As some of you might remember, I'm looking for a rifle, and the outdoor ranges usually open this month where I'm at (if the weather gets a bit better). The rifle ranges here only allow pistol caliber rifles. I like the 357 magnum lever action, but I think first I'd like to get a semi auto that my wife can also shoot - with her arthritis and fibro handling the lever might be a bit too much. Which leaves 9 mm or 22lr / 223. I don't know very much about 223 other than it's a little bigger than a 22lr and is a rifle as opposed to handgun. I was reading that a 223 rifle with a 22 upper or adapter (whatever they're called) is nice because I can use 22lr for target practice and save alot on ammo. I would love some input on 223 for long range SHTF situations vs 9 mm. Also, if I get a larger rifle caliber that I can't shoot at the range- how much different would shooting be if I practiced with a 22lr. And... where do some of you who live in large cities go to shoot rifles with rifle calibers if you can't shoot at the range?
Also, I saw that Gander Mountain has a S&W M&P 15 that's chambered in 223 Rem / 5.56 Nato. If I got this - since it's chambered for both, would it be possible to get the adapter / upper so I could use 22lr at the range?
****** Building an Upper is what i meant by 'upper/adapter' . Is this as simple as buyinb a 22lr barell or more complex ?
Also, I saw that Gander Mountain has a S&W M&P 15 that's chambered in 223 Rem / 5.56 Nato. If I got this - since it's chambered for both, would it be possible to get the adapter / upper so I could use 22lr at the range?
****** Building an Upper is what i meant by 'upper/adapter' . Is this as simple as buyinb a 22lr barell or more complex ?