
to everything above.
To sum it up:
Detachable-magazine semiauto: Ideal
Tube-fed anything: Less handy, but it can be coped with.
Manual repeater (bolt, lever, pump): Absolutely usable, tougher at first on the rapid-fire stages.
Single-shot: Usable, you'll learn with it just fine, but won't be able to finish the rapid-fire stages to score well (if you care).
Sling: 99% necessary. A GI-type that can be rigged as loop or hasty is handiest.
Adjustable peep (aperture) sights: Ideal, if your eyes are able to focus on the front sight.
Low-magnification scope: Ideal
Open sights: Less than ideal, but can be coped with if your eyes are able to focus on the front sight.
High-magnification scope: Usable, but might be unhandy.
Non-magnifying red-dot or reflex sight: Usable, not quite as precise as peep sight or magnifying scope.
.22 Long Rifle: Ideal, all you need for the first appleseed, or any time at the 25 meter distance.
.22 mag, .17HMR, 17mach2: Perfectly usable, but more costly than you need.
Any centerfire, up to 8mm/.32 caliber: Perfectly usable but costly to feed. A FEW venues are rimfire-only. Not needed for 25 meter shooting. Will be needed for full-distance shooting. Full-distance is available at some Appleseed venues. Shooters progressing well will be invited to the full-distance range if conditions allow.
Just one man's $0.02.
Come! Learn! Enjoy! Help us bail!