Rather than add drift to Rastoff's 'Guns Everyone Should Own' thread.

Considering current production .22 rifles. Which would you choose and why. I own a 10/22 (not a takedown model), a Marlin 60, a Marlin 795 (basically a magazine fed 60) and a Henry made AR-7. Not to disparage the 10/22, it would not be my first choice if I could only have one.

Of course, Ruger has sold 14 gadzillion 10/22s, am I missing something?

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Certified Curmudgeon

The 10/22 comes in many variations, has a ton of add on accessories and can be very accurate. I just don’t see any other 22 rifle that compares if you can have only one.

TomKin -
I give up!
What is your first choice?
Mine?
Remington 552.
Got that deflector which is great for us Lefties.
But I passed mine down to my SIL.
But I still got an oldie and a goody In the closet.
Remington Model 34.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

Browning SA-22. A classic take down.

I'm in the market too, so I'll be interested to see responses.

I'm willing to expand my budget for a life-time purchase... Say $500(ish).
I prefer semi-auto, but will do a bolt-action if it has 10-round capacity.
I also want something I can put a suppressor on.
This would primarily be a squirrel/rabbit gun.

I have a Marlin 60 with a target barrel that is extremely accurate, but heavier than I like to carry all day with scope, bi-pod (optional), and suppressor. And the tube magazine negates suppressor use.

Considered 10/22's really hard...
Great action, reliability, and above-average accuracy.
Take-down accuracy is suspect though, due to optics mounted on receiver instead of barrel.
10/22 Sporter would be my Ruger choice.

I've been looking really hard at the Magnum Research MagnumLite MLR22ATUT. It exceeds budget (suggested retail), but includes every upgrade I would want on a 10/22 platform, and uses standard 10/22 magazines (as far as I can tell). This looks really attractive!

Hard to beat a Ruger Target rifle with your budget. It would be my first choice for one rifle, for the reasons stated by ken158.

Ruger 10/22 Target Semi-Auto Rifle | Sportsman's Warehouse

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" I don't recall, senator."

The 10/22 had this market locked up. In today's market I don't
know what I would buy. The 10/22s have declined in quality from
what they once were. Marlin 60s are accurate rifles but I never
liked the feed mechanism. Still in new guns made in USA these
two would be the top choices.

You need to narrow the question.

I have a couple of 10-22s. Great rifles but they all need trigger work. Their removable rotary box magazine works great. You can have different mags with different loads. The aftermarket accessory options are endless.

I also have a Remington 552BDL. I like it a lot. Mine is a good 33 years old and I haven't messed with any new productions so there's that. It does have a tubular magazine which doesn't seem to be all that popular now days but I like it fine.

I'd have to say that everyone should have a 10-22. But as soon as you get that squared away get a 552. It has class the 10-22 will never have.

I'd say any of the above you can walk out of a pawn shop for $100.
I too am in the market, but dont want to put $500 into a .22, way to many other guns I want

I currently have 4, 10/22's ( One TD,one stock carbine, one stock deluxe anniversary and one completely tricked out Ultimate) I have also previously owned a good 1/2 dozen more over they years. All were "OK" but I never really loved any of them. Guess, I'm a slow learner.
To be honest I like their ability to be modified enough that they keep me coming back . And there lies the allure and the curse of the 10/22. It's basically a "Mister Potato Head" gun kit for grownups. There isn't a part on the gun that doesn't have an aftermarket replacement or upgrade. This makes them lots of fun to customize but in the end, you often have Anschutz type money tied up in something that isn't.

My recommendation is that IF you buy one, buy it as close to the final configuration you might want . That way, you'll be tempted less to pour money into it.

FWIW, I'm a bolt action fan but if I could only have one semi auto 22 it would be a well featured 10/22 or S&W 15-22PC.

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Dave

It does seem as though Ruger has the corner on the .22 LR semi auto Market.
with their 10/22. There are quite a few notable predecessors of it, that brought lots of enjoyment to us old poops. A couple of them, that come to mind, are the Browning .22 Auto rifle, and the Winchester Mod. 63. I own, have shot, and enjoyed both, can no longer shoot 'em, but, still love to look at, fondle, and share them with others. Here's Two. Thanks for sharing them with me.

Chubbo

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I’d get a Smith & Wesson 15/22 and a bunch of 25 round magazines. They are a lot of fun to shoot.

Here's my favorite .22 rifle. An older 10-22 with the cut checkering walnut stock, and a Leupold 1x4 scope. Very accurate, and light weight, plus it looks very nice. I have others, a Browning SA 22, and a Charter Arms survival rifle, a pump action store brand from the 1920s and others. But this one is just really nice!!:



Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

IMO, the most over looked really good inexpensive 22 lr rifle on the market is the Remingon M 597. I have experience with five of them so far. All had barrels that delivered better than expected accuracy. Yes, there are some minor modifications that help the barrel achieve its potential accuracy. I slicked up the action bars, adjusted the triggers and free floated the barrels for a starter. Each mod added to the accuracy. I'm not up to speed as to after market products for the M 597, but I am sure some will be worthwhile and some will be so-so.

I have found my personal M 597 develops pretty good accuracy off the bench with most all ammo brands and is exceptional with a modestly priced target ammo. I have been shooting Nevada's Picket Pin Ground Squirrels out to 150 yds while using W W's 333/555 brand. If the cross wind isn't too much, the occasional kill at 175 yds isn't too much to expect. When you are shooting up to 500 rounds per day the pricey target ammo is not justified.

I have that one too, plus a newer synthetic takedown version with the bag.

I have owned (most have followed my children to thier new homes)...
10/22 18.5" laminate stock
60 19" laminate stock 14 tube
60 22" hardwood stock 17 tube
795 19" laminate stock
795 19" synthetic stock
AR-7 16" synthetic stock
Nylon 66 19.5" apache green stock 14 tube

4/7 are 60/795s so...

All were iron sight only. The AR-7 Is the least accurate, even with nut tight. 10/22 next, then the Nylon. Best (of my very small sample) are the four Marlins, which are almost as accurate as my Savage 93 bolt.

I don't accessorize so that isn't an issue. Tube magazines don't get lost or bent so they are fine with me. Of course, they make 25s for 10/22 and AR-7s, the 795s are stuck with 10s. The AR-7 is really compact taken down, more so than the takedown 10/22.

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Certified Curmudgeon

Ruger 10/22 has the lion's share of the semi-auto .22 market, and of course, I've had a few.
Appreciating older hardware is something I'm into, so, some years ago picked up a M550 Remington .22 auto. Shoots Shorts, Longs and Long Rifles just great. Recoil spring is actually tired enough that it'll run .22 CB rounds fine.
A cheap 3-9x Bushnell on it and it's deadly.
And - it's a full sized man's rifle.
I'm sure there's plenty on the used market.

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

If one is looking at used rifles, older Marlin model 60, and the many variations is really hard to beat for the money as a reliable and accurate rifle most can be had for $100 or less.

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Randy

I got this one at the end of last year. Ruger 10/22 LVT 22LR BL REC SS $354.00

There are a number of videos on how to do the trigger but if you don't want to do it send it to Brimstone and he'll do a great job on whatever tier you pick.

I had mine bedding and recrowned and it shoots great for ABRA matches in factory class and even CMP Rimfire when I change the scope so I can make weight.

I currently have five .22's.

A Stirling (Phillipines) model 14, 10 shot bolt action fitted with sound suppressor, 4 X 32 scope and a stream light. This is my night time pest rifle.

Next tis my Brno #2, also fitted with 4 X 32 scope. This is my range rifle for sporting rimfire target events.

Next up is another Stirling, a Model 16 (cheap copy of M16/AR15 stock and sights) that has been retrofitted into a Stirling Model 20 (sporting variation) stock. The conversion was not a simple swap over. The stud that secures the barrel to the stock is in a different location, over the front trigger guard screw of the M20 stock. It wears a low profile "holographic" style red dot fitted this afternoon.

Next up is my Chiappa lever action. I really wanted a Henry Golden Boy but this came along at one third of the price. It too sports a "holographic" red dot sight but will retain the open sights for use when required. The open sights are a bit course for target accuracy but okay for Cowboy Rimfire matches.

Finally the newest, a S&W M&P 15-22. It too sports red dot, this one with a 30mm tube. With it I can shoot using the sight or the fold down iron sights. For iron sight speed steel the red dot can come off and be refitted in a few minutes using the iron sights as a guide.

I chose the 15-22 over a 10/22 due to the trigger (definitely not target grade on the M&P) being better than the Ruger and the better iron sights.

But if the 10/22 is the route you must take I'd have to recommend one of the "now the patent has expired" copies. The Webley & Scott I looked at had a far better trigger out of the box while the rubber stock was pure delight to hold.

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View from down under

I put a few bux into this 10/22. Money well spent.

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Psalm 27:2

I bought a Marlin Model 60 about a year ago, and while it runs ok now (just ok), I have been less than impressed with it. It's taken a lot of fiddling to get it to work right.

I know it is a "plastic gun" but I sure do like those Remington 66s!
I have two one i bought in mid 70s and one that was my Dad's about 1980.
Steve W

My favs are the Browning BAR-22 and Weatherby XXII

I have the basic cheapest model 10/22, (218.00 OTD) that I have mounted a Bushnell 3 x 9 x 40 on. With 4 10 round magazines I can waste ammo by the pound.

It is surprisingly accurate, or it would be if I would quit fooling with it. I floated the barrel, removed the band, and installed spacers inside the stock at the receiver to eliminate lots of side to side movement. I also replaced the trigger group with the Ruger direct replacement.

I still need to seal the stock where I floated the barrel and try some serious shooting with it. After almost 75 trips around the sun, I get the shakes when I shoot. It still does not shoot as accurately as my old Marlin model 80 DL bolt action that I have had for at least 50 years.

Here are a few photos, one with it's older brother, the 44 magnum.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

I have a high standard sport king special it was my first firearm. Since 1971.
Still have it, don't need another.
Can't remember ever having any type of jam.
Regards

I have a 70's Marlin model 60 that shoots anything I feed it and is very accurate. A friend bought a new Model 60 three years ago and it is a jam-a-matic piece of junk no matter what ammo fed into it.

I think if I was to buy a new 22lr today it would be the Ruger 10-22.

Thanks for all the pics. Had one long ago and forgot how light and handy the 10/22 is with that 18 1/2 inch barrel. Wanted something for woods varmint hunting so when Ruger came out with American Compact in 22 magnum I jumped on it. Great accuracy with CCI 40 grain stuff.

For a cheap, knock round 22 semi rifle, it really is hard to beat the 10-22. With that said, i sold my 10-22 a few years back after getting a 15-22 in 2011. I shoot that 15-22 so much, the 10-22 was collecting dust. I think I’d feel confident stating my 15-22 would do just about anything I want out of a 22 rifle, including small game hunting.

Browning SA 22. Another John Browning masterpiece. Accurate, top quality, take down (2 piece), lightweight, not fussy about any ammo, bottom ejection, and butt stock tube feed resulting in absolute reliability. I speak from experience....been shooting mine for 54 years. Another month and will be 55 years! May be a bit more expensive, but is money well spent. You won’t regret it. Now being produced in Japan verse Belgium, but all of the Japanese Browning’s (Miroku) are of equal quality and finish. Just don’t command the collectible prices.

I love my Ruger Carbine. I love my Mini 14.

A 10/22 needs to get in the mix.

Note, the wood on those .44s.

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Dum vivo cano

I have a few semi auto .22 rifles,
Ruger 10-22 with the black synthetic stock,
Marlin mod 60, 19" barrel,
two Winchester mod 74s in .22 Short,
Remington mod 550 in S L & LR,
Remington Nylon 66.
Choosing to keep only one would be tough. I like my 10-22 way better
with it's synthetic stock than one I used to have with the standard
slick, clubby hardwood stock. If I could only have one it would be
either the 10-22 or the Nylon 66. I've owned a couple of the famed
Browning takedowns but found that they had to be kept very clean
or they would malfunction. I've always wanted a Winchester mod 63
but I haven't been willing to pay the going price.

Hard to beat an older Marlin Model 60. Cheap, dependable and extremely accurate. I have a Model 99M1, which is simply a shorter Model 60 in a stock that resembles the M1 Carbine. Great little rifle.
I also have a 10/22. But frankly, these rifles are more like a starter kit. Out of the box, they ain't much. But add about what it cost you in aftermarket parts and they can be tack drivers.
I had a AR-7. Interesting little rifles which are good for their intended purpose. A simple trigger job makes them loads better. Accuracy is acceptable. However, I find the design a little awkward to handle. Its a niche rifle and not something for everyday use.

I HONESTLY BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE MISSING SOMETHING ! ! ! WHATEVER YOUR COMPLAINT IS ABOUT YOUR 10/22, I DOUBT THAT IS LACK OF RELIABILITY....

ONCE YOU HAVE A 10/22 RECEIVER, YOU CAN BUILD A TOTALLY CUSTOM RIFLE, THAT WILL FULFILL YOUR GREATEST EXPECTATIONS.....

COUNTLESS AFTERMARKET SOURCES EXIST, THAT OFFER TOP QUALITY COMPONENTS FROM MATCH BARRELS TO COMPETITION TRIGGERS, A WIDE VARIETY OF STOCKS, AND ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU MIGHT DESIRE.......

OR YOU CAN MERELY REPLACE THE OFFENDING PART OF YOUR 10/22 AND BE DONE....

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

I used to have a dozen 22 rifles, but decided that was just silly so I sold all of them off but the one I liked best. That was a "Wally-World Special" 10/22. With it's longer 22" barrel, it feels like a "big rifle" to me.



The checkered hardwood stock looks nice I think. The gun is pretty much stock out of the box, but it has had a trigger job done, and I think I changed the bolt buffer. Someone gave me a half dozen or so and I think I changed it, anyway. I'm too lazy to take it down just to find out. The scope is a blister pack 4X Bushnell from Wally World, as is the cheap black nylon sling.

Good shooting rifle. There might be others that are more accurate on the range, but the squirrels can't tell the difference.

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John 3:16 .

I've accumulated several 10/22s over the years..................

My favorite version is the International with the full length mannlicher stock... paired with a small Weaver 1-3x20 shotgun scope; or Skinner sights.

My oldest has a fun M-1 Carbine version.

and a Take-down w/ red dot....... to grab and go.

I like the earlier production Ruger 10-22. Like all things I guess, the earlier ones seemed better made and finished.
I recently repaired a 'new' (bought less than 2 yrs ago) but hardly ever fired 10-22.
I was less than enthusiastic about the rifle to say the least.
It should have probably gone back to Rugerville, but I fixed it for the guy anyway. You should not have to remove the bbl and complete the chamber reaming on a new rifle,,and that was only the start.

Anyway, they do seem to have the bulk of the market. With the right care and adj they can hold right there with most any sporter bolt target rifle.

The AR-7 I don't see as a one and only 22 semiauto rifle for woodswalking, plinking and hunting (if you do such).
It's got it's unique points and uses, but I'd rather have a full size/weight/wood and steel older mfg rifle.
I don't see myself needing to survive a week at the Range after my plane crash lands there.
But for people that do get their rears in less than favorable situations,,it could be something that brings you out of it. That's what it was designed as.
There's a couple of them at the club where I shoot. I've shot them and they do what you'd expect them to. No problems. Just feels a bit off handling it that's all.

The Marlin 60/99,,,I think I've made my opinion known on those.
They can be very accurate though,,

My personal choice would still be an elderly but good condition Remington 241, Winchester 63, Browning AutoLoader, or even some of the lesser known models of semiautos made by the companys back in the day.
If I am to upgrade anything , it is done with walnut, better metal finish/blue, checkering, engraving ect.
I'm not in to the parts swap idea that is so common with especially the 10-22. But it sure has made a lot of people happy and kept gun sales going.
If nothing else it's good for shooting sports bottom line. It certainly keeps the younger people interested and we need that for sure.

Lots of choices, new and older,, and it should stay that way.

Semi- classic

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Paul
S&WCA #2726

I'd say my Browning SA-22. Small- simple-elegant-high quality. Unlike the 10/22 which has the girth of a 12 ga under & over.

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S&W Accumulator

Only one I own, been shooting it for 50+ years now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have a Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 and a Ruger 10/22. Hard to imagine needing another style. My next .22 rifle will be a lever action . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

+1 on the Rem 552 Speedmaster. I've had one for over 25 years and am very happy with it.

Take a good look at the 572 Fieldmaster while you are at it. Pump gun .22s are a lot of fun too. I have an old one and it's a great shooter too.

One of the things I like about the Rems is that they are adult sized.

Edit to add: I just looked these guns up on the Remington website. Both guns feature "big-game sights", so I guess they are ready for a dangerous game safari too.

: )

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My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs

Interesting, as I purchased my SA22 in 1962. It listed for about $55 back then. Dealer took off a couple bucks and threw in a box of shells. I was 14 at the time worked hard shoveling snow all winter to get the money for this rifle. I also had my parents permission to buy/sell and use guns. No way could that happen today! Still have it and it has gone threw a few scopes with tip off mounts way back then. Since then I use only the iron sights and if fact no longer have a scope or mount for that gun.

That old timer is my favorite for sure in the .22 Semi class. I have had quite a few other semi's over the years and now only have the Browning and a stock Ruger 10-22

I have had at different time a Mossberg with the fold down Bakelite handle, a Marlin 60, AR 7 take down.

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14 S&W Revs none with locks!

One eye joe,

I don't have a "complaint" about the 10/22. I see how people who customise a rifle may prefer it to a Marlin 60 because there is more of an aftermarket. I am more of a bolt action guy than a semi auto guy, but I have a couple semi auto .22s. I also like older rifles, but see how it is really easier to own a currently produced factory supported firearm with lots of parts avilability and smiths familiar with the weapon.

To wit, recently acquired $100 otd from a pawn shop. New Haven (Mossberg) 250 with cheap Norinco sight one 10 and one 15 round magazine. My research says made 50 years ago, Numrich has zero parts so if something breaks... (Hey, my doctor said something similar.)

Oh, 100 yards, triangle is 3"×2"×2", 25 rounds of GECO .22LR semi-auto

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Certified Curmudgeon

Almost same story here. In 1967 my Dad "share cropped" 2 acres of watermelons with me. Said after I bought my school clothes the rest was mine. The Western Auto in town had a blonde Browning SA-22 for $75. I bought it. I was 13 at the time. 51 years later I still have it.

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S&W Accumulator

I like to say that one can never have too many 22LR rifles
My advise is do not limit yourself

Why yes, I once shot a charging 1500 pound African Cape Buffalo with a Henry .22 LR carbine.

Lucky for me, I had a .458 Weatherby. (How the Buffalo got the Henry I will never know.)

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Certified Curmudgeon

I like lever guns too.......

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S&W Accumulator

I'm now down to just my first Browning auto .22 rifle,which I received new in 1968.Over the years,, I owned many others, including the Grade IIs and IIIs, as well as the short model.

I have two with one being a S&W 15-22 and a Ruger 10/22 and they both are fun to shoot.
S&W

Ruger 10/22