best out of the box squirrel gun

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acgill07

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I am looking to pass along the compact 10/22 that I have had since I was 13 and purchase a new squirrel gun. The available options are overwhelming and I would appreciate some suggestions. Here are some guidelines:

Less than $500
Prefer a stainless barrel and synthetic stock
Not a heavy target gun
No real action preference
Best out of the box accuracy (I dont want to spend time or money on upgrades)

I will be scoping it.

Thank for the help.
 
This is only my "others like it" pick, but ff you want nice, accurate and semi-fancy, hie thee to the gunstore and look at a CZ 452.

My "I like it" would be a nice Marlin lever action. They are fun, accurate and everything you want in a squirrel gun. You might also enjoy a Henry Golden Boy.
 
While I know you are thinking .22 rifle, IMO, the BEST squirrel gun would be a nice compact shotgun in 410 or 28.........especially with old eyes....... :D
 
I also use the Marlin Model 60 with a 3x9 Simmons scope. A real tack driver.

BUT, make sure you have part of the tree as a backstop when shooting them fuzzytails.
The .22 Long Rifle will travel up to a mile and a half if you do miss! Ouch!! (or worse).

Also, Oneounceload is right too! A .410 shotgun is FUN to use!!! How about a .410 double barrel? Hmmmmm..........

P.S. My Model 60 is an older model with a 17 shot tube.
 
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Whilst the Marlin Model 60 is a great rifle, most squirrels have small paws and have difficulty reaching the trigger.
 
looking to pass along the compact 10/22 that I have had since I was 13
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How about you keep it and put the action in a nice custom stock with a new match barrel?
Keep the youth stock for when you have kids yourself!

http://www.eabco.com/102207.htm

http://www.rifle-stocks.com/photo_gallery.htm

http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/Replacement-Stocks-for-Ruger-10-22-and-77-MKII-s/6.htm

I can gauranttee ya there will come a day when you will really regret getting rid of your first rifle!

rc
 
Can't beat the Marlins, 60 or 39A. I have both, a 39A with XS ghost rings and a scoped 60. I prefer the 39A because I can track a moving target better. Both are tack drivers...
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Good luck with your choice.
 
+1 on the 410 or 28,
more so the 410, great cal. good for squirrels, dove, rabbit, yotes, and the odd bump in the night!
i love my rem 1100 28 sporter but i can only get ammo once a year at wal-mart (dove season)
 
http://savagearms.com/firearms/model/MARKIIFSS

markiifss.png
 
I guess I should clarify, I am not selling the old 10/22. It is staying in the family, just not in my closet. Thanks for all the suggestions, but unfortunately the numerous options doesnt help me narrow it down much! Lots to consider.
 
Difficult to recommend the 10-22 since it needs work to shoot minute of squirrel. I would get the Marlin 60 and get a great scope with the extra money.

Guys, I remember my 410 single shot and that you need to get within 15 yards or less. If I could hunt and not worry about humans, give me a good scoped 22lr.
 
Cz-452. But my experience is that a good .410 shotgun with a full choke will still do quite a number on a squirrel at 25 or more yards. Honestly, I've found them to be about as effective as bigger gauges on squirrels.
 
The CZ's are definitely awesome. Very accurate and quality built.

If you want a semi-auto, I'd go with the Marlin 795. They are like a hundred bucks after the factory rebate they're running right now, and you can get them with stainless barrels and synthetic stocks just like you want. For a pure out of the box shooter, a Marlin has a better trigger and is capable of better accuracy than a bone stock 10/22. They come all set up with sling studs from the factory, unlike the Model 60. I just prefer mags to a tube feed anyway.
 
Difficult to recommend the 10-22 since it needs work to shoot minute of squirrel.
Click to expand...

Heresy! I am not sure where this thing about 10/22 not being accurate comes from, but that has not been my experience, either with the 3 or 4 I have owned or currently own, or with the multitudes I have shot with over the years.
 
TimboKhan said:
Heresy! I am not sure where this thing about 10/22 not being accurate comes from, but that has not been my experience, either with the 3 or 4 I have owned or currently own, or with the multitudes I have shot with over the years.
Click to expand...

This is 10 shots through mine at 50 yards

nnpg0p.jpg

Other than the Bushnell scope on it, it is a completely stock Carbine.
 
i would choose the CZ 452 American in 17 HMR with a good scope as my dedicated squirel gun. it's accurate and has a lot of reach.

i've alway felt those Savage 24s were perfect for just about anything that climbs trees though. make mine a 22 lr/ 20 gage and we're in business.
 
I really like my 10/22 Sporter but my Marlin 39A is an awesome shooter. BUT, one of these days I'm going to have a Weatherby XXll. Not the new bolt action. The old semi-auto tube feed. Shot one 25 years ago and been thinking about one ever since.
 
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