New to pew pews... where to start?

[Gixxer]

There’s an aspect of preparedness and also I would like to become skilled at shooting, just seems fun.

For both aspects you mentioned. An investment that will get you further along your journey immensely faster will be training with a reputable instructor. I used to argue against the virtues of it until I spent just a few hours with a quality instructor and it pole-vaulted my mindset and skill. Browse the Training and Tactics forums and commit to attending a class of some sort.

A real fancy gun with gizmos and gadgets can help a good shooter be even better. But gives diminishing returns for a mediocre shooter. Food for thought. Most of us tried to buy skill at first and then realized it simply took time and effort. Like most things in life.

That list by Caveman is essentially the agreed standard across the board. With an addition of a decent AR-15. Many will say the AK style rifles are the gold standard for SHTF/TEOWAWKI/Zombie Apocalypse rifles. But that is not the case here in the States. For many reasons we can get into if de-railing this thread is acceptable.

 

[wildbill1973z28]

Howdy. Joined the forums a couple years ago and then life got in the way. Circling back to this now and wanting to build a small collection. I've fired handguns at a range and shot some sporting clays but I didn't grow up around pew pews. I have a piece of property in Ellijay (North GA) and it's not uncommon to hear a neighbor shooting.

I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the terminology and nomenclature but I want to dive in. I've been shopping for gun safes (RSCs really 30-40 gun in sizing) but trying to narrow down what I want in it too. I'm frugal but generally subscribe to buy once, cry once... I'm not afraid to drop some coin on this new collection. No interest in concealed carry at this time.

Initial thinking is a couple handguns, couple long guns and a shotgun. Interested in everything y'all have to share.

When my cash is tight!
I turn to my pellet rifle!
35-40 yards!
Hit small targets!
Kill all the small game u want!
Some really nice ones out there, you can actually spend as much on a pellet rifle as a firearm and more!

 

[Cavemanjoe]

For both aspects you mentioned. An investment that will get you further along your journey immensely faster will be training with a reputable instructor. I used to argue against the virtues of it until I spent just a few hours with a quality instructor and it pole-vaulted my mindset and skill. Browse the Training and Tactics forums and commit to attending a class of some sort.

A real fancy gun with gizmos and gadgets can help a good shooter be even better. But gives diminishing returns for a mediocre shooter. Food for thought. Most of us tried to buy skill at first and then realized it simply took time and effort. Like most things in life.

That list by Caveman is essentially the agreed standard across the board. With an addition of a decent AR-15. Many will say the AK style rifles are the gold standard for SHTF/TEOWAWKI/Zombie Apocalypse rifles. But that is not the case here in the States. For many reasons we can get into if de-railing this thread is acceptable.

The only reason I didn't recommend an AR-15 is because OP seems to be a genuinely brand-new shooter with no training, no class time, and very little range time. It *is* a great platform, with lots of options, but for someone who doesn't know the basics, it can become a big money sink and source of frustration from chasing gear & add-ons when the focus should be on safety, form, sight alignment/sight picture, trigger discipline, and building muscle memory.

 

[basstracker89]

 

[aFarewellToKings]

I think I got the itch again after seeing a 10/22 subsonic (might have been a Marlin?) and the squirrels around here were driving me nuts. 😅

I’m still digesting all your information but thanks for the thorough response!

10/22 is a Ruger model. Subsonic is an ammo type. A suppressed .22 is a lot of fun. Especially on squirrels.

I presume he meant a 10/22 with subsonic ammo.
Even standard velocity in a rifle-length barrel are quiet enough to not need hearing protection. (But maybe not right for a neighborhood.)

 

[boomer]

This should do it;

C

Thread 'Item Gone: FS Ruger 10/22 Rifle with Scope'

Oct 28, 2025

Ruger 10/22 rifle with Simmons scope for sale. I will include the rifle, original mag, and 200 rounds of ammo. $200.00 firm , no trades. I am located in Harris County GA

• Curtis Arnold1969
• .22
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Old Ads

• 

 

[Cavemanjoe]

This should do it;

C

Thread 'Item Gone: FS Ruger 10/22 Rifle with Scope'

Oct 28, 2025

Ruger 10/22 rifle with Simmons scope for sale. I will include the rifle, original mag, and 200 rounds of ammo. $200.00 firm , no trades. I am located in Harris County GA

• Curtis Arnold1969
• .22
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Old Ads

• 

That didn't last long..

 

[jeepnuts]

Not a whole lot of things are more fun than parking the jeep on the side of the trail and stopping for lunch and a little shooting.

I prefer to shoot suppressed so I don’t draw attention to myself (and it’s just more fun).

Your first gun might not be your forever gun. Your interests may change or you might find something you like more. I was a Glock guy for a while and now I have zero interest in them.

 

[Timber Cruiser]

What have we bought thus far?!!

 

[Jackspack]

Learn the four rules of gun safety.
1. Treat all guns as if they are loaded
2. Do not point a gun at anything you do not wish to destroy
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until it’s time to pull the trigger
4. Know your target and what’s behind it.

There is some great advice above. I’d start with a 9mm Semi auto (Glock 19) and a 10/22 Rifle. Then get a .22 Pistol. As you build your collection stay caliber consistent.

If you have questions please feel free to pm me.