Suggestion for a first rifle?

[brad5452]

I've been meaning to ask this for quite a while (joined PAFOA February 28th 2010 and this is my first post). I don't have very much knowledge on firearms as I've never had the pleasure to so much as see them in action in person (though I did get to visit a national guard building in the area and see on of their M249s and an M16A4 2 years ago which was rather neat), but I think target shooting and possibly hunting (deer meat is delicious after all ) may be fun for me and will allow me to get out of the house more often. I have a rather strict budget (I'll be 16 on the 4th and thus I do not yet have a job) which as of right now is $150 because that's all the money I have, though it may change if I get money for my birthday. I'm wondering if there are any decent rifles to start on for a price I can afford. I'm hoping to have money left over for any sort of fees I may need to pay (ie ammo fees, range fees, transfer fees, fees for some sort of safety program I may attend). From what I've seen online, my best bet appears to be a Mosin Nagant. I've seen them go for around $120 on gunbroker and other websites, they aren't semi auto so they appear to be legal for hunting if I can convince my mom that the woods aren't filled with people hell bent on killing teenagers, and from what I hear they're relatively accurate. However, you guys are the one's with firearm knowledge, not me, so I'd like to hear your opinions.

While I'm asking questions, I may as well ask this here as well. Does anyone know of some sort of firearm safety program I could attend in the Carbon County area? It'd kill me on the inside if I had a negligent discharge and ended up hurting someone, knowing that I could have taken necessary steps to prevent it.

[scruff]

A friend of mine was just looking at a Mosin Nagant at Cabelas in Wheeling WV. One of the employees told him they had 150 in stock in that store; I assume the Hamburg store also has a bunch. He also said they occasionally go on sale for $99. If that's true, you'd save a good bit buying locally. Good luck, and welcome to the forum!

[chivvalry]

For that price range a mosin nagant is probably a good choice...

[BrowningBoy]

For that price I'd shop for a used Marlin 30:30. Plenty of punch for deer and black bear. You can shoot it with irons or put a scope on it later. I don't know how available soft point hunting bullets are for the moisin.

Good luck,

[Karn Evil]

Go to a gun shop, or browse local classifieds. Look for used guns, you might get lucky and find a deal.

If you are looking for a Mosin, then keep your eye on Dunhams Sports http://www.dunhamssports.com/ Mosin's go on sale pretty regularly there for around $100.

[brad5452]

Thanks for the information. I appreciate it.

[chivvalry]

Or save up some money and get a beaut like this:
http://slickguns.com/product/remingt...-stock-28050-0 for $265

[CrazyWhiteGuy]

I have a rather strict budget ((I'll be 16 on the 4th and thus I do not yet have a job) which as of right now is $150 because that's all the money I have, though it may change if I get money for my birthday. I'm wondering if there are any decent rifles to start on for a price I can afford.

I am sure that someone will correct me is I am wrong here, but I do not believe that
A) you are old enough to purchase a firearm.
B) it would be illegal for you to give money to someone to purchase you a firearm.

[H22ate]

A mosin is a great gun for the money and everybody should own atleast one eventually. But you are limited on optics that you can cheaply mount to it.

If I were you and planned on going hunting with it, I would wait.

Save up some more cash, that way you can get into a more quality firearm that has more ammo, scope, and recreational choices.

For around $300 you can get into some cheaper but still good .308, .243, 30:06 rifles that you will be much more pleased with.

[H22ate]

I am sure that someone will correct me is I am wrong here, but I do not believe that
A) you are old enough to purchase a firearm.
B) it would be illegal for you to give money to someone to purchase you a firearm.

You are right, However he can still go hunting with an adult.