Recommend a Semi-Auto 22 LR

[Caliper_Mi]

My favorite of those options is the Remington 597. I just find it fits me better and feels better than the others (although the Marlins are a close second). I have never quite been able to warm up to the 10/22's that I've handled, shot and worked on. No experience with the Savage or Mossberg.

The 597's ergonomics, last shot hold open, drop free mags and easy disassembly sell it for me. The dual guide rails give it an action far smoother than the 10/22 so my 597 has no trouble cycling subsonics. I do find my Marlins are less ammo-picky and will give good accuracy with just about anything while the 597 hates certain ammo but loves CCI Standard Velocity.

Many people have bad memories of when the 597 first came out and I hear the magazines and extractors were a mess. They solved all those issues years ago. My two 597's have both never had a problem with the magazine or extractor. I've also bought two additional 10 rounders and two 30 rounders (all Remington brand) and no problems with those either.

One comment about the Marlin 60 and tube vs box mags: I can load 19 rounds into my 60 (it's an older rifle with the longer mag) about as fast as my g/f can load 10 into a 10/22 magazine. Now, as long as she has spare mags loaded she'll stay ahead, but once those run out a tube mag will load faster and hold more. You can also make speed loaders for a tube mag out of tubing from the hardware store if you want to get really serious and probably be able to keep up with anyone who doesn't have a bag full of 30 round mags, so don't let the tube mag stop you if you like the rifle.

 

[S.W.G.]

10/22. Breaks down into sub assemblies, removable magazines, lots of aftermarket support, eats through Federal Bulk Pack like there's no tomorrow.

 

[Bojangles7]

If you're not going to modify it, I would go with a 60 or 795. I just picked up a 795 and put a $40 Simmons scope on it and it's a blast. I did a lot of research (yes I know they're not that much $) and the general consensus was that Marlin's are more accurate out of the box.

 

[HammerheadSSN663]

Ruger 10/22 Target Tactical....coolest little rifle ever. Plus with the new 25 round mags from Ruger and a micro dot, its one nasty little piece of work.

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-1022Tactical.htm

 

[Fonzie2k]

Savage 64 all the way. I got mine a year ago brand new for about $140, they're reliable, accurate and nice to shoot.

The marlin semi autos are really nice and affordable too. I never drank the 10/22 koolaid though.....they're nice but not worth the extra coin IMO. If you want a .22 you can mod the crap out of though that's the one.

 

[dak0ta]

I'm looking at the Rem 597. It seems like a well built gun now that the mags are fixed. Sights are good, and stock is full size. Accuracy is good from what I read too. Just need to tweak the guide rails for reliability and you're golden. Any words?

 

[DNS]

Love my 60 and its the most accurate rifle I own.
I don't think you could go wrong with the 795 either.
I'm betting one will be on Black Friday special.

 

[bejay]

I like the 60 myself but the 10/22 and 795 are popular also, wether you want a detachable magazine or not should help you decide I like the tube mag on the 60 easy to load.

 

[vaupet]

Mine is not on rte list: Browning SA22

 

[SG1]

I'm looking at the Rem 597. It seems like a well built gun now that the mags are fixed. Sights are good, and stock is full size. Accuracy is good from what I read too. Just need to tweak the guide rails for reliability and you're golden. Any words?

Another vote for the Remmy 597 here. I have read about tweaking the guide rods (too tight from the factory) but I haven't had that problem with mine. It feels like a big rifle and is as accurate as I could ask for out of the box. The trigger isn't great (Volquartsen makes a drop in hammer that fixes this for around $25) but it isn't horrible either. Like someone said earlier, I could never quite warm up to the 10/22. I have owned a Marlin 60 and had no complaints about that gun other than the limited round count in the tube magazine. 30 round mags are cheap and easy to find for the 597.

 

[slowr1der]

The 10/22 is light years ahead of all of the others listed imo. It would definitely be my choice.

This said, I'd chose the Marlin over a Remington 597, but I wouldn't buy either. A buddy has a 597 that I've had some experience with, and I think it's a piece of junk honestly. The whole thing just feels cheap.

 

[okiewita40]

I vote for a Marlin 60. A Ruger can be made to good as long as you want to change out almost every part but the receiver. And yes I have owned a 10/22 and a marlin 60. Plus a you can buy a marlin 60 and a 795 for the price of a 10/22.

 

[USAF_Vet]

Savage 64 here. Mine is dead on accurate and likes Federal bulk. Extra 10 shot mags are ~$15.

+1
My first .22 was the Savage 64. Accurate out of the box with irons. Pre cut dove tail for scope mounting. Mine eats just about everything (doesn't like the Remington golds, but I hear that is common) and keeps on trucking. I clean it once or twice a year, or whenever it starts having feed issues.

The only downside is that mags are not extremely common, but are reasonably priced. The $15 above is spot on. Limited to only 10 rounds, no other mag capacities available, and little to no aftermarket products.

Still, that's not altogether a bad thing, even for someone who would spend money on such products, like myself. It has made me focus on my shooting more than accessorizing.

It's also very reasonably priced. I will probably pick up another for the kids next year.

 

[Batty67]

I really like my Ruger 10-22. I replaced the gorgeous wood stock of the plain jane one I picked up at Dicks for a little north of $200 with an OD Hogue overmolded stock (nice), added detachable sling nuts, sling, tactical rail (that was maybe $6 on Ebay), Bushnell Banner 1.5-4.5x scope, and replaced the stock hammer with a Volquartsen and the EZ slide release. All-told, I spent about $200 on the upgrades, or the cost of the original rifle. The new trigger is gold, and the bolt release is a must if you ask me. Shoots quite nicely, looks great, and is a whole lot of fun. I have no other modification plans.

 

[OregonBuzz]

Ruger 10-22. Reliable, accurate and you can dress it up with a bull barrel, scope etc. You can change the barrel yourself no gunsmithing required. I tried to include a pic of mine, but I can't figger out the system.

 

[saltydog452]

A handy size and 'feel', a tube magazine, and stocks cut to present irons quickly seems to work. That'd be pretty much be the stds from the 50s or so.

The 'scoped 10-22 is great fun, but it isn't a walk in the woods rf.

salty

 

[Lone_Sheep_Dog]

S&w m&p 15-22.

 

[dak0ta]

It seems like the 597 got a bad rep due to the 1st and 2nd generation mags. I know the Marlins will shoot great out of the box and be accurate, but I like the idea of having 30 rd mags to clip in. I feel that the 597 is more accurate and more reliable (?) than the 10/22 out of the box?

 

[rustedangel]

I have a Marlin 70 (model prior to the 795) that I found in my brother's closet. I put some tech sights on it and absolutely love it. It doesn't have last shot hold open, and you can't seem to find mags over 10 rounds that feed reliably in my experience, but considering the low cost of acquisition it's great. Accurate, comfortable, feeds cheap 22, pretty much everything I could ask for.

If I were buying a new 22 I would either get a Marlin 795 or Ruger 10/22.

 

[Fiv3r]

I cut my teeth on a Marlin 60. I still have that rifle. I bought a 795 a couple of years ago and I love it. I don't go to the range without it.

I don't get all jazzed about shooting .22. If I'm shooting a .22 its for warming up to my full sized rifles or padding my range visit to make it worth the drive. However, the 795 is a beaut. It was cheap, it's light, and it's pretty dang tough. I've got several thousand rounds through mine without a hitch. I don't even remember the last time I cleaned it.

Great shooter for $100

 

[Maverick223]

For blasting squirrels and informal shooting the Marlin M-60 (or 795 if you must have a detachable box magazine) is a pretty fair choice, and that's coming from someone that doesn't own one (but has a lot of experience with several). The 10/22 isn't a bad rifle, nor is the Savage, but neither are quite as cheap or as accurate on average (without modification).

That said, none of the above match the workmanship or materials as some of the older rimfires, like the old Savage and Stevens SA plinkers...I'd look around for one of these used (at about the same price).

 

[Caliper_Mi]

I know the Marlins will shoot great out of the box and be accurate, but I like the idea of having 30 rd mags to clip in.

25 rounders for Marlin 795: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/63...rlin-795-22-long-rifle-25-round-polymer-clear

Mine work perfectly with CCI Blazers. Don't like Remington Thunderbolts though. No problem, I don't like Remington ammo very much either There was a bit of mold flash on the inside of the magazine right near the top but I carefully shaved that off with a sharp knife (remember cleaning the mold flash off model car kits?)

My biggest fault with the 795 is the mag release though. They feed great, but even after extensive smoothing and polishing I can't get them to reliably drop free. Usually have to pull the old mag out. Out of the box, mag changes are a two handed affair. Really a big black mark in the middle of an otherwise solid rifle design. Not a problem for plinking, but got annoying at Appleseed

I feel that the 597 is more accurate and more reliable (?) than the 10/22 out of the box?

With the right ammo, I would agree the 597 has a bit of an edge in accuracy but maybe it just fits me better than the 10/22. OTOH, my 597 throws Thunderbolts like a shotgun. I think the shooter and ammo are probably a bigger influence than the rifle though. Hold one of each, consider the varying features of each and decide which you like.

Also, be sure to dry fire the trigger once or twice on the actual rifle you buy. My g/f has two 10/22's. The first has a gritty trigger pull even after smoothing and polishing the action while the second has a pretty smooth pull that is better than the first even after working on it. So, be sure of what you are getting because there is variation even among rifles of the same maker.

 

[bergmen]

Mine is not on rte list: Browning SA22

I have one of these, I've had it about a year.

This is a very unique rifle (which is one of the main reasons I bought it). It is also one of the last of John Browning's designs (another reason I bought it).

Good points:

1) It is tiny and petite. It would make a very good rifle for small statured people (women, kids).

2) Exceptionally well made (Miroku). Metal/wood fit is outstanding, polished metal surfaces are perfect.

3) Extremely accurate and reliable. No jams or other problems at all.

4) Ambidextrous, bottom ejector.

5) Easy take-down so it can fit in a dinky case + it is a snap to clean.

Not so good points:

1) Goofy to load, you have to pull out the mag tube from the butt plate and drop rounds in a slanted hole in the side of the stock. Only holds 10/11 rounds.

2) No bolt hold open after last shot. If you don't keep count (and who does) you end up with a dry-fire when it runs out.

3) Empties are bottom ejected. You have to plan ahead for this so you don't get dinged with empties against your left wrist (if you shoot right handed).

4) Spendy little bugger, they go for over $600.00.

I like it. I think I want to get another to add to the arsenal (10/22 or Marlin 60) with a removable magazine for quicker reloads.

Dan

 

[mac66]

I own most of the mentioned rifles.

I am also an instructor at Appleseed and I see dozens and dozens of 22s on the line every month.

For what we do, shoot drill after drill from standing, seating and prone with mag swaps, hour after hour, hundreds of rounds for two days nothing works better than a basic Ruger 10/22 with a scope and a sling. We basically use a commercial rifle like a service rifle for two days. No other 22 works as well as a 10/22.

I really like my little 795. My 597 is a decent rifle as well. My first gun was a model 60 that I still own but when it comes to shooting, the 10/22 is what works the best.

BTW, I collect and own dozens of Remington Nylon rifles, they are great guns but a basic stock 10/22 is my go to 22 in just about all circumstances.

here is a review of the Marlin 795 btw www.nylonrifles.com

 

[ChileRelleno]

I have both the Marlin Model 60 & Ruger 10/22.
I'll take the 60 anyday of the week.

My Model 60 always has been very accurate/reliable, right out of the box.
I got it back in the early 90s and it has been my sweetheart ever since.
I was never able to wear it out, now my 6yr'ol boy is trying to do what Daddy couldn't.

She is now dressed as a Appleseed LTR, she shot Rifleman for me first day!
Using a Spee-D-Loader, I can hang with the 10/22s mags, without missing a beat.


My 10/22 was at best ho-hum in its accuracy/reliability right out of the box and after breaking it in.
It immediately needed mods to 'Improve it's functioning, e.g. modded the bolt release, thing was a PITA. Why should a simple rifle need to be accurized at additional costs?
OK, that said, drop the additional money on trigger/barrel/stock and a couple other mods and you finally have a custom tack driver.
I did mine as a M1 carbine.