Proper guns for training...

[TNPhil]

My apologies, but I am unsure if this is the proper forum placement for this post. Yes, I have posted and commented a bit on upcoming purchases of firearms I have been researching for a while now. Being that my wife is new to firearms, I wanted to incorporate some easy to learn and handle guns, but at the same time, acquire budget-friendly weapons we could use on our property when we see fit. As of now, the list of firearms is: Ruger 10/22 Rifle, Taurus TX22 Pistol, Hunting Rifle (still researching and stuck between bolt and lever action), and the Tisas PX9 Night Stalker. These weapons will have dual use for the most part, incorporating hunting as well as home defense. My goal is to be able to train her, then graduate her to the higher calibers if necessary. Does this seem like a good route to go?

[Grayfox54]

Sounds like a plan to me. 

However, I would pass on the Taurus TX22 for a better .22 pistol. A good semi-auto .22 pistol can be used for training, target shooting and hunting. I like the Browning Buckmark, but you wouldn't go wrong with one of the Ruger Standard Models  either. Both are excellent pistols at a reasonable price. 

As for a hunting rifle, that depends on what you intend to hunt, the range you intend to hunt at plus the type of terrain. Lots of options out there. 

[deerslayer]

I think in the other thread you were considering an AR.  A Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22 may make more sense than a Ruger 10/22.  The M&P would make for an easy transition to a centerfire AR.  

[chances R]

The M&P .22 compact is an excellent starter pistol.  Also can be carried on the property as well as SD for a new shooter.  Once competent and comfortable can always move up in caliber and can easily transition to other M&P handguns.  Plenty of choices.

[Thearmededucator]

As an instructor, I’d like to offer some other advice. 
One, you seem to be jumping into everything simultaneously. For a lot of people doing so leads to frustration and or burn out. Instead figure out your priorities and start there. From your other posts, my first recommendation would be training; preferably even before buying your first gun. That way you’ll base your decisions on experience and not conjecture. 
 

Additionally, it’s often not the best idea to try to teach a spouse to shoot. More often than not it goes as terribly as a parent teaching their teenager to drive. There’s too much ego and emotional baggage attached to have consistently good outcomes. (In fact, I have a belief that the ability to learn from or teach something to a person ceases once anyone has seen the other naked in any context.)

In summary, find a local range that has qualified instructors (MIL/LEO, USCCA, or Rangemaster preferred. NRA doesn’t cut it for me and I am one) and preferably a rental section to try out multiple types and work from there. 
 

Lastly, especially for the wife, it doesn’t have to be all at once. You get much better long term results doing short, regular sessions than you do with long, all encompassing, one hit wonders. A date night range trip or private lesson followed by a dinner out every couple weeks goes a long way for a lot of people.