In any case, I would recommend something chambered in .22LR as a starter. Cheap gun, cheap ammo (if you can find it), gives you plenty of practice to get you going. Bolt, lever or semi-auto would be more of a matter of personal preference, but I would suggest bolt, since they tend to keep you more disciplined.
Hunting.
Hunting what?
In any case, I would recommend something chambered in .22LR as a starter. Cheap gun, cheap ammo (if you can find it), gives you plenty of practice to get you going. Bolt, lever or semi-auto would be more of a matter of personal preference, but I would suggest bolt, since they tend to keep you more disciplined.
?? Lame. Why would you assume he is hunting squirrels or rabbits?
I am not assuming anything. I am going with his statement that he never owned a rifle. Let's just say that my first one was a 45-70. BIG mistake.
But for $700 one can pick up a rimfire bolt for plinking and a good used lever for deer.