.22LR for dummies

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mg.mikael

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No, I'm not refering to somebody else, I'm refering to myself. I would like to get a .22LR rifle relatively soon, main purpose would be for target practice and plinking and truth be told I don't have the faintest idea of what brand is better then another and what I should look for(yes, I've tried searching the site but haven't come up with alot.)

Would my best bet be to look at the Ruger 10/22 or perhaps the Marlin brand? Keep in mind I'm looking for one on a budget, preferably under $200, though under $150 would be even better.
Thanks in advance for any pointers, tips, or help.:)
 
It is very hard to beat the Ruger 10/22 for feel, durability and fun. There is also a huge number of modifications you can make to it if you someday want to.
 
I would take a marlin 60 over a 10/22 anyday. They are almost twice as accurate and the 10/22 will take $200 to shoot with the marlin and the marlin will cost less. Unless you want to personalize your rifle then the model 60 is the way to go. 10/22's can be addictive and eat up $400 quick on hop ups.
In the end you may not be happy and be stuck with a rifle you cant sell and recover your money.

I have a $600 10/22 and a $70 marlin and the 10/22 rarely leaves the safe.
 
Target practice? You'll be better served by a simple bolt action rifle. Save your money and learn how to shoot well.
 
mg.mikael, you might check in with the classified ads on THR and see if anything is available, or go to www.gunbroker.com and check selection and prices.
I have a couple Marlins, but Rugers, Savage, Stevens or any brand name should be fine if you look things over and ask questions.



NCsmitty
 
I agree with shootingfool. I bought a 981T about a year ago and it is one fine shooting rifle. A big plus to me is it has a tube magazine. I don't like clips that much even though they do have their place. My 981 cost $173 OTD. I added a Nikon Pro-Staff 4X scope and love the gun.

Some will tell you to get a CZ rifle and they are excellent guns. They blow your budget by about $100 or more. while everyone gripes about mini-14 mags costing $30 for a 20 rounder the CZ 5 round mags cost just as much. plus the Marlin will shoot shorts longs and LR rounds with no feeding problems.
 
Brands I own

Ruger
Marlin
Savage
Henry

I want a CZ in 22 mag.

Just like anything else, you can spend as much as you want. Do you have friends that could let you try out theirs? Pawnshop is an excellent source as long as you look out for lemons.

Good luck
 
If the goal is plinkin' good fun, I'll vote for the Ruger 10/22. There's something "right" about how the rifle looks and feels. Spring for three or four 25 round magazines, and you can shoot all morning without putting your hands in an ammo box. It's a lot more convenient than tubular magazines.
 
To start, I'd go with a Savage Mark II FSS (synthetic stainless w/fiber optic sights) in .22 LR. Its a bolt rifle, so you won't get tempted into simply blasting off ten shots in short order. It will teach you patience, and it will teach you accuracy (unlike a 10/22, which teaches you to spend money on aftermarket stuff). Retails for around $240 or so. You can be sure it'll shoot rings around any other rifle out there, save an Anschutz anyway ;) Don't be fooled by the pic on the Savage website; its wrong, as are a dozen others. Sure, its a tick higher than your price limit, but you get what you pay for.

Savage MK II FSS
 
Well my personal experience with .22s is a Savage Model 60 and a Remington 597.
The Savage is great except its harder to find extra mags for them, as they have their keyhole-shaped things. The Remington is ok, I've had alot more problems with it jamming than the Savage though.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions and help so far guys! Guess I have some research I better get started looking into.

As for the price, thats really high up in my concerns, under $150 is pretty much a must.(I'm a college student, so money is something I don't really have alot of.) Perhaps I'll look at a Mosin, from what I've seen they can be had for pretty cheap. It's not rimfire, but I guess I could make do.
 
Perhaps I'll look at a Mosin, from what I've seen they can be had for pretty cheap. It's not rimfire, but I guess I could make do.
Click to expand...
Nein, nein, nein, nein, NEIN! Everyone should own at least one .22LR rimfire rifle, and really two or more is best. Decide what you want to do with it (plink, hunt, or target shoot), then pick an action (bolt, toggle, semi, single) , then pick one up. With your budget I would suggest a Savage Mk. II or Marlin Model 60, with preference to the Savage. Both are right at your budget, but you can also look for a used one at a local shop. Shoot it with irons for the time being and save up for a good mount, rings, and decent optics.

After you get one, don't forget to take it over here for a little target practice. ;)
 
In case Maverick wasn't clear No, No, No, No, NO! While Mosins are great and I love them, they are the exact opposite of what you want. They're not too accurate and you're guaranteed to develop a flinch.

Look around the pawn shops and gun stores for a use bolt action. Savages are very accurate, old Remingtons, any military trainer, etc. You should be able to find something in your price range eventually, just be patient. If you find one you're not sure about, come back here and do a search, there's probably info. If not, there's definitely info on other forums, RFC or others.
RT
 
Marlin 60.

Best rifle I own, period. You can probably find it in the old Glenfield form at every pawn shop around here for $75 to $90.

mike
 
What offhand said. You will do far better with a bolt action for your first .22, save the jamomatics for later when you have learned to shoot well.
 
My Marlin rimfires were\are my favorite purchases ever! Easy to find under 100 used. 10/22's are popular but I didn't care for the one I shot.

First decide if you are going semi, or bolt action. Then pick brand and models. Decide if you care about detach. mags vs. tube. ect., Stay away from plastic rear sights on anything!
 
The Marlin 60 would be perfect for you except semi-autos are not good choices to start with. A bolt action .22 will allow you to develop proper skills much more easily. Find out if there is any training available in your area.

I think that you already off to a good start because you are researching it rather than letting a salesman tell you what you need.
 
An ancient Glenfiled Marlin 60 and an even older Remington 514 are the only .22's I've ever felt I've needed.

There is something to be said about taking a 60 with a well dialed in scope to the range and plinking. Super fun lil' semi:)
There is something just "right" about bringing along the ol' 514 and box of 50 rounds on a nature hike. Are you going to mow down a herd of rabid grizzly bears (everyone KNOWS that the number one concern when out in the wilds:rolleyes:)? No, but it packs great, doesn't take up much space, is almost impossible to break or jam, and can take any emergency game you might need. Love that ol' single shot bolt:D
 
I have a savage mark II and i love it. I bought it for $160 and put a scope and sling on it, totalling less than $200 (less scope-I already owned that, but I had to buy the rings and mounts)
 
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