Rem 512 vs 10/22 vs Savage mkII

[happycamper374]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a plinker and a gun to introduce my friends to shooting with. There's a used 10/22 in town for $220, a used Remington 512 in decent shape for $200, and I'm pretty sure I can pick up a new Savage Mark 2 for just a bit more over $200.

I grew up on a 10/22; it was the first gun I ever owned, a gift from my dad. So I'm partial to them. But I used to love shooting the old single shot bolt action farm .22 growing up. I have no idea where that gun is now or what model it was.

I'm unsure of whether to go for the newer 10/22 or the older 512. And I threw in the Savage just as a brand new option. Of course I could also pick up a new 10/22 for just shy of $300.

What do you all think? Any advice?

 

[Jackal]

The 512 will be a higher quality rifle and be more accurate. But, the 10/22 will be more fun if 25+ capacity mags are important to you.

 

[tuj]

agreed, the 512 is probably more accurate.

That said, the Ruger 10/22 gives you a lot of options in terms of customization, including getting a GM or Kidd barrel to increase accuracy, and there are all sorts of great aftermarket parts and stocks for the 10/22.

As for the MKII, I have one. Its a decent rifle, but I couldn't get mine to shoot as accurately as I would have liked. I tried everything, 22 different ammos, 3 different stocks, and recrowned the rifle as a last-ditch attempt to improve it. I have a Savage 93R17 that is a tack driver, so I think Savage quality is just a bit more hit or miss. The accu-trigger is an excellent trigger however.

 

[Reloadron]

Having a 10/22 and even if I didn't I would opt for the old Remington 512. Personally I find my old Remington 510P, 511 and 512 rifles will out shoot the 10/22 on any given day. I have no desire to tacticool a 10/22 so all the little add on tricks don't attract me.

The 10/22 like the Marlin Model 60 is a fine little 22 semi automatic rifle if that is what trips your trigger. However, for me I see those older rifles as the better guns. Was only about 15 years ago those old Remington rifles were $50 rifles and today I see them in the $150 to $200 range.

Ron

 

[ZGunner]

I have no experience with the 512. But I do have a standard 10/22, a Mark-II FV I believe (non accutrigger) and a Mark-II FV-SR.

The 10/22 is a great little rifle, very well balanced and a decent shooter. I would definitely buy another at $300 just to have one. (I got mine for $214 from Walmart a couple years ago.)

The FV, the most basic Mark-II you can get is also a great rifle. I was able to get one for $100 from a friend. I was able to hit 2 inch circles at 100 yards with some work. My father inlaw convinced me to sell it to him, he loved it so much.

The FV-SR is the most accurate .22 I've ever shot, especially considering the barrell is only 16.5 inches. With a big scope and a suppressor attached I've been able to knock down shotgun shells at 50 with minimal effort. Groups ~MOA out to 100 on a good day. Keep in mind I'm not the best shot.

Sorry for the long post but those are my personal experiences. If folks like the 512 as much as I like these three mentioned I'd say get the one that is the cheapest and suits your needs.

 

[CraigC]

The Ruger is a fun and reliable blaster but it won't win many matches. It can, however, become anything you want it to be with the proper application of aftermarket parts. A 10/22 with a good barrel will outshoot the average boltgun but it will take more money to do it. I have three and enjoy them immensely.

The Remington 512 is a fine older rifle that screams classic. However, it's probably not going to shoot better than the Savage MKII.

The Savage is an excellent rifle for the money and will usually shoot better than it has a right to. Although the synthetic stocks are rather flimsy. The laminates are better for consistent accuracy.

 

[Jackal]

The Remington 512 is a fine older rifle that screams classic. However, it's probably not going to shoot better than the Savage MKII.

Trust the folks that own them: The old 500 series Remingtons will outshoot almost any modern .22 made, outside of a dedicated, heavy target gun. My old thin barreled 510 will send .22lr cases, used for targets, flying at 50 yards with boring regularity. The only .22's I've owned that could match it was a Savage/Anschutz and my old Mossberg 44M (still scary accurate, sub 1/2" groups at 50y).

 

[nathan]

Get the Savage Mk 2 BV .They should be good to go.

 

[Cee Zee]

I have a Savage MkII which is the same action but with a bull barrel. It's the most accurate .22 I own. My CZ isn't far behind it but it cost more too.

The Ruger is a great gun if you like burning up lots of ammo (if you can get it these days) or building a great shooting semi-auto. The Remington may be the best choice but I'd have to know how well it shot before I would buy one. I have a Stevens from the 50's that is a single shot, bolt action that could be as accurate as my Savage but you can't mount a scope on it. It's a great rifle to learn shooting on though. Iron sights and a single shot and it can be found for under $100 in normal times.

I bought a Savage. I buy Marlin semi-auto .22's. They're more accurate out of the box usually. They're cheaper than Rugers too. A new one can be bought for $160 at Walmart. You get a 5 year warranty with that and very few people are ever sorry they bought a 60.

The sporter barrel Savages are said to be close in accuracy to the heavy barrel models though. I think your decision boils down to whether you want a bolt gun or a semi-auto and whether you want a new gun with a warranty or a well built older gun. You aren't likely to go too far wrong with any of the choices you mentioned. I will say a lot of people buy Rugers to use 25 round mags with them. Personally I don't care much for big mags hanging off the bottom of a .22. It's hard to shoot off a rest with a mag like that. I know they have the flush mount stock mag but IMO they are hard to load. Tube mags are much easier to deal with despite what man will tell you. I have several of each so I know the difference.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

The Remington 512 was my first gun. I still have it and it is a very well made and accurate rifle. I also have a 10/22 and it is a fun rifle to shoot and pretty much minute of tin can with whatever I feed it.
If the 512 is in decent shape I would buy it just cause I'm sentimental old f... but for just plinking the savage will be a good choice. Also, I find the Savage stock a bit on the small side which would be good for a younger shooter to use.

 

[happycamper374]

Thanks for all the input everyone. This is really helpful in making my decision.

 

[Gypsyrt]

I have a mark 2 with a 3-9 scope shoots one ragged holest 50 yds. Can't beat them for the money

 

[Red Tornado]

If the 512 has a grooved receiver, run don't walk to grab it. If it doesn't, it would still be my pick by a mile. You can get a 10/22 or Savage anytime. I haven't seen a 512 for $200 in years and they're only going to go up. Plus it shoot short, long or LR, and the tube mag holds 22, 17, or 15 respective. Great for plinking.
RT