with a cz 527 in .223. You dont want a .22, but want something thats cheap right? .223 is perfect unless you wanna go really cheap and get a 7.62x39 and shoot crummy surplus, though you wont print tight groups if thats important to you.

July 23, 2012, 08:42 AM	#10
Hunter Customs Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2005 Location: Osborn, Missouri Posts: 1,279	marklyftogt, It sounds like you are interested in lever action guns. You say you don't want a 22, does that rule out all rimfire cartridges? If not maybe a Henry lever gun in 17HMR. If it has to be a centerfire rifle, as others have suggested a bolt gun in 223 would be a good choice. Best Regards Bob Hunter

July 23, 2012, 01:09 PM	#11
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,496	You're on the right track. Keep looking for a lever action 357/38 rifle. It will fill all the requirements that you want and levers are a hoot to shoot.

July 23, 2012, 01:39 PM	#12
tahunua001 Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 3,769	a 357 carbine is quiet, light and pretty accurate out to 100 yards. however the 1894 in 357 is one of the hardest leverguns to locate these days. I have been looking for one off and on for about 2 years now and none of my LGS ever have them. if you are dead set on a levergun you might be able to compromise on the caliber and get the marlin 336 in 30-30. it has about the same capabilities as the 357 in the ranges you specified and does a little better out past that. it's not a super loud round but it is louder than 357 and has a bit more recoil but still within a reasonable amount for a starter rifle. last I checked ammo was about the same cost between the two but the 336 generally costs half of what the 1894 does and is a lot easier to find. __________________ all guns lost in a tragic smelting accident. I never said half the crap people said I did-Albert Einstein You can't believe everything you read on the internet-Benjamin Franklin Bean counters told me I couldn't fire a man for being in a wheelchair, did it anyway. Ramps are expensive.-Cave Johnson.

July 24, 2012, 12:26 AM	#13
AC 45-70 Member Join Date: July 18, 2012 Posts: 28	M44 for the cheap surplus rounds. Its also good past 100 yards.

July 24, 2012, 12:36 AM	#14
trg42wraglefragle Senior Member Join Date: April 21, 2008 Location: new zealand Posts: 638	Target shooting for groups or steel targets and the like? Why wouldn't you want a 22?

July 24, 2012, 02:17 PM	#15
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,496	I can think of a couple reasons. Increased stopping power in case he might decide to do something else except target shoot, and cost. Perhaps he reloads and 38 Special can be reloaded for about 1/2 the cost of decent 22 ammo.

July 24, 2012, 03:23 PM	#18
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 11,723	If you're gonna do rested target shooting, a levergun might not be the best tool. Something like a bolt action 223 would work better. Low recoil, accurate. Of course I'm going to throw in a CMP Garand, just because.

July 24, 2012, 08:32 PM	#20
Caliber Member Join Date: January 30, 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 45	how about a S&W m&P ar-15 for about $650 ?

July 24, 2012, 08:33 PM	#21
Caliber Member Join Date: January 30, 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 45	or an AK-47 for about $450+ and you can get bulk ammo deals from pretty much worldwide

July 24, 2012, 08:56 PM	#22
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 1,382	Not sure if this is a best choice, but lots of people like a 17 HMR. For 50 - 100 yd shooting at paper, any round and action type will be fine. For cheap ammo, 223, 17 HMr and 22 lr come to mind. 308, while slightly more is a great round. A 357mag rifle would be common to your revolver. What are your rifle shooting goals, dreams.

July 24, 2012, 11:53 PM	#23
jackpine Senior Member Join Date: November 24, 2010 Posts: 297	get an NEF rifle in 223 and then send it in to get a 357 barrel fit to it. Add a scope on each and shoot stuff.

July 25, 2012, 12:29 AM	#24
marklyftogt Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2012 Location: Salinas, CA Posts: 133	like that idea jackpine...i will check on that. I really don't want another caliber to reload so 357 is a good idea.

July 25, 2012, 09:35 PM	#25
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 9,041	Even though you aren't "interested" in a .22LR, its the best thing to start with. Gets you trained on rifles, cheapest to shoot, and tons of fun. Sell it later if/when you get bored. Although its just a "popgun" its a real rifle, and everything you need to learn about rifle shooting (except how to manage recoil) you can learn, and learn well from a .22 Also, shooting 500 times for $20 is (for me, anyway) better than shooting 20 times. One thing, begining shooting with a hard kicking rifle is counter productive. You can do it, but it makes the learning curve really steep, and if you develope a flinch problem, it can be tough to cure. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.