I have never owned or shot a rifle in my life. However, I would like to know your recommendations for a good small game rifle for a novice. Something for hunting rabbit, squirrel and killing the possums and racoons that keep trying to get at my chickens. Thank you in advance
Rifle for beginner
- Thread starter buglit
- Start date
TanksHill
Super Self-Sufficient
Welcome to the SS forum. Great question. I look forward to hearing the advice from more of our seasoned SS folks.
g
noobiechickenlady
Almost Self-Reliant
First, get with a friend or relative to get some hands on training 
they are quite an experience, especially if you've never had a gun buck in your hands. Once you do get one, go back to the same person and get them to walk through with you loading, siting, firing, etc until you are completely comfortable.
A 410 shotgun will shoot shells or slugs (BB type shot & regular bullets) and should be sufficient for most yard pests. I'm sorry, but I can't recommend a brand. The one I have is an antique Winchester.
I am partial to my handgun, a Springfield 1911 .45 ACP. It will take care of most anything, but it would prob be overkill for minor pests. You can get "training" barrel kits that shoot a .22 instead of the massive .45, but they will run a pretty penny.
they are quite an experience, especially if you've never had a gun buck in your hands. Once you do get one, go back to the same person and get them to walk through with you loading, siting, firing, etc until you are completely comfortable.A 410 shotgun will shoot shells or slugs (BB type shot & regular bullets) and should be sufficient for most yard pests. I'm sorry, but I can't recommend a brand. The one I have is an antique Winchester.
I am partial to my handgun, a Springfield 1911 .45 ACP. It will take care of most anything, but it would prob be overkill for minor pests. You can get "training" barrel kits that shoot a .22 instead of the massive .45, but they will run a pretty penny.
- Thread starter
- #4
big brown horse
Hoof In Mouth
DITTO!TanksHill said:
Welcome to the SS forum. Great question. I look forward to hearing the advice from more of our seasoned SS folks.
g
buglit, we are in the same boat! I only had a bb gun when I was young.
big brown horse
Hoof In Mouth
Note to self, don't mess with noobiechickenlady!!noobiechickenlady said:First, get with a friend or relative to get some hands on training
A 410 shotgun will shoot shells or slugs (BB type shot & regular bullets) and should be sufficient for most yard pests. I'm sorry, but I can't recommend a brand. The one I have is an antique Winchester.
I am partial to my handgun, a Springfield 1911 .45 ACP. It will take care of most anything, but it would prob be overkill for minor pests. You can get "training" barrel kits that shoot a .22 instead of the massive .45, but they will run a pretty penny.
k0xxx
Mr. Sunshine
I would recommend a .22 as a good beginner rifle. It will certainly do well in hunting squirrels and rabbits, although it is a bit light for using on a raccoon. I have killed raccoons with a .22, but unless it is a perfect head shot, it takes multiple shots.
A .22 and a 410 combination would do you well. I know that EAA, Savage, Springfield, and Remington all make a 22/410 combo, and there are probably more out there.
A .22 and a 410 combination would do you well. I know that EAA, Savage, Springfield, and Remington all make a 22/410 combo, and there are probably more out there.
noobiechickenlady
Almost Self-Reliant
big brown horse said:
Just so you know BBH, I only shoot zombies & pests. As long as you're not one or the other, you'll be fine. Come sit a spell
big brown horse
Hoof In Mouth
I've been known to be a pest.noobiechickenlady said:big brown horse said:
Just so you know BBH, I only shoot zombies & pests. As long as you're not one or the other, you'll be fine. Come sit a spell
noobiechickenlady
Almost Self-Reliant
Buglit, I love an M16, they shoot so smooth 
, but they are too high for me. Your sharpshooter friend could give you basic lessons, as long as you let him/her know that you only want the basics. Using a gun is much like using a bike. There are really good quality bikes and there are cheap ones. They all operate in similar fashions though, sit, push & peddle. With guns, its steady, aim, squeeze. The only gun you need to know intimately, is your own.
It really depends on how friendly your local gun store & range are. Its worth checking. They will at least be able to show you how to break it down & clean it. That will give you a decent working knowledge of it.
, but they are too high for me. Your sharpshooter friend could give you basic lessons, as long as you let him/her know that you only want the basics. Using a gun is much like using a bike. There are really good quality bikes and there are cheap ones. They all operate in similar fashions though, sit, push & peddle. With guns, its steady, aim, squeeze. The only gun you need to know intimately, is your own.It really depends on how friendly your local gun store & range are. Its worth checking. They will at least be able to show you how to break it down & clean it. That will give you a decent working knowledge of it.
