Headed to Gun Show - Semi-Auto .22

[HoosierQ]

Heading to the Indy 1500 gunshow tomorrow. I do not now, nor have I ever owned a semi-auto .22 (or for that matter a .22 repeater). My .22 rifle is an Ithaca saddle gun...single shot martini action that looks like a convetional lever action repeater. Great gun and loads very fast.

I am looking for some endorsements or testaments from this community on a good .22 semiauto. I also have a couple of questions (see below)

Obviously the Ruger 10/22 is going to be on the short list. I like the GI type sights that are available for it. It's reputation is very good, though not spotless as I understand it.

• Can I affix GI type rear apeture sights on other .22 semis?
• Unlike centerfire semis, it seems it is often tough to fieldstrip a .22 semi auto. Is this a real problem? Is there a brand that is easier to take apart and clean than others?
• Any favorites out there?

I am also looking at lever actions and for that I cannot imagine I'd go with anything but a Marlin. I also like the Marlin bolt action .22 which I believe has a 15 round tubular magazine.

Any thoughts? See you Hoosiers at the 1500 tomorrow!

 

[ArmedBear]

Unlike centerfire semis, it seems it is often tough to fieldstrip a .22 semi auto. Is this a real problem? Is there a brand that is easier to take apart and clean than others?

I think it's a PITA. And no, you can't "field strip" a 10/22 at all. Kitchen table, yes, field, no.

If you want a field-strippable .22 semiauto with GI sights, I have to chime in -- I LOVE my .22LR AR upper. Field strips like an AR, goes 1000 rounds without cleaning (maybe a couple drops of oil every 500).

I have a Marlin 60 now, not a 10/22. My 10/22 was frustrating; it was unreliable, fouled easily, and had poor accuracy. Neither gun is all that easy to strip and clean, if you're used to an AR. Again, it's not that hard, but forget about doing it without a table or countertop, indoors where springs can't fly too far.

 

[HoosierQ]

Bear

Thanks for the response.

I think I misused "fieldstrip" above. Counter top cleaning is just fine with me. I just don't want one so tricky to work with that I get the darn thing apart and have to have a gunsmith put it back together.

I'll be sure to take a look at Marlin 60s.

QB

 

[ArmedBear]

Both guns have a very long, small-diameter coil spring that presses against the bolt. You have to guide it in when you put the bolt back in, and it's not all that fun on either design. People do it every day; it's just not as cut-and-dry as popping an AR back together. It requires more "art" (and cussing).

I have an old Mossberg that has a tubular receiver with a screw-in plug at the rear. It's easy, since the spring tension acts against the plug. Drop the bolt in, replace the plug, you're done. Ruger pistols are easy, also, if you follow the procedure. No finger dance required.

However, squared-off receivers like the 10/22 and Marlin 60 do require similar spring-wrestling to reassemble.

 

[CZ223]

I am not a big fan

of the Ruger 10/22 but, that said, if I really wanted a semi auto it would probably be the Ruger. They are fun, and there are so many accesories for them. If you are not sold on the semi both Marlin and Henry lever actions are very nice and quite accurate. The old Winchester 9422 is pretty nice as well though none of them will shoot as well as a good bolt gun. Both Marlin and Savge 22 rifles are way more accurate than they ought to be for the money. You can spend twice as much on something like the Ruger 77/22 or the CZ but you are paying for a nicer looking more solid rifle, not neccesarily a more accurate one.

 

[doc2rn]

I like my model 60

 

[WNTFW]

Regarding the peep sights
http://www.tech-sights.com/

They make them for the Ruger 10/22 & the Marlin 60.
Ruger 10/22 is fairly easy to strip, easier than a Marlin 60. Both have there pros & cons. Price on both rifles are nice.

There are other rifles that you can put peep sights on. You might have to figure out how to do it yourself though.

 

[cjbecker]

If you are looking for a good or even great autoloading .22 look no further than the browning autoloading .22, it is field strippable, and also it is very accurate and very reliable. you can take the barrel and the action out in less than 30 sec.

I will be there either sat or sun, i am looking to get a 1894 .357 and 38 special.

 

[Armed 24/7]

You can't go wrong with a Marlin Model 60