First Long Gun

[EddieON]

Folks, I am new to shooting, and I guess "collecting" I have two pistols a Ruger Mark1V Hunter and a Sig P226.
I am thinking I NEED a long gun. I don't hunt, so it would pretty much be for target shooting.
I like the look of lever action rifles, probably because I watched a lot of cowboys films as a kid
Where do I start?
Any recommendations greatly appreciated.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I have several pistol caliber rifles (357mag, 44mag) which are fun to shoot but my favorite is a Marlin 336C in 30-30 caliber.

http://www.wideopenspaces.com/everything-wanted-know-marlin-30-30-336-pics/

 

[GunnyGene]

Folks, I am new to shooting, and I guess "collecting" I have two pistols a Ruger Mark1V Hunter and a Sig P226.
I am thinking I NEED a long gun. I don't hunt, so it would pretty much be for target shooting.
I like the look of lever action rifles, probably because I watched a lot of cowboys films as a kid
Where do I start?
Any recommendations greatly appreciated.

There are a ton of lever guns in practically any caliber from .22lr to .45 (even the occasional older 12gauge lever action shotgun) old and new, out there. Winchester, Henry, Marlin, Savage, and many other manufacturers. Some very expensive, others for under $500. I'd advise not getting in a hurry. Cruise your local gunshops, check on sites like gunbroker, talk to folks at your local rifle range, etc. Try out various makes and models/calibers if you can. Cost of ammo to feed it is a consideration. .22lr is a lot cheaper than larger calibers for example. It's a very personal choice, that should not be lightly made.

 

[jjas]

I've always recommended a "first" rifle for a newer shooter to be a .22.

Easy to learn the mechanics of rifle shooting with. Cheap to feed, no recoil, low noise.

 

[wolfee]

If your local LGS has one of the "new" model 92 Winchesters on the rack, you might want to take a look. Offered in various handgun calibers. These are made for Winchester by their Japan affiliate Miroku and the fit and finish are very, very good. In my opinion, the $1000 price tag is a bargain.

 

[rangerbob]

I agree with the first rifle .22 concept. I'd highly recommend a Winchester 9422 if you can find one. If not, check out a Henry in one of their many variations. If you want to go centerfire, a Marlin, Winchester m92, or a BigBoy steel Henry in a pistol caliber would be nice. Henry's are available in rifle and carbine in 357,41,44, and 45 Colt, with 327 forthcoming. Another inexpensive centerfire lever gun choice might be the Henry or Browning in 223 or 308. The rifles are not cheap, but the ammo is, particularly 223. I have 2 Henrys, a 357 and a 41 Magnum and they are well crafted rifles. Lever gun are better than ever. Bob! :mrgreen:

 

[GunnyGene]

I agree with the first rifle .22 concept. I'd highly recommend a Winchester 9422 if you can find one. If not, check out a Henry in one of their many variations. If you want to go centerfire, a Marlin, Winchester m92, or a BigBoy steel Henry in a pistol caliber would be nice. Henry's are available in rifle and carbine in 357,41,44, and 45 Colt, with 327 forthcoming. Another inexpensive centerfire lever gun choice might be the Henry or Browning in 223 or 308. The rifles are not cheap, but the ammo is, particularly 223. I have 2 Henrys, a 357 and a 41 Magnum and they are well crafted rifles. Lever gun are better than ever. Bob! :mrgreen:

Just a note, since the OP said this would be his first long gun: Pointy centerfire ammo is not advisable for tube magazines (which is typical of nearly all lever guns) :shock: , with the exception of the LeverRevolution ammo - which ain't cheap.

 

[22/45 Fan]

Just a note, since the OP said this would be his first long gun: Pointy centerfire ammo is not advisable for tube magazines (which is typical of nearly all lever guns) :shock: , with the exception of the LeverRevolution ammo - which ain't cheap.

The Browning BLR and Henry "Long Ranger" in higher power calibers (.223. .243, .308, etc.) that typically use pointed bullets have detachable box magazines so the use of pointed bullets in a tubular magazine isn't an issue with them. The now out-of production Savage 99 also used a box magazine and is safe with spitzers too.

In almost all other lever guns (Winchester, Marlin, Mossberg, etc.) with tubular magazines pointed bullets are definitely a no-no except for the LeverRevolution soft tipped bullets you mentioned.

 

[GunnyGene]

Just a note, since the OP said this would be his first long gun: Pointy centerfire ammo is not advisable for tube magazines (which is typical of nearly all lever guns) :shock: , with the exception of the LeverRevolution ammo - which ain't cheap.

The Browning BLR and Henry "Long Ranger" in higher power calibers (.223. .243, .308, etc.) that typically use pointed bullets have detachable box magazines so the use of pointed bullets in a tubular magazine isn't an issue with them. The now out-of production Savage 99 also used a box magazine and is safe with spitzers too.

In almost all other lever guns (Winchester, Marlin, Mossberg, etc.) with tubular magazines pointed bullets are definitely a no-no except for the LeverRevolution soft tipped bullets you mentioned.

One thing I've noticed, even with .22mag soft points (Hornady V-max for example) is that you can't leave them in a tube magazine under spring tension more than a couple days (varies depending on how full the magazine is). The soft point deforms, and accuracy suffers as a result.

 

[rangerbob]

Just to add a little more. I have 3 Browning BLR's, one each in 325WSM, 358 Winchester, and lastly in 450 Marlin. I handload for each, so ammo is not a problem. They lock up like a bank vault and are handsome rifles. One in 223 would be cheap, pleasant, and fun to shoot. Add any optic or peep sight and work that lever for each shot. One could say the same thing for one of the new Henry lever actions. Bob!!

 

[SteveRuger]

I've always recommended a "first" rifle for a newer shooter to be a .22.

Easy to learn the mechanics of rifle shooting with. Cheap to feed, no recoil, low noise.

I am very old school I guess The first guns for all of the children (Girls & Boys ) was a Bolt action 22 they have them in tube feed or clip feed.
Taught them the on shot one kill mentality then let them move on to levers or semi autos, they all shoot almost better than me!

 

[EddieON]

Thank you very much for the sound advice and recommendations. Looks like I'll be buying a .22 to start with.

 

[rangerbob]

Steve, I tried that with my grandson and he out shot me, so I had to buy the next round of ammo!! It surely instills confidence in their ability. :mrgreen: Bob!!