If you are unfamiliar with fire arms and don't have a range to shoot and get used to the kick of a 308 or 30-06 then I would suggest a 10/22 semi and a large magazine for a first rifle. There is a lot more small game to shoot then large dear size animals and if you ever come against more than one armed men being they are breaking into your home or on the trail you will not get more than 1 round off. Even if I had a scar-17 I would think twice about getting peppered with a 22.