This request is from someone who knows zero about rifles except the M-1 Garand and M-1 Carbine from basic training when dinosaurs still roamed the earth. If you had $250 to spend would you choose a Ruger 10/22, a Henry H-001 or something else?

tough choice, When i was in the market for a .22lr for my son, I ended up with a Marlin Model 60, it's a fun gun to shoot and it's been fairly reliable, the few jams I've had with it have been due to cheap ammo I use. In retrospect I would probably go with the Ruger though, there's lost of add-ons and extras that would make it more interesting in the long run (A buddy of mine found a site that makes stocks for the Ruger so it looks like some of the Sci-Fi movie rifles)

I'm a very strong proponent of the Savage MkII bolt guns. Amazing value and accuracy. Or if you want a semi-auto, check out the Marlin 795, which runs $100-120 most places and is a very nice little gun.

$250....****ger 10/22 without a doubt.
But check the auctions-they're some neat pumps, and remingtons and lever guns around that you might latch on to for less than the $250. Heck, I've got a browning take down 22 that is cosmetically challenged (a few rust dimples where the hurricane caught it) but otherwise in perfect functioning shape that I would sell you for $250. I think I even have a scope mount for it.( don't know about the screws though)

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Forum consigliere

I would look around for an older Ruger 10/22 built back when the bluing and wood was better. I've seen several deluxe models in that price range at gunshows. If you had more to spend, I would say a Marlin 39A would be good.

I would support the Ruger 10-22. I have a Ithica Lightning X-15 that is great but overall the Ruger is fine rifle.

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I am a sheep dog!
1601 (ret)

***10/22***

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SC Army National Guard

Gotta cast a vote for the Henry. I'm not looking for exacting accuracy, and the little lever Henry's are great fun to shoot. I like them so much that Mrs. jframe shoots the H001 and I've got an H001L carbine with a sixteen inch barrel and large loop lever. I just love the feel of them, and not only are they assembled in America, every component of the rifle is SOURCED from this country. To top it off, I haven't had to use them, but I've heard their customer service is second to none, which I can't say that I've always heard about Ruger. As a plus, I know for a fact that Henry's company President answers emails personally, as he has answered a couple for me.

Jframe wins!

Now if you can just find a Henry for $250. Ruger's have been around so long that there is a much better supply of them to pick from.

Henry will make you happy!
I have a golden boy I bought used.
Keyholed at 50 years, Sent to henry on a monday and by friday had it back with a new barrel no charge.
I also called and asked about the trigger, I told them that my big loop carbine had a real nice trigger, And wondered if they could send me a manual on how to take it apart so I could do a trigger job on it.
Well they sent me a manual as well as a polished trigger and hammer for free.
Go figure, The best customer service I have ever seen.
Peter

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Need 1/2 moon Chiefs special

Henry's are made in NJ, go figure.

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Sure you did

There are 3 Henry .22s up for auction on Gunbroker right now, with 18 hours left, and all are under $275.

I don't know about the Henry, but given the replies here, it must be good.

I've had a 10/22 for over 25 years, and it still looks and runs as good now as it did then.

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Don't need no stinkin' sigline

If you like the semi-auto mechanism, the 10-22 is probably the way to go. I have had good luck with the tube-fed Marlin Model 60 as well. Try a local gun store and look for something that pleases the eye, too.

Wonderful quest, picking a .22. You may not stop at just one!

Regards,

Dyson

Although I don't own one,All my cousins have owned them since the early 70's and they still use them today, I have a hand me down Remington speedmaster that goes back to 56 when My uncle bought it at a Firestone shop. Very long for a 22 but accurate as hell. And It cycles fast everytime with no jams.

I too would vote for the Ruger 10/22. I'd also suggest an "older" one, with real bluing, nice walnut wood and no plastic trigger guard.

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G.P. Charlie

I like a Ruger 77/22 Don't know what they cost now. Don

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"Don't worry be happy"

I had a Bicentennial Ruger 10/22 that I eventually gave to my son. Since 1976 we have had 100% reliability and 0% trouble.

Ruger 10/22. What is the sense in having any rifle if it isn't as accurate as it can be? Just an inexpensive noise maker. I love LA's, but have owned several Ruger's throughout the years, I think there are 4 in the safe now. Put a good scope on it and knock dimes off a backstop at 25 - 50 yards with good ammo, minute of squirrelhead with most. The only gun I've ever had stolen was a 10/22 Deluxe my Dad bought me when I was 14, I got deadly accurate with it.
I kill to have that one back. In fact I'd kill the SOB that stole it.
RD

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Got a Phd from Hard Knocks U

I second the motion for the Savage MK II series. Very accurate and inexpensive. Everyone should own at least one 10-22 though!

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Freedom above all else.

They used to be made in Brooklyn.

I'm partial to lever action rifles. My first .22 was a winchester Model 250. That being said, I'd go with the Ruger. Plenty of after market parts and they're pretty decent guns.

Henrys cutomer service is amazing. Working on one missing a bunch of parts customer lost and they are sending replacement parts at no cost.

Thanks to all for the education.

10/22 for sure. They are very accurate, reliable, accessories out the wazoo, and easy to mount a scope on if you want.

I like lever actions more than anything, but if you want a real lever 22, save up for a Win 9422, Marlin 39a, or a Browning BL22. Even a Ruger 96/22 if you should be so lucky! The Henry is a fine plinker .... and that's all I got to say about that.

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" I said, good DAY! "

Have to vote for the 10 22 also, I have two custom builds now and a marlin 60. With all the diff stocks,barrels,and aftermarkt parts, If you ever get tired of the way it looks you can have a totally different looking gun very easily.

It all depends on your usage intended.

For general plinking and fun...****ger 10/22. It can be upgraded also if you want more accuracy out of it.

For squirrel hunting, or informal tack driving accuracy....CZ American. The trigger can be upgraded very cheaply but deadly out of the box accuracy.

For nostalgia....Henry lever or Rossi pump.

I have a Marlin 795 I bought 15 years ago. I have not had any problems with it. That being said, buy a 10-22 because there is a whole industry making after-market parts for the 10-22. Just my opinion.

Rifle Stocks - Marlin 60 Accessory Store !

I think that is the ONLY aftermarket stock I've ever seen for the marlin 60 ...

nice looking and very affordable though

Bud's Gun Shop has the Henry H001 for $252 (Shipped!). the Bottom one in this picture is a Henry H001L (large loop lever, $9 more) Lifetime warranty; excellent customer service. Nice .22 levers for plinking, and pretty darn accurate. A different kind of rifle than a 10/22 (which is also an excellent value).

See of you can still find a Wal-Mart with one of the "Wal-Mart Special" 10/22's in stock. They were stainless with a hardwood stock and 20" barrel. Retailed for around $232.00. They've been discontinued now. Rumor has it Ruger demanded a steep price increase and Wal-Mart said no.

My family has always had good luck with our Marlins throughout the years. You can find used ones for cheap.

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-Amy

I have a Henry Goldenboy and I like it alot. But a $252 gun plus a transfer fee is out of the OP's price range. But, I would recommend a Henry if they want to up the spending limits. But I would also recommend a Marlin 39A over the Henry, because they hold their value a little better over time.

I would vote for a 10/22, get a used one as cheap as you can. Everything is available after market, first get a trigger group, or get yours reworked. With a good trigger a 10/22 becoes another kind of rifle. Next step perhaps a Shilen,Lilja,or Clark drop-in barrel, and you can put holes very close together. Then up-grade the stock. In fact some 10/22s have no Ruger parts at all except for the magazine.

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Ipsis Rebus Dictantitbus

I would go with the Henry.
With the Ruger you may have to use faster than 1040fps to get it to cycle. The Henry will always cycle because you are doing the work.
However, a good use bolt action may suit you better.
Carlos

Ruger 10/22 or Marlin model 60, for sure. I have both and love'em both. I prefer the detachable magazine on the 10/22, but I actually like the way the model 60 handles and shoots better.

I've gone away from .22 rifles and settled on the Ruger Charger,ballistics are close enough to a rifle for me and it's easier to carry about.

The Charger is basically a 10/22 made into a pistol and the few weeks I've had mine it's worked great,shoots just about damn near anything (standard velocity,high velocity,Stingers,hell it shoots the Sniper Sub Sonics) so if the rifle works anything like the pistol I'd be happy with it.

This looks like a Ford/GM debate. As you can see, we all have our own opinions. Good luck on your choice. You'll have to live with it.

Someone mentioned a CZ. I have a CZ 452 and it is really good value for money. I know you guys like to buy American but consider others before deciding. I was going to buy a Henry but it was damaged. The shop couldn't say how long it would take to get another so I bought the CZ. No regrets

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Kill it, cook it, eat it.

I have owned 2 Marlins which have been less than satisfactory.

I have owned 4 Ruger 10/22 rifles. All were satisfactory. I customized the one I kept and life is good.

I have not bolt gun experience.

jed