lots of questions from a soon to be gun-owner

[Desert Five-0]

For a pistol I would highly suggest a ruger 22-45 mark III.. I love mine. You can get one for around $300. The biggest complaint people have about them is that they are difficult to take apart. It's really not that hard and if you use a bore snake you will not have to take it apart very often.

 

[Majorlk]

For a pistol I would highly suggest a ruger 22-45 mark III.. I love mine. You can get one for around $300. The biggest complaint people have about them is that they are difficult to take apart. It's really not that hard and if you use a bore snake you will not have to take it apart very often.

A year ago I would have agree with you, but now I suggest Ruger's SR-22. It has a rather nice 4 lb trigger pull and it takes less than 10 seconds to break it down. It is just as accurate as the 22-45 and much safer for a beginning shooter.

 

[sbeatty1983]

I have both. But in my opinion you should start with a bolt action .22 and learn how to shoot first since your new. Much more to it then just being a owner.
That said welcome to the world of firearms once you buy one...it won't be your last. Go shooting with someone and try out both guns if possible.

That's terrible advice, and i don't even feel like it's worthy of me elaborating why.

Op. Either rifle will make a great starter platform and both are from companies that stand behind their products. My pick is the 10/22 but its strictly based on personal preference.