timberbeast63
Member
I have something of a poll to ask all of you. Should your best rifle/scope combination in terms of quality, accuracy, and precision be a 22LR? Supporting arguments 
for and against are welcome!
for and against are welcome!
Should your best rifle be a 22LR?
- Thread starter timberbeast63
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Mumbles_45
Member
Why not. Maybe your situation is different, but I get a lot more chances to shoot .22 than anything else, so why not have a .22 set up the way you like.
Edit to add, good point Emfuser, a .22 probably doesn't need top-notch-everything, but if you do upgrade the areas where it's lacking and put a decent scope on it and it comes out more expensive/nicer than everything else you own, I don't see a problem with that.
Edit to add, good point Emfuser, a .22 probably doesn't need top-notch-everything, but if you do upgrade the areas where it's lacking and put a decent scope on it and it comes out more expensive/nicer than everything else you own, I don't see a problem with that.
Mine is.
I have quite a few .22s and was looking at centerfires, but I just came to realize that I do not hunt, all of my shooting is limited to the range, and it did not make sense financially to own something more than .22.
If I ever get into benchrest or competition type stuff I suppose I will need to pony up but until then I'm good.
I have quite a few .22s and was looking at centerfires, but I just came to realize that I do not hunt, all of my shooting is limited to the range, and it did not make sense financially to own something more than .22.
If I ever get into benchrest or competition type stuff I suppose I will need to pony up but until then I'm good.
sarduy
Member
i think you should have a good quality rifle, it doesn't matter if it's a .22 or a .50bmg as long as it's the rifle you shoot the most, you dont need a $1000 .22 or a $1200 scope because the .22lr is not a long range round, in fact it drop like a stone at 250 yards, now...here come the facts...
you want that .22 to just plink, or self defence? because if my life depent of a .22 i would get the best i can get my hands on.
you want that .22 to just plink, or self defence? because if my life depent of a .22 i would get the best i can get my hands on.
woof
Member
That's like asking if your best rifle should be a .308 or a .223. I see no correlation to caliber. I do not at all consider the .22 lr a second-rate cartridge warranting second rate rifles.
Rifleman 173
Member
Not in my opinion. I think that your best rifle should be one that you can depend upon to defend your life. Something in a medium caliber, medium weight bullet if possible like a 7.62 NATO or 7.62 Warsaw in many cases. At the very minimum a 6.5 Grendel or 6.8 SPC shooter. A .22 LR is a good gun for practice, hunting small game and doing utility work like close range but accurate sniping or for laying down suppressive fire using the fear of getting hit by one of its bullets but not for primary as a defensive firearm. Heck, even the bigger diameter .223/5.56 ammunition has never been up to the par that our soldiers and marines want so why risk your welfare or the welfare of your loved ones on a tiny, little bullet? If the .22 LR was effective, wouldn't our military have gone to it in some fashion other than as a practice/training round? Even the military has passed on making a .22 LR or .22 magnum a main line combat round which ought to tell you something.
JohnBT
Member
So you're saying I need a $2300 combat rifle? That's what it would take to out-price my most expensive .22 LR. I don't see it. I shoot rimfires the most and don't really envision even needing a combat rifle. I suppose my used RRA .223 will have to do at 1/3 the cost if my shotguns won't get the job done during an urban conflict.
John
John
Coal Dragger
member
I don't think you should compromise on the overall quality of any firearm. You can only shoot one at a time so the one you happen to be shooting might as well be nice.
I like .22's and shoot them frequently when I can. I only own two though, my pistol is a Benelli MP95 E that I used when I shot for Missouri State University (made nationals in 2003). My rifle is a Kimber Model 82 target rifle purchased through the CMP, it is a single shot heavy barreled position target rifle with Anschutz style sights. I love both of them and I am now so spoiled by their accuracy it would be hard to own another .22 that was not as accurate.
Now I would like to get a .22 rifle that is not a single shot, and also something that doesn't weight 11-12lbs. Maybe another Kimber will be in the cards or the new Weatherby Mark XXII (made on an Anschutz barreled action), either one will end up wearing a Leupold 2.5-8X36 VX-III that I have laying around.
My advice is to get the best quality .22 rifle or pistol you can afford and shoot the snot out of it. Rimfire practice translates directly into proficiency with centerfire at least for basics like establishing a natural point of aim, sight alignment, trigger control, and follow through. So go out and get a good .22 and establish a training schedule with specific goals. Your shooting abilities will thank you!
I like .22's and shoot them frequently when I can. I only own two though, my pistol is a Benelli MP95 E that I used when I shot for Missouri State University (made nationals in 2003). My rifle is a Kimber Model 82 target rifle purchased through the CMP, it is a single shot heavy barreled position target rifle with Anschutz style sights. I love both of them and I am now so spoiled by their accuracy it would be hard to own another .22 that was not as accurate.
Now I would like to get a .22 rifle that is not a single shot, and also something that doesn't weight 11-12lbs. Maybe another Kimber will be in the cards or the new Weatherby Mark XXII (made on an Anschutz barreled action), either one will end up wearing a Leupold 2.5-8X36 VX-III that I have laying around.
My advice is to get the best quality .22 rifle or pistol you can afford and shoot the snot out of it. Rimfire practice translates directly into proficiency with centerfire at least for basics like establishing a natural point of aim, sight alignment, trigger control, and follow through. So go out and get a good .22 and establish a training schedule with specific goals. Your shooting abilities will thank you!
sarduy
Member
you dont need a $2300 combat rifle, but a 400 AK or a 700 AR15 will outshoot the .22lr, now if you like the 22lr get one but get the one you like.
22-rimfire
Member
Needing a so called Combat or Battle rifle is a fantasy in the USA. Fun to shoot and so forth, but I doubt you need one here. Your mileage may vary which is what makes the world go around economically speaking.
With 22 rifles, I think you should buy what you can afford. It depends on what you expect in terms of accuracy as to what choices you make.
For me, I want something to plink with which is often a Ruger 10/22 or Marlin Model 60, AND something that I can shoot carefully at small targets and hit them whether it be hunting or paper targets. There is no real limit to what you can spend within reason with 22 rifles.
I believe you scope a rimfire based on what you need to use it for. I scoped my Ruger 10/22 with a 4x scope since I use it mostly for just plinking or fast small game hunting. I scope something to hunt with generally with a 2-7x or 3-9x range scope. Target stuff is 10x or higher magnification and many are leaning to scopes in the 24x magnification area at least on a variable. I buy 22 scopes for features not necessarily a particular brand though I have my favorites.
With 22 rifles, I think you should buy what you can afford. It depends on what you expect in terms of accuracy as to what choices you make.
For me, I want something to plink with which is often a Ruger 10/22 or Marlin Model 60, AND something that I can shoot carefully at small targets and hit them whether it be hunting or paper targets. There is no real limit to what you can spend within reason with 22 rifles.
I believe you scope a rimfire based on what you need to use it for. I scoped my Ruger 10/22 with a 4x scope since I use it mostly for just plinking or fast small game hunting. I scope something to hunt with generally with a 2-7x or 3-9x range scope. Target stuff is 10x or higher magnification and many are leaning to scopes in the 24x magnification area at least on a variable. I buy 22 scopes for features not necessarily a particular brand though I have my favorites.
ny32182
Member
Best scope you own on a .22lr, is that the question?
Depends on your goals for the .22 I guess; if I owned one, it would be a gun that I never thought I would ever possibly use anywhere but the range and/or fair weather, and also the .22 doesn't dish out *anything* in terms of recoil punishment to the scope, so for me, a .22 would be exactly the time (and now the only time) when I would feel comfortable going super-cheap on a scope. YMMV of course. In point of fact I have a couple cheap scopes sitting around right now waiting for the day when I eventually get a 10/22.
Anything other than .22lr, and I will want an optic of at least mid-grade quality, depending on possible intended uses of the rifle.
Depends on your goals for the .22 I guess; if I owned one, it would be a gun that I never thought I would ever possibly use anywhere but the range and/or fair weather, and also the .22 doesn't dish out *anything* in terms of recoil punishment to the scope, so for me, a .22 would be exactly the time (and now the only time) when I would feel comfortable going super-cheap on a scope. YMMV of course. In point of fact I have a couple cheap scopes sitting around right now waiting for the day when I eventually get a 10/22.
Anything other than .22lr, and I will want an optic of at least mid-grade quality, depending on possible intended uses of the rifle.
JohnBT
Member
" but a 400 AK or a 700 AR15 will outshoot the .22lr"
I don't think so. Are you suggesting that an AK or cheap bone stock AR, like mine, will shoot one MOA groups? Say a half-inch at 50 yards or one inch at 100. Well, maybe the AR with decent ammo, but I'm thinking mine is more like 2 or 3 inches.
I have a 2 or 3 .22 LR bolt actions that will shoot 1/4" to 1/2" groups at 50 yards. That's a half to one MOA.
"but get the one you like"
Okay, where's that old picture? Here's one of my 2 or 3 good ones, a Cooper.
John
I don't think so. Are you suggesting that an AK or cheap bone stock AR, like mine, will shoot one MOA groups? Say a half-inch at 50 yards or one inch at 100. Well, maybe the AR with decent ammo, but I'm thinking mine is more like 2 or 3 inches.
I have a 2 or 3 .22 LR bolt actions that will shoot 1/4" to 1/2" groups at 50 yards. That's a half to one MOA.
"but get the one you like"
Okay, where's that old picture? Here's one of my 2 or 3 good ones, a Cooper.
John
scrat
Member
a 22 does not have to be your best rifle. i have some pretty good .22lr the best part about them is that no matter what the other rifles will do i know that when all is said and done i can pick up my marlin 700 and shoot at what ever im pointing at
elChupacabra!
member
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I don't think so. Your most EXPENSIVE rifle may be a .22lr, that's fine - of course, invest in what you shoot the most.
But I do like the idea of having an excellent - best reasonably available / affordabe - fighting rifle. You may spend more time shooting rimfire - I understand, I certainly do too - but a good centerfire FIGHTING rifle is, in my opinion, absolutely necessary for an armed, responsible American citizen to own.
The way I look at it, I own a handgun to defend my person.
I own a shotgun to defend my family.
I own a rifle to defend my Liberty.
There are certainly other factors at work here, but I wouldn't want to have to fight with a .22lr rifle. Get at least one major caliber rifle, learn to really shoot it, and be proud you are a Patriot.
But I do like the idea of having an excellent - best reasonably available / affordabe - fighting rifle. You may spend more time shooting rimfire - I understand, I certainly do too - but a good centerfire FIGHTING rifle is, in my opinion, absolutely necessary for an armed, responsible American citizen to own.
The way I look at it, I own a handgun to defend my person.
I own a shotgun to defend my family.
I own a rifle to defend my Liberty.
There are certainly other factors at work here, but I wouldn't want to have to fight with a .22lr rifle. Get at least one major caliber rifle, learn to really shoot it, and be proud you are a Patriot.
hornblower
Member
Which High Quality .22 rifle for a left hander
I have begun investigating .22 rifles and I am down to looking at a Cooper and a Weatherby.
I do not intent to hunt with the rifle.
I am interested in competitive shooting.
Any input from people who have owned either rifle will be appreciated.
I have begun investigating .22 rifles and I am down to looking at a Cooper and a Weatherby.
I do not intent to hunt with the rifle.
I am interested in competitive shooting.
Any input from people who have owned either rifle will be appreciated.
KBintheSLC
Member
I also vote no. I feel very comfortable with my $400 .22... thats $400 total from tip to tail. It does the job as well as most. If I was going to spend a ton on a rifle, I would build my own .308 sniper on a Rem 700 action. Those super tricked out .22's are pretty gimmicky in my opinion.
I like this comment a lot.
I like this comment a lot.
Bartkowski
Member
What? If you mean a long ranges maybe, but what AK does well at long ranges? .22's can be very accurate, and saying a gun design can out shoot a caliber doesn't make sense.
aka108
Member
Simply depends upon what you want. Most expensive 22 rf I've seen is $18,000 custom BR. The owner shoots in competition all over the U.S. and this piece serves him well. Seen it shoot 249 and 250 over and over.
Shawnee
member
I would say the .22 should be a rifle or rifle/scope set-up of excellent quality. If that can be accomplished for a few hundred dollars - that's fine.
More importantly, I think, is to NOT use a .22 that is some bargain-basement junker just because "it's only a .22".
Many of us shoot .22s many times more than our centerfires - so it makes sense to have a nice one.
More importantly, I think, is to NOT use a .22 that is some bargain-basement junker just because "it's only a .22".
Many of us shoot .22s many times more than our centerfires - so it makes sense to have a nice one.
Roadwild17
Member
It all depends on you use.
I know someone who have a 10/22 with a tactical solutions barrel, suppressed, with an eotech and some folding stock ( not the $59 ati folding stock, a much higher quality stock).
When I asked him why he said "Do you know what the difference is between an subsonic .223 and a subsonic .22 is?"
When I said no, he said " O about $.40 a round"
I know someone who have a 10/22 with a tactical solutions barrel, suppressed, with an eotech and some folding stock ( not the $59 ati folding stock, a much higher quality stock).
When I asked him why he said "Do you know what the difference is between an subsonic .223 and a subsonic .22 is?"
When I said no, he said " O about $.40 a round"
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