First rifle

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17-09-2025, 02:45 AM
Spud_Sunny

First rifle

Im looking for a rifle, I know I want a 22lr, 223, and 308. Only thing is, because I live in Gisborne and people build houses right next to a pistol club I cant shoot/sight in a 223/308. I can only shoot a supressed 22lr. I want the 22 for plinking/practice since ive had a slight set back from joining the defence force I want to get a 22 m4 so I can get used to the M4 platform. But the 223/308 will be used for hunting. Then the 22lr M4s are around that 1 grand mark and my mate is telling me to just get a 223/308 at that price. Anyone have any ideas? ive looked at the UTAS from Delta Mike with the 22lr bolt but that would be about 5 Grand, thats rifle, sight, 22 bolt, supressor, grip and spare mags. I know that some people will have diffrent ways of counting it and you will deffently get a cheaper number, im just thinking about the long run with my plans to collect. There are some 2nd hand options out there, im just not completly sure on what my plan is. The M4 platform its an easy platform to learn so I can take my misses and dad out if I want im just a bit stuck on the whole sighting in a rifle larger than 22lr. There was a hunting club but thats been gone for some time. Any Ideas?
17-09-2025, 03:42 AM
Tentman

Hmmmm. The old wants versus needs conundrum. You need to learn to shoot. A 22LR is best for this and suits your circumstances both in terms of $ and location. The "M4 platform" is nothing special and you can get similar ergonomics by dropping a 10/22 into a "chassis" - for way less than $1000 hard earned $ you'll be shooting and learning.

I did my "Basic training" over 45 years ago on SLRs, but it wouldn't have made a jot of difference if I'd been able to shoot one before I started . . . Some blighter still beat me for the intake's marksmanship award, second was a bitter pill at the time, but really just the luck of the draw . . . He drew a slightly better rifle than me (and I whinged so much about the first "absolute crap" one I was issued that it got replaced) haha.
17-09-2025, 08:48 AM
Happy Jack

My first 22LR was a package deal from GC was under $500and taught me heaps, mainly that a cheap 22LR can still bust bunnies, next I acquired a 22-250 package second hand locally for under $1000 which I still use on goats today although I did get it shortened slightly and suppressed.

After that I got a takedown but on sold that and kept the scope and suppressor to put on the Mauser M18 308 I replaced it with, I picked up the Mauser new locally for under $1000 too as it had been a shelf Queen at the shop.

The only one I don't have anymore is the 22 as I have nowhere to shoot one now. I don't need anything else have the occasional want though and am totally set up under $3000.
17-09-2025, 09:09 AM
Barry the hunter

a good second hand 22 is a great start point but I would be looking at accuracy and trigger rather than the M 4 platform- and you have choices - CZ Anshutz BRNO Tikka and also a few outside mainstream like Mauser ( earlier but good ) Voere Earlier Remington bolt Marlin bolt - get a good one and practice - then later a 308 - as one has said on here the Ruger 10-22 they can be worked up into very accurate rifles - a good accurate bolt 22 should be $1000 with a scope on - Anshutz a lot more but worth it - shop around and dont be in a hurry - local Deerstalkers club in Gisborne worth a visit see what range they have
17-09-2025, 05:17 PM
vulcannz

If I were starting over with a 22 I'd probably grab something like this: https://broncos.co.nz/product/rossi-...ressor#1133278

Or maybe a bolt version.
17-09-2025, 05:21 PM
country cuts

If you want to practice come down to wairoa we have a range here with no noise restrictions
17-09-2025, 05:23 PM
country cuts

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry the hunter

a good second hand 22 is a great start point but I would be looking at accuracy and trigger rather than the M 4 platform- and you have choices - CZ Anshutz BRNO Tikka and also a few outside mainstream like Mauser ( earlier but good ) Voere Earlier Remington bolt Marlin bolt - get a good one and practice - then later a 308 - as one has said on here the Ruger 10-22 they can be worked up into very accurate rifles - a good accurate bolt 22 should be $1000 with a scope on - Anshutz a lot more but worth it - shop around and dont be in a hurry - local Deerstalkers club in Gisborne worth a visit see what range they have

The gisborne nzda use the range in wairoa we just had the hunts course range day a couple of weeks back
17-09-2025, 05:27 PM
country cuts

The most reliable and true to form m4 platform in .22 would have to be the tippman they are expensive but fun, I have one and other calibers your looking at happy to let you have a look if your willing to travel
17-09-2025, 07:55 PM
Oldbloke

Quote:

Originally Posted by vulcannz

If I were starting over with a 22 I'd probably grab something like this: https://broncos.co.nz/product/rossi-...ressor#1133278

Or maybe a bolt version.

WOW, would sell like hot cakes at that price if we're able to them over here.
29-09-2025, 10:31 PM
Spud_Sunny

Apologies for the late response. Given my current health situation (i have 2 holes in the heart) I won't be able to get in for another 2.5 years(starting maybe next year if the hospital hurries up) due to being on blood thinners so that I can avoid a clot in my heart. I only really say the M4 platform because it lets me get the attachments that one would expect on the MARS-L, so I can build that out and eventually get one once I have my collectors endorsement. And as a bonus, the M4 platform lets me put a PEQ 15 on or something for night shooting under nods for pest control in rural environments.