fairway1

Okay, I have zero long guns, never owned one. Since I am content with my handgun collection for now, I am looking to purchase something different. What should I start out with? Shotgun? rifle? AR?

Sam Douthit

Start with a .22 rifle and learn to shoot it and what you can do to improve your accuracy. It is cheap to shoot and may be shot in places where a high powered rifle might be too dangerous. I own about 10 long guns but still break out one of my 22 rifles for fun or to dispatch a varmint in the yard.

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Sambo74
SI VIS PACEM, PARA BELLUM

GlockinItUp

My first long gun was a shotgun, and if I had it to do over again, I would pick a shotgun again. A lot of people call it the thinking man's weapon, and I would tend to agree. The great thing about it is it that there is ammo for every need. Birdshot for skeet and trap and bird hunting, and even as a first round for home defense. Theres buckshot which is all around great stuff great for hunting and especially for home defense. And theres slugs, if you want to be precise. With my benelli M2 Tactical, I've put two slugs center mass at 75 feet out of a 18.5 inch barrel at a USPSA match. Good enough for self defense any day. You really can't go wrong with a good shotgun such as a Remington 870, or a Mossberg 500.

BTW- I sometimes (about 50% of the time) keep just one round of birdshot in the chamber of a shotgun to serve as a "I'm not joking around" warning shot to the chest/face of an intruder. Thats just my way, most people keep theirs stocked with buckshot 100% of the time. I change it with my ever changing mood. I'm different, so to each their own.

Hope this helps!

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Mercalf

+1

Since you're used to straight dot sights with the handgun, you may want to go with a simple iron sight semi. .22 is VERY cheap to shoot, and for a long gun, it's the best to learn with (breathing, etc.)

I don't think long gun or shotgun should be an either/or question. (Not like most of us can buy whatever we want..) If you can only get one, you'd have to ask yourself what exactly the change you want is..? I don't like shot guns, but I own a 12 ga. It's hands down the most versitile firearm... With the .22 (or other), you will be able to shoot it at most any pistol range. Your choice m8

bmcgilvray

I vote for the .22 rifle as well. For practice, economy, and fun a .22 rifle can't be beat.

QKShooter

If I had no long guns at all I would spring for a .22 Rim Fire first.
And a couple of bricks of high quality ammunition.

SIXTO

I'd go with a 10/22. Learn the basics and when you get bored with it, you can make it into pretty much whatever you want.

The shotgun isnt a bad idea too. If you go that route, I'd get a plain jane 870.
Again you can learn the basics and when you get bored with it, you can make it into pretty much whatever you want.

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maximumrob

When just shooting for fun, I always pick my Benelli 12-ga (turkey gun) to go kill some clays with. With light loads, you can shoot it all day.

Plus, if you ever want to feel what it's like to shoulder a cannon, put a smooth bore choke in it and go fire some 3" Magnum 1-oz slugs. If you can put more than 10 shots through it without crying like a little girl, you're officially macho (or drunk).

Shotguns are great fun.

Geezer

I'd vote for the .22 as a first long gun. Like pistols, you cannot have just one. Isn't there a law to that effect??

aus71383

I've got a 10/22 and a Benelli 12 gauge. I got the Benelli first and I'm glad I did. If you've never shot a long gun before and want to learn how, get the .22 If you want to blast stuff and a gun for HD first, get a shotgun.

Austin