.22lr rifle suggestions

[centermass]

Hello all. I figured I'd ask the great collective minds here to make a more informed decision. I have decided to buy my son a .22lr rifle for his upcoming birthday/Christmas gift. He will be turning 12, and is of average size/strength. It's been many years since I have had a 22 rifle in the stable (mine growing up was a forty year old Mossberg Mod 45, but I sold it long before having kids). I know the Ruger 10/22 and Marlin 60 are still pretty much the standard in the category. I had the chance to handle both at a local sporting goods store over the weekend, and neither has apparently changed much. That said, what is the general consensus between the two? Or, are there other suggestions for him?

Here are my thoughts: The Ruger, while negligibly more expensive, is somewhat heavier (as expected from Ruger), but a testament to their legendary tank-like durability. Aesthetically, I kinda like the old-fashioned lines of the 60, and fact that it has a tube magazine, as I'm not going to be teaching him speed reloads just yet. Plus, extra 10/22 magazines just means more $ down the road. On the other hand, I think the 10/22 would likely be more adaptable for future use as he grows or should he want to compete.

Is my rationale sound? I'm trying to avoid anything "tactical" such as the GSG's, M&P 22, etc. as I first want him to focus on basic rifle safety and traditional marksmanship, and get him away from the video game mindset. When he gets the basics down, I'll move him up to my more tactical stuff.

 

[jakk280rem]

Sounds like your thinking on the matter is spot on. Might I suggest that instead of buying him a gun and picking it out for him, you give him a certificate or coupon for a rifle. Print something on the computer or write something out and put it in a card. Maybe the lack of a rifle sized gift might be a bit more suspensful. Take him to the gun shop with you and let him try them on and see which fits better. I'm sure he will remember his first rifle fondly. But of you take him to the gun store with you it might be just that much more firmly etched into his mind.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

CZ bolt gun.

 

[Reloadron]

I first want him to focus on basic rifle safety and traditional marksmanship...

I would be looking around for a Mossberg 45 as it obviously worked for you. That or a Remington 510, 511 or 512. Any of which can be had at a reasonable cost at a good gun show and as far as marksmanship will out shoot most of the new 22 rifles out there today and can be used for teaching good marksmanship skills.

As for new? The CZ as ColtPythonElete mentions.

Just My Take....
Ron

 

[centermass]

Thanks for the suggestion, I will probably do that. I am a big proponent for making sure a gun "fits" you well. I am mostly concerned with overall quality since manufacturing has changed a lot since I was using such guns, and my familiarity is with other types of firearms.

I'm trying to keep it in the $200-$250 price range, but want to make sure it's money well spent. I figured those were pretty standard choices with generally good reputations in that group. If I left the decision I up to my son, he'd pick out the most expensive one "just because".

 

[Coop45]

CZ bolt

 

[gpjoe]

Yeah the CZ is a fine rifle but may not be within the OPs budget.

I have purchased several new rimfire rifles over the past couple of years:

Savage 17HMR, Remington 597, Marlin XT22, Ruger 10/22, and CZ 455 American.

Of the two semi-autos - I sold the Remington 597 and kept the Ruger 10/22. There are tons of aftermarket parts available which allows for a lot of tinkering, and the Ruger seems more accurate. In fairness, my Ruger is a heavy-barreled LVT model and a bit of an upgrade over a standard 10/22, with a pricetag of around $300. The Remington was a fine plinker, with a scope, for under $250.

As far as the bolt guns, the Marlin XT22 is long gone. Out of the box, at my first range trip, the rifle was badly misfiring. Only 10% of the mixed rounds I tried would fire, due to light primer strikes. After a trip back to Marlin the rifle fired fine, but I was not impressed with it's accuracy. I may have dumped it too quickly, but with bulk ammo at 50 yards I couldn't hold a group under 2-3" which is unaaceptable to me. I noticed that if I chambered a round on the Marlin and ejected it without firing, the rifle was deforming and loosening the bullets. I think (uneducated guess) the magazine was not seated high enough and the bullets were hitting the lower edge of the chamber deforming the bullets. I traded it in on the CZ and never looked back. I have shot 3/4" groups at 50 yards with the CZ. Not competition sized groups, but good enough for me. Again, however, the CZ cost me at least twice what I paid for the Marlin.

My Savage is a special gun. It is a blast to shoot and very accurate right out of the box.

Sooo...

If I were buying a semi-auto today it would be a 10/22, if only for the availability of aftermarket parts and accessories. You may not need magazines or a new trigger group today but it's nice to have options down the road.

For a 22LR bolt gun I would not hesitate to buy a Savage MKII. I know mine is a 17HMR, but my experience has been nothing but positive. If you want to get a very nice 22LR bolt gun, consider the CZ but at a much higher price.

Good luck.

 

[redneck2]

I know it's outside the stated budget, but I'd agree with above posts and try to get a CZ bolt if at all possible. I have a 453 Varminter that will shoot five shot groups at 50 yards with Wolf Match ammo that can be totally covered with a dime. Measures .2's

I had the neighbor's kids shooting for the first time in their lives. Used the CZ and they consistently hit a 2" gong at 100 yards, nearly every shot. This was with Blaser ammo. Single set trigger makes a world of difference. Many .22's have triggers that feel like you're pulling an anvil over a wash board.

Second suggestion would be the Savage. My S-I-L has a target model with the Accu-Trigger. It is quite accurate and cost less than the CZ.

Another excellent alternative would be a Kimber 82 from CMP if you could find one. IIRC, they were $400+/-.

HTH

 

[Deus Machina]

Keeping more toward the original post, I can also suggest a gift card and a trip to the shop.
If you find a good deal before then or just want to hand one over, you can't go wrong with essentially any Ruger or Marlin.

IME, Marlins are plenty accurate out of the box. Rugers, not as much, but they're easy to get new barrels and aftermarket parts on. A Marlin 60 would make a perfect first rifle, and if you still want something that loads quicker, the 795 series is essentially just the 60 with a magazine.

If you really want to focus him on the basics, you can always go bolt-action. Savage makes a heck of a nice rifle, and my own very-bottom-line Mark 2 is more accurate than I've been able to point it, or that any $125 gun really should be.

 

[CajunBass]

Since you asked about those two, I'll stick with those two.

Pick one.

They're not the most popular 22 rifles for no reason. They both work and work well.

I like the 10/22 better, but that's me. I don't care for tube magazines at all. I think they're a pain in the butt to load and especially unload. I much prefer the Ruger removable magazine.

I also think the Model 60 is ugly. The next guy will say the same about the 10/22.

 

[PapaGrune]

Has he done much shooting before? I have several 22lr. Single shots Eventually bought him his own kids 22LR single shot. Came with I think it is a savage. Black stock. He was younger if I remember right.8 years old maybe. It went down to his younger sister later. He moved up to a 22 hornet. 3 years later
He also inherited a 410 ga double barrel shot gun from my dad.
sent from inside the fire tornado

 

[Storm27m]

I've owned both of the rifles you mentioned in your original post. I don't own the Ruger anymore for various reasons. In my opinion, the Marlin is a better gun from the factory. Just as reliable and more accurate in it's factory state.

That said, I'd suggest a bolt action over a semi. I think a bolt action teaches better discipline and is safer to learn on.

 

[Claude Clay]

another vote for the CZ 452

my daughter from 7 years old, grew up on a ruger 10-22. than ammo was 2 cents a round.
it was cute to hear her say...'all-gone' when the 8 blocks were mt

today those words...not so much
so CZ, besides being more accurate makes ammo go further.

that said, the ruger take down model has a lot going for it

 

[Onmilo]

Thing about the Marlin 60 and the Ruger 10/22
Both can be loaded with a single shot and kept that way until the parent decides the kids are responsible and can load more rounds.
You can buy youth stock for 10/22, not so easy with the Model 60 but you can cut a wood stocked 60 down and replace the stock with a full size version later on.
(Buy full size now as the damn things keep going up in price every year)

 

[centermass]

Excellent info, all. Thanks for the input!

 

[mdauben]

I know the Ruger 10/22 and Marlin 60 are still pretty much the standard in the category.

My first question would be, is your son tall enough for a full size rifle, or would he be better off with a "youth" model? Of the two semiauto's you listed, I consider the Marlin 60 generally better out of the box so if no mods are planned I'd go with that one. The Ruger 10/22 is a quality gun, but IMO it really comes into its own when you start modding it, even if its just things like trigger, bolt and sights.

A lot of people automatically suggest a bolt-action gun, even a single shot, for teaching children to shoot. While there's some good reasoning there, nothing prevents you from loading any gun one cartridge at a time at first, until you feel they are ready for a full magazine.

 

[gdcpony]

I have had both the 10/22 and Model 60. Now I have the Ruger my inheritance and my middle child loves it. It is a ton of fun for her to rattle through rounds and practice reloads. She couldn't get a squirrel to save her life with a .410, but racks them out with her Ruger. See the pic below of her schooling some Marines on it. Note this was her second gun. She has a Rossi .223/20ga as as well.

Bust clays at 50yds standing off hand.

Losers pick up the brass while the winner shoots.

I am also looking for the cheapest Marlin I can find for my boy. Reason? He is going to beat it up anyways looking for that first squirrel, rabbit, bird, etc. why spend more than I have to?

For a starter I like the Marlin a bit better. Bolt hold back, tube mag rather than detachable, and the price point. Just a few things I like about the 60.

Both are durable and reasonably accurate- though I have to give Marlin the edge there on the base models- so you can't go wrong for a first rifle. Now for YOUR next .22... A Henry, Buckmark rifle, or... You gotta shoot with him, dad. LOL

 

[Furncliff]

For a 12 yo....CZ Scout. Comes with a youth size stock. Later when he's grown pull the stock off and mate the barreled action to a CZ American stock, they drop right in (~100$). The single shot adapter it comes with can be removed and 5-10 round magazines used when he's ready.

 

[CB900F]

Centermass;

Of the two choices you provided us with, I'd pick the 10/22. But, if it's at all possible, the CZ you want is the Scout. That's the youth sized bolt gun that also costs less. Currently the cost of one seems to be right at the $300.00 range, and well worth it. I don't have one, having lost my youth quite some time ago, but I do believe they come with the single-shot adapter & a five-round magazine. Neither he nor you will ever regret getting the Scout if you do. C'mon, it's only about $80.00 bucks more than a basic 10/22 is sellin' for around here.

900F

 

[NorthBorder]

Just a thought... the 10/22 can stay interesting to him in that he can have a project gun for years down the road. There is always something you and he can do to mod it and trick it out.

 

[22-rimfire]

You have pretty much decided on a semi-auto 22 rifle. I like both. I prefer the Marlin M60 as I prefer a underbarrel tubular magazine. You can always choose the 795 with the detachable box mag.

Yes, the tubular magazine is harder to unload. I generally just shoot it empty. Unloading a tubular magazine is not an everyday thing for me.

I think you'll find that on average the M60 will be more accurate than the Ruger 10/22 out of the box. That is important to me as I am not particularly "into" all these after market options for the 10/22.

I don't own a M60 or 795. I do own a 10/22 that I bought years ago to use out in the woods and general plinking. It is a very quick pointing little rifle for hunting and the accuracy is "enough" for that purpose.

I have other 22 rifles, so the accuracy issue is less important to me on the 10/22. But if I only had one semi-auto 22, it would be a M60.

Another cost effective choice is the Henry lever action 22 rifle. The Marlin 39A and Browning are nicer and probably better, but more expensive.

 

[PO2Hammer]

CZ Scout.

 

[Warp]

My only vote is...NO TUBE magazine

 

[BCRider]

Having helped out with my club's Jr .22 programme for a couple of years now I've found that given the chance most kids tend to shoot too fast with a semi auto. So my vote is for a lever or bolt action gun for his first rifle.

If the CZ is too much coin then look at the Savage Mk II in some format or another. Despite being quite inexpensive it's my experience that they are a great shooting rifle. Particularly the bull barrel versions.

And since he'll be growing up a lot over the next couple of years I'd suggest buying a full size wood stock version and get someone to cut off the butt to suit his LOP for now. Then replace the offcut with shims of 1/2 inch plywood as he grows and finally replace the offcut totally once he's big enough.

With care and a thin kerf blade such as a thin bandsaw blade the cut line should not produce a big discontinuity when the piece is added back on later.

Meanwhile he'll have a rifle that encourages him to take more care with each shot.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Just a thought... the 10/22 can stay interesting to him in that he can have a project gun for years down the road. There is always something you and he can do to mod it and trick it out.

Yep, they are great to blow money on. You can replace the horrible trigger, put on a better barrel, get a nicer or better fitting stock and at the end of the day you still have a 10/22.