ChrisS

Thank you all.

PD2K- thanks for the heads up!

Thanks, Mikeythumbs. I'll have to stop by and have a look.

Welcome from Freehold

Thanks for the insight, Scrap. I'll hopefully get to try one out this week. I think it would make a fine pair with a 15-22.

Thanks, JT. I'll message you directly.

Jm1827- thanks for the kind offer! I'll definitely let you know. I've gotta get In gear and make my purchase soon.

Thanks, all. Nice to see some people from the area.

I have been posting in the rim fire section but realized I haven't introduced myself here. I grew up around guns but have never personally owned one. Well, my paperwork is here and I'm getting ready to purchase a handgun and rifle in the very near future. I've been looking into ranges and see that there is one in Farmingdale which is right around the corner from me. I also saw that the old Brick Armory location is being opened up by some guys from the forums. I'll have to check them both out. All the best to everyone and as my grandmother always said when her soap operas were on: "get lost in the woods and don't come back until you've shot two rabbits."

Thank you, T Bill. I appreciate the info.

Thank you everyone for all your insight. I tried finding a shop with an M&P 22 compact but was told they can't be sold in NJ due to their threaded barrel. I did however manage to hold a Mark III standard and was very impressed. The 22/45 didn't feel as natural to aim. In regards to ammo, I've been preemptively purchasing .22LR here and there. I've got a few boxes of mini mags and some CCI LRNs as well as a box of Federal champions and one of the 1000 ct M-22 boxes from Dicks, so I'm fairly comfortable with sticking with the .22 for starters (I can always buy more guns later on, right?) Actually, I was going to put an ad up to try and sell the M-22 ammo and focus on purchasing more CCI. So it looks like the Ruger is a lock along with the Henry Frontier. I'm guessing the smart move is to buy the Ruger first since my permit is only good for 90 days. I found one online for $290 with free shipping. Even with the FFL & NICS fees it looks like a <$350 acquisition. I wonder if I could keep the price somewhere in that ballpark and purchase locally. Thank you all for your time and suggestions. This is a great community and I look forward to getting more familiar with you all. Kindest, Chris

Thanks, JT.

Also- checked and my wife is left eye dominant.

Thanks for the replies! I'm thinking the frontier is going to be my final choice. Lever action is a favorite of mine. Funny you mention the mares leg- it's considered a handgun here in NJ. Maybe that's my choice? Argh- another decision. I'm pretty sure I'm taking the compact 22 out of the running. I like the simplicity of the levers. So- Henry Frontier and A: Ruger Mk III B: Henry Mare's Leg

Hello all- this is my first post here. I finally received my ID card and permit from the Freehold PD and am looking to purchase a rifle and handgun, both .22LR I have previous experience with firearms but my wife does not. I figure a set of .22's are the easiest way to introduce my wife to shooting. For the rifle, I'm 95% set on picking up a Henry (either the frontier or small game carbine). That 5% uncertainty exists due to a lot of friends recommending the M&P 15-22. As far as the hand guns, I'm not sure at all. I've read the reviews, wore out YouTube, talked to anyone willing to listen and yet can't come to a definitive choice. I am a big fan of the Ruger Mark III (actually the Mark I or II if I can find one in very good condition) but looking at the 15-22 made me also look at the 22 compact. Ideally, I'd love to just get a S&W 34-1 and call it a day, but cannot swing the cost of one. Any and all opinions would be more than appreciated, and I thank you in advance. Wild card: my wife is a southpaw. I don't know how this would play into my options, but figured I'd disclose it should it matter.