Where can I find my first firearm?

Question

Take note that I did say FIRST firearm, I have never fired a gun before so I want to get something very simple to get started with, easy to take apart, clean, light on the recoil, and of course Im on a budget so Im looking for something inexpensive but it cant blow up in my face either, any suggestions? I live in california, and Im eighteen so only rifles

Answer 1

You can buy a Mosin Nagant 91/30 WWII surplus rifle 7.62 x 54mm for as little as $70 at www.jgsales.com. I bought mine right there and it shoots really well.

Answer 2

If you have even a fleeting interest in Firearms, MOVE AWAY FROM CALIFORNIA AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY! The list of Cali gun laws are probably as lengthy as the LA phone book.

Answer 3

I would get a used .22 bolt action so you can work on your accuracy first.  I'm assuming you have a friend who knows  bit about guns - go hit a reputable pawn shop.  If you get a bolt action with a clip you may have to replace the clip if the spring is weak but that's cheap.

  I'm also onboard with the 10-22 great gun but learn to crawl before you walk - accuracy is alot more important than spraying a target with rounds.

  Sounds like an NRA membership might be a good suggestion too - protect your right to bear arms.

Answer 4

Go to a gun store. I would suggest a .22 bolt-action rifle for your first gun, cheap and very simple to clean.

Answer 5

You need a .22 LR caliber bolt action rifle.

As a beginner, you do not need the added complexity of a semi-automatic.  The Ruger 10/22 is one of the finest semi-autos on the market, you should consider it for your first semi-automatic rifle, not your first firearm.

Marlin, Remington, and Savage offer bolt-action rifles to meet just about any budget.  Pick the one that fits your wallet and arms.

There are several reasons why us more experienced shooters suggest starting with a .22 rifle.  

.22's are virtually recoil free, and have a very mild report (use hearing protection anyway) so they are not likely to cause you to develop a flinch.  And .22's are relatively cheap to feed.  For the price of one box of 20 centerfire rifle cartridge in most calibers, you can purchase 500 rounds of .22 LR ammo.  That is important for a beginner, because there is only one way to become a good marksman.  You have to shoot thousands of rounds in practice.

I've been shooting and hanging out with gun cranks for 40 years, and I have yet to meet a good shot who started with anything other than a .22.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Gun Cranks.

Good Shooting,

Doc

Answer 6

A HENRY LEVER ACTION .22LR. CHEAP TO SHOOT AND FUN TO SHOOT. SHOULD ONLY SET YOU BACK ABOUT $250-$275.

Answer 7

10/22? To get somthing of a larger caliber your going to be paying around $300 for one and it only goes up from there. 10/22 are relativley cheap for now. I paid $210 for mine, but it might be harder as it's a semi-auto.

To shatnerpossum: Mosins are not that bad, I'm used to my 91/30 kick and it doesn't bother me.

Answer 8

If you are on a tight budget, do not overlook a used .22.  Just becasue they are used does not mean that they are not very good guns.  Take someone with you that knows what to look for mechanically.  There are lots available at various gun shows and better prices than new.  I would look for a bolt action of some kind, since they are easier to clean and have fewer parts to control when disassembling.  Older Remingtons such as model 512 or 513 are well made and accurate.  Some do not have grooves to scope mount however.  Older Marlins  are also a good bargain.

Answer 9

Big 5 worked for me. I love my Mosin Nagant. Its a fun rifle, and you can get one for 90$.

But it does kick like a mule! It is easy to strip, clean, and its DEFINITELY on budget!

3/4 ain't bad!

Answer 10

Buy yourself a Good used single shot or new in 22 L. R.--- A new rifle doesn't shoot any better than a Good used one.* Buy used and save $$$.* Buy from an individual who wants to sell theirs or a gun shop or pawn shop.* Buy a bolt action only.*

Answer 11

I have spent hours upon hours amusing myself shooting a .22 LR rifle. Marlin model 60 is one of the least expensive quality rifles out there. Next, is the venerable Ruger 10/22. Also a semi-automatic .22LR rifle but lends itself well to customization. Take a peak at redstararms.com for some of the dress-up goodies for the 10/22.

Where to get one? Used in the newspaper classified ads, or a Gun Shop. New: Gun Shop or Wai-Mart/Discount stores...

After that the sky is the limit.