Best .22lr rifle...

[Davo]

I got myself a Marlin 25N-a bolt action magazine fed (now they have a new model name). I recommend it over the Savages, as for the same price, the quality is a bit higher in the Marlin and its a sleeker looking gun. I like the detachable mag over the tube fed as well.
Out of the box it will get about 1 inch groups at 50 yards with many different brands of ammo. Down the road invest 20 bucks to bed the rifle(brownells glass bed), and about 15 in a few trigger parts (order the stock sear from the Marlin 2000 target rifle at Numrichs) and you will get a solid .75 at 50 yards, and a gun with a decent 3lb trigger.
At this price, a semi auto will distract you with function problems, and is more inconsistant in the accuracy dept. To truly improve your skills for low $, a boltie .22 is the way to go. Get yourself a spinner target and practice shooting from all positions and at all ranges, its fun. I take my bud, and we see who can get the most hits per magazine.

 

[CZ-100]

My Wal-mart sells the 10/22 for $159, Stainless for $214.

 

[david_the_greek]

Deos anyone have any experience with the Henry survival rifle. The thing seems great for camping and such since it all goes into its waterproof floating stock but I've never shot one so m not sure of their accuracy. Obviously they aren't competition guns but does anyone know how accurately or how well they shoot.

 

[StrikeEagle]

Deos anyone have any experience with the Henry survival rifle.

I have one made about 30 years ago by Charter Arms. Armalite made them too at some point.

It's fun... and reasonably accurate. I'm not sure REALLY how USEFUL it is, but the Fun Factor and Coolness Index are both extremely high. I'm glad I have one.

StrikeEagle

 

[RustyFN]

My vote goes to the Marlin 981T bolt action. I just bought one and it is very accurate. It will shoot shorts, longs and long rifle rounds. Being a bolt action it can be shot right or left handed which was important to me. I have seen them for $140 to $160. Good luck and have fun.
Rusty

 

[rangerruck]

them Marlin 981 is tough, you dont have to worry about dinging up the stock, and will be more accurate, than you are capable of . probably. it will smoke a ruger in the acc dept., you would have to jump up to a cz to get more consistent accuracy.

 

[Cosmoline]

Get a used CZ 452 ZKM, preferably a pre-A prefix as those were better made. I picked one up recently for just under two bills. They are among the finest rifles OF ANY TYPE ever made on this planet. No other .22 rimfire for under a grand can touch them.