{"id":4095,"date":"2023-03-15T01:26:35","date_gmt":"2023-03-15T01:26:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/?p=4095"},"modified":"2026-05-21T11:36:27","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T11:36:27","slug":"best-rifle-for-beginners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/best-rifle-for-beginners\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Rifle for Beginners"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/the-best-rifle-rounds-for-hunting-whitetail-deer\/\">The best rifle<\/a> for beginners encompasses a multitude of important elements, including reasonable recoil, available ammunition, and the ability to actually shoot it accurately.<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">The best <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/the-benefit-of-having-a-backup-rifle\/\">rifle<\/a> for beginners encompasses a multitude of important elements, including reasonable recoil, available ammunition, and the ability to actually shoot it accurately. Factors such as size, weight, caliber, action style, magazine capacity, and <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/best-binoculars-for-hunting-out-west\/\">accessories<\/a> are important to consider in order to select the right rifle for you. Additionally, plan ahead on when you\u2019ll have the opportunity to learn about the rifle, either by taking a course or from someone you know who\u2019s experienced, and actually shoot it.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\"><div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p><span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/best-rifle-for-beginners\/#Choosing_the_Best_Rifle_for_Beginners\" >Choosing the Best Rifle for Beginners<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/best-rifle-for-beginners\/#22_LR\" >.22 LR<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/best-rifle-for-beginners\/#223\" >.223<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/best-rifle-for-beginners\/#243_Win\" >.243 Win.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/best-rifle-for-beginners\/#65_Creedmoor\" >6.5 Creedmoor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/best-rifle-for-beginners\/#Savage_Axis\" >Savage Axis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/best-rifle-for-beginners\/#Remington_Model_700\" >Remington Model 700<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/best-rifle-for-beginners\/#Ruger_American\" >Ruger American<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/best-rifle-for-beginners\/#Consider_a_Quality_Scope\" >Consider a Quality Scope<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Choosing_the_Best_Rifle_for_Beginners\"><\/span>Choosing the Best Rifle for Beginners<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/benefits-of-a-floating-center-dot-reticle\/\" title=\"Benefits of a Floating Center Dot Reticle\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1536\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">benefits of shooting<\/a> are many, especially for beginners. <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/improving-accuracy-of-a-factory-gun-2\/\">Shooting<\/a> can be a great way to sharpen hand-eye coordination, decision making, and mental focus while also providing a sense of relaxation and peace of mind as you develop your skills. It\u2019s seriously one of the best ways to blow off steam after a long day at the office.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Whether you\u2019re simply wanting to spend a little time at the range, hunt small game, or are considering competitive <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/tips-for-off-hand-shooting\/\" title=\"Tips for Off Hand Shooting\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1690\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">shooting sports and big game hunting<\/a> adventures, there is a place for all levels of shooters. One of the most important factors to consider is your skill level and comfort with firearms. If you\u2019re new to shooting, it\u2019s advisable to start off with a light rifle that\u2019s easy to handle and operate.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Choosing the correct action style for your desired use is also important. <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/building-the-ultimate-hunting-rifle\/\">Bolt-action rifles<\/a>, for example, are known for their accuracy. Whereas a semi-auto is perfect for plinking. Let\u2019s first look at a few calibers for those just starting out followed by a few manufacturers who make great guns.<\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"22_LR\"><\/span>.22 LR<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\">As far as calibers go, you simply can\u2019t beat the pure joy of shooting a .22. It is an excellent choice whether you\u2019re just starting out or have been shooting for a lifetime. This cartridge produces minimal noise and recoil, and is generally inexpensive and available to purchase.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">The ammo is also reasonably priced so you won&#8217;t have to worry about breaking the bank when experimenting with different brands. Additionally, the .22 LR offers good accuracy at short-range and is suitable for a variety of shooting applications, such as target practice, small game hunting, and even<a href=\"https:\/\/www.precisionrifleseries.com\/profiles\/rimfire-combined\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> precision rimfire series (PRS)<\/a> competitions. To learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/precision-rimfire-competitions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Precision Rimfire Competitions<\/a> please see our<a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/precision-rimfire-competitions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> dedicated blog<\/a>.<\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"223\"><\/span>.223<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Moving out of rimfire into one the lightest-kicking centerfire rounds, we have the .223. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a caliber that offers accuracy, power, and versatility. It produces minimal recoil, making it ideal for kids and adults. And is just fun to shoot at both short- and long-range targets.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Plus, it\u2019s suitable for predators and big game (check state regulations on the latter, as some states don\u2019t allow all centerfire calibers to be used on big game).<\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"243_Win\"><\/span>.243 Win.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\">A great all-around caliber, the .243 Win. is a great step up and a great caliber for kids or <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/elk-hunting-tips-for-beginners\/\" title=\"Elk Hunting Tips for Beginners\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1120\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">beginners to big game hunt<\/a> with. Its lightweight design means it produces less recoil, making it easier to shoot accurately. Plus, you\u2019re not sacrificing accuracy or power at more extended ranges like you would with the .223.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">A variety of ammo is widely available in .243 Win, so you can find the ideal round for your rifle. Whether you\u2019re just starting out, or looking for an all-purpose chambering for your rifle, the .243 Win provides a great option.<\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"65_Creedmoor\"><\/span>6.5 Creedmoor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\">If you\u2019re new to the shooting world and have seen the name Creedmoor pop up during Google searches, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about. The big deal with the <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/the-6-5mm-creedmoor-rifle-round\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">6.5mm Creedmoor rifle round<\/a> is that it is capable of generating velocities and a trajectory approaching the likes of a much bigger round, like the 300 Winchester Magnum, but at significantly reduced recoil. Not only does this make it a great long range round for an enjoyable day at the range, but it also makes a smooth transition into big game hunting.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Many people feel that the 6.5mm projectile provides the <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/6-5-creedmoor-vs-308-win\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">best aerodynamic ballistic profile<\/a> of any diameter bullet designed today, resulting in high ballistic coefficients (BC) and superior long range results as well as reduced wind deflection. Since it has an overall length of 2.825 inches it can be chambered in short action rifles and AR 10 platforms alike, providing a few choices for what <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/rifle-marksmanship-trigger-control-success\/\" title=\"Rifle Marksmanship : Trigger Control Equals Success\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1440\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rifle you may shoot<\/a> it with.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">A fun fact about the 6.5 is that while it has really only gained significant popularity among vast numbers of shooters within the last two years, this cartridge has been around for more than a decade. The brainchild of the engineers at Hornady, it was designed as a long-range competition load and named after the historic Creedmoor range, the location of the first national rifle matches in Long Island, New York.<\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Savage_Axis\"><\/span>Savage Axis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/savagearms.com\/content?p=firearms&#038;a=product_summary&#038;s=57233\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Savage Axis<\/a> is a great rifle for beginners whether your goal is hunting or spending time at the range. Built with an ergonomic synthetic stock and the popular AccuTrigger, the rugged design can withstand a pretty good beating while also being accurate and reliable. If you haven\u2019t heard of the AccuTrigger, it\u2019s an advanced system that allows you to adjust the trigger pull and therefore fine tune it to match your personal preference.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">The barrel is made from <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/rifle-scopes-and-extremely-cold-weather\/\" title=\"Rifle Scopes and Extremely Cold Weather\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1586\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">durable<\/a> stainless steel and features a matte black finish for superior weather resistance. Additionally, its die-cast receiver is machined from high-grade aluminum for improved accuracy and enhanced durability and longevity. These features are why the Savage Axis remains one of the top choices for hunters and shooters looking for reliability at a reasonable price.<\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Remington_Model_700\"><\/span>Remington Model 700<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\">We are not sponsored by Remington! We just think they make some really great rifles that are accurate and easy to use. It&#8217;s also an especially great rifle for beginners because it\u2019s affordable, durable, and reliable. And the 700 is all of those things.<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_4100\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4100\" style=\"width: 436px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4100 size-full\" title=\"The best rifle for beginners encompasses a multitude of important elements, including reasonable recoil, available ammunition, and the ability to actually shoot it accurately.\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Model-700.jpg\" alt=\"The best rifle for beginners encompasses a multitude of important elements, including reasonable recoil, available ammunition, and the ability to actually shoot it accurately.\" width=\"436\" height=\"116\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/03\/Model-700.jpg 436w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/03\/Model-700-300x80.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/03\/Model-700-150x40.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 436px) 100vw, 436px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4100\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The best rifle for beginners encompasses a multitude of important elements, including reasonable recoil, available ammunition, and the ability to actually shoot it accurately.<\/figcaption><\/figure><p style=\"text-align: justify\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.remarms.com\/rifles\/bolt-action\/model-700\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Remington Model 700<\/a> is one of the most popular and reliable bolt-action rifles available today. There are a wide range of options. The ADL is inexpensive, accurate, durable, and easy to use. It literally has three moving parts: action, safety, trigger (the ADL model does not have a drop plate or clip for ammunition).<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Overall, the 700\u2019s easy operation makes it a solid contender in the best rifle for beginners category. Like the Model 7, a Model 700 is a piece of gear that can last for several lifetimes. So whether you are looking for a gun to take out into the field or just to practice at the range, this rifle will provide all the power and accuracy you need.<\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ruger_American\"><\/span>Ruger American<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/ruger.com\/products\/americanRifle\/overview.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ruger American<\/a> is an excellent choice for those looking for a quality rifle at an affordable price. Featuring a lightweight synthetic stock, adjustable trigger pull, and reliable action, this is a great rifle for beginners.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Much like the Remington, the Ruger American is designed for ease of use. And it\u2019s available in a wide range of calibers. Ruger rifles have come a long way over the years, having developed some patent technology that gives shooters an affordable rifle with light recoil.<\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consider_a_Quality_Scope\"><\/span>Consider a Quality Scope<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Choosing a good rifle <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" title=\"scope\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"936\">scope<\/a> is an important part of the process. Sure, you could shoot iron sights. But to maximize the rifle and your time using it, a <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">quality scope<\/a> is a must. In essence, getting good results is what keep us interested in any activity we pursue.<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_3979\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3979\" style=\"width: 250px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3979 size-full\" title=\"Best Rifle For Beginners\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/2023-Ad3.jpg\" alt=\"Best Rifle For Beginners\" width=\"250\" height=\"100\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/01\/2023-Ad3.jpg 250w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/01\/2023-Ad3-150x60.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3979\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Best Rifle For Beginners<\/figcaption><\/figure><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/choosing-the-best-riflescope-for-deer-hunting\/\" title=\"Choosing the Best Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1236\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Choosing the best rifle<\/a> for beginners can be daunting, especially if you\u2019re trying to do it on your own. There are so many options and considerations to go with them such as accuracy, reliability, cost-effectiveness, recoil, getting to use it, etc. So, take your time to consider why you want the rifle, what you\u2019ll use it for, and what you want to spend for both the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/improving-rifle-marksmanship-part-1\/\" title=\"Rifle Marksmanship: Scope Fundamentals\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1412\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rifle and scope<\/a>. Answer those questions and you\u2019ll be one step closer to burning some powder!<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">If you have questions about this part (or anything else about this blog post or <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/compensating-for-shooting-angle\/\" title=\"Compensating for Shooting Angle\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1709\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hunting and shooting<\/a> in general), we\u2019re happy to help! Email us at: <a href=\"mailto:support@tractoptics.com\">support@tractoptics.com<\/a> or give us a call at: 631-662-7354<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Best Rifle for Beginners<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12087,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2258,2265,2273],"tags":[2378,2446,2449,2958,3058,3077],"class_list":["post-4095","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hunting","category-rifle-scope","category-tractoptics","tag-beginners","tag-best-rifle-for-beginners","tag-best-rifles","tag-optics","tag-rifle-scopes","tag-rifles"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4095","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4095"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4095\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11365,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4095\/revisions\/11365"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12087"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4095"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4095"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4095"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}