The best "value" in a .22 rifle?

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UpTheIrons

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I've perused some threads and used the search function, but I'm just as confused as ever.

What is a good .22 rifle that you would say is a "best buy" for me? a $250 Henry lever? A $130 Marlin semi? Remmy 597? Mossy 702? Ruger 10/22? Something else entirely? What have I missed?

I'm looking for a squirrel gun, primarily, but it will also see heavy plinking use, and likely sporadic turtle duty. I grew up on tube-fed semis and lever guns, but I'm leaning toward something detachable-magazine fed for ease in reloading. I'm looking for long life and something my 7 year old can grow into without waiting too long to grow into it.

I've got an ancient (25 year old) Mossy 144 LSB, which I used in 4-H shooting sports, and it is NOT a field gun. The barrel alone weighs 9 or so pounds, so anything lighter will be an improvement.

What say ye? :confused:
 
For me, if you want to spend more, go with the henry, if not, go with the marlin 60. I pick up marlin 60's at pawn shops for $50 all the time, cant go wrong with a $50 plinker :)
 
Marlin 60 is the best value in an out-of-the-box .22 rifle today, IMO.

When they're on sale, you can pick up a synthetic Marlin 795 (detachable mag version of the Model 60) for abot 120 bucks. It's hard to beat that, given Marlin's accuracy.

I don't think the 10/22 is a good value. It's a good foundation for customizing (read spending a lot of money on a .22).

The Henry is a lot of fun, though it probably won't shoot any straighter than a Marlin 60. If you like lever guns, get one. It's not suitable for a scope IMO. The stock drop is WAY too much. The Marlins have much higher combs, and work well with scopes.
 
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The Henry I got for my son has the higher style comb. However, I don't think scopes belong on traditional lever actions.

An older 10/22 would be a good choice. It seems ones manufactured more recently are leaving folks dissatisfied. Marlin semi-autos are supposed to be good but I can't warm up to them. They look & feel cheap to me. If you want something for your 7 year old, you could shop around for a Remington 510 single shot bolt action. It's easy to operate, cocks on opening and has a thumb safety, and it's simple to have a gunsmith shorten and re-crown the barrel and re-dovetail it for a front sight. Shorten the stock a bit too. Then when your child gets older, it'll be easy enough to replace the stock. 510s are accurate and reasonably priced
 
I have a 10/22 but once I bought the henry the ruger has collected dust. It's a blast, I do have a couple of other bolt actions that get some use as well.
 
The Savage Mark II (detachable mag) is about as accurate a bolt rifle as you can find for less than $200.00, and I mean accurate. Using Rem Thunderbolts, I have been able to print 10 shots into 1.75 inch groups at 100 yards off the bench, using a 14X scope. It's light and compact enough for kids, and big enough for adults. Link to Savage Mark II: http://savagearms.com/firearms/models/

If you are looking for an ultra accurate autoloader, look to the T/C Arms' R55 classic (also a detachable mag). It's all steel, threaded barrel and has a match grade chamber. It's light and compact enough for kids, and big enough for adults. Link to TC's Rimfire rifles: http://www.tcarms.com/firearms/rimfireRifles.php

There are several fantastic rifles on the market. I suggest going to the gun store and seeing what "feels" best in your hands. If it isn't comfortable to shoulder, it isn't going to work for you regardless the price.

Geno
 
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If you can find one in a pawn shop I love my Nylon 66 semi auto, I saw a lever action once in a shop in Memphis didn't get I am still kicking myself. My semi has no telling how many rounds threw it would be in the 1000's never fails even on popcorn farts it still cycles and loads the next one. My only complaint and It doesn't bother me really is that a scope will not stay zeroed I read why once but I don't remember the reason. I can gurantee it is a squirrel's worst nightmare!!!
 
I love my Marlin 60 but if you want to spend a little more, you sure can't go wrong with a 10/22 Ruger. The Ruger will give you the detachable magazine too.
 
You might check out the CZ 452 Trainer. They shoot very well right out of the box. Have good iron sights if you don't want to use a scope. They come with a 5 round magazine. But you can buy 10 rounders also.
 
IMO it's hard to beat a Marlin 60 for a good .22lr. I've have several and they are all great. I do want a Henry .22 also just because they are a blast to shoot.
 
semi-auto = marlin 60.

bolt action = marlin 981T

not that i'm biased or anything.... :) i have both and they are both outstanding shooters.

for a lever action, i just LOVE the Browning Bl-22. it was my first gun and the most accurate .22 i ever owned.

Bobby
 
If we're talking about NEW guns: CZ 452 Lux
Henry blued.

those are best value for me.
I've shot the henry extensively and think highly of it for the money (I don't hav one).
I actually have the CZ, and LOVE it. Magic wand, detachable mag, adjustable trigger, stellar iron sights.

-Daizee
 
I'm sure there are still junk 22's out there, but don't recall any off the top of my head so my answer is "just about any of them." Get the one you like and can best afford and you'll probably be happy with it.

Personally I like the 10/22 especially the DSP version. The Remington 597 I've got runs fine also. I don't own them but others like the Marlin 60 and the Henry but I don't have any experience with them. I certainly wouldn't hesitate to buy one though.

There are usually dozens of used 22's in most every big gun shop. A lot of them are "house brands", Sears, Revelation, J.C. Higgins and such. Bolt actions and semi's mostly. They're usually pretty inexpensive and good bargans. If there is anything wrong with them, it's usually that they are dirty and need a good cleaning. You can "fix" most of them with a can of Gunscrubber and some gun oil. I always head straight to that rack when I go to my favorite gun shop.

Good luck and have fun. The search is half that fun. :D
 
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Hello friends and neighbors // I prefer the handling of the Marlin 795

I bought a 795 on sale for $119.00 and had a $10.00 off coupon to boot.

With the synthetic stock it is very light weight, it also comes with a 10 round mag. Great for plinking, hunting and teaching.

On the shoulder stock, I attached a pouch holding four additional mags. and a film canister containing 70 mixed rounds (including shot shells). I have different type rounds in each mag. and can easily switch from solids to hollow points.

On the down side, the 18" barrel is a little short and the bolt handle jiggles. (is loose but not problem)
 
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Well for ‘out of the box accuracy’, solid build quality, longevity, value for money and good looks I’d recommend a CZ452 – It’ll ‘tick all of your boxes’ and comes with either a 5 or 10 capacity removable mag.

Here’s mine:
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...a Marlin 39A or Mountie(used) lever action lets you shoot s,l,lr....IMO the best rifles made for .22 allaround use...my favorite is the Mountie...Henry has some but don't know if they are s, l, and lr or not...
...my favorite of all is the Ruger 10/22...older models...metal not plastic
...the Marlin Model 60 is the least expensive tack-driver I know about...lr only...
 
My humble opinion....all guns I have experience with.

1. Ruger 10/22
Not as accurate as the savage .22 rifles I have owned (IMO) but not bad by any measure. Lots of parts and spare magazines available. Good looking, well built. The best / better all around .22 rifle.
Price 200-225 (Last time I looked)

2. Savage Model 64 (Semi Auto)
The most accurate .22 I have ever owned. I had one in the 80-90s and literally shot thousands and thousands of rounds through it. It was extremely accurate and FUN!
Price 150-175 with a wood stock (120 in synthetic)

3. Savage MkII (Bolt Action)
The most accurate .22 under 200; which competes with guns that cost 2x - 3x as much. You have to start getting into the high end .22 rifles before you get a better shooting .22 bolt action (IMO).
Price: 125 +/- (at wally world)

4. To be fair, I have no experience with the Marlin, mossberg, CZ or remington .22 rifles...... Mine have all been Savage or Ruger. CZ makes some beautiful rifles. What do those cost?
 
http://www.budsgunshop.com
search rifle & caliber = 22LR, models from $114 to $1800, just for a quickie "price survey"... you will catch on fast

for specific purposes you defined, IMO Marlin model 60 is "best value"
if do not like tube fed, Marlin 795 clip fed or Savage 64, etc.
(or any model Marlin of whatever action you prefer for that matter)
lots to pick from under $200

lots and lots of others far pricier, any/all actions to suit different purposes and tastes, they all good
(me, I like Brownings, own four, all action types, but at 3X to 4X prices of above examples, I don't even own a Marlin rimfire, just respect them a lot)I
"best value lever action would be the baseline Henry, yes

PS
correction, I do own a Marlin, a Papoose bought NIB back when it was a "new thing"
and I think Savages are always great shooters also (own one in 17HMR)
CZs are also great, but don't expect to find any (new or used) for $200, people who have 'em don't sell 'em off
I like 'em all !
(except Ruger 10/22s... people who do own them either love or hate them, not much middle ground in that club)
and if $1800 sounds pricey for a 22, Google "BR50" sometime, and prepare to be shocked !
 
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I think the best value gun is the model 39a - it's a classic piece of americana that can be handed down to your 7 year old's kids when the time comes.

I like the winchester model 9422 too, but they aren't produced anymore.

The marlin 60 is probably the best for a dollar vesus accuracy.

22's I wish I had never bought are the 10/22 and a taurus revolver.
 
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