A good rifle for the ladies, from a lady

I chose a Remington .22 rifle.   For several reasons.  A .22 is  light (if you have a composit stock), there is no kick, not loud and is inexpensive for most of them (it was about $125).  Also, the ammo is cheap and plentiful.   It is a good starter weapon but it will stop people trying to get into your home.  You would also want to get a good cleaning kit, case and spend plenty of time at the range.  An indoor range will cost you about $10 -$15 for a couple of hours.   Firearm safety classes are great but if you can get advice at the range, it is even better. 

I used to be scared to death of guns but now I am comfortable with my rifle and plan to get a hand gun soon. 

Laura

Good for you!  I will only kill critters if I have to , to survive.  My gun is only for people if they are breaking into my home.  However, grouse sounds mighty tasty.  Here in the city, it would be squirrels, rabbits and Mourning Doves if necessary, but I would be hard up to do that due to the Avian Flu.  Just for protection at this point. 

 

Thordawggy,

Congratulations on taking the leap and becoming a gun owner!    I'm nearly always pleased to hear when someone new enters the fold.  You are right about a .22 rifle being a "polite introduction" to the wonderful world of firearms, in fact it's the first real gun most of us ever handle.  I have a .22 bolt-action remingon that is one of the few things I inherited from my father, and it's precious to me.  He bought it after returning from WWII when he was just a youn'un himself. 

You've also got a great point about pistol-caliber rifles, and that is, they can be fired at indoor ranges when the weather is too nasty to enjoy practicing outside.

I would encourage you to take a class if you possibly can.  Informal training is great, but you aren't always advised correctly about some things, including legalities in your area.  Plus, you don't want your practice sessions to inadvertently reinforce any bad habits you pick up along the way that your informal range-helper didn't catch.  Get it straight from the horse's mouth if you can.

Of course you already know that although a .22 is perfectly capable of inflicting a wound that is EVENTUALLY fatal, it doesn't have much immediate stopping power.  It sure can serve as a deterrent, though.  It's said the porcupine doesn't have to be bigger or stronger than his predators in order to live to a ripe old age... he merely has to make himself "too expensive" a meal.  You're a lot more expensive with that .22 than with your bare hands, and predators will know this. 

Your plans to acquire a handgun soon are a good idea - either a revolver in .38 caliber or a semi-auto in 9mm should suit you fine and be very controllable.  You may even discover you like something with even more oompf - I understand .40 cal is becomming very popular. Any of these calibers should have much better defensive value to you than your trusty .22 rifle.  This will better your odds against  those who wouldn't be deterred by the sight of your .22 - some people (men expecially) think a woman wouldn't have the "balls" to pull the trigger, and they can walk right up to her and take the gun away, and use it on them.  You need to be ready to prove them wrong with something potent.  The .22 will always be there as your reliable "back up" gun in case something goes wrong with the handgun (out of ammo, malfunction, need a "loaner" for someone else in the house, etc).

Again, congrats on your new purchase, I hope it becomes the source of much enjoyment, satisfaction, and peace of mind to you.

Welcom Zanna, I love your avatar, if you need anything just "Holler" & one of us will help. I m looking forward to reading more of your posts.

Unfortunately, we will be paying taxes this year.  And, we are still paying last years too. 

Thanks for the info on the hand guns guys!

Ella,

Glad to hear you'll be taking the class.  After you've gotten a little experience, you'll realize it's very similar to driving a car - as long as you follow some basic rules, it's liberating and very safe and a useful skill.

Hope you enjoy the class!

AuntBones,  I don't have the exact weight, but it's about 5 pounds.  No kick. 

Just hit the remington site, and didn't see the 10-22 listed. Has it been discontinued? (say it ain't so!).  The 579 looks a lot like the old 10-22.  Need to check it out. 

I went to Remington's site today, was looking at  the "Chipmonk rifle" for children, due to its light weight. I think its best I go to a sporting goods store and see....just wish I knew more...well I have to start some place. Thanks for all your help in here!!  I just dont know what to buy...  

Marzinn - every state is different.  The 2nd Amendment ain't what is used to be, unfortunately.

I live in Minnesota.  For a rife or a shotgun, you just go into the store and buy it. You do have to fill out a form (Fed) that they check on the spot  in the computer even on Sundays, to make sure you are eligible for any firearm (whatever kind of police record but not all).  For a hand gun you have to go through more crap and pick it up a few days later.  For a carry permit you have to take a class and have some hours on the range and no police record.  But a rifle is a good start and you can take it home, register for a class and go to the range.  The gun store will handle everything except the conceal carry permit.   You can go to Gander Mountain,  Gallians or large sport mart or an independent gun store owner.  I believe (could be wrong) that  pawn shops will do the paperwork for you also. Especially the ones that sell a lot of firearms.  Of course, they are used guns so take someone who knows what they are doing to see it fhe firearm is in good shape.  A great place to visit is a gun show.  Wow - those puppies are eye openers.  They sell all kinds of other preps at the shows too.   Gander Mountain sells used firearms and they are supposed to be checked out pretty good.  Probably better than going to a pawn shop. 

I went to Gander Mountain a few months ago and they had a short barreled Ruger 10/22 that had a gorgious hard wood carved stock and  a spendy looking scope.  It was very heavy and I couldn't afford it anyway.  Used, it was $250.   I sure like that short barrel for inside a little bungalow house if someone is breaking in. Too many little hallways and doorways for moving around with a long barrel.   Jeeze, I sound like my  TV hero Burt Gummer!   Ok, that is Old Lady Gummer to you!