What is a good bolt action rifle for beginners?

by **marlan43** » Sun Nov 20, 2011 1:46 pm

I am just 13 , and I want to start taarget shooting. When I went to get the rifling merit badge at summer camp , they had a nice easy bolt action. I noticed on the butt it said Marvin ? Now we learned all the safety stuff there , but I want one with some extra features. I also dont what caliber it is.
I have some ejected shells , and they are Width- a half centimeter, Length - 1 1/2 centimeter. They also have an F on the back. Also it should be able to use both scope and sights. P.S Where should I go to find a rifle like this ? Any thing else I should get ? Any specific tools, or cleaning products? When should I clean it , and How?
Finnaly I want to hunt . This will also be the first gun our family will have. Where would I get a rifle and hunting permit ? I live in Pennsylvania. Will I have to take classes ? Please anwser this , and thank you if you do. Id be in your dept if youd got the anwsers I need. :)

by **madison86** » Sun Nov 20, 2011 1:51 pm

Marlin XT-22 or Savage Mark II .22lr would be the place to start. The manual that comes with the rifle will explain how often and how to clean it. Fortunately .22lr rifles do not require a lot of cleaning. You can get a basic cleaning kit with rod, patches, solvent, and oil for not much money.

Most sporting goods are guns stores should carry one or both or can order them. Of course your parents will have to actual purchase them, so get them involved.

This is the place to start in regard to hunting in PA: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/hunting/11348 You do not have to get the rifle and hunting permit at the same time.

by **langford59** » Sun Nov 20, 2011 2:02 pm

ideal .22 calibre would be the Henry rifle lever action golden boy, it's a classic and will last you a lifetime.
cleaning kit buy one at walmart and AVOID usina any cleaning products with ammonia in them unless you want to ruin your rifle.
use your cleaning kit each time after you are done shooting.
your local walmart should stock a henry or marlin in .22

by **sherborne16** » Sun Nov 20, 2011 2:14 pm

i cant really help you with the guns, maybe a .22 rifle?

but i live in pa to, and yes you have to take a hunter safety course, when you pass it they will give you a tiny certificate that you show when you go to buy your hunting permit

by **atworth49** » Sun Nov 20, 2011 2:24 pm

1. Savage Mk ii
2. Ruger 10/22

by **juanito** » Sun Nov 20, 2011 2:30 pm

1. Savage Mk ii
2. Ruger 10/22

a .22LR would be perfect, something like a Savage/Stevens or a Marlin would do.

by **dalon** » Sun Nov 20, 2011 2:35 pm

I also live and hunt in pennsylvania and in pa you have to take a hunter safety class then take a test after that you can get your hunting license (you can get them at wal mart) when you get the license they will give you a book with all the hunting laws. i Pretty sure you were explaining a 22 long rifle u used at cam these are great for small game. for deer you will need something bigger a 243, 22-250 or 30-30 are all great beginner deer rifles (i use the 243 and it is a great rifle it stopes deer in there tracks) and for cleaning all you need is a cleaning kit you can get at any hunting/gun shop you need to clean the gun every time you shoot and especially eveytime the gun gets wet

by **jordi** » Sun Nov 20, 2011 2:46 pm

Are you wanting to hunt big game or small game? Many here are suggesting a .22 and they are correct if all you want to do is hunt small game but if you want to hunt deer or elk in PA you may want to look at a .270 or maybe a .243 as they have a small amount of kick but would still take the deer down anyway. Another suggestion would be a 20 gauge shotgun then you could do both big and small game. Just some thoughts and welcome to the wonderful world of firearms and hunting.

by **adin55** » Sun Nov 20, 2011 2:53 pm

Sounds like you used a .22 lr rifle. It was probably a Marlin. I am not too familiar with the Marlins. It would work for target shooting and shooting rabbits and squirrels. If your parents own the forest in your back yard or it is public property that allows hunting, it would be fine to hunt there. If it is privately owned, you would need permission of the owner to hunt there. You do not need a permit to purchase or own a rifle. You do have to be 18 and pass a background check to purchase one from a dealer. There is no minimum age to own a long gun according to Federal Law. I don't know about PA law. It might be possible that your parents could purchase the rifle and give it to you for Christmas. I gave a Ruger 10.22 to my oldest son for Christmas when he was 10. You will have to take and pass a hunter safety course before you can hunt. You may need a hunting license. In the state that I live in, residents under the age of 16 do not need a hunting license.

by **dureau** » Sun Nov 20, 2011 2:58 pm

You should start with a .22 lr,this can take small game (coons,rabbit,squirrel,opossum and fox)
A good bolt action would be the marlin 925 http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/BoltAction22/925.asp

I have pretty much the same rifle,but mine is chambered in .17 hmr (called the 917v) and has a 3x9x40 scope,its a great rifle.

If you want a good all around gun I suggest a Mossberg 500 20 gauge,it will be good for everything from squirrel to black bear with the right shells,I have a Mossberg 500 in 12 gauge and its great.

To hunt you will have to go through a hunters ed course,which isn't a real big deal,your parents will have to buy you the gun all they need to do is bring the cash and photo I.D then fill out paper work and do a background check,all of this will be explained at the gun shop.

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