First .22

[SecuritySixShooter]

So im looking at buying my first .22 but I am at a standstill on what to buy. On one hand I can buy a Ruger 10/22, On the other hand I could buy a Marlin Model 60. So I turn to everyone here to try and sort out which would be better. What are the pros and cons of these two rifles? Are there any other models I should be looking at? I'm not dead set on a semi-auto but so far thats all I've really looked at. This rifle will be used as a range plinker and a starter gun for people I take to the range in the future. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[fletcher]

I've only fired a 10/22 once, so I really can't speak much of it. I do, however, own a Marlin 60.

If you're into modifying guns or making it tactical-looking, the Marlin isn't the one to choose. It is reliable if you use the correct ammunition (Marlin recommends high-velocity rounds), and just as fun to shoot.

I have no problems with the tube magazine that it uses, but some people may not take to it as well as using your typical magazines.

Either one will serve you very well - choose the one that feels and looks the best to you.

 

[LotI]

I started with a Marlin model 60. 17 rounds rapid fire! I sold it a couple of years ago to buy a 10/22. I probably had 10,000 rounds through it and they gave me $80!

Pluses: No magazine to forget or lose. Easy cleaning. Less expensive than a 10/22(17 years ago they were $70).

10/22 is the choice for modification. Anything is possible. Mine has a Adams & Bennet barrel & Volquartsen sear and it is unbelievably accurate.

 

[unrealtrip]

The 10/22 is the ultimate gun for the tinkerer. You can modify just about everything on that gun. I tried one, didn't really like it though, I'm not a fan of the semi-auto aspect for some reason.

I have a Marlin 925 bolt gun that is mega accurate. Not a lot you can do to modify it, I got a new stock and a bipod on there, but you don't really need to mess with them as out of the box they are very precise shooters.

Check out: http://www.rimfirecentral.com

Here's my 925

 

[MrBorland]

The standard reply typically goes something like this: As far as semi-auto's, the Marlin would beat the 10/22 as far as out-of-the-box accuracy. OTOH, just about everything on the 10/22 is available as an aftermarket part, so you can build the 10/22 into something pretty wild, or simply a very accurate .22 if you want. The downside of a 10/22 for many is they find themselves dumping a lot of $$ into it when they really didn't intend to when they bought it.

As far as bolt action, the CZ 452 is often highly recommended. It's a great rifle, very accurate, and can be made even better with a $14 Brook's trigger kit.

Finally, there are lever guns. Great fun for plinking, and classic design. Henry makes an affordable lever gun, and the action is pretty smooth out of the box. The Marlin 39A, though, is better-built and the standard .22 lever gun that all are compared to. If you're looking for an inexpensive fun plinker, consider the Henry. If you want an heirloom gun, go with the Marlin.

 

[Big Daddy K]

I have a nice 10/22 but with all the good things I hear about the model 60, I think I'm gonna get one too.

 

[TimboKhan]

It's hard for me to honestly recommend any other .22 besides a 10/22, simply because they are so versatile in what you can do with them from a customization point of view. Plus, the stock version is nothing to complain about.

With that being said, I don't know that I have ever shot a .22 rifle that was a flat out dud. I have shot some that I didn't particularly care for, but looked at objectively, they all did the job just fine. If you decide on the Marlin, your going to be happy. The only thing that I will argue that the Ruger has that is superior to any semi-auto .22 is the rotary magazine. Easy to load, reliable, and rugged. Aftermarket mags can be a little hit and miss (always get steel-lipped mags. Always.), but the factory mags are superior.

 

[pdowg881]

What I hear is that the Marlin 60 is more accurate than the 10/22 out of the box. But I have never personally experienced this so it may just be internet hype. But in my opinion the 10/22 may be a better choice. There are plenty of aftermarket magazines in addition to the 10 rounder it comes with. The good feature about this is the magazine firs flush with the stock, so if you need to rest the rifle on something you don't have to worry about the mag. There are also 30,50, and even drum magazines, although you have to be sure you research which ones will be the most realiable. There are also tons of barrels triggers, and countless cosmetic parts so you can make it look however you'd like, or keep it stock. I've seen them even modified into bullpups, mp5 look alikes etc.

I've also haven't yet seen a jam with my 10/22 using any type of 22lr ammuntion. It's extremely reliable, and the carbine model is very easy to carry around. My friend has had one his dad bought him when he was 10, and it's been running uncleaned without a hitch. It amazes me and I wouldn't dare do it to mine. I can't say you could go 8 years without cleaning it like my friend(I'd be curious to hear other peoples experinces) but you won't have any reliabilty issues. His gun litterally has a 2mm thivk layer of fuzzy black fouling inside the receiver, the guide rod and receiver look like chocolate cake inside, but it runs without a hitch. He's the kinda guy who doesn't clean guns. The thing I hate about the tube magazine in the marlin is that there are no quick reloads. If you don't care about that then either is a good choice.

Definately check out rimfirecentral.com

 

[Danny Creasy]

Consider a CZ American.

I am not sure what your budget is for a .22. But, keep in mind, this is a rifle you will shoot three times as much as your centerfire and probably spend three times more time with. So, dropping $360 on an excellent .22 rifle and another $150 to $200 on a good optic will be money well spent.

Here is my Anschutz 1710 (which goes for well over a grand now days) and here is my first CZ American. They both had Swift 6-18X44 scopes on them at that time.



On a windy day a couple of years ago (wish the conditions had been better but at least it was the same for both), I ran a head to head shoot out with these two fine .22 sporters. The range was 50 yards and the shooting was conducted using a Caldwell rest and rear bag riding on one of our concrete benches at the Sheffield range.



As you can see, the CZ did pretty well when compared to the Anschutz and keep in mind that the CZ had its box stock factory trigger. The Anschutz has a target rifle type fully adjustable trigger. With little wind, both rifles shoot groups that are twice as small as these. See:





If you prefer open sights, then I suggest you check out a CZ Special. They come with a set of marvelous tangent open sights and are stocked for open sight shooting. The Special can usually be had for a hundred dollars under the price of an American. Sorry, no picture handy at the moment.

Often, a sporting goods dealer will try to talk you into a CZ 513 Basic when you inquire about CZs. Be aware that these are CZs bottom of the line rifle and you should only consider one if they are priced well under $200 and that you will want to accept the challenge of their unique trigger pull (feels like a Moisin Nagant). They are capable of some fine shooting though and they are hardy rifles with a solid heft.

 

[Threejs]

CZ makes some good .22 rifles. I have a 513 Farmer (basic) which is a very accurate little rifle. Another option would be to get an older rifle like the winchester 74 if you want a semi auto, or a 60 or 67 if you want a bolt action. My (ahem sorry, now my wifes) winchester 67 is very accurate, and lots-o-fun to shoot. Course it is a single shot, and you have to cock it after loading a round in the chamber.