.22 Caliber recommendations

[wild billz]

I took my new CZ 452 Trainer and Marlin 60 to the range today for the second time. I love both of these rifles! I had the Marlin scoped, but couldn’t hit anything with it (scope problems) went to iron sights and was doing just fine. I don’t think I’ll scope it again any time soon. My CZ is a real accurate shooter too. Happiness is a nice bolt and semi auto in .22lr! My buddy had a Marlin 39A, SWEET RIFLE. A lever action is definitely on the list to get next. For all those looking for a .22lr I can’t recommend these enough. I was torn between the semi auto, bolt, or lever, and got lucky to get 2 of what I wanted at the same time. Another range trip is on the horizon for Monday!

 

[aaronrkelly]

I have a Marlin model 60 - great gun. Bought mine new for $120 but the local gunshop has a pretty nice used one for $70 - check them out.

Also have a Henry lever action .22 - its a hoot to shoot. $200 at the big W.

Savage bolt action - gave a whole $100 for this at Waldo World with scope. Narry a problem with it to date.

First time shooter - I suggest the Marlin model 60....damn fine gun for the money. Pick up the gun, a couple bricks of .22 and a couple reactive targets for less than $200 and your set.

 

[RustyFN]

I just bought a Marlin 981T on Thursday. I took it out yesterday and was pleasantly surprised how accurate it is. I don't have any experience with any other 22 rifles but for $140 this one is hard to beat. The trigger also seemed to be good to me.
Rusty

 

[rangerruck]

marlin and savage, in that order if you want a low cost accurate rifle. then if you watn something not too $$$ but you may wanna keep the rst of your life , go cz. they are beautiflul and very accurate. another very good very acc, that wont break your bank is the TC. As for aftermarket anything, they just dont make them for ANY bolties, really. You notice i didn't mention ruger here, that is because you can beat them for accuracy, price, beauty, etc., with any of the above rifles.
I would suggest you go to gun stores or shows, and find any 81type series marlin. Started making them all they way back in '37, they still make the 981 today. they are tube fed, they shoot short, long, and long rifle, and they hold 17lrs, and 25 shorts in the tube! You will also have to spend a big chunk of money more, at least up to CZ LEVEL, to get more accurate consistently.

One more thing, it should be a constitutional amendment , that every man woman and child in this country should own at least one Marlin mod 60.

 

[rangerruck]

the marlin 981 us super accurate, will shoot short, ling, and long rifle, and will hold 25 shorts in the tube! think about that for a minute, you can take a 50 round box of ammo, and it will only take you reloading your tube TWICE , to empty the box!

 

[Matt King]

Can't beat the Marlin 60 for the cost, and I have had almost no problems with mine. Just be sure to use quality ammo, and you probably won't have any trouble with it.

 

[_N4Z_]

Before I went with a Ruger 10/22, I would go with a Remington 597. They had their teething problems, but the 3rd generation magazines have them running very nicely, and they are far more accurate than the Ruger right out of the box.

Hmmmm, how bout no on that one. I had a brand new 597 with all the "upgraded" parts and it was a jam-o-matic. If you want something that works like it is supposed to, out of the box, beware the 597. You doubt my word go check out rimfirecentral and have a look at all the 597 threads, in the remington forum.

I have a Marlin 925 that will shoot a spent 357mag casing at 50 yards. Will also put 7 shots into less than an inch at the same distance. It's a bolt action and is a real keeper. I've heard good stuff about the CZ's too.

 

[RustyFN]

Just one other thing to think about. It might not be important to most but it was to me. With my Marlin 981T bolt action I can shoot it right or left handed. I wouldn't want to try that with a semi-auto.

 

[CB900F]

RustyFN;

I'm most thoroughly left. Both handed & dominant eye. I've had several Ruger 10/22's over the years & have never had a problem with the ejected brass either hitting or distracting me.

However, if it's a big issue with you, take a look at the new Walther G-22 bullpup, available in right or left handed versions.

900F

 

[RustyFN]

CB900F,
It's not a big issue with me. I have never tried it. It just didn't seem safe to have my face right where the hot brass is ejecting. If you don't have a problem with it that's great. Personally I wanted the bolt action over the semi-auto.
Rusty

 

[Jackal]

You can always do what i did. Check out your local dealers for a nice older bolt action rifle, like a remington 510 or old Winchester 60 series. Usually be had for dirt cheap prices around here, and the quality is outstanding. There is just something about older guns that make them feel high quality and distinguished. They are also quite accurate. My single shot Rem 510 can roll .223 casings all day at 25-50 yds. with good ammo.

 

[DWARREN123]

Semi-auto = Rugert 10/22

Bolt action = CZ 452

 

[IThunter]

Savage

i just picked up a Savage Mark II FV this past weekend that dog can shoot it was shooting 5 round groups that were touching the entire time i was out...and for the money it definatly found a new home with me...

 

[DonP]

Another vote for the Marlin 60

A used Marlin Model 60 semi-auto, around $75 to $100 in good to great shape.

A "New in Box" Model 60, stainless with composite stock, $145.

A Simmons .22 mag scope 3-9 x 40 power scope, with rings, $26.

A few boxes of Federal Auto Match amo, designed for semi auto guns, $12 for 325 rounds.

The only problem will be deciding which of your great grandchildren will get the gun in your will.

 

[Technosavant]

Hmmmm, how bout no on that one. I had a brand new 597 with all the "upgraded" parts and it was a jam-o-matic. If you want something that works like it is supposed to, out of the box, beware the 597. You doubt my word go check out rimfirecentral and have a look at all the 597 threads, in the remington forum.

My 597 must be broken then; it functions perfectly and is remarkably accurate. I don't deny that there have been some issues (mainly magazines, but those are pretty well licked), but remember you hear more bad than good online. An average 597 out of the box will outshoot an average 10/22 out of the box, and do so for a lower price. Not that the 10/22 isn't a decent rifle, but the 597 is hardly a festival of garbage.

There's so many good choices in .22 rifles, it's kinda hard to pick a bad one.

 

[_N4Z_]

yep, true, there are those out there with 597's that work. there is also a disproportionate amount of those who buy a 597 and it doesn't work as it should. 597's have a bad reputation for good reason. (had new mag, little #10 in a circle, still no worky) in remingtons defense they do bend over backwards to remedy problems, but when I buy something new I expect it to work as intended. don't want to spend money on a hassle, no thank you.

for a "new" shooter, or someone not interested in having to tweak the thing to make it work, there are better choices available.

 

[M249MachineGun]

I just bought a Marlin 60 Stainless. Its my first gun ever. I paid $180 at Walmart. I hope its as good as you guys say it is!