I’m in the market for a nicer-than-average .22 rifle – something with nice wood that is well-finished and generally has a quality feel to it. I’m not too particular about action type, but I probably don’t want a bolt action unless it’s pretty special otherwise. I also have a little bit of a hang-up about lever actions that I can’t really rationalize – I guess they seem old-fashioned to me, although I have many fond memories of my dad and I doing our best to wear out a Winchester 9422, which we have yet to do. Lever actions aren’t off the table, but I’d probably prefer a semi-auto or pump. Anyway, here are my general requirements:
•Quality: Nice wood with a gloss finish, nice bluing (or stainless), good fit, finish, and feel.
•Budget: hoping to stay under $650, but might be willing to go a little higher
•Capacity: at least 10 rounds
•Age: doesn’t really matter; can be new or used
•Maintenance: Easy to disassemble and clean
Based on that, I’ve been considering the following candidates:
Early production Weatherby Mark XXII. I’ve been sort of fixated on these, even though I know there must be other good choices.
Remington 552 Speedmaster or 572 Fieldmaster. These look nice, but I know some people have a low opinion of recent Remingtons (and Marlins). Should I shop for an older one if I decide to go this route?
CZ 512. These look appealing too, but CZ’s website says the magazine only holds 5 rounds. That translates to a lot of time spent reloading – are 10+ round magazines available? I haven’t seen one in person, but in pictures it doesn’t look like the wood and finishes are anything special.
Henry Lever Action. Among lever actions, it seems to enjoy as good a reputation as any, and at a much lower price.
Some that I am NOT considering:
Ruger 10/22. It’s the most popular .22 in the world, and probably for good reason, but that’s exactly why I don’t want one. It’s too much of a “me too” choice, and I’d prefer something a little different.
Browning BL-22 and Auto-22. Quite simply, I don’t like to buy anything made in Japan or China unless I have no other choice, and the early Belgian autos seem to be out of my price range.
Does anyone have any opinions about any of these choices or some additional ones I haven’t thought of? At the moment, I’d say I’m leaning toward the Weatherby, second choice would be one of the Remingtons.
•Quality: Nice wood with a gloss finish, nice bluing (or stainless), good fit, finish, and feel.
•Budget: hoping to stay under $650, but might be willing to go a little higher
•Capacity: at least 10 rounds
•Age: doesn’t really matter; can be new or used
•Maintenance: Easy to disassemble and clean
Based on that, I’ve been considering the following candidates:
Early production Weatherby Mark XXII. I’ve been sort of fixated on these, even though I know there must be other good choices.
Remington 552 Speedmaster or 572 Fieldmaster. These look nice, but I know some people have a low opinion of recent Remingtons (and Marlins). Should I shop for an older one if I decide to go this route?
CZ 512. These look appealing too, but CZ’s website says the magazine only holds 5 rounds. That translates to a lot of time spent reloading – are 10+ round magazines available? I haven’t seen one in person, but in pictures it doesn’t look like the wood and finishes are anything special.
Henry Lever Action. Among lever actions, it seems to enjoy as good a reputation as any, and at a much lower price.
Some that I am NOT considering:
Ruger 10/22. It’s the most popular .22 in the world, and probably for good reason, but that’s exactly why I don’t want one. It’s too much of a “me too” choice, and I’d prefer something a little different.
Browning BL-22 and Auto-22. Quite simply, I don’t like to buy anything made in Japan or China unless I have no other choice, and the early Belgian autos seem to be out of my price range.
Does anyone have any opinions about any of these choices or some additional ones I haven’t thought of? At the moment, I’d say I’m leaning toward the Weatherby, second choice would be one of the Remingtons.
) It is a very nice rifle and the stock is beautiful. It will shoot sub .50 MOA at 200 yards. I recommend the rifle in any caliber. You should enjoy it.....
