.22 Rifles

[LinuxMintyFresh]

So, I've been thinking about getting a(nother) rifle to play around with, and have decided that a .22 would be fun. The guns, shells, and aftermarket parts for some of 'em are cheap, so I won't feel too bad blowing through a brick of rounds. I'm leaning toward an inexpensive semi-auto, and would like to have it take a scope out of the box. I'm just wondering what you guys use and like. I'd like to hear what you think with regards to a few things such as:

Bolt/ Autoloader/ Pump Actions
Laminate/Synthetic/Hardwood Stocks
Stainless/Blued/Parkerized Machining
Brand quality

I'm really leaning toward a Savage 64 (http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/64BTV) with a laminate stock.

[gaseousclay]

I don't own a .22 but would like to someday because of how cheap they are. I'd probably go with a semi-auto, wood-stock, blued .22 myself, but as for brand, I think it's safe to say that a lot of the big gun brands out there produce something decent. I'd check sites for Browning, Marlin, Savage, Remington, etc.

[pz93c]

I tend to like vintage .22's.

Not up on new production. Sorry.

[jkingrph]

Ruger 10/22 has been getting cheap, and I do not mean price, however there are more aftermarket parts out there for customizing than anything else.

You can get some barrels, bolts, & trigger groups and really make tack drivers out of them.

Marlin makes an excellent, less expensive semi auto that is generally more accurate out of the box.

My preference and safe contains a couple of the fine little Marlin 39a lever actions and a Winchester 52b reproduction, bolt action, which I have more fun with than the Ruger. The Marlin, and Winchester especially, with a 5 shot clip magazine, do not burn through ammo nearly as fast.

My father bought me the first Marlin back in 1952, and it looks better than the newer guns, and shoots just as good.

I reality you can probably buy 3 Rugers or close to it for the price of one of the others.

[MoreSaltThanPepper]

I love my basic, walnut stock bolt action .22

They aren't made anymore (cooey 600)

http://user.image.nlclassifieds.com/1297178765403_coey_rep_resized.jpg

Marlin makes a sweet version in their Model 925 :thumbup1:

http://www.basspro.com/Marlin-925-22LR-Rimfire-w-Blue-Barrel-Walnut-Stock-Rifle/product/10217988/-1024309

Load it with CCI Stingers and you have one walloping varmint gun, good to 100m with stock sights.

Best,

- John

[Mink]

Go here: http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/index.php

They have reviews and groups for almost every .22 ever made. I recommend the CZ 452. The new 455 has interchangeable barrels for .22 and .17HMR, but it's new and hard to find.

[LinuxMintyFresh]

I'm not a fan of Marlins. My first gun was a Marlin. The tube fed mag was a PITA and the thing constantly jammed, especially at a fast pace. Browning is generally my favorite brand, but I don't want to pay their prices for something like this.

Aren't laminate stocks supposed to be lighter and stronger than walnut?

[kg4ghn]

Get a Ruger 10/22 if you are wanting to customize.

If you are just going to plink then get any semi-auto.

My favorite .22 I have shot was a Rossi pump. I tried and tried to get it from my cousin, but it was a birthday gift and he wouldn't get rid of it.

I have shot plenty of squirrels with semi-autos and they do the job fine, but you would be surprised at the power difference between a semi-auto and a pump/bolt/lever action. Set two coke cans on a stump, shoot one with a semi-auto and the other with something else. The one you shoot with a semi-auto will fall of the stump and the other will go flying off.

[rupertbear]

Of the flock that I own, most are bolt action .22s, and most have scopes on them. When it comes to accuracy out of the box, the bolt actions are superior. When it comes to gobbling up ammo, the semi-autos are superior.

I suppose it depends what your goal is.

[Captain Pete]

No one serious about any number of "survival" scenarios would be without a 22 rifle. First of all, they are fun and cheap to shoot, so you can devlop a high level of proficiency with them. There are any number of very high quality used ones out there for less than a hundred bucks. Any member of your family from the age of 6 and up can learn to use one if the need arises. A .22 rifle also makes a lot less noise than other calibers, and as such will not be as likely to draw unwanted attention to you and yours if you have to take to the woods, and are taking small game. In a tight situation, a .22 rifle can be used for self defense. I wouldn't want to have to depend on a single .22 rifle to defend myself, but should the need ever arise, I know that I am capable of doing so. If you have to take to the road for several days to leave a major disaster area, 500 rounds of .22 LR ammo weigh a lot less than 100 rounds of .30-30 or something similar.

I have two .22 rifles; a Marlin "Papoose" break down that I keep with our 72 hour packs, and an old JC Higgins that will out shoot any 10/22 around. I also have a Taurus .22 revolver. I know all the arguments for why we should all have AK's, AR's, HK's, and the like. And I have heavier firepower than a simple .22 for the home. But in a scenario where me and my family have to foot it out of here, the .22 rifle is the "must take" firearm of choice. I also have a .357 mag. single action Ruger revolver that can be used for more serious defense, and in a pinch taking bigger game if the opportunity arises.

[tebbiebear]

Another vote for the Ruger 10/22. Its a great rifle, has a TON of aftermarket options and can be an absolute tack driver.

[bamafan64]

They might be hard to find now, but the old Romanian M69 training rifles were a good value. They took a little tinkering, I smoothed mine out and was able to shoot spent cartridges at 25 yds with a sub $20 BSA scope from Walmart.

[Larry T]

I have a bunch of .22's and top notch air rifles, and my least expensive gun, is my favorite. My Marlin, clip fed, bolt action, 880 SS, with stainless steel action and barrel, and synthetic stock is an excellent gun. On a calm day, from a bench rest, sub 1 inch groups are easy at 100 yards. Finding the right ammo is the key, mine likes Federal Match and Winchester Super X hollowpoints the best. My lever action Marlin 39A Golden is a great piece too, but it costs more than twice as much as the 880 SS.

Ruger 1022's are great fun, but I've never seen one that was as accurate as a good bolt action. I own two, and I wouldn't part with them, but they are plinkers, not target guns. I come from a competition background, the more accurate a weapon is, the better, in my humble opinion.

Larry

[Topgumby]

The 10/22 is the Super Speed of rimfire rifles. I've had a few, and they always worked like they should. I'd join the chorus and say that's the one for you, but I don't have one now. Always trading them off after I add stuff to them. :001_rolle

My favorite .22 rifle is the first one I bought, a Winchester 9422 lever action.

I have a Norinco JW-15 bolt action that shoots way better than the price tag says it should.

[mgiah]

My biggest firearm related regret was selling my Ruger 10/22. scoped and slinged that thing was cheap fun, but I never shot it. If you're getting a fun plinker, I'd go for the Ruger, simply because of the aftermarket. A couple clips into it, you'll want a larger mag. as that little 10 round won't get it done. You can get the 30 round + bananna clips for the Rugers, not to mention all the other necessary accessories.

[binowatch]

Browning BLR 22 lever action is my favorite 22 rifle. I have a Winchester bolt action with a scope that is a tack driver but just isn't a lot of fun. An old Norinco copy of the Remington?(or is it Browning?) takedown semi auto is great fun. The Charter Arms/who ever is making it now copy of the USAF survival rifle that takes down into its floating stock is the gun James Bond used in From Russia with Love-is still available and is terrific for all sorts of outdoors, backup, in the boat, car, back pack etc. Just some ideas.

[DavyRay]

Browning BLR 22 lever action is my favorite 22 rifle. I have a Winchester bolt action with a scope that is a tack driver but just isn't a lot of fun. An old Norinco copy of the Remington?(or is it Browning?) takedown semi auto is great fun. The Charter Arms/who ever is making it now copy of the USAF survival rifle that takes down into its floating stock is the gun James Bond used in From Russia with Love-is still available and is terrific for all sorts of outdoors, backup, in the boat, car, back pack etc. Just some ideas.

Armalite AR-7! The original had a swirly brown plastic stock. Mine has a plain black plastic stock.

[Topgumby]

Browning BLR 22 lever action is my favorite 22 rifle. ....

Man, I had a hell of a time as a kid deciding between the BLR, the Marlin 39A and that Winchester. I studied the gun ads in "Boy's Life" until the print wore off from my gaze wandering over them.

I remember asking my dad for advice, and he said he'd always had good luck with Winchesters. That tipped the scales, only problem was that it was out of my price range, but I busted my butt doing yardwork and odd jobs...after quite awhile some extra money "mysteriously" found it's way into the jar where I was keeping my earnings, and off to the sporting goods store we went.

I must of been ten or eleven years old, but that day I felt pretty grown up as all the men at the shop very seriously helped me with my purchase...and I recall like it was yesterday taking one long, last look at the beautiful BLR with the trigger assembly that dropped with the lever and that 39A before I said I was sure about the 9422.

I took my own boy out and this last summer to a real range for the first time, and he took to that rifle like a duck to water.

I wish my father would have lived to see it. Who knows, maybe he did see it.

Funny how we say "it's just a .22" sometimes. I've never had a firearm mean more to me than that little rifle.

[_JP_]

My favorite .22 that I shot was the Remington 550. It was not only accurate, but it could handle any ammunition that I fed it including shorts. Not all autoloaders can do that.

[auk1124]

Another vote for the Browning BLR 22. Not as accurate as a good bolt action but plenty accurate enough for small game. Very handy size.


Another option, and far more fun and useful than one might think, is an old single shot 22 from the 50s or earlier. Pawn shops across the US usually have a few of them kicking around because they aren't as cool as the lever guns or repeaters. They are usually built like tanks and shoot as well today as they did 60 years ago. Remington made some nice single shots, as did Springfield. A hundred dollar bill would probably buy just about any of them, and they will outlast your grandchildren.

[RayH]

Ruger 1022 is an excellent gun with a plethora of options and after market parts.

http://www.ruger.com/products/1022/index.html

Finish, stock and other options are simply a matter a preference and your budget.

http://www.ruger.com/products/1022Carbine/images/1103.jpg

The 1022 is pretty much the standard for the .22 rifle nowadays. I have one but haven't shot it in a while. Should clean it up and go out to the range.

[Leche]

.17hmr; flatter trajectory and still very cheap.

[jansob]

Had a Ruger 1022 that I loved, but I have to say the best in terms of trouble free reliability was my "behind the pickup seat" Remington Nylon 66. Shot a lot of nutria with that gun when I was working on a rice farm. I'd call it the Tech of rifles...cheap and simple.

[aimsport]

If you don't have a lever action: Henry Lever Action 22
http://www.henryrepeating.com/rifle-lever-action.cfm

If you want to stun the glass optics shooters at the range with an open iron sight rifle in .22... there is none better than this unless you jump to Anschutz.
It's a CZ with a long long barrel... http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-452-ultra-lux/ Whatever the distance you can shoot a 5-shot one hole group, this rifle will more than double it.

If three position fun is your thing... then an Anschutz or a VERY CLOSE 2nd:
http://www.raacfirearms.com/CM-2_Cadet.htm

Tough to beat the fun/price point of 22 ammo.

Have fun.

[Larry T]

I second the Henry lever action. These guns are accurate, reliable, and 100% made in the USA. I will be adding one to my gun cabinet soon.

Larry

[Hawkeye5]

For a semi-auto the Ruger 10-22 or Remington 61.

But consider a pump action.

[diverdoug]

My favorite .22 rifle is the Marlin 39A. The squirrel and rabbit population around my childhood home disliked the 39A immensely.

[fccexpert]

By far the most popular is the Ruger 10/22 mentioned here by a number of proponents. I only own one .22 and its a vintage Remington Nylon 66, this was actually my first firearm, and it's still fun to shoot. Cost me $20 back in the day. Ones in good conditions generally go for $150-200 used.

Not the most accurate, but almost indestructable.

[Captain Pete]

I just read an interesting article about how the Israeli Army used suppressed 10/22's during the last Palestinian uprising as sniper rifles. The idea, according to the article, was to have a means of "less lethal" force that would be more effective than rubber bullets. The Israeli soldier with a 10/22 would pick out the leaders of riots (from the crowd) and with the scoped and suppressed .22, shoot them in the legs. However, it was quickly discovered that the little rifle, when used for upper torso shots, was quite a bit more deadly than originally anticipated, particularly since soldiers were far more inclined than not to use this "less than lethal" means of force.

[aimsport]

Years ago on the boards I read a guy say "If I ever get shot by a .22 and I found out about it, I'll be real angry."

thought that was funny.

(Wisdom dictates interpreting that as a joke.. not something to test. lol.)

[garyg]

My favorite .22 rifle is the Marlin 39A. The squirrel and rabbit population around my childhood home disliked the 39A immensely.


That is the classiest option - real Black Walnut, nicely blued steel, the lever action just like Mucous McCain (works like your ol Red Rider :). It has been in production longer than any other rifle if I understand correctly. The 39A is Expensive in the great scheme of things though, especially compared with the lesser autos from across the sea, those assembled by all the folks in your neighborhood ...

I have a Marlin lever, a decked out Ruger 10/22, as well as a Mossberg Model 30 from the 30's (single shot bolt ). The latter is my favorite, it was a military training model I think, my gramp bought it for my first gun circa 1960, for $8. It is most accurate, maybe because you only get one shot that has to count. The Marlin lever is I feel the best made, and more practical for squirrel or bunnies as it will repeat. The 10/22 franken was fun to find parts for & assemble, but it is more of an appliance with its composite stock and hodgepodge innards. And you do burn through the ammo!

Anyway you choose to go, everyone should have a .22 or two,

[pz93c]

Any way you choose to go, everyone should have a .22 or two,

Or four. :lol: :lol:

Couple of old Mossbergs: 1 bolt 1 lever, an old Stevens auto and a Romanian bolt action trainer. :thumbup1:

[garyg]

Or four. :lol: :lol:

Couple of old Mossbergs: 1 bolt 1 lever, an old Stevens auto and a Romanian bolt action trainer. :thumbup1:

You're right, one needs .44s also :laugh:

[alexseraph]

The Ruger 10/22 seems to be the standard in tricked out autos.

Me? I like my CZ 452, classic lines reminiscent of the old Safari Guide guns and a beautiful stock.

[commanderkeen]

http://www.rifleshootermag.com/featured_rifles/sako_092005/

My brother got the Sako Quad, an interchangable barrel, bolt action rifle. Shoots spot on, accepts a scope, comes in synthetic or walnut stock. Great little gun, we shot it with a suppressor at some cans, and at 50-75m standing I hit almost everytime (keep in mind it was a brand new gun that I had no experience with). We were shooting .22LR rounds, but he also has the .22WMR barrel for hunting. Worth a look!

[Blue Raccoon]

I'm kind of a .22 nut.. I have rifles and pistols. The most fun rifle is the 10/22 you can dress them up or down and don't have to worry banging up a nice stock, etc.. If I had to keep one it would be a Browning BL22 I bought at least 25 years ago. Zero problems, accurate.. and paired with the Browning Challenger II (I got the same day) makes a nice looking and accurate couple.

[badgerRN]

Everybody that has the 10-22 is right on the money, they are reliable, well made and inexpensive.

I am an NRA instructor, competitive shooter, and hunter. I have a 10-22 with a decent size scope on it and with rapid fire can keep all ten rounds in a space the size of a nickel.

A big benefit to a 10-22 is if you look arounf there are a lot of accessories, like thumbhole stocks, bullbarrels, extended magazines, bipods. it is a great starter gun. My only advice is avoid cheap ammo, it fouls, clogs and jams.

[Captain Pete]

Years ago on the boards I read a guy say "If I ever get shot by a .22 and I found out about it, I'll be real angry."

thought that was funny.

(Wisdom dictates interpreting that as a joke.. not something to test. lol.)

I've been shot once in my life, and it was with a .25 caliber pocket pistol. The round pierced the skin and a small amount of muscle just about two inches below my elbow, glancing off the bone, before ending up on the floor where the police later found it in nearly pristine condition. And I can state quite emphatically that any fight I might have had in me before being shot immediately left once that pipsqueak of a round hit me. It felt like someone had hit me with a hammer. And at the time, of course, I didn't know it was only a .25; I only knew that I was in pain and bleeding. The guy that was next to me took two rounds in the leg, and another guy got one in the head (he survived). Getting shot, even with a small caliber, hurts real bad. And it's scary. Don't let anyone convince you that someone armed with only a .22 isn't dangerous, because they are.

[BigMick]

My 22 rifle that will stay with me is the 10-22. I've had several and that's the one that doesn't get traded off, ever. Mine was built in 73 so it's an old'n. Shoots better than I can hold most days. The downside is the custom accessories...a $100 rifle can turn into a $2,000 piece of art pretty easily if you aren't careful.:001_rolle

My wife on the other hand, swears by her Henry lever action. It hits where she points it, never had a malfunction and she loves that gun more than she does her dog.

[misternew]

Here's my humble opinion..If you want a REALLY accurate .22, a Savage Mark II is awesome! I bought one at wal-mart for about 125 a while ago. I added a BSA sweet .22 scope (trajectory compensating depending on grain) and I can hit targets at 250m, with normal Remington ammo...

I also have a couple of single shot bolt action .22s from the 1930s...those are Really fun because they make me look like a better shot than I actually am!

but of course, if you want to customize the heck out of your gun and make it look like a super duper tactical sniper hand cannon and spend more than the gun itself, the Ruger 10/22 is for you! Have Fun!

[OLDMAN]

Ruger 1022 is an excellent gun with a plethora of options and after market parts.

http://www.ruger.com/products/1022/index.html

Finish, stock and other options are simply a matter a preference and your budget.

http://www.ruger.com/products/1022Carbine/images/1103.jpg

+1 - I have had a 10-22 for a number of years. Buy a couple extra magazines and you can plink away for quite a while. I have a 20x scope on mine that my dad had. I got when he passed away a couple of years ago. This and my Ruger model 1 in 6mm are my favorite rifles.

[mtsgsd]

but of course, if you want to customize the heck out of your gun and make it look like a super duper tactical sniper hand cannon and spend more than the gun itself, the Ruger 10/22 is for you! Have Fun!

+1:thumbup: I call mine the "space gun" It has a zoom scope with lens hood, and a Fajen thumbhole stock, so it looks very exotic. Custom trigger group and bolt lock as well. Gets a lot of looks at the range. :drool:

[Mazeman]

Ruger 1022 is an excellent gun with a plethora of options and after market parts.

http://www.ruger.com/products/1022/index.html

Finish, stock and other options are simply a matter a preference and your budget.

http://www.ruger.com/products/1022Carbine/images/1103.jpg

It's a must-have for every gun owner.

[Legion]

I used to have an old Brno .22 bolt action. I really liked that rifle, and it was very reliable. Ammo is super cheap too, so you didn't mind using it for plinking cans.

[deltree]

.22s also have a excellent reputation of misfires ;)

[MoreSaltThanPepper]

Never had a rimfire misfire in my life.

Not once, not ever.

And before you ask, that spans more than forty years.

Regards,

- John

[garyg]

I've never had a misfire, if that means a failure to fire, in 50 years or so. I've experienced jams in automatics, mostly in the Ruger 10/22, never in a manual action gun.

[LinuxMintyFresh]

.22s also have a excellent reputation of misfires ;)

I don't think so. Some of them jam up a bit, but I don't think I've ever really heard of any serious problems with misfires, even with cheap ammo.

[diverdoug]

.22s also have a excellent reputation of misfires ;)

In 40 years of shooting, I have shot well in excess of 100,000 rounds of .22 ammo, and have never had a round fail to discharge. I have had misfires with centerfire amo as well as shotguns. In addition to my anecdotal account, I have never heard of a reputation for .22 ammo to misfire frequently.

[OkieStubble]

I have a ruger 10/22 stainless steel/composite stocks.

http://www.gunup.com/rifle/ruger/1022/k/1240

Excellent .22 for the money.

[ESTEBE VERDE]

No one serious about any number of "survival" scenarios would be without a 22 rifle. First of all, they are fun and cheap to shoot, so you can devlop a high level of proficiency with them. There are any number of very high quality used ones out there for less than a hundred bucks. Any member of your family from the age of 6 and up can learn to use one if the need arises. A .22 rifle also makes a lot less noise than other calibers, and as such will not be as likely to draw unwanted attention to you and yours if you have to take to the woods, and are taking small game. In a tight situation, a .22 rifle can be used for self defense. I wouldn't want to have to depend on a single .22 rifle to defend myself, but should the need ever arise, I know that I am capable of doing so. If you have to take to the road for several days to leave a major disaster area, 500 rounds of .22 LR ammo weigh a lot less than 100 rounds of .30-30 or something similar.

I have two .22 rifles; a Marlin "Papoose" break down that I keep with our 72 hour packs, and an old JC Higgins that will out shoot any 10/22 around. I also have a Taurus .22 revolver. I know all the arguments for why we should all have AK's, AR's, HK's, and the like. And I have heavier firepower than a simple .22 for the home. But in a scenario where me and my family have to foot it out of here, the .22 rifle is the "must take" firearm of choice. I also have a .357 mag. single action Ruger revolver that can be used for more serious defense, and in a pinch taking bigger game if the opportunity arises.

Sounds like "The End of The World!" lol.... :thumbup:

[ESTEBE VERDE]

I have a bunch of .22's and top notch air rifles, and my least expensive gun, is my favorite. My Marlin, clip fed, bolt action, 880 SS, with stainless steel action and barrel, and synthetic stock is an excellent gun. On a calm day, from a bench rest, sub 1 inch groups are easy at 100 yards. Finding the right ammo is the key, mine likes Federal Match and Winchester Super X hollowpoints the best. My lever action Marlin 39A Golden is a great piece too, but it costs more than twice as much as the 880 SS.

Ruger 1022's are great fun, but I've never seen one that was as accurate as a good bolt action. I own two, and I wouldn't part with them, but they are plinkers, not target guns. I come from a competition background, the more accurate a weapon is, the better, in my humble opinion.

Larry

Spot On! :thumbup:

[LinuxMintyFresh]

Anybody have any experience with the new Marlin guns? I just came across one that came out at the beginning of the year called the XT22. Looks like it is a little nicer than their other guns and has a trigger sort of like the Savage I like.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/xt/XT22.asp

[knlgskr]

Browning T-Bolt, Winchester Models 61 & 62 (pump) 63 (autoloader), Remington 121 (pump), are all excellent 22s albeit more expensive but definitely fine rifles.

[DrColossus11]

I have an old Remington auto (not sure of the model) and it is a great gun.

Was just looking at the 10/22s. Can someone please explain to me the concept of a ~$600 tactical .22? I'm baffled.

[Pbalkan]

Ruger 10/22 has been getting cheap, and I do not mean price, however there are more aftermarket parts out there for customizing than anything else.

You can get some barrels, bolts, & trigger groups and really make tack drivers out of them.




Yes and no on 10/22's getting "cheap."

Yes... Ruger has economized with materials. The trigger unit is now plastic rather than cast-aluminum. The barrel-band is also plastic and I believe that the butt-plate is too. The walnut-stock disappeared decades ago.

(Note: Ruger now makes a number of "premium" editions with all kinds of goodies, factory-added IF you want to spend the money.)

That said... the new ones are great shooters. The earlier models were finicky about ammo and hi-capacity magazines (that Ruger has never made themselves). The new ones are usually perfectly functioning out of the box.

Ruger also has the best customer-service that I've ever seen and will stand behind their products.

I own several and have re-worked all their triggers. It makes a huge difference. I've begun doing triggers myself with drop-in parts from Volquartsen and they are easy, relatively inexpensive and work great.

There are a zillion ways to customize that rifle... so much so that there are actually entire books on it.

http://tinyurl.com/4gqaqce

If you have a yen for vintage (not surprising considering that we are old-fashioned shavers), I have a bit of advice.

Think REMINGTON! For a first vintage .22, you'll usually find that the Remingtons are cheaper than the Winchesters. And, you'll find that the two companies produced surprisingly similar models during the same period and for the same purpose. I find no difference in quality between Remington and Winchester either... It's an "image" thing.... shooters seem to find that the Winchester name is more romantic and "old-west" than Remington. Go figure!

(If you find a Savage, they are quite good too although they didn't have the full line of Remington and Winchester.)

Anyway... if you are NOT a collector but just want an old plinker, compare the Remingtons to Winchesters and I think you'll save a few bucks.

But... if you don't want or need a vintage rifle... then the Ruger 10/22 is for you. It is, now, probably the most popular .22 rifle ever produced and Ruger has long-ago ironed out any kinks.

[Pbalkan]

I should also add that the new Ruger 10/22's now have the extended mag-release and auto bolt-release. These are features that shooters found very desireable and previously PAID for after-market parts to achieve.

[Miles]

Jeez, guys. Now you've got me interested in picking up a Ruger 10/22. I thank that's what my grandfather uses up at his place in Northern Michigan, I ought to give him a call. It was always a blast to head out back or down to the old rock quarry to plink away at old cans and paper plates with goofy pictures he would draw on them.

[aceinyerface]

I have an older 10/22 and a brand new one. Both will shoot a one hole group out of the box. But they are nicer when you trick them out a little.

Marlin 60- my first firearm, still going strong. A Marlin 795 is the same action with the tube magazine replaced by clip magazine. They all work fine.

Bargain basement ammo makes .22s jam and misfire. Be sure to spend a few dollars more and you will get no problems. I like CCI's.

[bandg]

CZ 452. Very accurate bolt action.:thumbup1:

[Tak]

I have a Henry Golden-Boy that's my .22 go-to. I probably won't ever buy another .22 long gun, even after trying some of the others here. It's silly accurate, solidly built, and has a heft to it that I like. I highly recommend it. You don't get the customization of the 1022 (in fact you get none! :p) but I think you get a better built and longer-lasting firearm.

And it sure looks ter'ble pretty, too!

[surpera1]

i have an old marlin jam-a-matic
actually though - as long as i use CCI stingers it doesnt jam at all
had it oh - 30 years i guess
very accurate
those stingers are devastating on varmints on up to coyote size no problem

[Wishoot]

I have a Henry Golden-Boy that's my .22 go-to. I probably won't ever buy another .22 long gun, even after trying some of the others here. It's silly accurate, solidly built, and has a heft to it that I like. I highly recommend it. You don't get the customization of the 1022 (in fact you get none! :p) but I think you get a better built and longer-lasting firearm.

And it sure looks ter'ble pretty, too!

Same here. I love that Henry 22. Looks good and it's fun to shoot. It's been rock-solid reliable since day one.

[dreadpirate]

Get a Ruger 10/22 - period!! More fun to shoot than a barrel of monkeys. :thumbup:


So, I've been thinking about getting a(nother) rifle to play around with, and have decided that a .22 would be fun. The guns, shells, and aftermarket parts for some of 'em are cheap, so I won't feel too bad blowing through a brick of rounds. I'm leaning toward an inexpensive semi-auto, and would like to have it take a scope out of the box. I'm just wondering what you guys use and like. I'd like to hear what you think with regards to a few things such as:

Bolt/ Autoloader/ Pump Actions
Laminate/Synthetic/Hardwood Stocks
Stainless/Blued/Parkerized Machining
Brand quality

I'm really leaning toward a Savage 64 (http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/64BTV) with a laminate stock.

[dreadpirate]

OH YEAH!! :001_cool: My sons love to shoot the 10/22 :thumbup:


+1 - I have had a 10-22 for a number of years. Buy a couple extra magazines and you can plink away for quite a while. I have a 20x scope on mine that my dad had. I got when he passed away a couple of years ago. This and my Ruger model 1 in 6mm are my favorite rifles.

[peligro113]

I would go with a ruger 10/22.....I actually already own one, there are a ton of parts available for them. You can go from full on tactical, if such a thing exists with a .22, to a full on target rifle.

Here is a bad phone pic of mine......pay no attention to the bed cover.:001_smile

It has a Fajen adjustable stock, a green mountain barrel, and cheap centerpoint scope and I can hit golf balls all day at 100 yds with it.

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/5623/atcert060.jpg

[Rangerpat]

I own and shoot a couple of 22's. I have a Ruger 10/22 mounted with a 3x9 nikon (overkill I know, but I can't see through those cheap 22 scopes) it has never failed, the Timex watch of autoloaders. If I going to shoot flys off a pigs behind, I have a single shot, bolt action, remmington 541-s with mil-spec peep sights. The nice thing about the remmington is I can feed it anything, shorts, long, and long rifle. It will spin quarters at 100 yds with ease from the bench. The Ruger has taken numerous rabbits,squirrels, and a large number of hogs (shot placement is key here, right behind/into the ear). Stay away from the plastic 25 round mags on the Ruger. Cheap low velocity ammo a speed will cause it to jam. Faster rounds (CCI Stingers) will work fine in the banana mag but I'm not busting bottles with those. That's my two cents, what ever you get, by lots of ammo, have a great time with it and be safe!

[bdev]

Another vote for the 10/22.

Here's mine....

[Deltaboy]

Marlin 60 been over 2 million made and sold in the USA!

[otto76]

Ruger 1022 is an excellent gun with a plethora of options and after market parts.

http://www.ruger.com/products/1022/index.html

Finish, stock and other options are simply a matter a preference and your budget.

http://www.ruger.com/products/1022Carbine/images/1103.jpg

One more vote for the ruger 10/22. If you can find an older model all the better, I heard they are using more plastic on the internals of the newer models. I'm sure the new ones are good shooters for the price though. And as mentioned, the mods available are endless.

[otto76]

Another vote for the 10/22.

Here's mine....

I really like that stock.

[Greg1911]

I have a Ruger 77/22 bolt action, scoped, and it is an excellent little critter blaster.

I've owned it for 6 years and it feels like it will last for 600 if taken care of.

[aceinyerface]

I have a Ruger 77/22 bolt action, scoped, and it is an excellent little critter blaster.

I've owned it for 6 years and it feels like it will last for 600 if taken care of.

I wish I had one of those.

http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/PRAIRIE-HUNTER-RUGER-77-MKII-LONG-ACTION-p/700-029.htm

Just sayin'

:a41:

[Doug_in_NNY]

You want a 10/22. You really do. Mine is nearly 30 years old and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Ruger has a winner in this one. Everyone on this thread who owns one or has used one knows that to be true.

[sunbird]

The best .22 rifle I have owned was the BRNO. Very accurate and well balanced. I had a Bushnell scope fitted.

http://www.google.com.au/search?q=brno+22&hl=en&safe=off&biw=1366&bih=673&prmd=ivnsfd&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=HmjlTafSI42kvgPS65WYBw&ved=0CEYQsAQ

[GibsonSG]

Another vote for the Ruger 10/22 from me. I had a stainless steel one with black synthetic stock for a long time, I miss that gun... sold it to get through some hard times awhile ago. I had a 30 round mag for it and installed a hellfire trigger (3 shot burst) and it was a blast to play with. I shot all kinds of ammo through it and never had a problem with it jamming, even with the big clip and the hellfire. I generally stuck to Federal ammunition for the most part though.

[blary54]

Cant go wrong with the 10/22 as stated above. I own a Remington 597 and its a decent no frills semi auto that you can get for around $200.00. Works for me.

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/rimfire/model-597/model-597.aspx

[garyg]

I've had a small number of .22s, back to a Mossberg single shot bolt from the 30's. I have at present a Kimber SS, Sears (Marlin manufactured) Lever Action, Marlin Model 39, the Mossberg Model 30, and a Ruger 10/22. While I respect Bill Ruger's work, the Marlin lever is a better made piece of equipment than the Ruger 10/22, by a significant margin. It loads whenever you work the lever, no matter which shell. It is quite accurate, to the same degree as the bull barrel on the 10/22 that lives here. If you are too feeble to work the lever, the 10/22 will fire almost every time with the right ammo. The two advantages I see with the 10/22 are the cheap price, and ability to fire just a bit faster when you miss the critical first shot

[bassopotamus]

I've got a 10/22 which is lots of fun, but from an accuracy standpoint, I'd rather have a CZ or maybe a savage MKII

[JoshuaNY]

Marlin makes a sweet version in their Model 925

http://www.basspro.com/Marlin-925-22...17988/-1024309


The really like my Marlin 925. I have always preffered bolt action rifles.Cant go wrong with any of the Marlins IMO, the Ruger 10/22 is great too.

One thing about the Ruger is that you can get the bigger mag if you so choose, the marlins only have the standard size. But I wouldn't give up my 925. Then again it has sentimental value :001_smile

http://www.tropicalfirearms.com/images/Marlin%20925.jpg

[Jim]

I enjoy my Ruger 77/22 bolt action with a Leopold 2x7RF scope. Best trigger out of the box of any one of my rifles. Taken tons of small game and used it for .22 steel plate matches at my club. Super reliable, not to heavy but does not feel like a toy.

http://www.ruger.com/products/rotaryMagazine7722/images/7002.jpg

[Deltaboy]

My 1955 Remington 512 is my baby it holds 18 LR in the tube. It a nice full size 22 Rifle. Any of the 500 series made in the 1950s-to early 1960's are full size tack drivers.

[Skullring]

My favorite is my Dad's old Remington 550-1. It is long, heavy, accurate and reliable. I think it is one of the best .22 rifles ever made. You can still find them if you look around.

I also love the Nylon 66 and the Ruger 10/22.

[bones59]

Jim, Thats a very nice looking rifle. Does it come with sights, or is it scope only?
As far as what to buy, get what ever you want. .22's are like small motorcycles, men don't usually brag about them, but they are loads of fun. I can vouch for the Ruger 10/22 I have two of them and despite the shortcomings talked about here, I would not part with them. Buy something and get a brick of ammo and have a blast.


I enjoy my Ruger 77/22 bolt action with a Leopold 2x7RF scope. Best trigger out of the box of any one of my rifles. Taken tons of small game and used it for .22 steel plate matches at my club. Super reliable, not to heavy but does not feel like a toy.

http://www.ruger.com/products/rotaryMagazine7722/images/7002.jpg

[Jim]

Jim, Thats a very nice looking rifle. Does it come with sights, or is it scope only?
As far as what to buy, get what ever you want. .22's are like small motorcycles, men don't usually brag about them, but they are loads of fun. I can vouch for the Ruger 10/22 I have two of them and despite the shortcomings talked about here, I would not part with them. Buy something and get a brick of ammo and have a blast.

I ordered it without sights probably twenty years ago, I do not know whats available today.

[gaseousclay]

do you guys prefer bolt-action .22's over semi-auto? a bolt action seems like it would be easier to clean.

also, how much does a decent used .22 go for these days? I know condition, model and type will determine price but what's a rough, ball-park figure for a used .22 in good shape?

[gaseousclay]

I was checking out the Ruger 10/22, Marlin 60 and the Marlin 39A. Despite my reservations about Marlin, I wouldn't mind owning the 39A lever gun, but it's a tad expensive for a .22, but then again, the Marlin 60 almost seems too cheap.

[otto76]

I was checking out the Ruger 10/22, Marlin 60 and the Marlin 39A. Despite my reservations about Marlin, I wouldn't mind owning the 39A lever gun, but it's a tad expensive for a .22, but then again, the Marlin 60 almost seems too cheap.

I believe the Marlin Model 60 is the 2nd best selling .22 rifle, next to the Ruger 10/22. I'm sure there is a reason for that. Maybe it's the price. But for what it's worth, I had one and didn't care for it. It jammed often, and I don't think it was put together that well. The top side of the receiver started to wear out like something was rubbing wrong. Shortly afterward I purchased a used Ruger 10/22 from a man for $100 and have really liked it. Gave the Marlin to my brother, he wanted to take it apart and tinker with it a little.

[texcattlerancher]

Here is another vote for the Ruger 10-22. The one pictured in the postings here is not the only one available. Wal-Mart sells a nicer looking model with a silver barrel and receiver that has a two inch longer barrel (if memory serves) than standard. This rifle shoots better out of the box than most rifle shooters can hold. The 10-22 is the recommended .22 for Appleseed shoots where prospective riflemen learn how to shoot rifles with slings.

[ChefJohnBoy-ardee]

My CZ-513 is getting cremated with me...

Actually it won't but I'd like to take it with me. I haven't had it all that long but it can put dinner on the table and hold its own with the iron sights. I know I can get it to do 5 shots touching at the 25 yard line with the irons, 50 yards gets a little trickier but I can still headshot a prairie dog with it.

[bassopotamus]

do you guys prefer bolt-action .22's over semi-auto? a bolt action seems like it would be easier to clean.

also, how much does a decent used .22 go for these days? I know condition, model and type will determine price but what's a rough, ball-park figure for a used .22 in good shape?

Personally yes, but you can make the case for either. My only 22 rifle is a 10/22 and it is OK, but kind of prone to jamming with some ammo, and someday I will need to take it apart to clean, which seems kind of complicated, though not insurmountable. The thing I notice though is that I dont' shoot as smart with the semi auto. I think the bolt makes me slow down and really think about what I'm doing. I have a savage 93r17 in .17 hmr, and I prefer shooting it. I don't think the gun is intrinsically more accurate than the 10/22, but I shoot it batter because I slow down. Beyond that, I'd much rather clean a bolt. My 17, 30-06, and slug guns are all bolts and dead simple to clean, though a boresnake will get a semi auto clean enough for the most part.

Price for a used gun is going to depend almost entirely on model. You could probably get a 10/22 for 100-125 bucks if you look around. A used Anschutz might be thousands.

[aceinyerface]

I was checking out the Ruger 10/22, Marlin 60 and the Marlin 39A. Despite my reservations about Marlin, I wouldn't mind owning the 39A lever gun, but it's a tad expensive for a .22, but then again, the Marlin 60 almost seems too cheap.

Instead of the 60, get the 795. Same action except they replaced the tube magazine with a detachable mag. Those are fine rifles. My first 22 was a 60, still have it, still shoots one hole groups despite being 35 years old.

I had to pick one and run with it (meaning, get my wife one, get spare mags etc...)(I guess I need to say that I wanted to pick a system and every one use the same thing for interchangeability) , I chose the 10/22. However, I would feel none the worse for having gone the other way.

[aceinyerface]

do you guys prefer bolt-action .22's over semi-auto? a bolt action seems like it would be easier to clean.

also, how much does a decent used .22 go for these days? I know condition, model and type will determine price but what's a rough, ball-park figure for a used .22 in good shape?

Cleaning is a non issue. To clean properly, they all need to be detail stripped. I like them all. Semis appear to be cheaper. Bolts and Levers are difficult to shoot the AQT or Appleseed with.

Used 10/22's are hard to find, and when you do, they are not appreciably cheaper than the $189 that they go for new.

A Marlin 795 (same thing as a 60 but with a detachable mag instead of tube) is $125 NIB and Marlin offers a $25 cash back coupon. You will be hard pressed to beat $100 on a decent used 22.

[jlanger]

heck most of the 10/22 used I've seen are the same price or more because of the mods that have been done to them.

[aceinyerface]

People I know would love to get their hands on one for cheap, strip it down to the receiver and rebuild the gun with all custom parts. Dropping two bills just to start with, and dropping 3 or 4 more to get it where you want it is a chunk of change. A modded 10/22 might be a buy.

[cliffordNC]

I'm fixing to buy a marlin model 60 myself. No personal experience, but most comments on the internet say they're more accurate out of the box than other semis. I thought about bolt but this is more of a field gun than a range gun so pinpoint accuracy not as important. 22's are used at closer ranges anyway. I also like the tube magazine - holds a lot and it's out of your way, can't lose it, won't get hung on anything.

[dpmtherrien]

Have you taken a look at the Henry .22's?

Very well made, nice shooting, and kind of a trip back to the old west style rifles.

[nymtber]

For ONE .22lr rifle (if you can own just one...) I would say a tube fed Bolt action of yesteryear. Mossberg .22's from 70's and prior are absolute tackdrivers, and can be found for $1-200 normally.

10/22 gets my vote for a semi-auto though. It was my first .22lr (at the age of 20....) and it is now back to skinny barrel and a older Walnut DSP stock. Of course, anyone that tries to outshoot me even with a bull barrel might lose, because my skinny barrel has been re-worked to a tight almost match chamber.

A Henry lever action would be fun, too. They are slicker than shave soap... Supposedly pretty accurate, and a very very good company standing behind them.

[jkingrph]

I was checking out the Ruger 10/22, Marlin 60 and the Marlin 39A. Despite my reservations about Marlin, I wouldn't mind owning the 39A lever gun, but it's a tad expensive for a .22, but then again, the Marlin 60 almost seems too cheap.

Never tried a Marlin 60, but understand they are very accurate. I have a couple of Ruger 10/22's and they prone to jam, which seems to be magazine dependent.

My first choice of these 3, and for a fun gun is the old Marlin 39a. Dad got the one I have almost 60 years ago and I have no idea how many rounds have gone down that barrel. A few years back I purchased one of the 1897 cowboy versions, full octagon barrel, straight grip, and installed a Marbles tang sight. It is quite accurate and handy, but the trigger is not as good as the older gun. Somewhere along the line they eliminated the half cock notch and converted to a rebounding trigger.

I do have a Ruger 77/22 in the safe and it's a nice little gun, looks like a classy centerfire and shoots nice. I also have one of the reproduction Winchester model 52b rifles. Prettiest wood on any 22 I have, and best trigger on any rifle. Only bad thing is a 5 round magazine, but it is hands down the most accurate of the bunch, the trigger probably having a lot to do with the accuracy.

[Samurai-5]

ruger 1022 is an excellent gun with a plethora of options and after market parts.

http://www.ruger.com/products/1022/index.html

finish, stock and other options are simply a matter a preference and your budget.



http://www.ruger.com/products/1022carbine/images/1103.jpg

this! +1

[Leo8701]

Ruger 1022 is an excellent gun with a plethora of options and after market parts.

http://www.ruger.com/products/1022/index.html

Finish, stock and other options are simply a matter a preference and your budget.

http://www.ruger.com/products/1022Carbine/images/1103.jpg

Love my Ruger - My first rifle my Dad gave me 35 years ago. semi auto hardwood a little scope - great plinker

[fields]

Again, all depends on what you want to do with it - In my country can't have a semi auto and am not sure I want it ,i've got target 22's (Anschutz) Bolt; Pump (Browning Trombone) and Marlin Lever... I'd say that for precision go the bolt for reliability I'd go a lever and the pump is the most fun, it is also what i'd rely on in a survival situation

[Big W]

Look into Henry Repeating Arms, I have the AR-7 survival rifle and the lever action .22. Lots of fun, not too much $$$

[Hayden]

I have a marlin 795, love this little .22 and its only about 100 bucks on sale. Only downfall is theres not alot of after market parts. This hasnt really fazed me though, because I dont really think 22s are worth decking out.

[goodtexn]

I still use my old Remington Nylon. It refuses to die and is deadly accurate. Since they don't sell 'em anymore, I may be dissapointed when it finally does need to be replaced.

[dreadpirate]

Love my Ruger - My first rifle my Dad gave me 35 years ago. semi auto hardwood a little scope - great plinker

2 years later; I will say +1 to this post. The 10/22 has loads of after market options.

[Graybeard57]

I'm really leaning toward a Savage 64 (http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/64BTV) with a laminate stock.

I have a Savage Mark II GL. Great rifle, very accurate out of the box.

http://m.savagearms.com/#/firearms/model/MARKIIGL

[turtle]

there are a lot of nice 22 rifles out there

[rearviewmirror]

I have a remington 597. came with a scope. $130 on sale at dicks.

[PugslyCat]

2 years later; I will say +1 to this post. The 10/22 has loads of after market options.
Ah yes, a thread back from the dead.

If you want to trick out a .22 rifle, the Ruger 10/22 is certainly the way to go. I was certainly considering one a year ago, but then the reality hit that there were some .22 semi-automatics out there for half the price that would shoot as well. You just weren't going to find many after market accessories for them.

I eventually bought a RIA M20p for half the cost of a 10/22. It does just fine for plinking. It came with plain iron sights, but just about anything can be fitted with a scope these days.