A4sForever said:Go with the .22 for a first rifle. Whoever said Ruger 10/22 gave you good advice. You can move up later when you learn more and decide where your interests in firearms lies. The first .30-06 I took to the range left an impression on me --- sore shoulder for 4-5 days after putting 60-70 rounds downrange. That's not how you want to start, and it's too expensive for a new guy --- unless your parents are wealthy.
Yup, good advice. You do NOT want to develop a flinch early in your shooting experience. It's a pain to work out if you are a beginner. I STILL get flinches from shooting hot .357 Magnum loads... but I know what to do to stop them.