Thread: The value of .22lr

I've been researching my first rifle, which I had intended to use for deer and later hopefully Chamois and Tahr.

Everywhere on the internet tells me the first gun anyone should own should be .22LR. I've shot a bit before, and I'm struggling to understand the benefits of .22 - other than dirt cheap ammo.

I've seen it described as a good platform to use for learning shooting fundamentals, but these posts and articles are usually light on the details of what these "fundamentals" are, and why you need a .22 to learn them.

It seems like a smart idea to have a light & cheap calibre in NZ for stuff like rabbits and wallabies, but .22 doesn't seem to be that good for this either, being not particularly great at longer rangers, and not having much punch for game bigger than rabbits.

So what am I missing here? If oyu're not teaching kids or plinking in the back yard, is there a good reason why you should have a .22?
Can it be safely skipped as a first rifle, or even a "must have" calibre?

You'll learn much from shooting a .22, every good shooter, owns and shoots a .22 on a regular basis

Cheap to buy, cheap to run.

most people would say it is a necessity to have a .22.

Personally i cant remember the last time i fired one and am not planning on using one anytime soon, but i dont do enough small game blasting to justify the need for cheap ammo, i would rather use the .17hmr. I havent actually put THAT many rounds down a 22lr tube. If you do have some decent experience shooting than just make the call. A suppressed 223 will have next to no recoil and the ability to kill the odd deer, perfect for roos goats etc etc, just factor in it will be about $1 a shot. If cost isnt a factor there is no reason why you HAVE to get a .22lr.

While i had use of an air rifle and 22lr from a very young age the first rifle i "owned" was a 303 and then 308.
Yea 22s are great for cheap practice. But not essential. Particularly if you don't live near small game. Ie if you have to travel might as well hunt something that will fill a hole in the freezer.



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My first rifle was a Bruno Model 2E, I sold it a few years ago and regret it still (anyone knowing the where a bouts of a customized Model 2 serial 350444 let me know, I want too buy it back).
Cheap to run are .22 and you can learn good shooting habits which will travel with you to the bigger calibres. I used to shoot smallbore with mine even though it was scoped the old fuddies at the club I joined said they didn't care what I shot as long as i shot accurately and safely. Great guys they were, I learn t heaps

And I think you'll will find all top competition shooters,nearly all started with small bore and many continue to do so,

Cheers - that's made me feel better about my decision. I'm after tools, not toys.

Originally Posted by Maca49

You'll learn much from shooting a .22, every good shooter, owns and shoots a .22 on a regular basis

What is it that a .22 gives you that another caliber wouldn't? Is it just because it's cheap, you get more time behind the rifle, and therefore more experience?

Originally Posted by chalkeye

Cheers - that's made me feel better about my decision. I'm after tools, not toys.



What is it that a .22 gives you that another caliber wouldn't? Is it just because it's cheap, you get more time behind the rifle, and therefore more experience?

Pretty much

I depends on your needs?

I live in the country and fire mine every night. I let the dogs off, walk around the house a couple of times and can usually shoot a rat, possum or rabbit pretty much every time I do this. For me the enjoyment I get from owning/using my .22lr is priceless and I wouldn't be without one.

kj

Originally Posted by chalkeye

What is it that a .22 gives you that another caliber wouldn't? Is it just because it's cheap, you get more time behind the rifle, and therefore more experience?

Lots of practice is the main thing, also being fairly ballistically challenged it gives you plenty of experience in dealing with wind and drop at closer ranges - teaches you principles which apply to centrefires at longer ranges which you might not be able to practice at as often.

It takes many thousands of rounds to carve the muscle memory of shooting into the shooter. I didn't become a talented rifleman until I spent thousands of rounds of CCI standard velocity teaching myself proper trigger control and breathing technique, as well as finding out which body positions worked for me. To become a good shooter, all these things need to gel and become a subconscious reaction. Chances are if you bank on using a big rifle to learn ya, you will always shoot like shit and go broke doing it.

I love to use the 22lr, shot many hundreds of rabbits over the last three years. A great tool to learn on. Hold over for longer shots, hold under for mid range shots and look along the barrel for the really close shots. The ballistics you have to work around with the round make it fun. I've done very limited range work with it, I find the good tasting reactive furry targets the best.

About nine bucks a box, these days.

I think beavis nailed it.