looking for 22 auto loader

[littlelefty]

Preferrably with a detachable magazine. Uses will be plinking and some small game hunting. Don't want to spend a fortune and would like to add a scope, or purchase with one.
So far I've found the following:
Ruger 10/22
Marlin 795 (maybe the 60 if I can live w/o detachable mag)
Savage 64F
Remington 597, though this one is probably out - I held one and did not like the way it felt.
I still need to hold/shoulder the Marlin and Savage.

Any thoughts? Or even better, any data to help with this decision? Any other not-too-expensive makes/models?

One other thing - what make/model of scope for this application? Decent but not too much $.

Thanks!

 

[Geronimo45]

I have an old Marlin .22 autoloader with a detachable mag. About a decade old - maybe more. Jams ever once in a while when in rapid fire. Need to completely pull the thing to pieces and clean it. Has the older extractor - it may need replaced. Don't know.

As for accuracy, it's pretty good. Shot a bird with iron sights at about twenty yards. He flew a little ways off and dropped dead.

I'd suggest an American 180 in full auto... but they're a little much for a .22.

As for scopes, I've had some bad luck in scopes - the scope ring people must be in league with the laser bore sight people, because you cannot get things straight otherwise, in my experience.

 

[dm1333]

Try a Thompson/Center R55 Classic. It probably costs more than you want to spend but once you hold it it may change your mind. The first one I picked up blew away all thoughts of a 10/22.

 

[gbran]

Whilst donning my flamesuit, let me be the fisrt to say NOT to get a 10/22. BTW, I curently have two of them and both are jamo-matics, they have poor iron sights and they are not as accurate as everybody swears.

There are, however, more aftermarket parts for them than most autoloader rimfires and you can make them dependable and accurate. I just don't like them.

 

[Slinger]

10/22

An all around fun little gun. I've had mine for over 20 years. I finally gave it a good cleaning this spring when I taught my daughter to shoot with it.

Lots of fun add on stuff available for it too.

 

[12GA00buck]

I agree; the 10/22 is an overpriced and a jamo-matic. My friend bought one; right out of the box it wouldent fire 3 consectutive shots without jamming. Sent it back to the factory; it has been there over a month with no word from the company. I bought a mossberg plinkster for $92 and so long as its kept clean; it dosent jam up. I attached a super sling and a 4X scope and its been a great small game/plinking gun. If I was choosing from your list; I would definetly go with the savage just on principle.

 

[ambulldog]

I love my 10/22! I had some jamming problems at first but it was the ammo. I was using some cheap Remington ammo and that was causing the jams. I switched to cheap Federal ammo and have not had one problem. Another plus is that you can get 50 round bannana clips for it

 

[marksman13]

I can highly recomend the Ruger 10/22. I have three of them. All have been very reliable and accurate. Factory triggers are super stiff, but after markets are available. My newest 10/22 is topped with a Simmons 3x9x32. Cheap scope, but has been tough and accurate as hell.

 

[rangerruck]

though I am a HUGE fan of the marlins, especially pro mod 60, and love everything about them, I must say that the Thompson/center is some most excellent semi auto porn, proly the best that is being made right now, maybe even better than the cz.

 

[Tom C.]

I have a 10/22 and think highly of it. However, if you are interested in accuracy, you may be disappointed in the box stock rifle. The target version is pretty good. If you really like accuracy, the 10/22 makes a great basis to make a really good gun using the available aftermarket parts. Mine has a Green Mountain barrel, Houge stock and Weaver rimfire scope. Triggers are an issue of their own. I mixed and matched parts, but I will probably replace the unit with the Kidd or something like that.

 

[littlelefty]

refined list

Thanks for the input thus far. I looked into the Mossberg and decided to add it to the list for now, though I have read some bad press on it. Then again, there are nay sayers about every brand. Another application is to help my daughter form good (better) habits at the range. She shoots a Remington 742 Woodsman in 30-06, and shoots it pretty well. But, a similar setup (auto loader with scope) in .22 will help. Besides, it gives me a good reason to buy another toy.
One thing I do find is that I keep leaning toward real wood stocks. Just a personal preference. That sends me back to Marlin and/or Ruger.
So, refined list, in sort of preference order, top to bottom (for today)...
Marlin 60 (even though it is tube fed)
Ruger 10/22
Savage 64
Mossberg 702
Remington 597

 

[woseyjales]

my limited exp...

I recently purchased a Marlin 60 for a plinker after starting my search with several more pricey models. I too was about to settle on a 10/22, then switched to the Marlin for several reasons. Some said the microgroove made it more accurate. Not sure exactly how they compare on LOP but Marlin felt a bit longer. I also liked the stay open after last round feature. And hopefully their mar resistant finish will help delay those bumps and nicks that are bound to happen. I also thought the finish didn't look as plain as the base 10/22.
Walmart had our local sporting goods stores beat by a long shot. The base model 60 was $125 and in stock. For some reason none of the Marlin 60s are listed on their website catalog, but their in store 2006 catalog has quite a few more offerings than the website. Catalog even has a 60 SS which is the laminated stock with a 22" stainless barrel sights and sling posts for about $209.
From what I have been able to find out, since Marlin's site only shows an SS w/19in barrel, the 22 inch production ended a few years ago. Maybe Walmart bought all their leftover stock. According to MArlin all of them (SS) had light gathering front sight but walmart's descrip says (if I remember correctly) that it has open rifle sights, no mention of light gathering.
They also had in stock some inexpensive Savages, so if you still haven't had a chance to shoulder those, may want to check your local Wallymart.
I went back to check on scopes for my M60, and was told a simple 4X was fine for 22s. They had a BSA 4X32 for $24 and I chose Leupold rings for their simple style(may have been a mistake). Weaver, Leo, and house brand rings were all about $8. The simplicity of the Leos turned out to be somewhat of a disadvantage when mounting. Vertical split rings with alen screws bottom for rifle mount and top for scope, all had to be loosened to adjust eye distance, center crosshairs, and get symmetrically located on receiver and scope. Definitely at least a 3 hand job.
Then I found a soft padded Marlin case made by Allen at a sporting goods store marked $14, so I grabbed it and ran, after paying for it of course.
So my total cheap plinker campaign turned out at about $183 for a model60, BSA scope,Leupold rings and an Allen case.
It sure is tempting to go back and order the 60SS tho.
Also online they show the CZ-USA 22 trainer which has a 24.+" barrel for $228. I know it isn't an auto, but it does have the detachable clip and from what I hear should beat the paint off the autoloaders on accuracy. Beechwood stock but does appear to have some hand grip checkering and a lot cheaper than walnut versions. I may go get that instead of winding up with two mod60s.
Sorry lefty, that's about all I knows about cheap(er) autoloaders for kaplinkin'. Hope this helps.

 

[toivo]

Catalog even has a 60 SS which is the laminated stock with a 22" stainless barrel sights and sling posts for about $209.
From what I have been able to find out, since Marlin's site only shows an SS w/19in barrel, the 22 inch production ended a few years ago. Maybe Walmart bought all their leftover stock.

I have one of those that I bought three years ago--the 19" ones had already come out, but stores still had the 22". I suspect Wally's catalog info might just be out of date, or their supplier (Sportssouth) is sitting on a bunch of them. I kind of doubt that, though, because every Model 60 I've seen on display in a Wal Mart store recently had the 19" barrel. I haven't seen any 60SS's though--just the standard ones and the SB's (stainless with the regular stock). I prefer the 22", even if just for looks.

Also online they show the CZ-USA 22 trainer which has a 24.+" barrel for $228. I know it isn't an auto, but it does have the detachable clip and from what I hear should beat the paint off the autoloaders on accuracy. Beechwood stock but does appear to have some hand grip checkering and a lot cheaper than walnut versions. I may go get that instead of winding up with two mod60s.

That's an excellent idea. I bought one from Wally's two weeks ago, but the price was $221. Maybe it has gone up a touch since then. Mine does have the checkered grip, which I believe makes it a Special instead of a Trainer. Oddly enough, it had two different stickers on the box: one said "Special" and one said "Trainer."

 

[rustymaggot]

the cure for a ruger 10/22 jamming is a volquartsen exact edge extractor. rugers eat anything when they have a good extractor. dont listen to the ruger haters, they just havent worked out the problems with their rifles yet.

mine feeds any cheapo ammo you can give it. the extractor makes all the difference.

accuracy is ok for the ruger. there are things that can be done if your unhappy with it but standard barrels arent bad.

 

[Rupestris]

Not sure exactly how they compare on LOP but Marlin felt a bit longer

We have a winner!

Littlelefty, Most of the rifles you have on your list are proven .22's. You really can't go wrong with any of them. What you want to do next is handle them. See which one feels best in your hands or when shouldered.

 

[22-rimfire]

I have a Ruger 10/22 with walnut stock. Cute little rifle. No big problems with it and I have left it as it came from the factory. Take a look at the Thompson/Center (TC) 22 rifle. Really a nice 22 with walnut stock. The target version (heavy barrel) comes with a laminated stock. Magazine is the same as the Ruger. I believe the receiver is machined out of a single piece of steel; not many made like that any more.

Excellent 22 from the past is the Weatherby Mark XXII with detachable magazine. I have the tubular magazine model and it is just fine for me. It is a full sized rifle with a 22" barrel. It is my favorite 22 auto rifle. Beautiful rifle! Really shoots good! Absolutely beautiful piece of walnut!

Before you buy, take a look at the TC model. You may really like it. It feels really good. I have not bought one yet, but have "almost" several times. Pick one up and you just want to buy it.

I always liked the Mossberg rifles. Have not shot one of the newer models. Keep them clean. They are well known for good accuracy from the factory.

The thing about detachable magazines and 22 rifles is that magazines get lost, break or otherwise sometimes not function as they are supposed to. You don't have this problem with tubular magazine models. For general shooting, the tubular magazine works well for me. But I do like to play every now and then with the Ruger with a banana clip.

 

[dfaugh]

dont listen to the ruger haters, they just havent worked out the problems with their rifles yet.

Or buy a Marlin 60, and then you WON'T have any problems to sort out!

Sorry, I find it ridiculous that some people make all kinds of excuses for out-of-the box 10/22s.

"well it needs a better trigger"
"needs a bull barrel to be really accurate"
"only jams on certain types of ammo"
etc.

Sheesh...Do you guys own Ruger stock? Or what.

 

[swingcatt]

I had a Marlin model 60. Total crap. Jammed once in every 5 shots no matter what it was being fed. Accuracy was tolerable, but not good enough to hunt small game with. I sold it and purchased a 10/22 that was great as a bone stock rifle and even better now that I've rebuilt it. On that experience, I bought my dad a 10/22 that does, on occasion, jam and isn't as accurate as either the Marlin or my 10/22.

My point is, all .22 semi-autos are going to have some that will have problems. It's a very underpowered cartridge for being used to operate a semi-auto action, which leads to finicky actions that is very dependant on a consitant load to operate. Add to that the wide variety of what you get in a bulk ammo box and you're almost begging it to jam. SC

 

[dfaugh]

If you got a Marlin 60 that had problems out-of-the-box (not a used one) you should be playing the lotto...odds are essentially the same

Mine was given to me by a good friend before he died (and I don't know how much he used it)....But since then I've put about 5000 rounds through it, with 3 malfunctions (FTFeeds). Now, my buddy and I went off in search of the "best" .22 ammo, for a total of 5 different .22s, ranging from my Marlin to his $2500 Winchester Model 52 w/ Leopold scope. We tried every different loading we could get our hands on, over a period of several months) and my Model 60 digested all of them w/ no problems, other than the 3 mentioned above. I've also always been able to outshoot him (though often by a whisker) even with his high priced target gun.

I've posted this before, but I'll do it again:

Model 60 vs. 10/22 challenge

Out-of-the-box gun, any scope, but total cost must be less than $225 (I got mine free, but we'll assume a price of $125, as this seems to be the going rate for a Mod 60.

Unlimited sighting shots.

Best 3 out of 5 10 shot groups @ 50 yards

$1000 bet

Haven't had a taker yet.

 

[woseyjales]

"That's an excellent idea. I bought one from Wally's two weeks ago, but the price was $221. Maybe it has gone up a touch since then."

Toivo, you are correct on the CZ trainer price $221. I rechecked it after I left prior post b'cuz I had a feeling I was off a bit...
I had a stroke in 2/03 during heart surgery and my short term memory still short circuits from time to time.
Also I was a bit surprised how hard it was for me to try to hold forend steady shooting right-handed, the remnants of stroke's left-side weakness I presume. My left eye is my dominant one anyway, so switching to lefty allowed me to hold forend a lot more steady with right hand. I learned to do most things lefty while my right arm was in a cast as a teen. Lost about 45* of extention, had to learn to throw or anything else that req'd follow thru w/ lefty. About only thing I still do righthanded is write. That made conquering the left side weakness even more important, realized how much I had switched to being a lefty.

That's one thing making me hold off on the CZ trainer, think I have to move up to a 452 22lr or 17HM2 to get a lefty bolt action. Plus, as you suggest, the questionable accuracy of the walmart catalog. SPOs req 50% nonrefundable deposit and I'd hate to find out the differences when you open the box, ya know? Referring now more to the 60SS-19" or 22".
The mod 60 did fine both ways LorR. But until I build up my arm strength a bit more, so I can hold a 5.5 lb mod60 on target(RH'd), figure not much need to rush out and get a heavier CZ. (see, drew a blank on the CZ weight-6.4 maybe??)
Least I'm able to remember a phone number long enough to get it dialed most of the time, again! It's kind of funny tho, still can recall details, part numbers etc from 20 years ago, but takes awhile to remember what I did a few days ago, or can't remember a price or weight viewed several times in last few weeks. Well, like Clint said in one of those Dirty Harry movies "a man's GOT to know his limitations".

 

[toivo]

Toivo, you are correct on the CZ trainer price $221.

Hey, you were within $10. That's close enough for all practical purposes.

That's one thing making me hold off on the CZ trainer, think I have to move up to a 452 22lr or 17HM2 to get a lefty bolt action.

Sorry, I forgot the lefty part.

Plus, as you suggest, the questionable accuracy of the walmart catalog. SPOs req 50% nonrefundable deposit and I'd hate to find out the differences when you open the box, ya know? Referring now more to the 60SS-19" or 22".

True, and good luck on asking the WalMart clerks about it. All they know is what's in the catalog. One possiblity is to see if the clerk can get the distributor on the phone while you're standing there. You might be able to get the right information that way. When I ordered mine, the clerk made the call right in front of me.

 

[carterbeauford]

My little Mossberg 702 is the best $99 I ever spent. It has jammed only a few times in 2,000+ rounds and is as accurate as you can expect .22LR to be. Trigger could be smoother, but hey...

I mean come on, it's $99! If I were skinning rabbits it would have paid for itself easily.

 

[greener]

Marlin Model 60 old or new. Great shooter. Almost impossible to beat for the bucks.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Another for the Marlin 60. There's a reason they've sold, what, 8 million of them since 1960.

I've gotten them as low as $50 in Texas pawnshops, and never more than $75 (Glenfield 75C, short carbine). Run great, tube mag doesn't dangle in the dirt, look classy. What's not to like?

-MV

 

[Davo]

Marlin also makes a detachable magazine rifle, but the 60 is a good gun. I like my 10-22 and its reliable, but its accuracy is not on par with other guns I own. That doesnt mean it is unusable for hunting. It is great for plinking-thats what I use mine for more than anything.