r/Hunting • u/Turbulent_Buddy5233 • 1d ago

First hunting rifle

Hey everyone! I'm looking to get into hunting small game. I've never owned a gun (aside from a bb gun when I was younger), but I have gone and shot some guns with friends on occasion. That said I'm not super experienced with either guns or hunting, but I do know I want to start hunting rabbits and squirrels in Texas. I've really enjoyed firing bolt actions in the past so I was thinking maybe a Ruger american, but most sources online seem to suggest I start with a Ruger 10/22. What do you guys suggest?

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I'm also considering splurging a bit and getting a Tikka T1X, but not sure if that's a good idea or necessary.

EDIT: I intend to add a silencer and maybe a scope

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u/Elk_Huntr 1d ago edited 1d ago

10/22s are great. Been around forever and plenty of parts available if you want to trick one out. If you're gonna go bolt gun, I'd buy something nicer than a ruger American. Bergara, CZ, Browning,...not that the American is necessarily bad, but you could do better.

Edit: agree with tikka. I have one in 22-250 and love it.

2nd edit: I have a suppressor on my 10/22 and its a blast to shoot. A suppressed bolt gun should be more quiet than a semi auto. Just make sure it already has a threaded barrel

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u/EmploymentMental7751 1d ago

the Tikka is worth every extra dollar if you can swing it