I see that the OP is fairly heavily resisting going the 22LR route as a starter rifle. Everyone can do as they wish, but solid shooting fundamentals should not be ignored. Typically, these fundamentals are developed with rimfire rifles.
OP, why don't you consider holding off on your purchase, borrow one of your buddies 10/22's and take an Appleseed or Revere's Riders course to get a better understanding of being a rifleman?
I see that the OP is fairly heavily resisting going the 22LR route as a starter rifle. Everyone can do as they wish, but solid shooting fundamentals should not be ignored. Typically, these fundamentals are developed with rimfire rifles.
OP, why don't you consider holding off on your purchase, borrow one of your buddies 10/22's and take an Appleseed or Revere's Riders course to get a better understanding of being a rifleman?
/threadAh hell. I'm just gonna come right out and recommend a rifleman's rifle. The M1A or other M14 variant.
Get good with it, and it will grow with you. 0-800 yds easily. My standard will.
/thread
What does that mean?
End thread.
He agrees with the statement and thinks "end of discussion". No more can be said.
Ah I see. Hard to keep up with forum symbols these days
As long as you are happy with it. I have a bolt action 223 and I still love to get it out from time to time, it can really group them tight! Again though, a 22 would also be something to consider.
If you do some research you'll get a better idea of what suits your needs too I am sure. 17hmr would be something cheap and good to look at. !00 or in though you just don't need anything "not small" if you catch my drift. I am sure some other guys will be along soon to say a few things too and help you think it out.
Edit: just saw you said over 100 not under. Sorry I was about to pass out for the night!
Why not just get a bolt action chambered in .223?
Sorry, maybe I'm just an old stick in the mud, but why spend the extra money on an AR when you can get at least two decent quality turnbolts that will more than likely outshoot even the best AR?
I mostly agree with this, but so many AR's can outshoot many bolt guns out of the box. But I don't necessarily agree that they are a beginners gun either. With the short sight radius and sensitivity to head placement and pressures on the rifle, I think a bolt action rifle is more suited to a new shooter than an AR15.
I think .243 is the ideal caliber for the one rifle, new shooter. From targets, to varmints, to large game (where legal) this caliber is very versatile. And recoil is low.
My recommendation is a quality rifle in .243.
How about 30-06? A traditional standby, all around favorite, very versatile. Large selection of bullet sizes, ammo is very widely available. Can shoot long range if that's what you want to try, also good for just about any North American game from deer to antelope to elk, if you ever become interested.