Miata Mike
Member
That is awesome! I was going to try filling old aluminum arrows for speed loaders(something I read about in another forum), but for the price I can see that would be dumb.
Epiphany in the .22lr
- Thread starter ATBackPackin
- Start date
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That is awesome! I was going to try filling old aluminum arrows for speed loaders(something I read about in another forum), but for the price I can see that would be dumb.
twoblink
Member
I have (try to have) every gun in an equivalent action in .22LR.
M1A ~ 10/22 [Semi-auto rifle]
Steyr M4 ~ 22/45RP [Semi-auto pistol]
Browning BPS, Timberwolf 357 ~ Remington 572 BDL [Pump rifle]
Mauser K98 ~ (Hopefully Ruger M77/22) [Bolt action rifle]
SP101/GP100 ~ SP101 in .22lr [Revolver]
I think .22LR is the PERFECT training caliber for everybody, especially when it comes to a new type of gun or action. Most people hand someone a 12 gauge shotgun and think they won't get the crud kicked out of them, why not start with a pump .22LR? No recoil, and shoot a thousand rounds for $10. Love them 22's!
M1A ~ 10/22 [Semi-auto rifle]
Steyr M4 ~ 22/45RP [Semi-auto pistol]
Browning BPS, Timberwolf 357 ~ Remington 572 BDL [Pump rifle]
Mauser K98 ~ (Hopefully Ruger M77/22) [Bolt action rifle]
SP101/GP100 ~ SP101 in .22lr [Revolver]
I think .22LR is the PERFECT training caliber for everybody, especially when it comes to a new type of gun or action. Most people hand someone a 12 gauge shotgun and think they won't get the crud kicked out of them, why not start with a pump .22LR? No recoil, and shoot a thousand rounds for $10. Love them 22's!
22-rimfire
Member
I personally would choose the Marlin M60 (stainless with composite stock). I find the tubular magazine quicker and easier to load than a detachable box magazine of equal capacity. You still have to load the box mags regardless if inserting a loaded one is faster than loading a tubular magazine. Plus you never have to remember to take magazines with you.
Henry lever actions are fairly nice and the ones I've handled have had a smooth action. I like the Marlin 39A better, but the Henry's are a lot less expensive. I have no advice. It is a personal choice. You can have more than one 22 rifle.
I would keep the bolt action 22 also. There may be a time that you really appreciate it (more), but there is no question that plinking with a semi-auto is more fun as far as I'm concerned. Unless you're 12, I generally recommend a semi-auto. But then..... I had one with I was in the 9th grade. Oh well...
Henry lever actions are fairly nice and the ones I've handled have had a smooth action. I like the Marlin 39A better, but the Henry's are a lot less expensive. I have no advice. It is a personal choice. You can have more than one 22 rifle.
I would keep the bolt action 22 also. There may be a time that you really appreciate it (more), but there is no question that plinking with a semi-auto is more fun as far as I'm concerned. Unless you're 12, I generally recommend a semi-auto. But then..... I had one with I was in the 9th grade. Oh well...
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ATBackPackin
Member
First off let me thank everyone for their replies and advise.
OK update number one, I went to the range yesterday and put nearly another 200 rounds through my Ruger 22/45. The accuracy of this pistol is simply mind boggling, IF you do your part. As you can see from the pics, there is nothing wrong with the sights but I definitely can see where fiber optics would make a remarkable improvement.
Speaking of which does anyone know if a there is a full set of fiber optics sights available for this model? When I say full set I mean the front and rear sights, I have already found plenty of options for just the front sight.
I am still loving the trigger......however, I did start having a problem where the trigger would not reset 100% of the time. It would happen on average once a magazine. I am hoping that it is just dirty and needs a good cleaning. I should point out that I did not clean the gun when I purchased it, all I did was wipe off the excess oil. Has anyone else had this problem when it gets dirty? The plan is to give it a good cleaning today and back to the range tomorrow. If I still am having a trigger reset problem, then maybe a trip back to Ruger is in order.
I also had a few FT-Fire's with the Remington Golden Bullets. I actually tried all three twice and all three had two perfectly good indents from the firing pin, so I have no doubts it was the ammo and not the gun.
So to reiterate, the only problem I have had after nearly 400 rounds is the trigger reset. I am also ordering the fiber optic sights as soon as I can decide on which one. Any suggestions and I would be highly appreciative. Once I have those installed I will let you know the difference.
Thanks again
Shawn
Each target has 40 rounds from 15 yards. The bullseye is 2", the 10 ring is 4", the 9 ring is 8", and the 8 ring is 12" just to give you some perspective.
OK update number one, I went to the range yesterday and put nearly another 200 rounds through my Ruger 22/45. The accuracy of this pistol is simply mind boggling, IF you do your part. As you can see from the pics, there is nothing wrong with the sights but I definitely can see where fiber optics would make a remarkable improvement.
Speaking of which does anyone know if a there is a full set of fiber optics sights available for this model? When I say full set I mean the front and rear sights, I have already found plenty of options for just the front sight.
I am still loving the trigger......however, I did start having a problem where the trigger would not reset 100% of the time. It would happen on average once a magazine. I am hoping that it is just dirty and needs a good cleaning. I should point out that I did not clean the gun when I purchased it, all I did was wipe off the excess oil. Has anyone else had this problem when it gets dirty? The plan is to give it a good cleaning today and back to the range tomorrow. If I still am having a trigger reset problem, then maybe a trip back to Ruger is in order.
I also had a few FT-Fire's with the Remington Golden Bullets. I actually tried all three twice and all three had two perfectly good indents from the firing pin, so I have no doubts it was the ammo and not the gun.
So to reiterate, the only problem I have had after nearly 400 rounds is the trigger reset. I am also ordering the fiber optic sights as soon as I can decide on which one. Any suggestions and I would be highly appreciative. Once I have those installed I will let you know the difference.
Thanks again
Shawn
Each target has 40 rounds from 15 yards. The bullseye is 2", the 10 ring is 4", the 9 ring is 8", and the 8 ring is 12" just to give you some perspective.
Attachments
ATBackPackin
Member
Yesterday I went and looked at a Henry AR-7 Survival Rifle. I really like this gun in theory, but however in reality I'm not sure I can say anything nice about it. Just about everything was plastic including the barrel being coated. The stock was sooo wide, in order to fit all the pieces inside, and to put it simply it felt like a cheap toy. I had also ready many reviews that the buttstock leaks which to me kinda defeats the purpose.
There is still the Marlin, but I really liked the idea that it is stored inside of itself for a survival rifle. I would still like to see one in person before I make my final decision, but it is looking more like I will be getting a standard rifle.
To all who have said that I should keep the bolt action, I could not agree more but much to my chagrin, I told my wife I would sell it to fund my new rifle. Perhaps I can explain to her that I will only get xx(x)? amount of dollars for it and that financially it's not worth it to sell. May or may not work, but cannot hurt to try.
I would LOVE to get the Marlin 39, but unfortunately that just is not in the cards right now.
There is one other problem, I really really want a SKS. With the rising prices of SKS's, it seems like I should buy that first and get a .22 rifle later because they will always be there. Dilemma Dilemma! So as it stands right now there are 4 rifles that I am seriously debating.
1. Mossberg 702 Plinkster - my thinking behind this is that it's just an inexpensive bare-bones .22 semi-auto and therefore leaves more money toward an SKS.
2. Henry H001 - I just love lever actions and I cannot think of anything more fun. However I do not see these prices going anywhere and in the meantime the SKS's keep getting more expensive.
3. Marlin Model 60 - just a great and very reasonably priced semi-auto. Plus I prefer wood to synthetic.
4. SKS - I really like the SKS and prefer it to an AK.
So this is my dilemma for a new rifle. I will always want a .22, but I may get the SKS first. There is a gun show here next weekend so I will check out the prices. We'll see.
Shawn
There is still the Marlin, but I really liked the idea that it is stored inside of itself for a survival rifle. I would still like to see one in person before I make my final decision, but it is looking more like I will be getting a standard rifle.
To all who have said that I should keep the bolt action, I could not agree more but much to my chagrin, I told my wife I would sell it to fund my new rifle. Perhaps I can explain to her that I will only get xx(x)? amount of dollars for it and that financially it's not worth it to sell. May or may not work, but cannot hurt to try.
I would LOVE to get the Marlin 39, but unfortunately that just is not in the cards right now.
There is one other problem, I really really want a SKS. With the rising prices of SKS's, it seems like I should buy that first and get a .22 rifle later because they will always be there. Dilemma Dilemma! So as it stands right now there are 4 rifles that I am seriously debating.
1. Mossberg 702 Plinkster - my thinking behind this is that it's just an inexpensive bare-bones .22 semi-auto and therefore leaves more money toward an SKS.
2. Henry H001 - I just love lever actions and I cannot think of anything more fun. However I do not see these prices going anywhere and in the meantime the SKS's keep getting more expensive.
3. Marlin Model 60 - just a great and very reasonably priced semi-auto. Plus I prefer wood to synthetic.
4. SKS - I really like the SKS and prefer it to an AK.
So this is my dilemma for a new rifle. I will always want a .22, but I may get the SKS first. There is a gun show here next weekend so I will check out the prices. We'll see.
Shawn
KodiakBeer
member
.22 autos are running on the ragged edge of reliability simply because there isn't very much recoil impulse to cycle the action. So, you have to keep them clean. Also, use oil sparingly because oil collects powder residue and will quickly gunk up your action. There is a lubricant called Eezox which forms a "dry to the touch" coating which doesn't collect residue. If you use Eezox, your .22 will run longer between cleanings.
You made a good choice! As far as I'm concerned, there are only two good choices in the sub $400 range for .22 autos. The one you chose and the Browning Buckmark.
You made a good choice! As far as I'm concerned, there are only two good choices in the sub $400 range for .22 autos. The one you chose and the Browning Buckmark.
I own 4 Marlin 60's. Been out Prairie doggin with buddies with new 10-22's, and the Marlin 60 just seems to be more accurate, and I too can load 17 faster than the other guy loads his 10 twice.
Plus there is a speedloader available.
Plus there is a speedloader available.
Milkmaster
Member
Just ordered the spee-d-loader for my Henry 22WMR. Thanks for the tip folks!
ATBackPackin
Member
**Update Number 2**
I have now had the Ruger for a little over three weeks and I have nearly 1000 rounds through it. I haven't had any problems except the trigger reset when inserting a new mag. Unfortunately it had to go back to Ruger for this. I will keep you updated and let you know what was wrong and how long it takes.
Shawn
I have now had the Ruger for a little over three weeks and I have nearly 1000 rounds through it. I haven't had any problems except the trigger reset when inserting a new mag. Unfortunately it had to go back to Ruger for this. I will keep you updated and let you know what was wrong and how long it takes.
Shawn
ForumSurfer
Member
Good to hear! I'm glad you like it.
I bought a pretty nice buckmark at about the same time. My kids have thoroughly enjoyed it. I suspect that the mags won't have a bit of blueing left on them by the end of summer.
I've grown to love this ammo:
It seems to love these:
It is pretty cheap, quite accurate for bulk stuff and more than capable of handling some small plinking targets. I've bought about 12-15 boxes of these, which the kids have depleted so I have to make a trip to get some more for the weekend. We've also sent some winchester cheapo stuff, assorted cci loads and some left over bottom shelf federal bulk down range.
I grew up on 22 revolvers. I've been missing out. I should have gotten a 22 autoloading pistol a long, long time ago.
dubshooter
Member
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2010
- Messages
- 16
Well, I have the Plinkster and the Henry. I have problems with jamming with the Plinkster, accuracy is decent, but there's just something about the Henry... I love the Henry.
high country
Member
I like this approach too. My combos are:
AR-15 and Marlin 795 with tech-sights
GP100 and Taurus 990 with houge grips
P89 and Buckmark
336 and .... (haven't completed this matchup yet)
Unlike many here, I actually prefer shooting the revolver over the Buckmark. With the houge grips and a lighter trigger return spring it is unbelivably similar in feel to the GP100. The Buckmark just hasn't grown on me. I shot a MK a while ago, and actually really liked the grip angle and sights, so I am probably going to get one of those, although it will be a departure from my matching trend. I shot a single six a while ago too, and did not care for it. I wasn't accurate with it, and loading was really slow.
As for rifles, it hasn't been mentioned here, but the Marlin 795 is a good option. Wood stocks are available from Numrich. I swapped out the plastic for wood, and it really improved the feel. But, if you are thinking survival type rifle, the synthetic stock is good. You can fill the inside with expanding foam to get rid of the cheap plastic toy feel. I have a model 60 too, but like being able to load up a half dozen magazines and sticking them in a pocket to plink without stopping to handle loose ammo every 16 rounds. The 795 can be had for around $100 new if you keep your eyes out for deals and rebates.
Bottom line is that .22 is the best recreational cartrige out there. My first gun was a .22, and probably my last will be too!
ForumSurfer
Member
...sigh...
I've been pawn shop surfing hoping to find a marlin 39a with no cross bolt safety. I think I'll settle on a Henry Frontier model if I happen across a used one.
when I first got my ruger 22/45 (ss 5.5 barrel slabside W/removable pannels) I had put thousands of rounds though it in the first month. id go to my indoor range and stand there for 3 hours shooting though atleast an entire bulk pack of federal 550 count somtimes a box and a half.
I was going so much the range staff informed me I should slow down on my range time or else id end up with lead poisoning from all the lead dust in the air.
its such a fun gun to shoot and I can afford to shoot it as often as i want.
I was going so much the range staff informed me I should slow down on my range time or else id end up with lead poisoning from all the lead dust in the air.
its such a fun gun to shoot and I can afford to shoot it as often as i want.
oldfool
Member
another fan of Ruger MKs here
as for the rifle choices I also would recommend the Model 60
I have an older model Marlin Papoose (wood stock & red case); cute, but I think you will like the model 60 better in the long run
lever actions -
the Henry is nice, the Marlin 39A is top notch, the Winchester actions feel "loose" to me, but I like the Browning BL-22s best of all
all are good, you really just have to hold and 'em and work the actions on all of 'em to really find out what feels right for you
PS
on that MK, try the front fiber optic w/ std steel rear sights, before jumping on rear fiber optic as well
I really like that setup on my 10" bull barrel MKII, and feel like it yields a more precise sight picture than front & rear FO
my 6 7/8" MKIII is setup likewise, but I mostly shoot it with a 1" tube red dot
as for the rifle choices I also would recommend the Model 60
I have an older model Marlin Papoose (wood stock & red case); cute, but I think you will like the model 60 better in the long run
lever actions -
the Henry is nice, the Marlin 39A is top notch, the Winchester actions feel "loose" to me, but I like the Browning BL-22s best of all
all are good, you really just have to hold and 'em and work the actions on all of 'em to really find out what feels right for you
PS
on that MK, try the front fiber optic w/ std steel rear sights, before jumping on rear fiber optic as well
I really like that setup on my 10" bull barrel MKII, and feel like it yields a more precise sight picture than front & rear FO
my 6 7/8" MKIII is setup likewise, but I mostly shoot it with a 1" tube red dot
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I have a Ruger MK II that is over 20 years old. It still shoots like the day I bougth it. Also a 22/45 that I bought right after they came out. Just as accurate and reliable as it's metal brother. Ad unlike some of the designer .22's out there they will feed and shoot everything except a dud. Have a SIG Mosquito and had a P22. They have to be fed ammo they like (usually CCI MiniMags) and even then they are hit and miss. Ruger just work!
oerllikon
Member
I hear ya on the .22 affinity! I have 2 .22 lr rifles, a marlin 60 and a Model 925 with a simmons .22 Mag scope (surprisingly bright and clear!). Both are great rifles, both are fun to shoot. The 925 gets a lot more trigger time because i prefer the feel. I would recommend the model 60 if you want a tube fed. I can load mine fast enough that I would prefer tube mags to detachable. I have one from '82 that i think has 17 or 18 round capacity. If you have pretty big hands like I do, that is my one gripe about the 60... the anemic stock. If boyds sold a nice laminated stock for it again, Id be all over it.
The 10/22s I have shot seemed very solid and very reliable. I wouldnt hesitate to buy one if they were about $100 less. The accuracy isnt quite as good as the marlins I have though YMMV (This is coming from a marlin fanboy)
Good luck with your new purchase, and thanks for the idea of the Tech Sights!
The 10/22s I have shot seemed very solid and very reliable. I wouldnt hesitate to buy one if they were about $100 less. The accuracy isnt quite as good as the marlins I have though YMMV (This is coming from a marlin fanboy)
Good luck with your new purchase, and thanks for the idea of the Tech Sights!
Dnaltrop
Member
My AR-7 (now the Henry survival rifle) is a 1975, Charter Arms made weapon. (still have the manual and original soft case) My old man introduced me to the gun at some of the mud flats near Mt St Helens a few years after the Eruption, tossing an empty can in the air and keeping it aloft. Pure magic to a 6 year old.
I can agree about the "plastic" feel, and they're touchy as hell if you use non High/Hyper velocity rounds. The gun is really built to be a feather-weight weapon for Bush pilots and Backpackers.
Even from the years where they say Charter dropped in quality (warped barrel reports etc) from the Armalite versions, Mine still puts every round exactly where I aim it.
Today my 9 year old got her first crack at a non-bolt action, non single shot with my "cheap plastic" rifle. at 50 feet, (Johnson Creek has short lanes) bench rested she managed a decent pattern, even a perfect bullseye. Her best session yet in the 2 years she's been shooting off and on. She even took a single shot with my Schofield .45 (soft handloads, I'm not a sadist) and perforated the Navel, dead center.
No Crickett for my kids.
She's already begging to go back later this week.
I really want to get my hands on the new Henry version, The scope rail and a decent red-dot will make her summer Squirreling in the Filbert orchards a breeze.
YES. The stock WILL leak, the screw through the butt to the receiver will allow some water in, even if you finangle a home-made gasket around the butt plate. However, in the event the gun is sitting in a body of water, you still wont be having to dig through the muck and reeds at the bottom of a murky lake to get it back.
Though it might be flushed down stream in moving water, the advantage of a heavier gun sinking to the bottom.
As demonstrated in Coos bay ( Good 'ol armed citizen article in this months American Rifleman) .22 will do.
If the AR-7 just doesn't "sing" to that warm spot in your core, I can understand it. I really don't like plastic guns, my M&P included. I just prefer heavy metal. The AR was my first Semi, and will be the first semi for each of my children barring a catastrophic failure.
Before you set your opinion in stone, if you get the chance to put a few rounds downrange, core out a 3" bullseye with the Henry. You might be pleasantly surprised. Or at least then you can REALLY hate the thing effectively.
More for my kids if you still don't like them . ^^
I can agree about the "plastic" feel, and they're touchy as hell if you use non High/Hyper velocity rounds. The gun is really built to be a feather-weight weapon for Bush pilots and Backpackers.
Even from the years where they say Charter dropped in quality (warped barrel reports etc) from the Armalite versions, Mine still puts every round exactly where I aim it.
Today my 9 year old got her first crack at a non-bolt action, non single shot with my "cheap plastic" rifle. at 50 feet, (Johnson Creek has short lanes) bench rested she managed a decent pattern, even a perfect bullseye. Her best session yet in the 2 years she's been shooting off and on. She even took a single shot with my Schofield .45 (soft handloads, I'm not a sadist) and perforated the Navel, dead center.
No Crickett for my kids.
She's already begging to go back later this week.
I really want to get my hands on the new Henry version, The scope rail and a decent red-dot will make her summer Squirreling in the Filbert orchards a breeze.
YES. The stock WILL leak, the screw through the butt to the receiver will allow some water in, even if you finangle a home-made gasket around the butt plate. However, in the event the gun is sitting in a body of water, you still wont be having to dig through the muck and reeds at the bottom of a murky lake to get it back.
Though it might be flushed down stream in moving water, the advantage of a heavier gun sinking to the bottom.
As demonstrated in Coos bay ( Good 'ol armed citizen article in this months American Rifleman) .22 will do.
If the AR-7 just doesn't "sing" to that warm spot in your core, I can understand it. I really don't like plastic guns, my M&P included. I just prefer heavy metal. The AR was my first Semi, and will be the first semi for each of my children barring a catastrophic failure.
Before you set your opinion in stone, if you get the chance to put a few rounds downrange, core out a 3" bullseye with the Henry. You might be pleasantly surprised. Or at least then you can REALLY hate the thing effectively.
More for my kids if you still don't like them . ^^
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Smaug
Member
You aren't the first and won't be the last to be super happy with a Ruger Mk. x pistol.
A couple comments:
A couple comments:
- Fiber optics are easier to pick up, but harder to aim with precision.
- The stock grips are fine, but if you really want comfort, look at the rubber Hogues that Frank posted on Pg. 1. I have the same ones on my Mk. II Target, and while they are uglier, there is nothing that feels so good.
- Regarding the 22 auto rifle, I think the Marlin 60 is a great choice. I have two of them now. Out of the box, they're just better rifles than the 10/22, in my opinion. (and I've owned a 10/22) They have the slender stock that feels just right in the hands, a high capacity magazine that doesn't protrude, and are much more accurate than stock 10/22s. They also cost less. The Papoose will not be as accurate, but is packable. It also has the box magazine, that sticks out the bottom of the stock. They get in the way sometimes right where you want to rest the gun.
- Whether bulk ammo jams or not is not a reflection on the gun. There's basically no quality control on bulk ammo. Try CCI MiniMag; you'll feel it is more powerful, more accurate, and more consistent. It may not totally replace bulk ammo, due to the higher cost ($40/500 instead of $17) but when you want good groups and consistency and full power, it is the way to go. Winchester Super-X in the gray box used to be even better, but they've let the quality slip on that now too.
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