+1 to King Ghidora and woof
Marlin Model 60
Pros:
-Semi Auto - 16 shots
-Tube Fed for faster reloads than mags
-No need to spend money on extra magazines
-Time-tested durability and performance
-Just about everyone's owned one - lots of info out there
-Great accuracy right out of the box
-basic model is 139.99 new
Cons:
-somewhat complex action
-stock sights are just average
Notes: I took the action completely apart with the aid of the internet twice. It's now a very simple, easy process. I also ordered TECH-SIGHTS.com Aperture Sights for $65. Incredibly easy to install.
I am so thankful I did not buy a 10/22. I would have paid at least $70 more, got a rifle that shot less accurately, had to be magazine fed, and is typically a sinkhole for money for customization.
However, I AM somewhat sad i did not buy a bolt action. I love bolt action. However, it is more expensive, often matched with a scope, and IMO warrants a larger investment.
Here is what I think is a good long-term .22 plan:
1) buy a (used) marlin model 60 as your first .22 on the cheap
2) use irons and practice on the cheap
once you are good with it and you are still interested in .22 but want something nice...
3) buy a cz452 American (bolt action). If that's too much $$$ then perhaps a nicer Savage Mark II with Accutrigger.
4) put the nicest scope you can afford on it.
You'll have a nicer rifle than after spending hundreds on a 10/22. It just wont be in the tye-dye color you thought you wanted. AND you'd have two great 22s, both of which are capable of living longer than you are.
But hey, there's a lot of guys on this board with 5, 10, and 15+ .22 rifles. I'm sure they know whats up better than I do.
Check out the
22 A-holic's Anonymous Thread.