First .22 rifle suggestions?
- Thread starter spelsh
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Furncliff
Member
Marlin 60, for semi-auto.
CZ for bolt. Although everyone see's these as expensive rifles. They don't have to be as there are some nice Beech stocked models in the $300 range.
CZ for bolt. Although everyone see's these as expensive rifles. They don't have to be as there are some nice Beech stocked models in the $300 range.
Different thought for you and more money up front but maybe cheaper in the long run.
First I would not recommend the GSG-5 unless you want to replace the screws and bolts on the weapon. Cheap made but can be accurate with stock sights or a red dot. It is semi auto and fun but not a quality firearm IMO.
Think about getting a upper or complete rifle in .22 from CMMG or others. Later if you want something with more horse power all you do is buy the upper of your choice and place it on the lower you already have. Kinda like getting 2 rifles in waiting. No it is not the cheapest way to go but later if you decide on a heavier caliber there will be no transfer fee just have your new upper mailed to your door step.
If you go with the CMMG upper just get the cheapest one they have. I have one with all the upgrades and one plain Jane. Both have been accurate and no problems with the CMMG mags in either one.
All the post here have been great and all the weapons would probably make you very happy....I am thinking more in the future and upgrading. Also if you decide to put an optic on the weapon it will fit your new AR upper later......if you decide that is the way you wanna go.
First I would not recommend the GSG-5 unless you want to replace the screws and bolts on the weapon. Cheap made but can be accurate with stock sights or a red dot. It is semi auto and fun but not a quality firearm IMO.
Think about getting a upper or complete rifle in .22 from CMMG or others. Later if you want something with more horse power all you do is buy the upper of your choice and place it on the lower you already have. Kinda like getting 2 rifles in waiting. No it is not the cheapest way to go but later if you decide on a heavier caliber there will be no transfer fee just have your new upper mailed to your door step.
If you go with the CMMG upper just get the cheapest one they have. I have one with all the upgrades and one plain Jane. Both have been accurate and no problems with the CMMG mags in either one.
All the post here have been great and all the weapons would probably make you very happy....I am thinking more in the future and upgrading. Also if you decide to put an optic on the weapon it will fit your new AR upper later......if you decide that is the way you wanna go.
BinhThuyUSN
Member
Recommend CZ's
Splesh, I would recommend a CZ rifle for the first .22lr. I have two. My first is a 453 American with the set trigger. This rifle very accurate out of the box. My second is a 452 Full Stock with iron sights. I am learning to shoot with the iron sights, but as I am learning it is a fun rifle to shoot. What ever brand rifle you chose, just enjoy the time shooting. I have attached pics of my rimfires below.
CZ 453 American with a Bushnell 12-20x40mm Scope:
http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb378/BinhThuyUSN/Rifle and Target Range Pictures/IMG_1238.jpg
CZ 452 Full Stock:
http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb378/BinhThuyUSN/452 Full Stock Photos/IMG_1234.jpg
Splesh, I would recommend a CZ rifle for the first .22lr. I have two. My first is a 453 American with the set trigger. This rifle very accurate out of the box. My second is a 452 Full Stock with iron sights. I am learning to shoot with the iron sights, but as I am learning it is a fun rifle to shoot. What ever brand rifle you chose, just enjoy the time shooting. I have attached pics of my rimfires below.
CZ 453 American with a Bushnell 12-20x40mm Scope:
http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb378/BinhThuyUSN/Rifle and Target Range Pictures/IMG_1238.jpg
CZ 452 Full Stock:
http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb378/BinhThuyUSN/452 Full Stock Photos/IMG_1234.jpg
The 10/22 is cheap, easy to use and universal. You could probably find parts for it in Tibet, or even on mars. The 795 Marlin has a fine reputation and I'm getting one next week for 185 from Dick's, one of the only chain sporting goods stores I actually like. Both good, nudge towards the Ruger.
The Ruger 10/22 is probably the first and last 22 rifle you will ever have to buy. It is great little rifle right out of the box. Basic 10/22 is about $200. Add a decent scope and sling for another $70-100 and you have a rifle that shoots better than you can. They are by far the most popular (4 or 5 to 1) over any other rimfire rifle I see on the line at the range I am a volunteer range officer and instructor. Probably 10-1 over any other 22 rifle at Appleseed where I am an instructor.
The Marlin 795 is probably the best bang for the buck right now. Fun, accurate little rifle for about $100 after factory rebate. Add the same scope and sling and you got a good reliable little gun for $100 less than the 10/22. While overall length and barrel length is the same as a 10/22, the 795 feels much smaller and is in fact a half pound lighter.
Remington 597 is about half way between the Ruger and Marlin in price and quality. I see a lot of them on the line at the range I am a volunteer range officer at. They are generally accurate and reliable. However they are more of a full sized rifle than the Ruger or Marlin. Priced around $150-180 on sale.
I have little experience with the cheap Savage 22s being marketed now. I rarely see them on the line.
I have a bunch of old Remingtons, Marlins, Mossberg 22s in bolts, semi or tube fed but my go to is a fairly stock 10/22. I have also been carrying my Marlin 795 in my truck as a kind of beater, plinker, hunter utility rifle for the past 4 months or so. It has a plastic stock which is more resistant to being banged around than my wood stocked rifles.
The Marlin 795 is probably the best bang for the buck right now. Fun, accurate little rifle for about $100 after factory rebate. Add the same scope and sling and you got a good reliable little gun for $100 less than the 10/22. While overall length and barrel length is the same as a 10/22, the 795 feels much smaller and is in fact a half pound lighter.
Remington 597 is about half way between the Ruger and Marlin in price and quality. I see a lot of them on the line at the range I am a volunteer range officer at. They are generally accurate and reliable. However they are more of a full sized rifle than the Ruger or Marlin. Priced around $150-180 on sale.
I have little experience with the cheap Savage 22s being marketed now. I rarely see them on the line.
I have a bunch of old Remingtons, Marlins, Mossberg 22s in bolts, semi or tube fed but my go to is a fairly stock 10/22. I have also been carrying my Marlin 795 in my truck as a kind of beater, plinker, hunter utility rifle for the past 4 months or so. It has a plastic stock which is more resistant to being banged around than my wood stocked rifles.
RightCoastBiased
Member
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2011
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- 167
My first rifle was a CZ lux 452 and I loved it. Sold it because I needed money and bought back about 5 years later. Glad to have it in my collection again and I'll never let go of it again. It's a great rifle and where you aim is where the round ends up on the target.
stchman
Member
To Jeff56:
Hmmm, a .186" and a .111" group when the bullet is .22". I am going to have to see some proof.
Hmmm, a .186" and a .111" group when the bullet is .22". I am going to have to see some proof.
sarduy
Member
another vote for the savage mark II great gun
Thank you, Jeff56. I will make sure my information was correct before any purchase. I saw them on the rack when I was getting the 10/22 (my glenfield tube-fed bolt was getting a little old) and maybe they were the 60s. I'll call and see, and I really appreciate the heads-up.
dc.fireman
Member
Having recently shot the THR rimfire match with Jeff56, I can attest to the fact that his CZ rifle is dialed in, and capable of those group sizes (remembering that we're using On Target to measure the group sizes from CTC).
I'd say get what you can fit within your budget - and leave some $$ left over for ammo. It's the practicing you should focus on, more than any other factor...
Without a doubt, you have described the Ruger 10-22 for your requirements.
* Target shooting/plinking
* Easy to upgrade
* Iron sights as well as optics
As a previous poster mentioned, he has seen more 10-22's than all the others combined, and I would agree with him. (The perfect budget Appleseed rifle imo) They are very reliable little rifles, and tons of fun for the whole family right out of the box. The only limits when it comes to mods is one's own imagination.
The 10-22 also makes for a decent little rifle for introducing other folks who are new to shooting...... especially the youngins, provided the proper fundamentals of safe handling of firearms, and marksmanship is applied as well as supervision by a capable/responsible person.
Mine are all stock as far as "internal parts" go, and usually add either/or peep sights/optics, as well as a sling. Also use them for small game hunting, and as a simple tool around my property.
My preference runs towards the simple/ reliable factory 10rd flush fit rotary mags for a "farm implement", as the feeding system is very well protected from hard use and not so perfect conditions of transport.
I have always wanted to go nuts with one, but my M14 habit takes precedence over anything chambered in 22lr.
....or any other firearm for that matter.
I'm still having fun with them as is for now anyways. A sling, a few mags per 10-22, and ammo for a fun day at the range with the grandkids. As it was with my kids, they can also earn the right to keep it for themselves.
Contrary to the opinions of a few others, I do not agree that the 10-22 "must" have "X" amount of $$ worth of upgrades to be ....well...whatever.....
I have owned them for years and do not find it necessary to buy anything other than ammo for them. My mods( sling/peep sights/optics) are simply a personal preference.
Whatever you decide to buy, I would recommend you take it to an Appleseed event. All of the instructors I have met were all very friendly folks who love to share their knowledge with others. Young and old alike
It's a 22lr rifle, so have fun with it and stay safe.
11B
* Target shooting/plinking
* Easy to upgrade
* Iron sights as well as optics
As a previous poster mentioned, he has seen more 10-22's than all the others combined, and I would agree with him. (The perfect budget Appleseed rifle imo) They are very reliable little rifles, and tons of fun for the whole family right out of the box. The only limits when it comes to mods is one's own imagination.
The 10-22 also makes for a decent little rifle for introducing other folks who are new to shooting...... especially the youngins, provided the proper fundamentals of safe handling of firearms, and marksmanship is applied as well as supervision by a capable/responsible person.
Mine are all stock as far as "internal parts" go, and usually add either/or peep sights/optics, as well as a sling. Also use them for small game hunting, and as a simple tool around my property.
My preference runs towards the simple/ reliable factory 10rd flush fit rotary mags for a "farm implement", as the feeding system is very well protected from hard use and not so perfect conditions of transport.
I have always wanted to go nuts with one, but my M14 habit takes precedence over anything chambered in 22lr.
....or any other firearm for that matter.I'm still having fun with them as is for now anyways. A sling, a few mags per 10-22, and ammo for a fun day at the range with the grandkids. As it was with my kids, they can also earn the right to keep it for themselves.
Contrary to the opinions of a few others, I do not agree that the 10-22 "must" have "X" amount of $$ worth of upgrades to be ....well...whatever.....
I have owned them for years and do not find it necessary to buy anything other than ammo for them. My mods( sling/peep sights/optics) are simply a personal preference.
Whatever you decide to buy, I would recommend you take it to an Appleseed event. All of the instructors I have met were all very friendly folks who love to share their knowledge with others. Young and old alike
It's a 22lr rifle, so have fun with it and stay safe.
11B
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stchman
Member
I have read also that Marlin CLAIMS to have sold over 2X the amount of 60s as Ruger has 10/22s.
I go to the range quite a bit and it never fails I see multiple 10/22s. I was the only person at the range with a Marlin 60 while there were 3 other people with 10/22s. I even had a guy ask me how my 10/22 shoots(when I was shooting my Marlin 60). I guess it's a possibility that Marlin 60 owners just buy them and never shoot them.
I go to the range quite a bit and it never fails I see multiple 10/22s. I was the only person at the range with a Marlin 60 while there were 3 other people with 10/22s. I even had a guy ask me how my 10/22 shoots(when I was shooting my Marlin 60). I guess it's a possibility that Marlin 60 owners just buy them and never shoot them.
I get it Jeff. You like the Marlin. Good for you. I like the Ruger. Good for me. different strokes for different folks. More folks that I see at Appleseed use the 10-22 compared to all the others combined.
Compare all you like, but the op would be better served with a 10-22 based on his requirements. A fun,reliable plinker that has a huge base in which to add mods.
It's a 22 for petes sake. This aint rocket science.
Get both. I have a few different types, and prefer the 10-22 over any of the Marlins.
You obviously dont, and thats just dandy too.
I dont work for either company, so could care less who sells more in comparison.
11B
Compare all you like, but the op would be better served with a 10-22 based on his requirements. A fun,reliable plinker that has a huge base in which to add mods.
It's a 22 for petes sake. This aint rocket science.
Get both. I have a few different types, and prefer the 10-22 over any of the Marlins.
You obviously dont, and thats just dandy too.
I dont work for either company, so could care less who sells more in comparison.
11B
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I have no doubt that Marlin has sold more than 11 million model 60s since they started selling them. The fact is they are THE most prolific commercially made rifle of all time, sold in more discount houses, hardware stores, department stores, and just about everywhere else in the last 50 years. They are regularly discounted every fall for hunting season and before Christmas. That doesn't make them the best, only the cheapest. They are as common as dirt.
I have a very nice model 60 which I like very much but seldom shoot.
The 10/22 was Ruger's answer to the mod 60 and was marketed the same way. It, like the 60 is a well engineered low cost product. Heavily discounted everywhere for decades which accounts for it's popularity.
The 60 was relatively reliable, held 17 rounds (originally) and was accurate. If you like tube fed 22 autos, it has a lot going for it. The 10/22 is relatively reliable, handy carbine size, innovative 10 round flush fitting mag and relatively accurate. If you like detachable mag fed 22 autos, it has proven to be a very good and versatile design.
The Marlin 795 is a stripped down version of the mod 70 which is a detachable mag version of the model 60. Taking out the tube and feed mechanism simplifies production and lessons the cost. It is being heavily discounted now and the now the king of cheap rifles.
So we have our choice, cheap, cheaper and cheapest.
Isn't America a wonderful place to live?
I have a very nice model 60 which I like very much but seldom shoot.
The 10/22 was Ruger's answer to the mod 60 and was marketed the same way. It, like the 60 is a well engineered low cost product. Heavily discounted everywhere for decades which accounts for it's popularity.
The 60 was relatively reliable, held 17 rounds (originally) and was accurate. If you like tube fed 22 autos, it has a lot going for it. The 10/22 is relatively reliable, handy carbine size, innovative 10 round flush fitting mag and relatively accurate. If you like detachable mag fed 22 autos, it has proven to be a very good and versatile design.
The Marlin 795 is a stripped down version of the mod 70 which is a detachable mag version of the model 60. Taking out the tube and feed mechanism simplifies production and lessons the cost. It is being heavily discounted now and the now the king of cheap rifles.
So we have our choice, cheap, cheaper and cheapest.
Isn't America a wonderful place to live?
mgkdrgn
Member
Marlin 60 should be high on your list.
Not much in terms of "upgrades" (but it's a 22 for gawds sakes!), but it's cheap, reliable, and tube fed so there is no mag to loose, and not fussy about what ammo you feed it.
Not much in terms of "upgrades" (but it's a 22 for gawds sakes!), but it's cheap, reliable, and tube fed so there is no mag to loose, and not fussy about what ammo you feed it.
FlyinBryan
Member
actually the marlin outsold the rugers greatly before the rugers were invented, and for the 1st 5 years after its release according to one of the largest firearms and firearms accessories distributors in the world, but since 1970 the 1022 is claimed to be the most popular 22 rifle in the world according to this industry giant.
so i guess marlin outsold ruger from 1960 to 1970 and its been ruger since then.
it really does make sense because as was mentioned before by stchman, i also go to some pretty big ranges, and even a few rimfire matches, and it honestly is all rugers.
its also become extremely popular to modify these rifle, or at least keep the option available to modify them if desired. it very much mimics what we see with ar15's. everyone that buys an ar15 changes it in some way or another. sometimes quite dramatically. it also seems that the more advanced ar15 guys really trick their rifles out with the latest and greatest things to gain just that little bit of accuracy or speed.
these trends are seemingly quite contagious, and all the most popular firearms are wooed by companies making parts for the consumers of the most popular firearms such as:
the ar15 rifles
the 1911 pistols
and of course, the ruger 10/22
these 3 platforms have one thing in common. aftermarket support for them probably outnumbers in products and distribution that of all other firearms combined.
so i guess marlin outsold ruger from 1960 to 1970 and its been ruger since then.
it really does make sense because as was mentioned before by stchman, i also go to some pretty big ranges, and even a few rimfire matches, and it honestly is all rugers.
its also become extremely popular to modify these rifle, or at least keep the option available to modify them if desired. it very much mimics what we see with ar15's. everyone that buys an ar15 changes it in some way or another. sometimes quite dramatically. it also seems that the more advanced ar15 guys really trick their rifles out with the latest and greatest things to gain just that little bit of accuracy or speed.
these trends are seemingly quite contagious, and all the most popular firearms are wooed by companies making parts for the consumers of the most popular firearms such as:
the ar15 rifles
the 1911 pistols
and of course, the ruger 10/22
these 3 platforms have one thing in common. aftermarket support for them probably outnumbers in products and distribution that of all other firearms combined.
brotus2
Member
Maybe something a little different that is accurate as all git out and really reaches out.
Remington 550-1.
Remington 550-1.
- Joined
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- Messages
- 22,509
I love the Ruger 10/22. It is an all time American classic.
That said, I think bolt actions are more fun. My most accurate 22 is a M-2 Springfield (the '03 action built as a 22 LR). My most fun is a Norinco that looks like a Mauser 98K with its fast open sights.
That said, I think bolt actions are more fun. My most accurate 22 is a M-2 Springfield (the '03 action built as a 22 LR). My most fun is a Norinco that looks like a Mauser 98K with its fast open sights.
Did the Appleseed with a Marlin 60. Earned the rifleman patch with it.
I felt I actually had an advantage in RFAQT's using some reloaders I built.
Was not at all at a disadvantage on the regular AQT's - never held the line up - again, thanks to the speedy reloaders.
PS - you are right, AS is nowhere near the end-all-be-all that some make it out to be. Were it advertised correctly, it would be "intro to Highpower (or 3-position smallbore) shooting."
22-rimfire
Member
I love the Marlin vs Ruger banter. Both the Marlin M60 and Ruger 10/22 are classics. I have a 10/22, but never bought a M60. I sort of grew past the M60 stage of my life and buy stuff like CZ's and the pricey Remington 22's like the 541-S and 547. The one argubly "good" 22 rifle that I have never had any shooting exposure to is the Ruger 77/22. It is usually priced in the $500+ area, so you have to want one. The stocks just don't tickle my fancy.
I never found the original post making the claim in this thread, but there are two semi-auto 22 rifles that I am aware of that can give a good bolt action 22 (like a CZ) a run for it's accuracy money; Weatherby Mark XXII (semi), and Thompson Center R-55. Both are on average incredibly accurate for a out of the box sporter 22.
I never found the original post making the claim in this thread, but there are two semi-auto 22 rifles that I am aware of that can give a good bolt action 22 (like a CZ) a run for it's accuracy money; Weatherby Mark XXII (semi), and Thompson Center R-55. Both are on average incredibly accurate for a out of the box sporter 22.
Bushytailbuster
Member
In My Opinion the 10/22 should be your #1 choice for a semi-auto, they are an absolute blast! I have put thousands of rounds downrange with mine, and at 100 yards, i can put three shots in the center of an Ace of spades all day long, and thats with the factory barrel. Although I will admit, i have modified the internals, with a Volquartsen parts kit, and put it in a Houge stock, it now has a crisp trigger pull of around 2.5lbs. I have taken more squirrels with this setup than anything else i have.
But if you prefer a Bolt action, you should look around for a used Remington 581, those are great little rifles, that are almost boringly accurate, they have a 10 shot magazine, and have a wonderfully crisp, light trigger, although they will run anywhere from 100-500 bucks, depending on the condition and where you find one. The Savage Mark II is also a great little rifle, for the money, I highly reccomend the one with the accutrigger, and you can usually pick one up at Wally World for around 200 bucks.
Hope This Helps!
But if you prefer a Bolt action, you should look around for a used Remington 581, those are great little rifles, that are almost boringly accurate, they have a 10 shot magazine, and have a wonderfully crisp, light trigger, although they will run anywhere from 100-500 bucks, depending on the condition and where you find one. The Savage Mark II is also a great little rifle, for the money, I highly reccomend the one with the accutrigger, and you can usually pick one up at Wally World for around 200 bucks.
Hope This Helps!
22-rimfire
Member
Bushytail, at 100 yds, I would have to see your claim regardless of the Volquartsen parts kit. If true, that is fine shooting even at 50 yds. What ammo were you using?
Bushytailbuster
Member
Jeff, i did not mean a 1 hole 3 shots group,in the center, It was three shots in the Spade in the center of the card around .75 to 1" group. And the last time i checked, a Playing card is 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches, with the Ace of spades from a bicycle deck being about an 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches, across. And with a steady rest, and sandbags, it is not hard at all to have a 1" group at 100 yards, using Ely match ammo, and using 3-9 scope on 9 power. And that is some amazing group Jeff! not knocking marlins at all, but every model 60 i have shot, both the stainless steel model of my best friends, or my cousins about a 20 year old model, have not even came close to that. Although i have shot alot of marlin bolt guns, and levers that are pure tack drivers, and have absolutely loved them! I did not mean to step on anyone toes or anything, just thought i would put in my 2 cents.
I Apologize for hijacking the thread.
Anyways Good Luck with your search for a new .22!
I Apologize for hijacking the thread.
Anyways Good Luck with your search for a new .22!
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Buy and shoot the rifle that looks like the most fun.
If you trust everything you read on the internet the $100 rifles will shoot bulk ammo as well as the $5000 rifles shoot ammo that costs $20 per 50. Any given budget rifle will be worlds better than a different budget rifle, depending on which one the person posting own. They all are either perfectly reliable or nothing but trouble, again depending on which the person posting owns. If you spend more on a rifle than the people posting you are stupid for wasting money for little to no gain and if you spend less than the people posting you are stupid for buying cheap junk.
It's very hard to get a fact based review/comparison on the group. It seems that the people who are the most vocal on the topic are those who accept nothing but their own perceptions. When someone tells you only one rifle is a decent option, I personally take them as a fool.
Today, most budget rifles are built reliable and fairly accurate. They aren't match grade firearms, but they are decent enough to learn all the fundamentals and more, certainly hunting accurate. Lots of build quality corners do get cut today. You see sheet metal and plastic have replaced machined metal and wood in many options. Not that it's bad, as it's certainly cheaper to produce and sell, but for those who grew with rifles built sturdier, some of these new rifles feel cheap. They do for the most part shoot very well today.
So again, buy what looks fun and use it. If you stay with the name brands there isn't a model wide lemon out there. Some have features that are more beneficial to certain types of shooting, but in the end, they all do pretty much the same thing. If you have friends with a few different models try them out first and see what style is more appealing and go from there. Don't get sucked into the internet hype that only a single rifle can be fun and the rest are worthless. They are all pretty similar in the end.
If you trust everything you read on the internet the $100 rifles will shoot bulk ammo as well as the $5000 rifles shoot ammo that costs $20 per 50. Any given budget rifle will be worlds better than a different budget rifle, depending on which one the person posting own. They all are either perfectly reliable or nothing but trouble, again depending on which the person posting owns. If you spend more on a rifle than the people posting you are stupid for wasting money for little to no gain and if you spend less than the people posting you are stupid for buying cheap junk.
It's very hard to get a fact based review/comparison on the group. It seems that the people who are the most vocal on the topic are those who accept nothing but their own perceptions. When someone tells you only one rifle is a decent option, I personally take them as a fool.
Today, most budget rifles are built reliable and fairly accurate. They aren't match grade firearms, but they are decent enough to learn all the fundamentals and more, certainly hunting accurate. Lots of build quality corners do get cut today. You see sheet metal and plastic have replaced machined metal and wood in many options. Not that it's bad, as it's certainly cheaper to produce and sell, but for those who grew with rifles built sturdier, some of these new rifles feel cheap. They do for the most part shoot very well today.
So again, buy what looks fun and use it. If you stay with the name brands there isn't a model wide lemon out there. Some have features that are more beneficial to certain types of shooting, but in the end, they all do pretty much the same thing. If you have friends with a few different models try them out first and see what style is more appealing and go from there. Don't get sucked into the internet hype that only a single rifle can be fun and the rest are worthless. They are all pretty similar in the end.
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