Compact Trunk 22

[Portsmith]

I am looking for a 22 rifle that will break down so that I can put it in a small case and keep it in my trunk, mostly for plinking fun.

Here's what I've been able to think of on my own:

10/22 with a Butler Creek folding stock
Marlin Papoose
Kel Tec SU-22
Henry AR7 Survival Gun
If I can find one, a short-barreled Rossi pump Winchester 1890 reproduction

What are some other good options?

 

[RonE]

The AR7 is a pretty good choice for a small package and easy and fun to shoot.

 

[Skylerbone]

Browning makes a nice little take-down but spendy, I'd vote Papoose, heck it's got its own case.

 

[BCRider]

A trunk is a harsh environment for any sort of gun if this would be where it lives for most of the year. Since you seem to want a semi auto I'm going to say something cheap and in stainless and that you can get a folding stock for is the way to go.

I was going to say try a Mossberg Plinkster since they are cheap. But they are in brushed chrome instead of actual stainless. So it looks like the next cheapest option is a Ruger 10/22 in stainless. And for the stock I'd again suggest the one with the stainless steel instead of blued. And perhaps with an aftermarket or cut down barrel to make it shorter still.

 

[Portsmith]

I don't really plan on keeping it in my trunk. (Heck, I don't even have a trunk -- i drive a minivan.) I just want something small and easily transportable that I can easily take along with me any time I think I might want it.

I am not set on a semiauto. It's just that all the options I can think of (besides the Rossi pump) are semiauto.

 

[smokey262]

Papoose for sure

 

[Seven High]

I have never seen an AR-7 that was anywhere close to reliable. All suffered from feeding problems. I suggest a Marlin Papoose as well. Stainless steel.

 

[Skylerbone]

Seven High beat me to it, the Papoose comes in a SS/Composite. You can leave it in that minivan all you want, just don't let it be stolen or drive your kids to school with it in there;-)

 

[BCRider]

Given the info in post #5 I'd say that a Ruger 10/22 in either blue or stainless is a good option for you. Although I'm not particularly fond of them it IS the one that has all the aftermarket toys for it to allow tuning the trigger and swapping the stock and adding on a honkin' big magazine. For these reasons alone it is THE one to get.

And later on if you want to sharpen up the very decent but not match grade accuracy and consistency there's even aftermarket barrels available.

The only one I've seen so far that comes close to all this is the Remington 579. But it doesn't have a rep as shiney as the Ruger.

If it wasn't for the desire to keep it compact I'd suggest bolt action 22 series Savage. From having shot a couple I found them to be an incredable rifle for the money.

 

[DNS]

Its been my experience that you really can't go wrong with any Marlin, either a Papoose, 795 or 60.

The AR7 rifles seem to be hit or miss as are the new 10/22s (flame on).

Don't know anything about the SU22 but have had good luck with other KelTec rifles.

If you want a pump Henry makes one also.

 

[bhk]

I have a 10/22 with a Butler Creek folking stock (all in stainless) that usually resides in a compartment behind the rear seat of my truck. I put a Williams peep sight on it, and find the overall package to be ideal for its purpose.

 

[goon]

I'd like to set my 10/22 up with a folder eventually so I would recommend that choice. My dad also has a Rossi clone of a Winchester 62 that breaks down into two halves pretty easily. Although we had to do a little buffing on his to make it 100%, it's turned out to be a good little rifle. If you can lay hands on a carbine version, it might fit your purposes.

 

[Wolfeye]

I've only shot the Papoose. It seems accurate, but I had to re-tighten the knob every few dozen shots. It might have stayed in place better with the wrench I didn't use. It's "good enough" in my book and is probably a better value than the 10/22, plus it's already set to go out of the box; no aftermarket good needed.