Take Down .22LR Rifles

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SKILCZ

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I know there are more than a few, including:

  • Ruger 10/22 Takedown
  • Marlin Papoose
  • Henry AR-7
  • Browning SA-22

Are they worth it? I think the AR-7 makes the most sense in terms of compact storage, weight, and portability, but it probably doesn't shoot as well as the others from what I've read. My thought is that if it doesn't compact as much as the AR-7 and you have to carry two big pieces, why not just carry a full sized, non-takedown, quality 22 rifle? I know takedown may make portability easier, but how small does it need to take down to make it worth it over just slinging a nice .22 LR rifle over your shoulder?

The other cool thing about the Browning having an integrated tubular magazine means that you don't have to carry around mags, but reloading is slower.

I guess I'm asking in terms of a "survival" rifle (e.g. portable, light, and able to take small game, etc.). A scope would obviously make shooting easier and more accurate, but adds weight and takes up space.

Thoughts?
 
I've got a norinco copy of the Browning SA-22. It's an absolutely wonderful rifle and was picked up a couple months back for $165. It shoots very accurately and reliably. The Browning is a better fit and finished rifle but for the price I'd take another Norinco in a heart beat. The browning is a better rifle and its price expresses that. Of those listed I'd go, in this order, with the Browning, then Ruger, then Marlin, then find something else, then pass on the Henry.
 
Do you think it's worth owning a take down 22, or is a good non-takedown 22 sufficient? Do you think the take down ability realistically adds enough (portability/concealability) to justify the purchase if you already have a good 22 rifle? If so, why?

In terms of the intended purpose of a "survival" rifle, would you go with the Norinco over the Browning since it's so much cheaper and still effective (given that it may get beat up in a backpack, etc.)?
 
I have a couple take down rifles. You really don't need the take down feature unless you are limited in space to pack the rifle into, or you want to carry a rifle in a bag that doesn't scream "rifle" to any one that might see your bag/pack/case.

Of course, just wanting a take down rifle is a good enough reason, too.
 
I have owned a couple off your list. The ruger marlin and Henry. All were serviceable. None really fit my idea of what I wanted them for in a backpacking gun or a truck gun. Personally I would go with either a marlin 60 or 10/22 with a light folding stock. Marginally heavier / blogger but definitively more useful. Or get a good rim fire pistol with a longer barrel the tax stamp and a stock. ImE the take down versions were not as accurate, were Much more ammo sensitive, and taking the time to put it together could negate having a gun in a survival situation.

They are cool but didn't work for me.
 
SKILCZ said:
Do you think it's worth owning a take down 22, or is a good non-takedown 22 sufficient? Do you think the take down ability realistically adds enough (portability/concealability) to justify the purchase if you already have a good 22 rifle? If so, why?

In terms of the intended purpose of a "survival" rifle, would you go with the Norinco over the Browning since it's so much cheaper and still effective (given that it may get beat up in a backpack, etc.)?
Click to expand...


I had/have a 10/22 for ~30 yrs (and a spare actually) and I bought the 10/22 TD last year.

Was my old 1/22 still good / "sufficient"? Yes. Id be fine if I had just stuck with that.

But I wanted some more flexibility and I had a plan.

In the 10/22 TD bag I can also fit my SxS 12ga broken down, a few pistols too (22 and 9mm) along with mags and ammo and still a little room to spare.

(The bag it comes with is oversized. They could have made the bag 1/2 the size and you'd still have room for mags and ammo. I also have a separate short bag for just the coach should I want to.)


I didn't do this specifically for bug out reasons. I just wanted more options in terms of portability.

Price wise, I personally think the 10/22 TD is pricey. Kind of too pricey. But I bought it.

I thought more of the portability than the concealability of it.

What that's worth is up to you.
 
My first firearm is a Browning SA-22. Made in 1968. I have never taken it down, but like the fact that it can be. I have recently been thinking I need to get a few for my kids and grand kids.
 
There's NOTHING like having a takedown gun when you are traveling or headed out to a back woods hunting camp...

Much more compact, and MUCH less likely to be damaged in transit...

DM
 
My Browning SA22 is astonishingly accurate Not sure what year it was made, but it is a Belgian gun and has no serial # so I am assuming it was made before 1968.
 
I have a takedown and its kinda nice. And the pack it comes in is nice enough and the last thing anyone who hasn't seen one thinks is inside is a rifle. It's the same reason I use a tool bag as a range bag. I don't like other people knowing what I'm up to or what I'm carrying.

Also, I have a problem in that I can be a little rough on rifles. I tend to hit the stock on things (leaving the house, into the car, pulling it out of the trunk, etc) when I'm not careful and the pack protects it and the reduced size equates to not swinging into things unintentionally. A rifle can turn into an awkward stick when navigating doorways and narrow hallways.

I also think it would be convenient when loading up the car for a camping trip. The more compact the better as I don't have the biggest car in the world.
To me, it was worth it. You may feel differently.
 
Love the Marlin 39A ... Just a sweet package!

I been looking at the Henry's as of lately for the grandchildren too!
 

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My buddy has a takedown papoose. We took it out a few weeks ago for the first time in probably twenty years. He screwed it together, loaded it, and immediately started beating up a beer can at about 50 yards. I think it jammed twice in about a hundred rounds. Ended the career of a few turtles too. I was amazed at how accurate it was.
 
I have the Papoose and I am really happy with it. I love the 10/22 but the Papoose is just a cool gun that is executed very well. Plus its cheaper than the 10/22TD.

I keep five loaded 10 round magazines in the pouch and another 200 loose rounds in the stock. Add in the 7 rounds in the gun and you have 257 rounds with the weapon, more than you would ever need in am extended amount of time. Also, with the 2-7x ballistic plex scope I can get clover leaf groups at 50 yards and hit rabbit sized targets at 150 without adjusting the scope. It has hash marks for 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 yards. Its a very good setup and I would much rather rely on it than the spotty AR-7.

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You forgot the old mod 62 pump takedown - I still have it and like it a lot. I've owned at least one of those mentioned including an original Browning takedown I got in the fifties, and a couple each of the 10/22s, Marlins, and AR7s. The Henry weighs in at 27-28 ozs with aftermarket stock and is both flawless and accurate. It is the only real backpack rifle and I would place it at quite some distance at the top of the list. For me the order is: AR7; Browning; Mod 62; 10/22; Marlin.
 
I have and like the Ruger TD. It isn't much more expensive than a standard SS 10/22. For travel it fits in the trunk of a car and the case isn't shaped like a standard rifle case as long as the side with the Ruger logo is down. I'd have prefered that not be on there.

If it is any less accurte than my standard 10-22 I cannot tell it. The only disadvantage to me is not being able to swap for a better aftermarket stock. But I can live with that.
 
benzy2 said:
I've got a norinco copy of the Browning SA-22. It's an absolutely wonderful rifle and was picked up a couple months back for $165. It shoots very accurately and reliably. The Browning is a better fit and finished rifle but for the price I'd take another Norinco in a heart beat. The browning is a better rifle and its price expresses that. Of those listed I'd go, in this order, with the Browning, then Ruger, then Marlin, then find something else, then pass on the Henry.
Click to expand...
I have the same rifle and love it.I must have gotten a deal on mine...99.88 NEW at Walmart
 
I really like that Marlin setup with the rounds contained in the stock. Cool idea. Only thing I notice is that the scope is receiver mounted, which makes me wonder if it will hold zero as well after take down as the Browning or Norinco, where the scope goes with the barrel.

I do understand the thinking behind having a rifle w/o magazines for survival b/c if you lose the magazine, you are out of luck other than maybe feeding single rounds into the chamber. Sounds like the Norinco may be good enough to avoid paying so much more for the Browning.
 
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My "take-down" .22LR is an AR-15 with a dedicated .22LR upper (CMMG Sierra upper on PSA lower). I remove the upper to store it in a surprisingly small range bag.

It's reliable, accurate, and fun-to-shoot, but probably not the cheapest route! It's definitely my favorite .22LR firearm, though.

DSC_0021.jpg
 
On the list, the only one for me is the Browning.

It was the fastest shooting 22 I ever had.

It was the easiest 22 to disassemble and reassemble I ever had.

It was Belgian circa 1968 and it burned to a crisp in a fire in 1990 that took 525 buildings and homes.

I will have another before I die and I do not care if it is Belgian or Miroku.
 
Wow! Sorry to hear about the fire! That sounds like a monstrous fire. Glad you were OK.
 
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