New to Rifle Shooting: Where to start?

[jgrimes]

I am an archer and bowhunter at heart, but want to get into the rifle side of things; specifically long range shooting. I have very little experience with rifles and would like to get some feedback on where to start; books, videos, people and places to learn from. Any info is greatly appreciated, thanks.

[JimmyHoffa]

I would say that getting a .22LR might be a good idea.  You can get lots of time on the trigger for a good price.  Get lots of practice with squeezing and breathing.  But at the same time practice with the long range rifle you get.
You could see if they still have CMP going on and if there is one in your area.

[pianoman9701]

I know you passed hunter's safety, but there's no harm in review if you haven't shot a firearm in a while;

http://www.nrahq.org/education/guide.asp

Also, here are ten tips for rifle accuracy:
http://www.rifleshootermag.com/2010/09/23/shooting_tips_10_tips_accuracy/

Have fun and be safe.
PMAN

[FC]

Jimmy gives good advice, I would suggest a Savage MkII in 22lr, it's a very accurate model that won't break the bank.

[Huntboy]

Plenty of forums that cover this also.

[Biggerhammer]

Decide on a cartridge, purchase the rifle or have one built accordingly. Select your glass, purchase a range finder and possibly a basic Ballistics App like on a iphone. Purchase a pile of powder, bullets and primers for your rifle/ build. Then it's trigger time, trigger time, trigger time, trigger time.

[bobcat]

I'd recommend you start with a rifle in 308 Winchster. Well, possibly after the 22 rimfire. But for a centerfire cartridge that will work for long range shooting, that's what I'd get. Low recoil, accurate, and low priced ammunition- you can't beat it.

[jgrimes]

I'd recommend you start with a rifle in 308 Winchster. Well, possibly after the 22 rimfire. But for a centerfire cartridge that will work for long range shooting, that's what I'd get. Low recoil, accurate, and low priced ammunition- you can't beat it.

That's the kind of system that I'd like to set up. What do you think of the 300 WSM or a 7 mm cartridge?

[FC]

That's the kind of system that I'd like to set up. What do you think of the 300 WSM or a 7 mm cartridge?

Both are good cartridges, both kick harder and both cost 5 times as much or more to shoot than a 308 unless you are reloading.

[Biggerhammer]

I'd recommend you start with a rifle in 308 Winchster. Well, possibly after the 22 rimfire. But for a centerfire cartridge that will work for long range shooting, that's what I'd get. Low recoil, accurate, and low priced ammunition- you can't beat it.

That's the kind of system that I'd like to set up. What do you think of the 300 WSM or a 7 mm cartridge?

All three mentioned are excellent cartridges, the best " Long range " cartridge is a matter personal opinion or experience. Allot of cartridges that are great for shooting paper don't do so well  for a hunting situation at extended distances where a little more horse power would be optimal. You have to start somewhere, can't go wrong with a .308 win. If you then decide you would like a bigger cartridge. You could up grade or for that matter have the .308 bolt face opened, Sako extractor installed and the chamber re cut to .300 WSM. the standard 12 twist of the .308 barrel will still shoot the 168 real well with a .300 WSM chamber.

I have a .308 Win Rem700 PSS I have had since 1990 that I'll be sending to Benchmark to have re chambered and re worked to .300 WSM. After the factory barrel is shot out, I will have Bench mark re barrel it with one of their own in who know what?

[huntnphool]

 Another vote for the 7mm mag, Hart barrel, Jewell/Timney Trigger, 168 berger VLD or 168 Barnes TSX

[bobcat]

Another good message board to check out, besides this one, is www.24hourcampfire.com.

There are some really knowledgeable people there, including John Barsness.

[Helix]

If I was going to start you off I'd say find a good used 22 lr  bolt action is preferrable but a ruger 10/22 can be a lot of fun too.  If you get a ruger 10/22 be sure to use the factory mags as the plastic liped after market mags will not feed near as well.  You can pick up a used .22 at a gunshow, pawnshop or if you are lucky a garage sale.  Most good used .22s will run you well less than $200 and a brick of bulk ammo will cost about $20 for 525 rounds.  The really good thing about .22lr is the barrels seldom wear out from shooting.  The old ones usually shoot as good or better than a brand new one. 

Once you master the .22 move up to a .223 remington or a .308 win but don't be in a hurry to move beyond minor calibers.  If you jump to calibers with major recoil (even 308) before you master the techniques of trigger control, followthrough, breathing control, and sight picture you will develop bad habits of flinching and the whole expreience will become counter productive. 

[high country]

I suggest a single rifle. It is much easier to memorize all its functions and ballistic performance on one rifle. Do not get sucked in to magnums. Big rifles are a hoot, but you stan way more chances at developing bad habits on a hard bucking rifle. I would give the 260 and 7-08 a look. Both can be serious long range performers.
Do not skimp on your scope. For long range shooting at game, I like a true mil dot as it can be a effective range device and offers hold over points too.

About the time you get ballistic hold over correction figured......you can learn how to dope the wind.

[SniperDanWA]

I started archery and moved to rifle for sport.  Started with a Ruger 10 22 with a marksman barrel.  Cheap, reliable, and quite fun.  Agree on the factory clips.  Plastic ones jam, break, etc.  Now, shoot 30-06.

Hunt with 30-06
Hunt 12ga
Sport shoot 22
Sport shoot 12ga
Sport shoot PSE compound