Hello

[hiS_oWn]

A little introduction.

I recently moved into the San Jose, CA area and decided to get into some shooting once the summer season starts in May. I have yet to own or fire a rifle in my life. My experience with guns is limited to a .357 and 9mm gun I fired on occasion in college with my buds.

Originally, I was drawn to the idea of shooting once I saw the AR-15 and instantly fell in love, one of the reasons I came to this site, but after doing some research on the matter, the requirements and legal ambiguity in this state are insane enough I might hold back on that until I find some competent and experienced shooter to discuss the matter. It's one of those things I wouldn't feel safe owning unless I can walk up to a police officer, wave it in his face, and not get arrested for doing so. ;-)

So in the meantime I'm in the market for a rifle I can play with. Something solid and accurate enough to be worthwhile, but still nothing that would break the bank. Also (correct me if I'm wrong) most ranges don't let you shoot 5.56 or .223 so I'm probably left with a smaller caliber rifle.

Appreciate any advice you guys are willing to offer.

[USN CHIEF]

Well, welcome to CalGuns.. You definately came to the right place for advice and to meet fellow gun lovers.. I am absolutale sure that a fellow CalGunner lives near your area and will be more than happy to take you out shooting at the range... Most of the indoor ranges don't allow .223 but just about every outdoor range does allow .223 and higher calibers. Take your time and go trhough some of the threads and you will see how easy it will be for you to own an AR-15 that complies with CA gun laws...

[jandmtv]

hi, welcome to CalGuns.

I would recommend a Ruger 10/22 as your first rifle, they can be had for $220ish and ammo is very cheap, you can also shoot it at indoor and outdoor ranges. Big 5 carries them.

good luck.

[leelaw]

It's one of those things I wouldn't feel safe owning unless I can walk up to a police officer, wave it in his face, and not get arrested for doing so. ;-)

I don't care if it's an OLL, a clearly legal handgun, a baseball bat, a black water pistols, knife, or most anything else, you are just asking to get subdued if you do that, joking or not.

Sorry, I just don't find the humor in your attempted joke.

Other than that, welcome. Search the forum and read up on the particulars of the law. If you have a question, search first. It's probably been answered.

[Lateralus]

Hi There!

I would also recommend a 10/22 as your first rifle.

As for the law, I agree with you. The difference between a nice day at the range and a reacharound from a guy named Molly is usually how well you can explain the legality of your rifle to a LEO. Just PM me if you need any clarification on the AW laws of this state.

[mltrading]

A little introduction.

I recently moved into the San Jose, CA area and decided to get into some shooting once the summer season starts in May. I have yet to own or fire a rifle in my life. My experience with guns is limited to a .357 and 9mm gun I fired on occasion in college with my buds.

Originally, I was drawn to the idea of shooting once I saw the AR-15 and instantly fell in love, one of the reasons I came to this site, but after doing some research on the matter, the requirements and legal ambiguity in this state are insane enough I might hold back on that until I find some competent and experienced shooter to discuss the matter. It's one of those things I wouldn't feel safe owning unless I can walk up to a police officer, wave it in his face, and not get arrested for doing so. ;-)

So in the meantime I'm in the market for a rifle I can play with. Something solid and accurate enough to be worthwhile, but still nothing that would break the bank. Also (correct me if I'm wrong) most ranges don't let you shoot 5.56 or .223 so I'm probably left with a smaller caliber rifle.

Appreciate any advice you guys are willing to offer.

First of all, welcome to San Jose, CA.
Secondly, welcome to CalGuns forum.

Thirdly, legal thing is legal. There's no such "gray area". Don't worry about the stupid CA firearm laws.

You might have a 10/22 first. It looks so "not-evil". After you get used to the CA-style firearm laws, consider an off-list build.

[jammer2k]

Just another post saying, get a 10/22.

Very nice shooter and used fairly cheap ammo compared to just any other type of rifle. Been a while since I lived there so I really can't help with local ranges or stores.

[MILLITIAof1]

Just another post saying, get a 10/22.

Very nice shooter and used fairly cheap ammo compared to just any other type of rifle. Been a while since I lived there so I really can't help with local ranges or stores.

yup, you will want one eventually anyways.

[jimbo1747]

Welcome hiS-oWn! Like everyone else, I recommend you buy yourself a .22 rifle to start. The Ruger 10/22 is the most popular out there, but there are others made by Remington and Marlin that you might also want to consider. .22 ammo is cheap (about $11-$13 for a box of 550 rounds at the Wal-Mart in Milpitas) and you can shoot a .22 rifle at most indoor ranges and at all the outdoor ranges in the area.

Once you get your rifle and some ammo, I'd recommend that you come down to the Santa Clara County Field Sports Park (the locals call it "Metcalf") on a weekend. Many Calgunners (including myself) shoot there on the weekends with our Cali legal ARs and would be more than happy to discuss our rifles as well as Cali's assault weapon laws with you.

http://www.sccgov.org/portal/site/parks/agencychp/?path=%252Fv7%252FParks%2520and%2520Recreation%252C%2520Department%2520of%2520(DEP)%252FPark%2520Activities%252FSports%2520Facilities%252FShooting%2520Range

[NRAhighpowershooter]

like everyone else has said.. get the Ruger 10/22*






















* trying to pad my post count to get to 3000 posts today

[Tweak338]

Welcome to Calguns.
Now go buy a 10/22 and order an assload of ammo in random calibers just to stockpile it..

[isitkool]

You could build up an OLL (Off List Lower) with a 22lr upper. It will get you familiar with the mechanics of the AR platform.

[Shotgun Man]

As for .22s, you could also consider the The Marlin 60.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marlin_Model_60