Best .22 for $250 & Under

[Gun lover]

I would go with a Model 60,I got one when I was 12 and loved it.It was kind of on the heavy side but that help a lot with the accuracy shooting off hand.I was able to take out grey squirrels at more than 40+ yards with open sights.

 

[ArmedBear]

Marlin 60. Plenty of money left over for a scope, and accuracy that can use one.

No need to dump money at it like a 10/22 to make it worth shooting; it's good as-is.

 

[bensdad]

My Marlin 60 is the best money I've ever spent on a gun. I love it. My kid loves it. It's accurate. It's reliable. It's tough. It's easy to clean.

You can get two for around $250. They are awsome.

 

[GLOCK19XDSC]

+1 on the model 60 as well.

Mine has been great and was only $120 (display model and the last one they had) at Dick's, and came with a cheapo 4x15 scope that I kinda like.

I like it so much I just picked up a Marlin 981T for $200. It's a tube fed bolt-action with a synthetic stock, and you can shoot shorts, longs and long rifle.

 

[gazpacho]

Rossi Matched Pair

22lr & 410

If you can find one of their Trio sets, the 22lr 223 & 410

 

[Silent]

If you want a gun to shoot and shoot and shoot for years to come that handles well and is accurate get a Marlin model 60. If you want to put money into a fun project gun and blast away with high cap mags get the 10/22. I lost my Marlin in a fire now have a Ruger and am looking forward to replacing the Marlin.

 

[Eyesac]

I vote for 10/22. I also have a Marlin (first gun) but I absolutely love that 10/22 (it wears a bunch of non ruger stuff now, but its that much better for it).

 

[Malachor]

I'm not really wild about having young kids with auto-loaders in their hands. I would look into getting the CZ 452 Scout for a few reasons.

I don't know how big your little guys are, but the Scout is a bit smaller than the 60 and it might fit them better. Its a single shot bolt action rifle that'll be a lot safer and cost you less in ammo as they won't tear through it as fast. The bolt also gives them something to do in between shots rather than just squeezing the trigger repeatedly. And it'll be a more accurate rifle than the 60 should be.

 

[joe4702]

If this is mainly for plinking, rather than serious target shooting, I think the kids will have more fun in the long run with an auto-loader. If they are newbies, you can have them single-load until they've earned the trust to go auto.

 

[Syron]

I just wanted to say this: Go for the model 60

Just yesterday I got one at walmart for $134. I have put over 200 rounds through it and it has worked great

 

[TCB in TN]

Another Vote for the Marlin 60. I own several now, and have literally shot dozens of them over the years. Have never had any trouble with any of them. If you plan to supe it up, then the Ruger is a great option they mostly shoot well but out of the box the Marlin is better stock. Put another $200+ to the Ruger and you will print clover leafs regularly.

 

[JTW Jr.]

I got my son ( 7 ) a Ruger 10/22 used , cut the stock down , he loved it for about 2 range sessions , I wasnt shooting then , just working with him... the 3rd time we went I took my Savage MarkII GVXP ( bought it with scope from Dicks for $249.99 ). After he shot the bolt gun in 22 , he said he liked the bolt action rifle better. Perhaps it made him feel like he was doing more , or he just liked racking the bolt , but he is now asking for a bolt gun.

What age are the boys ?

You could opt for a Savage MKII F for under $180 and get em a nice scope.

or a Marlin 925