Rimfire rifles for beginners
- Thread starter Proton
- Start date
Man, the options are nearly limitless but you can start with cost if that’s a factor. Also, is it for you or to train new shooters or youth? Savage, Rossi, Heritage, Winchester are more budget related, the. You got the type of actions, lever, bolt, semiautomatic, mag fed, tube fed, single shot, break action, pump action. Then you have Browning, CZ, Henry, Bergara, Ruger (not just 10/22), Walther, S&W, lots of options that I think you need to figure before you choose a brand.
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- Jun 30, 2025
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The first firearm I shot was my grandpa's Winchester Model 1902 bolt action single shot .22 shorts. Dad told me it was good for fetching dinner.
Next firearm, M-14 at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
Four years later, it was my new S&W Model 15-3 I bought for my duty weapon. Officers bought their own equipment and uniforms, and the PD only supplied rookies with a cap and chest badge along with a wood night stick. The night stick lasted until it made first contact.
That said, I'd look for a nice Ruger 10/22 at a pawn shop.
Next firearm, M-14 at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
Four years later, it was my new S&W Model 15-3 I bought for my duty weapon. Officers bought their own equipment and uniforms, and the PD only supplied rookies with a cap and chest badge along with a wood night stick. The night stick lasted until it made first contact.
That said, I'd look for a nice Ruger 10/22 at a pawn shop.
I am 66 years old and just a couple years ago bought a Ruger 10/22. Live and learn. But truth be told I don't see much difference in it and an old Marlin that I have. Shaking my head. Guess what I mean to say is a 22 rifle, any one should do the job, whether it be for plinking or small game. Reckon you could end up with a dud but buy a good brand name and you should be good to go.
PapaGeorgio
Well-known member
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- Jun 30, 2025
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In my opinion the 10/22 is the best 22 ever made. Having said that, I keep finding myself wanting a bolt action also.
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I learned to shoot with a Stevens Buckhorn Model 53C, which my father purchased in 1938 at age 14. I taught my sons to shoot with that rifle. It's a single shot bolt action rifle, but hard to find these days.
While the Ruger 10/22 and Marlin Model 60 are excellent choices, I lean towards a Henry lever action. You can load the rifle with multiple rounds, but unlike a semi-auto, the person must make an explicit action to chamber the next round. This avoids a negligent discharge.
And to be honest, there's something iconic about cycling the lever. It makes the experience more interesting than just pulling the trigger.
With a beginner using a semi-auto, I'd put only 1 round in the weapon until I'm sure they have the "don't flag people ever" part of shooting down. Even adults can get excited and temporarily forget the rules of firearms safety.
While the Ruger 10/22 and Marlin Model 60 are excellent choices, I lean towards a Henry lever action. You can load the rifle with multiple rounds, but unlike a semi-auto, the person must make an explicit action to chamber the next round. This avoids a negligent discharge.
And to be honest, there's something iconic about cycling the lever. It makes the experience more interesting than just pulling the trigger.
With a beginner using a semi-auto, I'd put only 1 round in the weapon until I'm sure they have the "don't flag people ever" part of shooting down. Even adults can get excited and temporarily forget the rules of firearms safety.
I_am_Bulletproof
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- Sep 13, 2025
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I like that Henry lever actions make you chamber each round on purpose, that's a good safety feature
Road_walker
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- Oct 10, 2025
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I'd also say start with a Ruger 10/22, it's a breeze to learn on and you can keep using it as you get better.
