r/canadaguns • u/Feisty-Confusion-356 • 24d ago

Buy recommendations First firearm recommendations

Hey folks,

I’m new to firearms and thinking about getting a used lever-action .22 as my first rifle. I like the classic style, the ammo is affordable, and it seems like a good way to learn the basics.

For someone buying their first gun, is a used lever-action .22 a good idea?

What models should I be looking at?

What should I check before buying used?

Any red flags with older .22 lever guns?

I want something reliable, safe, and fun to learn on. Not trying to overcomplicate it.

Thanks in advance.

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u/TheSkrillanator 24d ago edited 24d ago

My personal opinion would be to get a simple semi auto .22LR as your first gun. Ruger 10/22, Derya TM22 or the TM22 Feather, Winchester Wildcat 22. I have an Adler RF-224 which I've had 0 F2F/F2E problems with after multiple trips to the range without cleaning, and I absolutely love it, but some people (myself still included) say quality per unit is hit or miss on those Turkish guns.

In any case, a widely used .22LR semi auto platform brand new is still super cheap, you'll learn the fundamentals on an easy to procure and care for gun, and you'll likely see less problems on the tried and tested models.

If you REALLY want a lever 22, most people I've talked to say the Henry Mare's Leg is pretty smooth.

But I'd rather settle for something dinky, simple, and easy first, save up, and get the Lever of my dreams after that. Something chambered in .44 or .357 Mag, NOW we're talking cowboy yee haw shit.

Edit:

I guess I should also answer your questions

Red flags on used .22's: this is one that I'd be wary of. The mechanism for a rimfire mechanism is precise. It has to be. As your aware after your PAL course, a rimfire cartridge ignites via crush pressure on the exposed rim (hence the name). This is why youre advised never to dry fire a rimfire gun - the firing pin slams into the breech and potentially ruins it for future ignition. Constant use potentially exposes the mechanism to similar wear over time. I'd advise against a used .22 - or any rimfire really, for that reason UNLESS youre a season pro knowing what to look for. Centrefire used, go for it.