First Gun

I went polymer 9mm.... I still think that is a great first gun choice...

Honestly you cant go wrong with a Ruger 10 22, or really any rifle in .22LR. They are the most fun to shoot and you can practice all the skills that you need for any rifle that you shoot in the future. Not to mention that you get to put 500 rounds down range for $20. If you are getting into shooting for the enjoyment of shooting this is the way to go.

A safety course is a good idea, but at a bare minimum go with someone who knows how and where to shoot safely and research shooting safety before you go out. Also if you go to public lands to shoot, do not leave any trash behind though others will seem to think it is alright. It is the main reason that the ranges we are using for free are getting shut down. Pack it all out with you and try to shoot paper or bio-degradable targets all the time.

http://www.gunsafetynow.com/

Other than that have fun!

+1 on the bio-degradable targets. We like to set clay pigeons up around 100 yds and blast with the .22, fun cause you get to destroy a target and better that they're bd

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Originally Posted by alxone

22 and 410 is a great place to start . id start with a single shot bolt and move up from there . but as stated by other members safety safety safety

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Only problem IMHO is that a .410 is really an expert's gun. They have low recoil, but they're expensive to shoot and you need to be good to use one effectively. I've always thought that a 20 ga is a better one for learning; a bit more kick than a .410 but easily available, cheap, and easier to learn with.

I'll second the single shot bolt; that's what both of my kids learned on. Helps reinforce the basics, and keeps you from resorting to the spray and pray method.

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Originally Posted by Troublco

I'll second the safety class; best to get familiar with firearms before getting really hands-on with them.

After that, I'd say think about what you want to do with it. Self-defense? Recreational shooting? A combination? Then ask around, and make your decision.

Hard to go wrong with a .22 rifle to start with, though. You can always use one. My first was a Ruger 10/22, and I still have it.

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My thoughts exactly... I still have that first 10/22 also. A tubular magazine 22 rifle is fun too. A fella can do a lot with a 22 rifle, small game hunting, target shooting, competitions...

After you get a few rounds down range you'll have a better idea of what type of shooting you enjoy and therefore what gun fits your style. Took me a bit of experimentation.

I started with this right here...

http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/p.../HKUSP40SW.jpg

I got a great deal on this HK USP Tactical .40S&W back then.
Easy to shoot, cheap to shoot... and a lot more accurate than I ever was back then (maybe even till this day). On top of it all... it had the cool factor [Tooth]

I'm pointing out starting with a pistol. Once you have that in your hands and play it as smart as you can... You'd be researching things (Firearms safety, Gun laws, self defense, etc...) of what you can do and what you can't do with'em for days... if not weeks... and yea, youtube does help [Coffee]

The best part is learning how it all functions... and yes, learning how to shoot the thing... and then learning how to shoot better than people around you at the range [Tooth]

... give that some time.... and the addiction just gets worse [Beer]

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Originally Posted by Danimal

Honestly you cant go wrong with a Ruger 10 22, or really any rifle in .22LR. They are the most fun to shoot and you can practice all the skills that you need for any rifle that you shoot in the future. Not to mention that you get to put 500 rounds down range for $20. If you are getting into shooting for the enjoyment of shooting this is the way to go.

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BIG +1 on the Ruger 10-22. I grew up shooting one and I just bought one last week and I can't believe I've gone all this time without one! Great gun for learning good and safe shooting.

Another vote for the Ruger 10/22. If you go this route be sure to get some of the Ruger BX25 magazines. They rock (as does the 10/22).

My first gun was an old Daisy pal. First firearm, Ruger 10-22. YEARS of fun with each of them. Do some reading, keep asking around, and go down to the gun store and handle some of them. You'll find something that really floats your boat but don't buy it right away until you do a little research.

The safety course is a must if you haven't been raised with one in your hands. Be safe and have fun!

[Flower]

Just talked to him, his budget for now is in the $700 range, just not able to post at the moment.