this post was submitted on 24 Jan 2026
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I've got a few! For context, I'm a middle aged guy who grew up in a suburban family where guns weren't really something we engaged with. I've been interested / curious for a long time, but the wife was very opposed so I set the notion aside. With all that's going on I broached the subject for the first time in a long while (like, 20+ years), with an eye to arguing that it might be a good idea to be able to legally own and safely operate and maintain a firearm. To my surprise she was already on board, having come to similar conclusions on her own. Acquiring and gaining proficiency with a firearm is going to be a couples project for us this year.
I should mention that we're Canadian. We have strict firearm rules here in Canada, so that puts some hard limits on what sorts of firearms we can acquire. No high capacity magazines, no suppressors, nothing full auto, no pistols (it's technically still possible to get an RPAL, but handgun sales have been frozen for years). No "assault style weapons" either, meaning no AR15 platforms or a raft of other types of semi-autos. All of which I'll live with, I'm not looking to fight the system or get myself in any legal trouble.
Here are my questions:
Ok that was more than few... If you read all that, thanks for taking the time!
There is always a value in learning how to shoot with iron sights.
For a .22LR specifically, I would recommend a red dot over a scope. The effective range of a .22 calibre will limit much more than the need for magnification. Plus, a red dot is much easier to pick up for a new shooter.
If you go with a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle later on, I would highly recommend a good scope.
Before anything else, make sure that you bring eye protection, ear protection, and a IFAIK (individual first aid kit) at all times when practicing, and always remember to keep the mindset that every weapon is always loaded.
Adding to the every weapon is loadednfor OP, if you follow the 4 basic rules, its nearly impossible to have an accidental discharge that hurts someone.
https://www.nssf.org/articles/4-primary-rules-of-firearm-safety/
A .22 bolt gun is a good place to start especially if you want to look into long range later. Relatively inexpensive for the rifle way less expensive for ammuniton. I agree it'a a good place to start!
You can't go wrong with any of those rifles, but I would suggest thinking about what long range rifle you would get and try to get the .22 to match those controls as much as possible. That way you get the most out of your practice.
Scopes can be a bit daunting! 10x is pretty much the standard for magnification, but having it adjustable for more is nice too. Not so much for actually shooting but for target id or even checking your hits, though that isn't as practical with small .22 size holes. Most scopes will have more than just a basic crosshair, with markings measured in MOA or Mils. Either is fine, just research it and see what you prefer and stick to it. Oh, if your scope has adjustable zoom I'd recommend first focal plane so the reticle stays the same scale as the target no matter the zoom level.
Irons can be fun to learn but honestly it's bonus. If you do want to change it up from scopes and there are plenty of relatively inexpensive red dots like from Vortex or Holosun. If it was me that would be on a separate rifle like a Ruger 10/22, which is a popular semi auto .22
6.5 is a good and proven caliber for long range, but I'm not sure if it would be suitable for larger game like a moose, but using the right ammo it may not be an issue at all. That's would be fkr you to research and decide.
You can get a reasonably priced .22lr and have a lot of fun with it. Even cheaper ones are fine. I bought my daughter a Savage Mk II bolt action a long time ago and we still have fun shooting it together. It's accurate further out than my eyes are, and ammo is generally the limiting factor (ie some cheap ammo isn't as accurate, but the flip side is it's cheap ). If the used market is a thing in your area, I'd definitely consider it There are many great used .22's out there. Most major brand guns are durable and most are more accurate than the people shooting them usually.
You definitely can shoot at 100m with iron sights if your eyes are good enough. A scope just magnifies more, and you will likely be more accurate with it if it's zeroed properly. I like scopes. I like red dots, I like irons. There's a time and place for everything. :-)
Be sure to get some training, and wear good ear protection!
Starting with a 22 is the perfect way to defer that question while you gain knowledge. :-) You might have local/provincial restrictions on what calibers and metals you can use for hunting. What it is you prefer to hunt might influence the caliber choice. And the connotation of "all that's going on," might dictate an entirely different set of choices. In any case, one fun thing about the range is that if you chat people up, you and your wife will have an opportunity to shoot all sorts of different things.
Also: one can also acquire a .22lr handgun in þe future, and I've always found having to deal wiþ fewer calibers handy.
For practice, þis is þe way to go.