Thinking about starting to shoot

[isthisreality]

Ok, so after having read about gun ownership/etc/etc, I figured I'd like to try starting to shoot. However, I'd rather not start something that I would not be able to afford nor be proficient enough at. So I must ask, how much money, say, would it take to practice shooting bimonthly, say, a .22lr rifle for practice and a .223 centerfire rifle (I'm looking at the marlin 60 and handi rifle), and enough to be proficient at it as well? I would be able to do this if this weren't California and everything is more expensive x1.5, so I don't know how much it'd cost me. I'm dirt poor (for the time being) so I need to know these sorts of things before I start something. Any input would be appreciated.

[DaveInOroValley]

Start by buying used. That way it won't cost you as much as new. Even then there are many good prices to be had for a .22 LR. Prior to purchasing and getting your feet wet a safety course is a good first step. Many ranges will offer these as well as many gun clubs depending where you are geographically.

Cost wise it really does depend practice twice a month will depend on where you can legally shoot and ammo. Not too much if you keep the round count down to say 150 twice a month. Maybe 40.00 including avg range fees, but that's just a wild guess.

Welcome to the sport but watch your wallet I swear my guns sneak in at night and go through mine.

[sideshowhr]

in your case, i'd say definitely start with a .22

pick up a used marlin or ruger for ~$150, go to walmart and pick up a brick or two (550 rounds each brick) for $14 (?), and look up public land shooting areas.

[GUN FREAK]

Save your money. Don't get hooked. Its a monkey on your back. Call 911 for help.

But if you must. Get a used 10 /22.

[isthisreality]

My problem is that I have 0 friends who are or would be interested in shooting (I'm in college), so I can't rent firearms (or take the safety classes as it involves renting) in any of the ranges within my ... range.
Buying used sounds appealing... after all, the two main .22's are supposed to last a lifetime... but is there anything I should look for when buying a used firearm?

And also, if there are any Bay Area people out there, how much does .22lr and .223 cost here anyways?

[DaveInOroValley]

Questions:

1. Have you ever shot before? BB gun to pellet rifle to anything?
2. No range? so where would you shoot?
3. Maybe consider waiting until a better time? safety is very important if you're not familiar with handling weapons.
4. What ever you decide be careful and read up online for safety. That's free.

http://www.nrahq.org/education/guide.asp

[isthisreality]

1. I've shot BB guns back in the day, but that's about it.
2. There are ranges, they just have the policy where no rentals unless come in pairs/have own firearm.
3. I figure I'll buy one, then take the safety classes from one of the ranges in no.2 (rental policy applies to safety classes)
4. I've read and memorized that before

[thefifthspeed]

Where are you located? I'm sure there are enough cal-gunners around that could either help you directly or point you to the right places.

[Soldier415]

Where are you located? I'm sure there are enough cal-gunners around that could either help you directly or point you to the right places.

This. Calguns members have always been willing to help someone get in to the sport.

[isthisreality]

I"m located at Palo alto, although I'm at college for the time being. I'm thinking about starting the summer I get back...

[Zeke003]

Welcome.
I had a similar issue to yours when I first started shooting. No one I knew went shooting, I was the first in my family etc. etc. As long as you take the advice of the other guys here about the safety course you should be fine.

[rkt88edmo]

I"m located at Palo alto, although I'm at college for the time being. I'm thinking about starting the summer I get back...

Just say "Hey I'm in PALO ALTO and want to shoot .22s with you!"

And I am pretty sure you will find calgunners who will hook up with you.

Basic cost if you shoot with someone else:
1 - range fee (generally $10-$20 depending on where you shoot)
2 - ammo (.22lr only s/b 4-13 cents a round, depending on where you buy) figure 100-300 rounds per session.
3 - gas money to get there or to be thankful to your host who is letting you shoot their guns ($5-$20 depending)
Using that method you are looking at ~$40-50 a shooting session

For the time being, since you've sighted cost as a factor, I would forget about .223.

Even old used .22lrs are plenty accurate for learning and fun and can be had for $100. New Marlin bolt action .22lrs are a good value buy and can be had for around $275 out the door.

ETA: look for markmanship clubs at the ranges near you and you might find a .22lr or air rifle gourp that meets regularly and has loaner guns, or and air rifle group.

[Czar Quanovan]

I read most of the thread...you said you were from Palo Alto but did you mention where you are going to school? I just bought my first gun and I'm a broke college student too.

[isthisreality]

Heh, thanks for all the responses. 40-50$'s a session with base cost of ~300...
Well, better start earlier than late.

I'm a Stanford student (who lives in Palo alto)

[dfxjedi]

If you've never done any shooting before,defenatly start out with a .22LR,either Remington or Savage.
Get a bolt action,not a semi-auto....bolt actions are always better than semi-auto's in my opinion.