Help on picking guns for new shooters

[horatio 515]

So my family has decided to host a family reunion at a farm with lots of land, hills and streams. ( a bit of a misnomer, as we see each other all the time, but really, not the point. Anyways)

 

As I'm known as the uncle who likes guns, I'm bringing the plinking power to the place. Sadly, ALL of my nieces and nephews have zero experience with firearms. While this represents a safety issue I'm currently addressing, it also brings about another issue.

 

I don't really have any 'beginner' firearms. I first shot my brother in laws 40 beratta. I hated it and went to 1911 and loved it. Point being I don't think a rem 1911 is good for a 12 year old newb.

 

 

I'm looking for a good rifle and handgun for beginners. Would like to keep the pistol in 22lr. Really would like that. As far as the rifle, I'm open to single shot, but would like a bolt again, in 22.

 

I've never researched this a bit, so this is my starting point. Any help would be appreciated. I'd like to keep the cost under 900 plus a mag or two. Wouldn't mind hearing a suggestion on 410 or 12 single shots also, don't even know if they exist.

 

I could have 8 new firearms lovers if I do this right (parents are turds and yes, they are my sisters)

 

Help me out please. Thanks

[David Mark 2,452]

I start all new shooters with my Ruger Mk3. Being you are a 1911 man the 22/45 might be a good option for you. Either one would be great for a first timer.

 

As for the rifle there are many to choose from. I've always wanted a Henry in .22lr. Not a bolt action but the kids might like that as it has that "cowboy" look.

 

Best of luck to introducing the newcomers. If done right it can be the start of a lifelong interest.

Edited March 28, 2015 by DaveM

[patriot 7,197]

Pick up a used 10/22 to go along with a MKII or MKIII handgun. They're inexpensive and VERY fun. We ALL know that.

 

Used Rifle

 

Bolt

http://www.gunbroker.com/Bolt-Action-Rifles/BI.aspx?HasPictures=1&Condition=3&Sort=4&ca=5000011

 

Semi

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=474932385

 

Lever

http://www.gunbroker.com/Lever-Action-Rifles/BI.aspx?HasPictures=1&Condition=3&Sort=4&ca=5000011

 

Mags

http://www.midwayusa.com/find?usersearchquery=10%2f22+magazine&sortby=3&itemsperpage=100&minprice=10

 

Ammo

http://www.midwayusa.com/find?sortby=1&itemsperpage=100&newcategorydimensionid=16327&statuses=Available

 

Eye protection

http://www.midwayusa.com/find?usersearchquery=eye+protection&sortby=3&itemsperpage=100&statuses=Available

 

Ear protection

http://www.lowes.com/pd_31083-98-92059-80025_0__?productId=3102175&Ntt=ear+protection&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dear%2Bprotection&facetInfo=

Edited March 28, 2015 by patriot

[patriot 7,197]

I start all new shooters with my Ruger Mk3. Being you are a 1911 man the 22/45 might be a good option for you. Either one would be great for a first timer.

 

As for the rifle there are many to choose from. I've always wanted a Henry in .22lr. Not a bolt action but the kids might like that as it has that "cowboy" look.

 

Best of luck to introducing the newcomers. If done right it can be the start of a lifelong interest.

 

I have a '73 Winchester spaghetti clone in 22LR. LOADS of fun to shoot. Smooth, fast, and ACCURATE.

[horatio 515]

Dave thank you I will look into that tommorrow.

 

Patriot. Thank you for your input I appreciate it. I have I think 4 10/22's. they are easy to collect, aren't they?

 

I'm hoping to stay away from semi's on this trip though. I want them to understand what they are doing first.

 

Csspecs had a nice analogy on this in an old thread, ill try to find it.

[JoeAK 337]

For a rifle, I'd go for either a 10/22, or a Marlin Model 60.

 

I don't have much experience with .22 pistols, I recently shot a Single Action Army styled one that was surprisingly fun. (an RG mod.66, I wouldn't recommend it, their quality is terrible)

[horatio 515]

Thanks joe. Ill look into marlin. As far as pistol 22s I only have a mosquito that I have only used Cci mags through. I know they have problems and I plan to address that just not now. I'm still looking for a good pistol and bolt rifle for new shooters. Please help thanks

[SmilinEd 364]

Are there dairy cows at the farm...??

[JDeko 792]

First gun I ever shot was a Ruger MK.III, though honestly I think that 1911 [loaded with one round at first just in case] would be a great gun to get them to enjoy shooting. There is nothing like the snap of a .45acp to really make you feel alive. 

 

Granted I was 21 the first time I shot a gun so maybe a wee one can't handle the 1911 [i still say to try giving them a chance to shoot it loaded with just a single shot].

[XD45 7,124]

Hard to go wrong with the Ruger 22s.

[JDeko 792]

My mum really enjoyed shooting it, I was let down since I could've replicated the experience of shooting it by just shooting a cap gun. That's my issue with 22s, there is so little recoil they aren't as "fun" to shoot and might not get them "hooked" like a .45, 9mm, or maybe a .380 might. The S&W Governor loaded with .410 shot shells or an FN Five seveN would be good choices too [just going on stuff I enjoyed as a "new shooter"]

[patriot 7,197]

Here's the pistol search I forgot to add:

 

http://www.gunbroker.com/Semi-Auto-Pistols/BI.aspx?Keywords=Handgun&ca=5000011&mfg=1000240

[Mullet Man 2,114]

Get you a 17hmr bolt gun ($275ish) and put a cheap BSA sweet 17 scope on it. Accuracy plays a huge role in a first timers over all experience. The 17 is stupid accurate, low on recoil and easy to shoot. The beginners will come away with a huge smile on there face when they can easily (blindingly easy) hit bullseyes at 100yds repeatedly.

Edited March 29, 2015 by Mullet Man

[SmilinEd 364]

I would suggest a bolt rifle also with scope.

 

Have friends who live in the city, when they stop out in the summer we burn some burgers and later on do some shooting. 1st time shooters (usually girls )  I put behind my Savage Mod 93 BTVS, 22 Mag, Nikon Buckmaster 3x9. No recoil, just a tack driving MoFo at 100 yrds. I love that rifle and so do they, we usually date their target and they take home. 

 

Bolts rifles for 1st timers, keeping things simple stupid and safe. I would also suggest only one firearm within reach of the newbs, wouldn't have any others close by unless the firearms were locked up in truck or car. 1st timers no shotguns or pistols imho.

 

Anywho

 

best to you,

[Tundra1 391]

I picked up an old Stevens .22 for $60.00 at a local gun auction last year. Bolt action, single shot, ugly as sin but more accurate than I am. The kids love it and a brick goes a long way when it's one shot at a time.

 

Stevens made hoards of these little gems and they can be had for well under a bill if you look around.

 

Hard to believe a brick of the ammo costs almost as much as the rifle!

Edited March 29, 2015 by Tundra1

[forsaken352 235]

My suggestion is, if you can, find a H&R or NEF 20 gauge break action, a box of skeet, and one of those handheld skeet throwers (the pull string automatic ones seem to break them often.). There is something satisfying about making a target explode.

[Ruffian72 548]

In last year or so, acquired the Ruger's SR series for this purpose. SR22, SR9 and SR9c, along with SR45. Have short and standard length 10/22's, then AK's, add a couple 308's,  Youth Mossberg 20, then regular 12's. Family always has shooting outings, help with instruction of new shooters (adult/youth) at club/range. Couple female only group/individual instructors regularly borrow from myself and others to give a variety.

[horatio 515]

Thanks guys appreciate all the input. Ill look into the stuff suggested. I have a couple 10/22's already, and a s&w m&p 15-22, but I'd like to stay away from semi auto rifles on the first try.

 

Although, ( and a point csspecs made awhile back) it would be fun to keep having them load those crappy little 10 rounders they send with the rugers, and then after their fingers are a bit sore, give them a bx25

 

Ill keep looking, I've got a few months, but thanks again.

[patriot 7,197]

These are great for younger kids. Small. SHORT length of pull. Inexpensive, about $160 new. Decent rifles.

The short child's stock can be changed out for an adult sized stock too!

 

http://www.crickett.com

 

They even have an instructor discount program. New rifle $95.00

http://www.crickett.com/crickett_instructor.php

 

http://www.gunbroker.com/All/BI.aspx?Keywords=crickett&Sort=4

Edited March 29, 2015 by patriot

[JDeko 792]

Yeah, the mag on the MK.III is miserable to load.

[THE NEW GUY 113]

If you are looking for a 410 shotgun check out Buds gun shop they have Rossi 410's for 106.00 they are in clearance section and they are youth models . I have one my 8 yr old likes it.

[Carsner86 18]

I have a ruger sr22... the mag is fairly easy to load.(has some tabs on the side that push the follower down to make it a breeze to load.) the mag only holds 10 rounds. There is a saftey which would be beneficial in this situation. I have shot a few differnt varieties of ammo thru it. It does not like winchester bulk but does like rem golden and ccis

[nlacy 692]

my first gun was a lever action marlin .22  Love it, still have it all these years later. 

 

I've also got a Savage SVRF that I taught my son how to shoot on.  I agree about the accuracy comment.  I've also got a .22 suppressor, so no noise and no recoil makes it much less intimidating. 

[sccritterkiller 473]

You have plenty of rifle suggestions above, all are good suggestions. I would suggest a MP22 for the pistol. I have a MP 15-22 and a MP22 and my boy wears them out every chance he gets. The controls on both are similar to their bigger brothers which is great for when they progress up. Swapped my boy over to AR in 6.8 and he shot his first deer season befor last, he had no issues.

[patriot 7,197]

If you've got an AR, I'd drag that out too (minimum recoil)....especially with a 22LR kit in it.

All the kids will recognize it and go nuts....just download the mag so they don't get too nuts.

[JDeko 792]

I'd say to stay away from .38 snub nosed revolvers though if you decide to up the level of fun. The S&W .38 Bodyguard is the least fun I ever had with a gun.

[horatio 515]

Deko.

 

Stop posting in my threads please. What I shit in the toilet this morning is more interesting than anything you say.

 

Politely. Go away. My next post will not be polite.

[LuPiN8oR 333]

My vote for the pistol would go to the ruger sr22. I absolutely love that lil gun. Id also throw my hat in the ring for the ruger 10/22 but you stated you wanted a bolt gun. Honestly though what more could you ask for in a first time plinkers gun than a 10/22?

[horatio 515]

Lupin8or.

 

What can I ask more if than a 10/22? Not a damn thing. What can I ask for with two new shooters at a time(out of eight at a time ?) hopefully not an accidentally perforated bowel.

 

I'm doing my best to keep this safe- my number one goal. But I have 8 uneducated and interested shooters and zero help. My first priority is safety. I'm even hesitant to have semi auto handguns but I'm going to only give those to the ahem. Graduates. It's bolties and single shots for the rest

 

I will be looking into the sr22 pistol. I do have a ruger 10/22 sr22 rifle that was one if my early purchases. Bought it on a deal, threw it in the closet, pulled it out 3 years later and realized it was heavy as hell and had a broken safety. I know I could bitch after the fact to ruger, but I prefer to look at this as an opportunity to buy one if those drop in triggers;).

 

Hey, it's all in how you look at it.

[XD45 7,124]

Don't forget that you can always use a semi as a single shot.  No laws of nature are broken by single loading.