Joined
·
2,133 Posts
If a 22lr will work for your clinics, you can't beat one for a starter rifle. Ammo is inexpensive, the guns can be extremely accurate within their range, no recoil, fun to shoot, and you can put as much money into a scope for one as you want. Take your choice -- pump, lever, bolt or semi-auto -- I've got at least one of each and they're all fun to shoot.
If you need a centerfire, there's just not anything right now that "uses ammo that is reasonable in price and plentiful" but a .223 will probably come the closest. If you go that route, my personal preference would be something in an AR platform but you can also get nice bolt or pump rifles in .223. If you want a semi-auto but want to spend less money than an AR, you might look at the Ruger Mini 14 or the Kel-Tec.
Hoss
If you need a centerfire, there's just not anything right now that "uses ammo that is reasonable in price and plentiful" but a .223 will probably come the closest. If you go that route, my personal preference would be something in an AR platform but you can also get nice bolt or pump rifles in .223. If you want a semi-auto but want to spend less money than an AR, you might look at the Ruger Mini 14 or the Kel-Tec.
Hoss