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Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? #7321618 10/21/18 03:11 PM
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Looking for advice: I am a female that is wanting to learn to hunt. I have no relatives or friends that hunt so I don't have anyone to ask. I would like to get some recommendations for a beginner rifle. I have looked online for articles on "top beginner small game rifles" but overall, I just feel really overwhelmed. I did speak to the gun department at Academy and Gander Outdoors as well but I didn't really know what questions to ask.

So - I am looking at the Ruger 10/22 rifle - either bolt action or semi. What would you recommend? I want to start off with small game (rabbits, squirrels) before I move up to hogs or deer. Is there a better more universal gun that I could get that would easily do both or should I have a small game rifle and then get a large rifle for when/if I want to hunt deer?

What other rifles should I look into? Just looking for some good advice. Sorry if this topic has been covered already - I searched on this forum but had trouble finding this exact answer.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: MUTTMUTT1] #7321622 10/21/18 03:14 PM
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Ruger 10/22 semi for small game.

Then a Savage .243 for deer and hogs.

Welcome!

Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: MUTTMUTT1] #7321624 10/21/18 03:15 PM
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welcome....22 is a good choice to start with, ammo is cheap, should shoot as much as you can (targets) scope might be something to think about, try to find some one (not clerks @ the box stores) to ask for advice, maybe local gun shop, friends at work ect.


hold on Newt, we got a runaway
Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: MUTTMUTT1] #7321669 10/21/18 04:11 PM
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Welcome.

Yes, start with a .22 rim fire, with iron sights. I recommend a bolt action, so that it will build in the muscle memory of cycling, that will carry over to a center fire rifle. Later, you could add a scope of you chose to.

Once it is time for a center fire rifle what would your budget be?


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Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: MUTTMUTT1] #7321710 10/21/18 04:44 PM
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When you are ready for a deer rifle I would suggest the Savage "AXIS" rifle at Academy. It comes equipped with a 3X9 Weaver scope and sells for $279.95
The 6.5 mm Creedmoor is a "state of the art" caliber and has a modest amount of recoil.


Old age and treachery beats youth and stupid every time!
Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: MUTTMUTT1] #7321733 10/21/18 05:05 PM
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welcome




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Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: MUTTMUTT1] #7321734 10/21/18 05:11 PM
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Welcome

A .22 is a good first choice

And don’t get Savage they mostly suck

Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: Brother in-law] #7321778 10/21/18 06:02 PM
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Originally Posted By: Brother in-law
Welcome

A .22 is a good first choice

And don’t get Savage they mostly suck


A guy brought out a Ruger American two weeks ago. He wanted me to check base, rings, level, bore sight, zero. In the end, the .308 shot an 1" or better. I was impressed for a "budget rifle".


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Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: MUTTMUTT1] #7321805 10/21/18 06:27 PM
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A bolt action single shot .22 lr would be a good choice for an inexpensive starter rifle. It will teach you to make the first shot count and you can not chamber a round accidentally. Choose one that has iron sights. You can scope it if you like but it's not necessary for small game. You can even practice with shorts or CB's and it will not be much louder than clapping your hands.


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Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: MUTTMUTT1] #7321862 10/21/18 07:30 PM
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A 22 bolt action for all the above reasons plus if you decide hunting is not for you after you’ve spent some time becoming proficient and getting involved in the sport you for one, will not have invested a lot of money and for two, will own a firearm that most homeowners own as a tool whether they’re hunters or not. I personally hope you enjoy the sport and pass it along. It can be more rewarding than most and satisfaction can be enjoyed by all regardless of age or physical abilities.

Welcome to the forum.

Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: MUTTMUTT1] #7321966 10/21/18 09:22 PM
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Lots of good books at your local public library that will teach you the basics of hunting, shooting, woodsmanship, or even all three.

Sign up for a nearby TPWD Hunter Education Classroom Course and take the one that includes field activities.

Finding a good mentor would get you on the fast track for sure. You might check with your local TPWD office for tips in finding someone who can assist you.

Good luck, and remember. The learning process for becoming a proficient hunter and shooter can take years of trial and error.

Last edited by Texas Dan; 10/21/18 09:24 PM.

"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: TXHOGSLAYER] #7322030 10/21/18 10:43 PM
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Originally Posted By: TXHOGSLAYER
welcome


First off ....Welcome!

Second, where are you located? Lots of great people here who would be happy to help you.....

Third, get with someone who can help train you....see #2....


Originally Posted by Sneaky
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Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: MUTTMUTT1] #7322040 10/21/18 10:48 PM
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welcome


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Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: MUTTMUTT1] #7322064 10/21/18 11:07 PM
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lots of good advice here
I too would say bolt action 22 rimfire
the
243 or 308 for deer and hog
lots of good people on here willing to help ya out if ya reach out to them most would take ya shooting so ya could get a feel for the kind of guns your looking at


i am cancelling my subscription, i am tired of your issues!
Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: MUTTMUTT1] #7322088 10/21/18 11:27 PM
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How much money you wanting to spend?

Important question.

Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: MUTTMUTT1] #7322175 10/22/18 12:23 AM
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A little off your original question but have you heard about TPWD BOW?

https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/bow

As far as rifles there are some good recommendations on this thread. I taught my daughter with a .22 bolt action and .243. A 10/22 and a centerfire budget package like the Mossberg Patriot are good starts. Good luck!


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Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: MUTTMUTT1] #7322176 10/22/18 12:24 AM
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I like to put beginners on my 17HMR. It has a little more range and accuracy than the .22. I still practice with it to this day.

Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: Brother in-law] #7322228 10/22/18 01:01 AM
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Originally Posted By: Brother in-law
Welcome

A .22 is a good first choice

And don’t get Savage they mostly suck


And don't listen to people that tell you to avoid a whole line of rifles when more than likely they don't have a clue! Savage makes a dang good rifle and are more accurate than most.

Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: BOONER] #7322322 10/22/18 01:41 AM
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Originally Posted By: BOONER
Originally Posted By: Brother in-law
Welcome

A .22 is a good first choice

And don’t get Savage they mostly suck


And don't listen to people that tell you to avoid a whole line of rifles when more than likely they don't have a clue! Savage makes a dang good rifle and are more accurate than most.


Agreed. It’s hard to find a production rifle of proper caliber that won’t kill a deer. On the other hand, finding someone who knows little about how to hunt and harvest deer...


"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: MUTTMUTT1] #7322409 10/22/18 02:32 AM
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I have plenty of clues

New hunter, as Mentioned before an idea of what you’re willing to spend helps the helpers. Once that is sorta established then brands and models will come into play.

Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: MUTTMUTT1] #7322419 10/22/18 02:38 AM
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I know it isn't polite to ask, so I will just say, it is being assumed here that you are old enough to legally purchase a firearm. Would that be a correct assumption?

Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: MUTTMUTT1] #7322502 10/22/18 06:24 AM
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The first thing you should consider before buying a hunting rifle is your location and where you can hunt/plan on hunting. If you are a new hunter, I doubt you want to fork up for a lease and public land hunting can sometimes be restrictive on what you can hunt with. Some public lands prohibit the use of rimfire ammunition outright and sometimes just for certain animals (which is what most .22 rifles are going to be).

I think the .22 is a good rifle to learn how to shoot and is always an inexpensive way to have fun at the range. And yes, you can hunt small game with it - but I would advise you to buy a gun you can "grow" with as a hunter. And I don't think that's a .22

Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: MUTTMUTT1] #7322504 10/22/18 08:28 AM
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Lots of options and a 10/22 is a good starter but if going to big gme in the future look at a bolt action for reasons stated above.

Don't know your age but there is http://www.tyhp.org for youth and https://divawow.org
(hven't talked with them for a while but shot on a shotgun league with a founding member)

Like others said a little more info will llow for better answers. Budget being one


lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true
Mainstream news might be fun to watch
Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: MUTTMUTT1] #7322523 10/22/18 10:40 AM
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I know of a group you may be interested in contacting. It's a mixed bag of women, young and old that hunt and get together for outdoor activities. They also do some volunteer work in the outdoor world. Interested?


An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
Re: Beginner hunting rifle - Advice? [Re: MUTTMUTT1] #7322592 10/22/18 12:15 PM
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welcome

Reach out to Janie. You can find her in the off topic section of this site. She does a wake up call thread every morning during the week. Send her a PM.

I agree with starting out with a .22 in bolt action. There are many very affordable choices. The most important part of choosing is finding the one that "fits you" best. This is where some guidance from someone like Janie will help.


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