Ask any dedicated shooter about their first gun, and they can probably recall it with stunning clarity - they may even be able to pull it out of the closet or gun safe on request.

No matter what condition it may be in, gun owners often hang on to their first firearm for the pride and nostalgia it brings.

Perhaps the most common model to hold this sacred place in the hearts of many a gun owner is the .22 Long Rifle.

Beginner-Friendly Features of the .22 Long Rifle

A .22LR can provide an enjoyable first-time experience for shooters of every age and experience level.

Experience

Often young or inexperienced shooters get frightened away from any type of firearm training due to a poor introduction. Shockingly loud rounds or guns with intense recoil can be to blame.

Since the .22 long rifle has little to no perceived recoil, this model is a great fit for those who are new to the discipline.

Another factor that can make a poor first impression, is for beginners to have their first couple shots be with a gun that is mechanically difficult to operate or aim. The .22 long rifle is relatively simple to operate - once the basics are grasped - and offers excellent accuracy in terms of mechanics.

This means that, rather than get discouraged by a long period with no shots on target, newbies can achieve reasonable proficiency early on. The ability to brace while firing with both arms and the cheek helps steady someone not yet able to control finer motor skills.

Many gun instructors agree that the .22 long rifle is an excellent “starter firearm” as it imparts all the necessary fundamentals of marksmanship, while also giving a learner the satisfaction of a landed shot. Placed at a reasonable distance, kids can easily acquire the target and become enthusiastic about the challenge of the discipline.

Long-Term Investment

Economically-minded parents often choose .22 as a first gun gift because it is one that youngsters seldom “outgrow.”

Unlike those socks that won’t fit in a year, long rifles can be purchased with an adjustable length of pull, allowing for the gun to “grow with” the child. Additionally, .22 long rifles can always be upgraded with optical sights or a different stock to help kids advance in their skills.

Finally, few “douses” will dampen a spark of interest in a hobby like finding out how expensive it is. A good quality .22LR will require some investment, but the price tag is relatively low compared to other models. The cost of operating it is even more of a bargain by comparison, as .22 ammo continues to be some of the most plentiful, and most affordable.

Easy to Maintain

Two reasons why shooters of all ages and experience levels love the .22 is because it uses a common type of ammo and common parts. Even in historical shortages, parts and ammo for a .22 have often remained available long after other model types are nowhere to be found.

This also means a .22 is relatively easy to repair and clean. Whereas some gun designs are rare or complicated, the .22 has a known, dependable track record due to its simple design.

What To Look For In Purchasing A .22

As far as a gun for a first-time owner, there are some key factors to keep in mind to make sure a specific gun model is a good fit for the operator both in physical and practical terms.

.22 LR Specs

One of the best things about the .22LR is that it makes learning the basics of trigger pressure, using sights effectively, proper grip, and recoil control easier. However, one size does not fill all, so you will need to shop around to find the most suitable length, length of pull, weight, and trigger pull for a newbie.

.22 LR Applications

When choosing the right rifle for a child or new shooter, it’s important to evaluate whether you can use the firearm across a wide range of scenarios. Is it only good for long-range hunting, or can it be trusted in target shooting or other applications close to home?

Luckily, one of the most desirable features of the .22 LR is its versatility. While not necessarily the top choice for any one particular sport, as an all-around option for someone looking to build their skills, a .22LR is both a dependable and affordable option.

In purchasing a .22, you don’t want to “skimp out,” but neither is there any need to break the bank for this first firearm. At the time of writing, a quality .22 long rifle that will perform well for a beginner retails between $300-$600.

And when you need to reload to keep enjoying that new .22 long rifle again and again, we’ve got your ammo covered.