Bolt-Action .22LR for recreational use

Status
Not open for further replies.
Marlin's a good rifles. I can only suggest to get what fits you comfortably.

Geno
 
I have a couple of Marlin's and they are good gun's, but there customer service has left a bad taste in my mouth. I, think any new bolt .22's will ether be a Ruger, or Kimber.
 
Marlin and Savage make decent and pretty accurate rifles that don't bust a budget, but, for a few more dollars I'd look at what CZ has to offer. The CZ's are built to be passed on for many generations. Top quality and great performance.
 
Either of your choices are just fine. Which ever gun feels better to you is the one I would choose. I personally would choose a semi-auto 22 rifle for recreational and hunting pursuits. That choice would likely be a Marlin Model 60 or Ruger 10/22. Neither is bench accurate, but you sometimes get a M60 that will really shoot well. Plenty accurate for plinking and misc. use and most are very happy with them. The Marlin 39A is a favorite for recreational use, but a bit more expensive but worth it because they will last a lifetime.

I believe the semi's are legal in NJ, but it should be easy to check with your fish and game department if that is something important to your selection. They are currently illegal for hunting in neighboring PA.

When you threw in the "most accurate" before and no budget limits, you get a lot suggestions.
 
I should have commented about my Savage Mark II. I like it, and it is accurate as all-get-out! But, it is very diminutive, and the fit for scope use isn't real good. The TR model should not have scope-related issues and the comb is straight. Either Marlin or Savage is a good choice. The Marlin tends to feel more like a centerfire rifle to me.

Geno
 
Thanks for all the info
I really never had a taste for Kimber products though, a lot of guys at my range like them i just dont.
I prefer bolt-actions with magazines rather than a tube
and i do like the look of savage, sorta a M40 look to it?
any suggestions for ammo, something that is reliable, match grade, but not "Eley Tenex prices"
 
How about a Zastava Z5 ? nice,nice metal work. looks kinda like a CZ in some ways.
just spend a few days and refinish the stock.

you can get one through Davidsons gallery of guns.
about $250 total.

I just got one a few weeks ago.
Decided to make a project out of it.
Bedded the action - and it did not need much bedding epoxy.
refinished the stock. pretty easy to do. looks 100% better.
and now the barrel is in the hands of an .22 benchrest enthusiast, who is going to give it an 11 degree re-crown. though the factory crown was pretty decent looking.

if you are in no hurry, I hope to have the accuracy results by mid-next-week.
have much different ammo to test it with too :) (of course)
I shoot 50yards indoors.
 
I picked up a TOZ 78-01 3yrs ago for $129 I put a Swift 3x9x40 AO it will shoot 1/2" groups and better at 50yrds with CCI Blazer.
 
to be honest with you- there is not a 22 out there you wont' like; new or used.
If I were to get a boltie now, I would get something that is older, tube or mag fed/ preferably tube fed, that fires short, long , or long rifle. A tube fed, shooting shorts, can typically hold between 20 and 25 rounds of shorts at one time!!!! how cool is that. Also shorts, especially the hi velocity hollow points, tend to be very accurate.
Both of your choices for new ones are fine- the marlin 80 series has been made continuously , except from 1941 to 1944, since '37.
And the dl versions had factory peep sites. You can still find used 880 sq's with peep sites, and savage makes a current mkII version with peep/globe sights as well. i just prefer any of the old marlin series 80's or 81's, and the old marlin series 25's, those are mag fed, that they can shoot shorts as well.
 
I don't think there's such a thing as a bad 22 bolt action rifle. Even the cheap ones do what you want.

My first gun was a Remington M581 I got in 1968. Stolen in 1986 I bought this highly modified 581 as a replacement (came from a gunsmith's estate and he did a lot of custom work on it). These are not fancy but shoot great.


standard.jpg


I really like the CZ rifles. A tad pricey but very nice. Maybe 20 years ago I bought this Norinco clone of the CZ.


standard.jpg


I'm not up to date on what's currently available if you want a new gun, but I think any name brand will serve you well. Pick the one that appeals to you.
 
Marlin or any of the accu-trigger model Savage, excellent values
bull barrel reccomended for best paper punching
thumbhole stocks great for benchrest, not as great for "other"

CZ real nice too, but a tad pricier
Ruger not especially world famous for target grade accuracy
Browning T-bolts, real pretty but pretty pricey

Anshutz or Cooper only if have enough bucks to not need ask price
 
I own both Marlin and Savage. Like them both a lot and absolutely no complaints. They are very similar in many respects. That said - recommend the Marlin.

IMO, side-by-side comparison - overall workmanship and quality is better on Marlin. Either one will shoot forever and as well as most average shooters can.
 
any suggestions for ammo, something that is reliable, match grade, but not "Eley Tenex prices"
Click to expand...

I would suggest you look at two; CCI Standard Velocity from Dicks at $25/brick and Wolf Match Target which runs about $45 per brick. Those are the common man "match" 22 ammo.
 
I am partial to Marlins for a .22, but my nephew has a Savage that is a great shooter. Can't go wrong with either.

My money would go Marlin - but I would go with a lever gun as I am left handed.
 
I have a Mark II TR and it is now my favorite range toy. It works very well with scopes, and mine actually prefers the CCI standard velocity rounds mentioned earlier over the Eley I tried in it.

I have a Nikon Monarch 6-18x Mildot with side focus on it, and while it cost almost as much as the rifle it makes longer range shooting (100 yds plus) very enjoyable.

It also has a pretty good trigger right out of the box, which some others rifles don't.
 
Look for a used Marlin Model 25. This is a bolt action clip fed rifle. It will shoot shorts, longs, and long rifle cartridges. I own one. It is very accurate and a lot of fun to shoot. You should be able to pick up one for around $100.00.
 
SaxonPig said:
I don't think there's such a thing as a bad 22 bolt action rifle. Even the cheap ones do what you want.

My first gun was a Remington M581 I got in 1968. Stolen in 1986 I bought this highly modified 581 as a replacement (came from a gunsmith's estate and he did a lot of custom work on it). These are not fancy but shoot great.


standard.jpg


I really like the CZ rifles. A tad pricey but very nice. Maybe 20 years ago I bought this Norinco clone of the CZ.


standard.jpg


I'm not up to date on what's currently available if you want a new gun, but I think any name brand will serve you well. Pick the one that appeals to you.
Click to expand...
I agree there are no bad bolt 22's however my best rifle, not just bolt rifle is as old as I am and cost me $50 and shoots as well as my $1000 custom target 10/22 did, which I sold by the way, a Mossberg 46B(b) made in 1947. I can regularly shoot shotgun shell at 100+ yards.

P7250002.jpg
 
Another vote the CZ 452 or the Brno. Great rifles and accurate. I have read where the Savage is a great little gun. My 2 savage centerfires are great rifles. The Marlin would be a good rifle the Marlins I own are good guns as well. None of these would be a bad choice. I just like the CZ because it is like my CZ550 centerfire a real gun not like a kids gun.
roc1
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

M
  • Locked
Malin 980S
Replies
2
Views
370
Idunno445
I
General Geoff
  • Locked
Marlin 980S-CF
Replies
1
Views
597
General Geoff
General Geoff
J
  • Locked
What sling to buy for a Marlin 980 rifle
Replies
3
Views
342
jblane
J
N
  • Locked
.17 vs. .22lr
Replies
24
Views
1K
Dookie
D
M
  • Locked
Savage 22lr, bolt action, lefty questions
Replies
13
Views
2K
Tim the student
T
Back
Top