New user, first gun, 15-22 PC!

[Jorsche]

Hi All,

New user here and tonight I purchased my first gun, a 15-22 Performance Center (threaded barrel)! My state requires a 24-hour waiting period for a rifle purchase, so I'll be picking it up tomorrow after work.

Apologies in advance if some of my questions have been answered to death here, please feel free to ignore those, as I'll be doing more reading tonight.

I've been shooting guns here and there since I was a kid, but for some reason I didn't get bit by the bug to own one until just recently, maybe because my wife and I are starting a family soon.

I debated for a long time between the A1 and the PC and in the end decided I might kick myself later if I didn't shell out the extra cash, so here I am.

While I've shot lots of different kinds of guns, owning one will be a new experience for me and I'm hoping you all can offer some advice.

Here are the questions I have:
- I've never cleaned a gun, what should I look for in a cleaning kit? What should I expect to pay? Should I give it a full cleaning before I take it to the range?
- Any other maintenance/cleaning supplies that I need?
- I've never visited an indoor firing range, but there is one close by. Will I need to bring anything special other than ear/eye protection and a case for the rifle? Targets?
- When it comes to the case, what should I look for? I went to my budget limit with the rifle so I'd like to avoid spending several hundred on something fancy.
- What should I transport my ammo in when I go to the range? Can I just bring a backpack for that sort of thing, or is there more to it? I believe I read somewhere that some ranges don't like you to bring loaded magazines with you?
- Any advice on inexpensive optics (less than $100, preferably closer to $50)? I want to challenge myself and have the most fun shooting, does that mean I should wait to buy a scope? Maybe a red dot instead?
- Should I get some snap caps so I can dry fire the gun? How much do those generally cost?
- What's the best place in general to shop for accessories?

Ideally I'd like to just make a trip to Wal-Mart and pick up everything I need for the range in one go, but I don't know if they carry everything.

Thanks again, I can't wait to get the gun and go shooting. I'll post a few pics tomorrow night.

Thanks,

Jorsche

 

[Povchrisw]

Any cleaning kit with a 22 cal brush, patches, solvent and oil. Yes you need to clean the packing oil out of it. U may want a shoo wrench to take the barrel off for further cleaning and nut tightening tacticool22.com . I bring all my gear in a backpack.. No case for me. Dont need snap caps.. I use old shells for dry fireing.

 

[Jorsche]

Thanks!

Forgot to ask a couple of other things:
- It's OK to use 25-round mags with the PC, right? It comes with one 10-round mag, I assume all compatible mags are fine.
- Any buying advice for a bipod?

 

[mrxela]

- I've never cleaned a gun, what should I look for in a cleaning kit? What should I expect to pay? Should I give it a full cleaning before I take it to the range?

Get a bore snake ($16), a set of micro fiber towels, can of compressed air, CLP (all purpose Clean Lube and Protect, various brands sell CLPs) and old tooth brush.

Do a pass with bore snake, it will feel like you are going to rip it in half, keep pulling steadily dont jerk it and make sure it doesnt get cought on the ejector. Drop CLP on snake brushes and pull.

- Any other maintenance/cleaning supplies that I need?

Compressed air is entirely optional, but it beats blowing the gunk off and having it fly in your face.

- I've never visited an indoor firing range, but there is one close by. Will I need to bring anything special other than ear/eye protection and a case for the rifle? Targets?

Call the range and ask. Some ranges do not provide target backing (cardboard) and masking tape. Try to bring your own targets altho you can buy at most places they usually charge premium prices. Also try Shoot-N-See type targets, they are helpful for new shooters.

- When it comes to the case, what should I look for? I went to my budget limit with the rifle so I'd like to avoid spending several hundred on something fancy.

Whatever suits you.

- What should I transport my ammo in when I go to the range? Can I just bring a backpack for that sort of thing, or is there more to it? I believe I read somewhere that some ranges don't like you to bring loaded magazines with you?

Do not bring loaded mags. Carry ammo in box in came in. Most folks have a bag or two they use as range bag.

- Any advice on inexpensive optics (less than $100, preferably closer to $50)? I want to challenge myself and have the most fun shooting, does that mean I should wait to buy a scope? Maybe a red dot instead?

Tons of threads on optics, I started with a red dot and NCStar 2-7x. Now that you've been seduced by the dark side, you'll end up buying more rifles/pistols in the future and don't even try to rationalize or resists, its futile.

Find a local gun show and visit it, ask around, most folks love sharing their tips and opinions on various cleaning methods, setups and mods.

 

[ryhanus]

First off you need to buy a boresnake. That is super important at the range, i usually run the snake through after every 100 rounds and its really important for breaking in your gun.

Next and good cleaner is ok, hoppes is cheap and works great.

Next make sure you buy extra magazines for your gun, can never have too many, maybe even a 50 round drum or 2

Shoppping, always look around online because someone always has a better offer. I picked up an extras 25 round s&w mag for 14 and a front grip for 8. rail cover for all 4 rails for 20.

Scopes it all depends if you want a real or knock off scope. Also i have a site i have been watching for scopes with knockoffs and they also have some decent accessories you could look at. And they are cheap for the most part.

Bags, i picked up a tactical ar bag for about 30

But it all depends what u want to put on it.
Flashlight and Laser Gun Mount, Gun Mounts for Sale - DealExtreme

 

[Rowsdower]

Midway USA has a nice soft bag for 18.99 which has some pockets on the side for magazines and other things.

 

[Jorsche]

Thanks for the replies guys! I think I'll start with cleaning supplies, a bag, a spare magazine or two, and some different brands of ammo and go from there.

I appreciate the tip about backing cardboard and tape to take to the range, I definitely would not have thought of that.

 

[Jorsche]

Picked up my rifle this evening and did a little shopping before-hand. I couldn't be happier and I can't wait to shoot it!

Here's a list of the stuff I picked up:
- Cleaning kit (includes brushes, rod, oil, solvent)
- Bore snake
- Hoppe's solvent
- Soft tactical carry bag (Bulldog embroidered with local gun shop name)
- Inexpensive Tasco scope (4-9X40 I believe)
- Weaver scope rings (guy at the gun shop sold me 30mm, which don't fit the scope, so I ordered some 1" rings from Amazon that they'll be able to deliver tomorrow)
- 2 25-round S&W brand mags to supplement the 10-round short mag it came with
- Targets
- Ear plugs
- Ammo: I've got Federal bulk, CCI Mini Mags, CCI AR Tactical, CCI Standard, and Winchester Super Speed RN

I haven't decided yet whether to mount the scope before my first range trip or not. I've only fired with peep sights once (on a "real" AR-15) and I didn't get the hang of it then, it's probably a skill I should develop.

Thanks again for the tips, I'll update again once I've fired it.

I think I'm going to pick up a box of crayons too

 

[Rowsdower]

Congrats Jorsche, you're gonna love shooting it.

 

[Jabbit]

Thanks for the replies guys! I think I'll start with cleaning supplies, a bag, a spare magazine or two, and some different brands of ammo and go from there.

I appreciate the tip about backing cardboard and tape to take to the range, I definitely would not have thought of that.

I have a couple of these bags and I love 'em. Fits great, big enough for a rifle w/ optics, and it has a pocket on the outside.

Amazon.com: Plano Gun Guard 300S Soft Rifle Case, Hunter Green: Sports & Outdoors

 

[Jorsche]

Cleaned the gun for the first time last night with the help of some youtube videos. The only tricky part is that the ejector(?) is in the way and I'm worried about bending it accidentally when passing the rod or bore snake through the barrel.

I've had a bit of a fiasco with scope rings. The first set of weaver rings the gun shop sold me were 30mm, and the scope I bought is 1". After I discovered this, I went on Amazon and ordered some cheap UTG 1" High Profile rings with next day delivery, but they didn't show up at the office yesterday so I decided to exchange the expensive 30mm rings at the gun shop instead of returning them (and get my next-day shipping cost refunded from Amazon).

Got the 1" weaver rings from the gun shop, which claimed to be good for up to 44mm outer objective (my scope is 40mm), but the scope wouldn't fit on the gun. The outer objective was touching the top rail and I was afraid that if I tightened it down, it would bend the scope.

Thinking that the UTG rings might never show, I again went to Amazon and this time ordered a NcStar 3/4" riser for use with my weaver rings, which should show up tomorrow.

So this morning I got to work and found that the UTG rings were delivered last night and they look like they will definitely be tall enough, although I may find that I'm glad to have the riser when it shows up, just to give me some extra clearance to operate the charging handle.

My bipod (harris knock-off) is set to arrive today, so it looks like I'm just about ready to shoot it for the first time. I've found a rifle range that's a bit of a drive, so I might shoot it and an indoor range first to make sure everything works properly and then take it to 50-yard and 100-yard range on Saturday. Can't wait!

Once I've got the new bits on it I'll post some pics here and on the picture thread. I also asked the wife to pick up some crayons if she gets the chance

 

[Jorsche]

Scope and bipod mounted, I'm planning to add another 3/4" riser. I also reversed the safety for left-handed use. That's pretty much it in terms of accessories until after I've done some shooting and the wallet cools off.

 

[holo]

Congrats Jorsche, you're gonna love shooting it.

+1 you are on your way the guys on this forum know what they are talking about.

 

[Jorsche]

Just got back from my first trip to the range and I had a blast! I read in the manual that you should run through some boxes of cheap ammo before you start searching for what your gun likes the most, so I started digging into a value pack of Federal 36 grain copper plated hollow point.

The first two rounds did not want to let the bolt push them into the chamber, but the third one worked (and I was able to get the first two to work the next time I loaded them). After that I went through 240 rounds without the slightest hiccup!

It took me a little while to get the hang of the iron sights. I'm left handed but right eye dominant and at one point my right eye took over without me realizing it, which led to some stray shots.

Once I got that sorted out and figured out how to operate the adjustments on the sights, things started going pretty well. The range I went to only went out to 25 yards, but I was able to score a bullseye at that distance so I felt pretty good about myself. I was seeing groupings of a couple of inches from 50 feet and that was from a standing position using the iron sights. I'm sure I can do better with practice but I definitely need to update the prescription of my glasses.

If the weather holds I'll try to get to the rifle range this weekend and give my scope a try. Thanks again for the advice everybody, I'm really pleased with my purchase!

Jorsche

 

[Hobie1]

Wow

Jorsche

I will say that reading your posts was a pleasure. You're articulate and have the vernacular down.

What do you think of the trigger/fcg? Mine was very heavy at 7+ pounds(static weight, not spring). I just put in a RRA NM 2-stage FCG and it feels better. I haven't had a chance to take it to be weighed but it is lighter. The PC OEM FCG looks identical to the RRA. I've got a e-mail in to S&W asking about this but no response thus far.

So, have fun and keep those reports coming.

Hobie

 

[Jorsche]

Hi Hobie, I've enjoyed reading your posts too The trigger on the Performance Center feels great. I've not shot lots of rifles, so I don't have much experience to compare it with, but to my untrained finger it seems light and predictable.

This was my first time firing with both eyes open. Between that new technique, the light weight of the gun, and the nice trigger, I came away surprised at how effortless it was to stand and shoot for an hour.

I'm definitely pleased that I spent the extra cash on the PC. I can't say for sure whether the upgrades are worth every penny of the price difference, but it sure is a sweet gun.

 

[Hobie1]

Alrighty then I've been trying to get some quality range time in to compare my MOE and PC together. So far, the MOE is grouping tighter but that's before the PC's FCG change. It sure is fun having these platforms/guns/weapons to work with.
Keep up the good work, even if it means taking one for the team.

Hobie...over and out for the day.

 

[Jorsche]

Rifle range report

After scouring the internet and asking around a bit, I discovered a rifle range that's about a 40-minute drive from me. They have 25-, 50-, and 100-yard ranges and it costs $10 to shoot as much as you want while they're open (for four hours a day on weekends).

The weather report said 90% chance of rain, but by late morning it was still just cool and cloudy, so I decided to make a go of it. My wife tagged along for the ride, but she wasn't interested in shooting yet, so she watched me for a bit and then retreated to the car to read.

The guys who run the range are really nice and do a thorough job. The range was open when I arrived, so I loaded mags and waited for a cease fire. I'm a little embarrassed about how long it took me to zero in my scope, but once I could see where my shots were hitting it was pretty easy. Unfortunately I couldn't tell until I saw wood splinters coming off of one of the target support post about two feet right of my crosshairs

I ended up shooting about 500 rounds from my federal bulk pack (I bought a couple more this morning) and I was doing reasonably well, but not great. It was a little cold and windy and the ammo isn't the best, plus this was my first time shooting from a bipod. Even so, it was the most fun I've had in quite a while and definitely beat the pants off of the indoor range I went to.

One thing that surprised me was that it seems like EVERYBODY has a 15-22! No joke, the guy on my left and the guy on my right both had one, and I saw at least three others. Mine was the only Performance Center, but nobody had even heard of it, so I guess it's not much good as a status symbol

Shooting enthusiasts seem to be a really friendly bunch and I'm already counting down until next weekend and hopefully some better weather. I've also got some buddies who are curious and hopefully I'll inspire them to join the 15-22 club soon.

Off to clean the rifle...

Jorsche

 

[Jorsche]

I have some buddies at work who are interested in shooting with me. I'm hoping they'll get bit by the bug and purchase their own guns. When I think about a trip to the range, I figure $10 to shoot, $15 for gas, and $20-30 for ammo. Is it bad form to ask my buddies to cover their share of the gas and ammo, or should look at it like a drug dealer and wait until they're addicted before springing the cost on them?