I'm going to get a new .22 cal gun. I'm looking at either the Ruger 10/22 rifle or the mkll pistol. I shoot mostly at an indoor range here in San Diego, but sometimes out in the back country. If you could only have one of these, which would you get, the rifle or pistol? Thanks
first .22
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Bullet Bob
Member
If it's your first gun, I would get the rifle. Longarms are easier to shoot, and therefore more fun. I say this only because you don't seem locked in; a handgun can certainly be your first gun if you have a burning fever, but they can be discouraging at first if you're not used to them.
Good luck on the Ruger 10/22; millions love them, but I've had 3, and the trigger pulls have uniformly vacuumed. The first one was off the scale at over 18 pound pull. Of course, there's a gazillion aftermarket items to correct that.
I always recomend a bolt action for a first gun, but I'm old and out of date.
Good luck on the Ruger 10/22; millions love them, but I've had 3, and the trigger pulls have uniformly vacuumed. The first one was off the scale at over 18 pound pull. Of course, there's a gazillion aftermarket items to correct that.
I always recomend a bolt action for a first gun, but I'm old and out of date.
JesusCow
Member
I have no experience with Rossi rifles/shotguns, but their single-shot matched pairs look nice for the price. Get one with a .22LR barrell and a 12GA or 20GA.
All purpose - small game, birds, target shooting, etc.
Without starting a new thread, can someone give me their opinion on these firearms? I was considering one, probably 20GA / .308 or .243 or something.
A break apart single shot might not be what you're looking for, though. Think about what you'll be doing with it.
All purpose - small game, birds, target shooting, etc.
Without starting a new thread, can someone give me their opinion on these firearms? I was considering one, probably 20GA / .308 or .243 or something.
A break apart single shot might not be what you're looking for, though. Think about what you'll be doing with it.
Sylvilagus Aquaticus
Member
I can vouch for the Rossi Matched Pair. My brother has one that he's been teaching his kids to shoot with. He's got an additional .243 barrel so the older kids can hunt deer with him, also.
The trigger isn't too bad on it, either.
If you're wanting something a little more 'complicated' than a single-shot, then there are lots of 'lightly used/abused' 10/22's out there along with Marlin 60's. Either one would be an excellent, low-cost self-loader. I've bought Marlin 60's for under $100 in the past, sometimes as low as $50 with 'cosmetic problems'.
A .22 rifle will give you years of service. I've yet to see one that was less than 80 years old that was 'shot out', even an old Springfield .22 single shot I own that has an action that mimics the Mosin-Nagant. Ugly, but it goes bang every time. I think I paid $5.00 for it at a garage sale.
The trigger isn't too bad on it, either.
If you're wanting something a little more 'complicated' than a single-shot, then there are lots of 'lightly used/abused' 10/22's out there along with Marlin 60's. Either one would be an excellent, low-cost self-loader. I've bought Marlin 60's for under $100 in the past, sometimes as low as $50 with 'cosmetic problems'.
A .22 rifle will give you years of service. I've yet to see one that was less than 80 years old that was 'shot out', even an old Springfield .22 single shot I own that has an action that mimics the Mosin-Nagant. Ugly, but it goes bang every time. I think I paid $5.00 for it at a garage sale.
Don Buckbee
Member
22 Rimfire
I'm a rimfire rifle guy, not interested in pistols as I just can't shoot them.I have 8 Ruger 10-22's, all in different configurations. Trigger pull when new is BAD!!! I did trigger jobs, which isn't difficult, on 6 of them and bought KIDD triggers for the other two. I got the pull weight down to a good, and safe, 2 1/4 pounds, and they are crisp. They are a ball doing modifications to, and just as much fun shooting. My vote goes to a 10-22.
Don
I'm a rimfire rifle guy, not interested in pistols as I just can't shoot them.I have 8 Ruger 10-22's, all in different configurations. Trigger pull when new is BAD!!! I did trigger jobs, which isn't difficult, on 6 of them and bought KIDD triggers for the other two. I got the pull weight down to a good, and safe, 2 1/4 pounds, and they are crisp. They are a ball doing modifications to, and just as much fun shooting. My vote goes to a 10-22.
Don
rossi combination
Jesuscrow....
My buddy has the rossi matched pairs with the .22LR barrel and a 12 ga. THey work excellent. The .22 can hit dead on groups at 50 yards and we do lots of skeet with the 12 ga and we hit everything. The barrels change perfectly in under a minute and without problems. Would defintaley recommend
Jesuscrow....
My buddy has the rossi matched pairs with the .22LR barrel and a 12 ga. THey work excellent. The .22 can hit dead on groups at 50 yards and we do lots of skeet with the 12 ga and we hit everything. The barrels change perfectly in under a minute and without problems. Would defintaley recommend
Gunrunner
Member
I would recomend the 10/22. I have both it and the MKII, and like both.
The 10/22 can be modified in so many ways that make it much more versatile. At times I've had mine set up the way it came from the factory, with the wood stock and open sights. Other times I change out the stock and barrel for a synthetic and heavy barrel, and put a scope on it. Makes for a good long range plinker.
Either gun you go with will be a good choice. Ruger makes great guns.
The 10/22 can be modified in so many ways that make it much more versatile. At times I've had mine set up the way it came from the factory, with the wood stock and open sights. Other times I change out the stock and barrel for a synthetic and heavy barrel, and put a scope on it. Makes for a good long range plinker.
Either gun you go with will be a good choice. Ruger makes great guns.
YammyMonkey
Member
I'd go with the 10/22, easier to learn to shoot with and as my Dad pointed out oh so many moons ago, it's a lot easier to point a pistol at something you don't want a hole in than it is a rifle.
George S.
Member
I would go with the 10/22 as a first .22. As others mentioned, they are easily customizable to make them a real tack-driver. They are available at just about anywhere rifles are sold. My local Big 5 had the standard carbine on sale last week for $179. Wal-Marts will have them for about the same price everyday but I don't know if CA Wal-Marts still sell guns or not.
A semi-auto rifle is great for plinking out in the woods but you go thru ammo quickly so pick up an extra mag or two. 10/22 mags can be changed quickly but the standard mag release is a bit small if you have large fingers.
Add a scope for the outdoor days for more accurate shooting. 10/22's are drilled and tapped for a mount. Use a Weaver TO-9 rail (about $6.00) and get this Bushnell scope at Midway USA:
http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/887219 It comes with rings that will work with the Weaver rail.
My 10/22 seems to like most all of the bulk pack LR ammo but the Winchester DynaPoints from K-Mart seem to be the most accurate. It's more expensive ($12.99) compared to the Remington Golden Bullet at $8.99 at Wally World.
The Rimfire Central Forum ( www.rimfirecentral.com ) has 4 different sections devoted to the 10/22 rifle. You'll find a tremendous amount of information there about what you can do to the rifle and what it is capable of.
I would also suggest a .22 pistol at some point after you have had some fun with the rifle. I have a Ruger Single Six revolver that has both a .22 long rifle cylinder and a .22 WMR magnum cylinder. This is a really fun single action revolver that you should be able to find in the $320 range and will give you years of fun. Mine is 28 years old and always goes to the range no matter what elise I take.
A good choice for a pistol is either a Ruger MKII or a 22/45l. The blued standard barrel versions are around $250 or less. Most of the bull (heavy target barrel) barrel versions go for around $300-$375. This link to my local gun shop will give you an idea of prices and the varieties available:
http://www.eastcountyguns.com/rfrugerpistols.htm
Of course having both is the best way to enjoy cheap shooting!!
A semi-auto rifle is great for plinking out in the woods but you go thru ammo quickly so pick up an extra mag or two. 10/22 mags can be changed quickly but the standard mag release is a bit small if you have large fingers.
Add a scope for the outdoor days for more accurate shooting. 10/22's are drilled and tapped for a mount. Use a Weaver TO-9 rail (about $6.00) and get this Bushnell scope at Midway USA:
http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/887219 It comes with rings that will work with the Weaver rail.
My 10/22 seems to like most all of the bulk pack LR ammo but the Winchester DynaPoints from K-Mart seem to be the most accurate. It's more expensive ($12.99) compared to the Remington Golden Bullet at $8.99 at Wally World.
The Rimfire Central Forum ( www.rimfirecentral.com ) has 4 different sections devoted to the 10/22 rifle. You'll find a tremendous amount of information there about what you can do to the rifle and what it is capable of.
I would also suggest a .22 pistol at some point after you have had some fun with the rifle. I have a Ruger Single Six revolver that has both a .22 long rifle cylinder and a .22 WMR magnum cylinder. This is a really fun single action revolver that you should be able to find in the $320 range and will give you years of fun. Mine is 28 years old and always goes to the range no matter what elise I take.
A good choice for a pistol is either a Ruger MKII or a 22/45l. The blued standard barrel versions are around $250 or less. Most of the bull (heavy target barrel) barrel versions go for around $300-$375. This link to my local gun shop will give you an idea of prices and the varieties available:
http://www.eastcountyguns.com/rfrugerpistols.htm
Of course having both is the best way to enjoy cheap shooting!!
Sheldon
Member
I have both and bought the 10-22 first only because it was legal to get the rifle when I turned 18. I like them both a lot. You can do a lot/spend a LOT of money on upgrading the 10-22. I have to admit I am currently in the process of upgraing my 10-22 right now. I bought a "blemish" Volquartsen hammer from them for $20 and a "second" heavy stainless fluted barrel from Green Mountain to go along with a Ruger target stock I had bought earlier for $50.....so I'm upgrading mine econo-style......due my being a poor ass!!
I would base my choice on which I would think I would enjoy shooting the most. I usually enjoy pistols more, but have lately been on a rifle kick. You really will not go wrong with either and will probably end up with both in the long run.....like I did.
I would base my choice on which I would think I would enjoy shooting the most. I usually enjoy pistols more, but have lately been on a rifle kick. You really will not go wrong with either and will probably end up with both in the long run.....like I did.
It seems the blued Ruger Mark II standard models run about $230, & they are very good 22 pistols. I just bought one after previously owning one of the 51/2 bull barrel target models, & I like the standard better. It handles nicely & feels good in the hand.
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