So I told my husband I want a rifle...

[Tala]

I think the first thing you should do is see what ammo is cheaply available in YOUR area. For example our WalMart has 9mm and 45 handgun ammo, but none in 40cal so that somewhat influenced my mom's decision about getting that 40 she was eyeballing. Our WM has plenty of 30-30 and 308 ammo, but no so much 30-06 which is what my dad's deer rifle is. He had his gun a long time though. If bought a 30-30 for several reasons, but being able to easily get ammo for it is a major plus in my book.

I use a Savage .22 rifle for my chicken predator hunting, mainly is the quietest gun that I own, but also very easy to shoot and I'm pretty good aim with it. An added plus is that it holds 10+1 rounds and only cost about $100. Oh and it has a lightweight polymer stock. Choosing a gun is kinda personal. Everyone has their favorites. Kinda like buying underwear, IMO, gotta pick what works for YOU.

If you have a gun range nearby that rents out guns you could try several different ones before you buy. I don't have that option, but friends/family have guns that can be tried out. Also if you go to a gun show type sale, you can handle a lot of guns and get a feel for the way they are gonna fit your hand/body, even if you can't shoot them.

DH bought a used gun at a pawn shop. The gun was not a steal, but it came with a really nice scope. We re-sold the gun at a gun show, but kept the scope for my gun. We lost a little money on the gun I'd say, but saved money by keeping the scope, so we came out on top. Getting a deal is really hit or miss at a pawn shop. All of the guns I own have been bought new. Incidentally, the one I got at the gun show they sold to me for below the tagged/marked price. You can find a good deal at shows sometimes, but I also saw the exact same gun being sold for almost $200 more at the same show - so definitely price shop around at the different vendors and do your research before you go.

What are good brands? I have heard of Winchester and Remington and thats pretty much it. I tried going into a pawn shop once to buy but they really seemed intent on selling me a hand gun so I ended up leaving a bit overwhelmed and no better informed than before.

Don't go back there if they won't listen to you. They are only interested in making a sale. I wouldn't buy from someone who was intent on selling me something I didn't come in asking for. Handguns really are underpowered, especially at a distance like you would be shooting coyotes, and the smaller and lighter the gun the more recoil it will have, generally speaking. The only brands I know I would avoid are Taurus and Rossi, and really I only hear horror stories about their semi-auto handguns. I'm not even sure that they make rifles, I dunno.​

 

[sourland]

If my wife asked for a gun or instructions on how to use mine, I'd run out the door.

 

[darkmatter]

Quote:
I'm with Moabite on this one, a 30-30 is a good all around hunting rifle/round. I'ld still have a 22LR too, I got my kids a Cricket youth rifle 22LR which is a single shot bolt action, will shoot shorts, longs, & Long Rifle. My kids all learned on that and I still have it and use it on a regular basis (trap dispatch & general varmint).

 

[oldchickenlady]

If the youth size is too small and an adult size is just a bit too big, it may be possible to shorten the stock a little. You want one that isn't heavy in the front (barrel), that feels 'balanced' when you hold it up in shooting position. If it is too long/heavy in the barrel you will have trouble keeping it aimed, unless you want to lift weights to strengthen your arms! If you find one you like, that feels good, but is just a little too long, a good gunsmith can shorten the stock of many guns.

 

[SillyChicken]

hey now sour!

What do you want to use the gun for? you mention to defend... but defend against what, varmits or people?

Have you considered a shot gun? a 20 ga is a great gun and plenty powerful to take a deer (I use one all the time)
and yet you don't have to worry about the bullet going as far as a riffles will. The guns are usually cheaper as well.

I prefer to have several on hand for what ever task I need it for... the 22 for 4 legged varmits...the 20 ga for deer (can't use a rifle to hunt in my area), a 12 ga mossberg tactical

and 9 mm for 2 legged varmits.... plus a few others.

 

[Chicken Rustler]

I would suggest you look into the Savage Arms Model 99E. These are a pretty good all around rifle and are rather short and light for a smaller person. I had one in 300 Savage caliber. Don't let the numbers scare ya it is only 30 caliber. They may also make this in other calibers I don't know.

Good luck and YES take yer gun expert with ya if you go to buy.

 

[Cetawin]

Quote:
I beg to differ....a 223 is a LEO sniper caliber round...I have had kills up to 400 yds with a 223....it is a medium range round with good knockdown power. Check the rifle for the weakness and the quality of your ammo for the weakness the 223 is not a short range round.



HeatherLynn, I am a tiny thing 5'2", under 100 lbs... I love 223s and my 30 caliber M1 which is a great short range rifle, great knockdown and great accuracy....you start losing accuracy and power beyond 100 yds but I have killed deer, coons, dogs you name it with my M1 and love it.

 

[pips&peeps]

Quote:
I beg to differ....a 223 is a LEO sniper caliber round...I have had kills up to 400 yds with a 223....it is a medium range round with good knockdown power. Check the rifle for the weakness and the quality of your ammo for the weakness the 223 is not a short range round.



HeatherLynn, I am a tiny thing 5'2", under 100 lbs... I love 223s and my 30 caliber M1 which is a great short range rifle, great knockdown and great accuracy....you start losing accuracy and power beyond 100 yds but I have killed deer, coons, dogs you name it with my M1 and love it.

I took a deer about 10 years ago which was over 500 yards with a 223. You just want to be aware if you buy any older Remington 700 bolt action models that they could have problems. A gun smith can easily fix them though.

Here is a link with some info: http://www.drinnonlaw.com/Texas-Defective-Remington700.php

My gun did go off a few years ago when I was ejecting the spent shell and reloading the next round; fortunately no one was injured.

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

There is nothing that wont fall with a .22. A good .22 auto riffle your best choice for a first gun.

If you need something to knock down (druggie) humans then you need a 20 gauge or bigger shotgun.

Or in hand guns, a .38 revolver is the most reliable thing you can have.

If you do want a medium riffle to take down bigger game quicker but still be easy to handle you can get a Henry repeater in .44 Magnum, .45 Colt & .357 Magnum hand gun rounds.

 

[bakerjw]

My wife has an Escort tactical shotgun. She is visually impaired to the point where she couldn't sight a rifle but she can sure get you in her sights with this.

As mentioned a .223 is more of a varmint gun. With a heavy bullet it can handle larger game but if you are wanting to hung deer and larger I'd go larger. 22-270 is probably the smallest you could get by with.

A 30-30 or .308 would be ideal.