MagnumLite .22 REBORN! Range report w/ PICS

[AKElroy]

When I first got this Magnum Research MagnumLite, I was very disappointed. Factory trigger was VERY heavy (it is an OEM 10/22; PLASTIC!), and the BlackHawk Axiom Stock was VERY light; making it nearly impossible to sight in.

This was a costly rig; I found the rifle on GB for $529.00; The Bushnell Elite 3200 5X15X50 AO also on GB for $289.00. I had hoped this would be all I needed to spend. Wrong---

After the first disastrous range session, I ordered an OEM 10/22 Target stock on ebay ($76.00), a Volquartsen VG2000 from Shooters Supply (199.00), Burris EXT 6- screw rings ($59) to improve the stock setup.

What a difference!!! I am not happy that I needed to throw more money at an already EXPENSIVE rig, but I am pleased with the results. It is shooting well under MOA with CCI Mini-mags, and I am not a very good shot. I like my coffee. It points like a wand, feels VERY substantial in the hand, and is a confidence inspiring joy to shoot. The VQ Trigger group makes a HUGE difference; it is not super light @ approx. 3lbs, (great for hunting), but it is clean & crisp.

I have it set for a 65 yard zero w/ the CCI's, and I am confident in head-shots on tree-rats out passed that distance with this setup. This is now my go-to rimfire hunting rig.

If I clamped this into a lead-sled to get past my caffeine induced tremors, I am certain I could drill ragged holes with match ammo.

Final tally? I don't want to think about it!

 

[lopezni]

yeah with a 10/22 it is best to buy an action, then build of of it. That said you could've invested half of what you did into a bolt rifle and gotten better accuracy.

 

[mikewayde]

Looks great...

 

[WNTFW]

Nice!
Burris Xtreme rings are hard to beat for the money.

What distance are your targets shot at?

 

[C-grunt]

Glad you got it worked out. Felt kinda bad for you reading your original post.

 

[Dookie]

The Magnum Research is a great action. They do use factory internals with a "target" trigger built by Clark, I believe. That is why they are so cheap out of the box. But you get a superb action and barrel and if you were to purchase the action and barrel separately you would pay nearly $600

That is a fine looking rifle.

 

[AKElroy]

yeah with a 10/22 it is best to buy an action, then build of of it. That said you could've invested half of what you did into a bolt rifle and gotten better accuracy.

I have accurate bolt guns, this was to fill a different niche. As for accuracy, I am not a very good shot & the flyers around these groups are either pulls by me, or just as likely scope adjustments. I fiddled with it a few clicks after every 3 rounds to get it to my desire POI.

 

[AKElroy]

What distance are your targets shot at?

65 yards.

 

[halfded]

I like it this way much more than the magnumlite. The magnum was just too "technologically advanced" looking for lack of a better description. Nice build and better groups!

 

[AKElroy]

I still do not like the light barrel. This thing is SOOOO light at the front, it really takes getting used to. I am highly considering ebaying this barely used barrel & buying a more traditional target bull barrel. I was warned that 10/22's can become money pits, and I am definately seeing that happen.

When it comes to buying a specialty item, my advice is to find it or buy it locally. If I had known how this gun FELT, I never would have bought it. That is the danger of buying on-line. So, I am left with a magnum research receiver out of the original purchase w/ everything else either replaced or nearly so. Not a disaster, MR probably makes the best receivers out there.

Oh well--At least selling the parts will recoup some of the expense. Anyone interested in an OEM trigger group? Carbon fiber MR barrel? Blackhawk Axiom / Knoxx Stock?? Used for 1 range trip; 200 rounds max. They are outstanding quality, just not what I want.

 

[NCsmitty]

I was warned that 10/22's can become money pits, and I am definitely seeing that happen.

I think that you made a good decision to cut your losses. So you ended up with the basic Magnum Research rifle with upgraded trigger?



NCsmitty

 

[conhntr]

why do you have a 15x scope on a .22?

 

[Kentucky_Rifleman]

why do you have a 15x scope on a .22?

I use 3x9s or bigger on .22s I target shoot. I just get much better look at the target, and it translates into much better shooting for me. The OP has gone way deeper into his pocket for his scope than I usually do, but I certainly see the logic.

KR

 

[conhntr]

for the same money i would get a better quality scope of a magnification that would make sense for a .22

i prefer a fixed 4 or 6 power but a 3-9 makes sense also. for the money spent on that 15 power monster (mounted on a superlight rifle?) you can get a really nice scope.

i have both nikkon and weaver fixed powers on my .22s and like them. centerfire rifles i have leupolds.

 

[AKElroy]

why do you have a 15x scope on a .22?

When I was a kid, my father & I would spend hours shooting down weeds & sapplings on my grandfathers property. I love precision shooting, but my astigmatism has advanced to the point that I can't use open sights anymore. I really have a desire to continue precision shooting, and that means a lot of quality glass. With the OA, I am able to get in really close as well.

I have 4 rimfire rifles; and a .22/45 pistol. Two of the rifles (this one included) wear a lot of glass, (the other, a target Marlin wears a 4X14 AO) two are retired w/OS, and the pistol wears a scope.

It's just how I roll, homie.

 

[AKElroy]

For the same money,you can get a really nice scope.

The Elite 3200 is not a decent scope?

 

[conhntr]

no i didnt saw it wasnt a good scope. for the SAME money if you go for a regular 3-9 or fixed power 4, 6x you can move up a class.

 

[AKElroy]

So you ended up with the basic Magnum Research rifle with upgraded trigger?

Pretty much, assuming I decide to trade the MR Barrel. I like the balance it offers in the field, though; it balance pivots in the middle of the trigger guard, just about perfect for shooting offhand. For tight groups from the bench, I just prefer more weight up front. I guess I need two; I will see how this one perfoms on tree rats in a couple of weeks; I have a trip planned to show my son how to skin & prep the little critters, and we will be making some camp stew assuming I can hit them. I have a stand that is witness to a half dozen or so of the critters every time I have sat in it.

 

[AKElroy]

for the SAME money if you go for a regular 3-9 or fixed power 4, 6x you can move up a class.

Since so much shooting is done close in w/ head shots preferred, an AO is almost a requirement on a rimfire. The Bushnell is pretty much made for this purpose.

 

[Kentucky_Rifleman]

i have both nikkon and weaver fixed powers on my .22s and like them. centerfire rifles i have leupolds.

I've never used the Nikons much, but we're of like mind on the Weavers and Leupolds.

KR

 

[AKElroy]

My centerfires wear Weaver, Leupold & Nikon as well. All fine options, but with rare exception they are parallax adjusted for 100 yards and in the case of Leupold, 150 yards. Hard to get best use out of them on a rimfire unless they are AO, and they have very few offerings that are. After using this Elite, I am convinced Bushnell makes or exceeds the quality of any of these offerings with their high-end offerings.

 

[Jefferson Herb]

Nikon

I bought my first Nicon 4.5-14 sf to put on a .223.If you use a Nikon,you will find little fault with it.