My first rifle: Not as much fun as I thought it would be

[JohnCCW]

Unburned powder in your barrel is not going to cause any safety issue.
Same with subsonic ammo in a bolt action.

[Jeepergeo]

Hey OP, hang in there. Most of everyone here was a newby at one time and had our own challenges. Of course a few folks here were born experts and they will no doubt reveal themselves to you.

Are you using a one piece rod, coated rod, or multi-piece sectional rod? I suspect there is something wedged between the rod and the barrel that is jamming things up. It could be pealed rod coating, or even pealed aluminum from a multi-piece rod or worse debris from a squib round (unlikely since the brush made it through) or part of the brush. Anyway, as others have suggested, put some lube down the barrel from both ends, let it soak for a few minutes, and then jiggle the rod up and down to see if you can loosen it. Once loose, slowly extract the rod and if you feel it getting tight again, don't force it. Worst case take the gun to a gun smith and pay a few bucks for some help.

Consider a left handed bolt action. They cost a few bucks more due to supply and demand issues, but will be worth the money. And don't give up on the 22...you can buy good bulk rounds for $0.06 to $0.08 per round, which means you can shoot a bunch for little money. And the recent G&A review of 22 ammo suggests that for most of us, the bulk stuff is good for most of our shooting needs.

Oh, and if you haven't already done so, consider taking a Hunters Safety Class, one that provides some range time. You will learn a ton and have fun with like minded people.

[M1NM]

Don't waste your $ on a Hasty Sling. Spend 15-20 minutes every day for a couple weeks holding your gun in the shooting position. You need to build muscles that only get used shooting. If the brush is still on the cleaning rod there is your problem. You'll need to put some horsepower behind it and push or pull it out. Don't tray a hammer you'll destroy the rod and have even more problems. If you are leaning toward a Ruger 10-22 try to find an older one. They had anodized vs painted receivers, metal vs plastic trigger groups, butt plates and barrel bands, nice wood stocks too.

[b.thomas]

Switch off between the handguns and the .22 rifle if your having trouble.
When shooting with family members we do it all the time!
It will keep you from getting bored and it's a lot more fun then just banging way with just one firearm!

[SonofWWIIDI]

OP, post your general location and maybe someone more experienced that lives near you will be willing to take a look at the stuck rod and offer some advice...or even clear it for you.

Also, definitely look into a semi auto, maybe even a dedicated AR-22. Lots of fun!

[terry4130]

In addition to the above, try other rifles if you're able, I think semi auto .22's are inherently fun, I have a browning sa22 (ambidextrous) and a10/22 td they are both a blast to shoot, a red dot on the ruger adds to the fun [emoji39]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Don't forget about lever actions and old school pumps! My wife's golden boy is a blast to shoot. I've always wanted an old pump .22lr.

[Horrendo Revolver]

I used to clean my rimfires every time they were shot. A few years ago I read an article about the damage done to firearms when cleaning and decided to use the gunwriter's method. I only clean my rimfires now when accuracy is degraded or the rifle quits cycling(I have semi's). Since starting the new method of cleaning, I haven't had to clean one yet, now going on five years.

[Jimi Jah]

Get some bags and an AR. That ought to fix your bored rifle problems. And clean you damn gun too.

[tipoc]

Now I'm new to this, but the rifle really hasn't been much fun so far... Another problem is that I shoot left-handed because I'm left eye dominant.

Just a question on this are you left handed and left eye dominant? Or right handed and left eye dominant?

tipoc

[SkyHawk]

If you are right handed, don't shoot left handed. Just close your left eye, then your right eye is dominant At least try it....

I am cross dominant, right handed but left eye dominant. I never shoot left handed. Even when I shoot sporting clays, I close my left eye. I do very well even shooting moving clays, it's no problem. But I have been shooting right handed 40+ years, and over time my left eye became dominant, which is common as people age. But I am not changing my shooting hold just because of that, not now...