I'm fairly new to gun ownership and shooting, and all of my attention has been on handguns. I find myself wanting an inexpensive rifle chambered in .22lr, but as I have little knowledge, I ask the advice of my more knowledgeable friends here.

What are my constraints? Primarily cost. Secondarily, I'm open to advice on something that can be easily outfitted to other calibers, like an AR.

Look at the CZ .22s They are cheap and very accurate. I have a model 452 and, at 50 meters, it will shoot almost as well as my Anschutz.

If your constrained by price, then you don't want an AR. And an AR isn't neccessarily easy to adapt to many calibers. It can be done, but how deep are your pockets?

I would stick with a dedicated 22 rifle such as a Ruger 10/22. There are more accessories available for the 10/22 than any other 22 rifle.

If you can't afford one, save up for it. If you try to buy a decent 22 rifle on the cheap, what you buy may take the fun out of it. You can't go wrong with a 10/22.

Ruger 10-22
Pick 1 up used, no need to change cal. if you want to shoot a different caliber, you can find a used rifle just as cheap.
tb

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frontsightnsqueaz

We could perhaps be more helpful if we knew how much your budget allows. That said, the Ruger 10/22 is an excellent choice, new or used.

I have a Thompson Center and love it. Simple, rugged and accurate.

Marlin M-795SS

Ruger 10-22

if you want just the AR look then go with a S&W15-22 but if you want a all around .22 go with ( and my fellow 15-22 buddies may scold me for it) go with the ruger 10-22... bunch of parts to make any configuration you want, even a hand cranked gatling but you need 2 for that.

I concur, the Ruger 10-22 is an ideal entry-level gun that can be improved and modified six ways from Sunday. Take a look at the newly announced take-down version --- I think I need one of those...

If your in to customizing the 10/22 is the one.

If your in to classic fun check out a Henry pump or lever.

Or look for an old Winchester pump like a 62a. I have a beater and it's still fun. I paid 300 for it. The price goes up every day on the nice ones. I was seconds from buying a really nice one for a grand but ran in to a better short term investment.

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Dum vivo cano

I can only comment on the ones that I have so here goes. If you can afford it and want something that resembles an AR platform, what better than the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22. My wife and I both have one and it's more accurate than people seem to think plus rail accessories can be added. If you're looking for a .22 lever gun, Henry makes a great one and the blue version is not too heavy on the wallet. Plus the Henry will shoot .22 shorts, longs and long rifles. A Marlin model 60 is a good plinker and can be bought for just a few shekels. If it's real inexpensive you're looking for, the Mossberg 702 Plinkster can be had for around $130. It ain't gonna win the Olympics but it will hit the side of the barn.

CW

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μολὼν λαβέ

Another vote for the Ruger 10/22. Also have a Remington 582 bolt action that is very nice, but have not seen many available as of late.

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I am a sheep dog!
1601 (ret)

Just my .02.... older Marlin 39 with the straight stock.
Wish I'd kept mine.

Chipmunk6

Beware of the 10-22 it can become a disease, I have rebuilt mine over a 20 yr. period, Now has heavy barrel,over powered scope, new trigger,and is glued into a laminated stock. drives tacks at 100 yards with sv loads.
On the other hand I scoped a stock 10-22 for a friend the performance was 1/2 in. groups at 50 yards with hv. loads.
I don't see how you could go wrong with a 10-22.

I still got mine. It is a 1963 Marlin Golden M---Mountie, short barrel, straight stock. Has always been accurate shooter.

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James

It is hard to beat a Ruger 10/22.

They have a new take down model that I think I need...

Marlin and Savage make very good bolt action and semi-automatic .22 LR rifles. They are accurate and work very well. Ascetically some find them less than stylish. The same is said of Glock pistols. But they work superlatively just the same. Ruger makes excellent .22 LR rifles. The 77/22 is an outstanding bolt-action rifle. The 10/22 is the best .22 LR semi-automatic rifle available. It is an outstanding rifle. When my daughters were ready for a .22 LR rifle, I bought them each their own 10/22. It was money well spent. HTH. Sincerely. brucev.

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<><

The CZ 453 American (has single set trigger) and the CZ 452 (standard trigger) are incredibly well made, dead nuts accurate, and pretty too! You can score one for about $550 or so, (less for the 452). An older Marlin 39A (pre rebounding hammer) is a great .22 if you like lever action rifles. That will set you back around $450 or so (in good condition). The Ruger 10/22's are not my bag, but they are inexpensive, accurate and well liked by most. Don't know the price on those, but they are not expensive and readily available. I would personally stay clear of the Rossi's, but that's another story. If you look online (Gunbroker) you can buy a used Marlin bolt action .22 with either a standard magazine or tubular magazine very reasonably and they usually will shoot quite well. They sell for really low prices and while they are no Winchester M52, they will get the job done.


Chief38

so many options out there.....
I'll limit my suggestions to no gadgetry economy priced semi-autos.

I like a Marlin 60. Cheap accurate and no big mag hanging out the bottom. the 795 if you like a mag fed gun.

10-22 hands down if you are going to mod it, but there is a price premium over the Marlins for no real gains if you plan on leaving it stock.

If you really want to play around with calibers, get an AR lower and a dedicated 22 upper, but you'd be better off with 2 separate guns IMO than going that route.

One more vote for the Ruger 10-22. Had one out with the fam last weekend, and of four different .22s, it was the one with the least FTF/FTEs. Fewer failures = more fun. Good luck with your decision.

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Don't need no stinkin' sigline

If you want an accurate bolt rifle, I'll place another vote for CZ. My three boys all have 452 Trainers which are similar to a Lux, but have a birch stock.

If you want an accurate semi-auto, I like the Thompson Center, but it doesn't like cheap ammo. The Ruger 10/22 is a great all purpose option.

Search around for a used Marlin 60, tube fed, and you may grab one for $100.00-$125.00. You'll have a lot of fun with it, inexpensive.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

I say buy a CZ and hand it down from one generation to another. IMO to get a Ruger 10/22 to shoot like a CZ you will have to spend big bucks and if you decide to sell it later lots of luck getting your money out of it. Don

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"Don't worry be happy"

Are you a lefty? A righty? Me, I like single shots so I have a real thing for the guns like Savage's new version of the classic Favorite rifle.

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Vaya con Dios

Yea...I think I need one too...

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Forum consigliere

Ruger 10/22 - the barbie of 22s, buy the base model for $200, upgrade it to whatever you want from a Tommy Gun dress-up kit, to a full target challenge gun, only your wallet will hold you back.


Marlin M-60 - Same base price as the Ruger, more accurate out of the box, less aftermarket goodies.

Savage bolt guns - they start around $200, good triggers, good barrels, more than adequate for plinking and hunting. Very good value and highly recommended American Company.

CZ 452s - @ $350-$400 Arguably the best bang for the buck in bolt action .22s, with just minor trigger work they can compete in competitions with rifles that cost 3 times as much.



There is only one swap barrel .22 I would consider.
The pre-G2 T/C Contender - Bare frames run $250, a good match grade .22 barrel is $250 - $300. Extra barrels from .22 Hornet to .45-70 cost $200 each. The reasoning behind choosing the older style Contenders is the trigger, T/C changed the trigger in the G2 and it is not as easily user adjustable as it was in the older models.

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Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

I've had the Marlin 60 (semi-auto), Lakefield/Savage MkII (bolt), and Ruger 10/22.
Get a Ruger

The magazine system alone is far and away better than the others.

There is such a following for the 10/22 that I don't think there can be an issue come up that can't be fixed. Allocate an extra $50 for an extra magazine and a drop-in hammer that will help the trigger pull tremendously. You don't HAVE to do that, but it will help you shoot better.

http://www****ger.com/products/1022/index.html
Be sure to check out the "distributor exclusives", also. There is a model for everyone.

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War Eagle! '10 BCS & '13 SEC

Me too!
T/C Contender - Sweet, and talk about versatile. From .22 to 45/70 as a carbine or pistol with several different barrel lengths - ALL using The Very Same Trigger
I practice with mine with .22LR CBIs and can put them into the black at 25 yards consistently (with a red dot sight) - My wife shoots it even better
Come deer season I just put a 7-30 Waters barrel on it and I'm good to go....

The 10-22 is also an EXCELLENT choice if you're into semi-autos.
They're kinda like the S&W Model 10 - Everyone should have at least one

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In dog years I'm dead.

For price point and excellent quality, the Ruger 10/22 or the Henry .22 Lever Action are great choices. I also had a M&P 15-22, which was awesome, but traded for another gun I wanted more. Good luck, and .22 is absolutely one of the funnest rounds to shoot.

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Endeavor to persevere. <><

The most economical except for the Marlin Model 60 semi-auto is the Savage bolt action. I paid $140 at Walmart for one for my great grandson. It is accurate, very safe and functions well with no problems. A very good buy.

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Mighty 90's,Trying 4 a 100!

To answer the questions here:

(1) I have no significant limitations on the amount of money I can pay, but I'm cheap and prefer not to purchase something expensive on the first go-around.

(2) I'm right-handed. Badly right-handed.

I think I'll start researching a Ruger 10/22.

Every manufacturer mentioned in this thread, I wouldn't have a problem buying.

Look around, and handle a few and you will know which one is for you.

I purchased a Marlin 60 SB in 2009. Put a Bushnell silver scope on it, replaced the trigger guard with one made in aluminum. I am totally satisfied with my purchase. Not a bad looking .22

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

All good sugguestions, however the cz 452 is hard to beat.

The Ruger 10/22 is a great gun that I just don't like to use. I've had two over the years and couldn't get used to either one. If you want a good semiauto 22lr, get a used Remington 552. They feel more like a full sized rifle and are as accurate as most bolt guns.

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Charles Randolph

I found my Marlin 60 at a yard sale for $20 5 or 6 years ago. Look around, as bargains can be had if you keep your eyes open.

One of the best buys around is the Marlin model 25, a clip fed bolt action. They're often available on seasonal sales at K or Walmart with a scope for well under $200. You can find them in stainless steel/laminated stock versions too. Extra clips are inexpensive and easy to find. The Marlin lever action model 39 is a great .22 but they aren't cheap anymore. You'd be lucky to find one for less than $400 these days. The Ruger 10/22 is probably the best semi-auto .22 ever made and is very affordable. I've heard lots of good things about the CZ bolt action .22's but I think they are close to double the price of a Marlin mode 25.
John

Overall, the 10-22 is likely your best bet. Lots of custom bolt-on options to play with.

I DO NOT like Henry Big Boys=but the .22 is a nice little lever.

A Mossberg 340K is super accurate (Bolt action). Mount a 4x highpower rifle scope (a cheap one). The 640K is 22 magnum. Might run $120.00.

Used .22 rifles can run from $20-30 up. Check out gun shops and gun shows (especially local ones) until you find what you like. In general, the older name models will be better quality than the new ones.

Wow how could no one say the remington nylon 66 .A great little rifle to plink with and can be found on gunbroker in the 150.00 to 250.00 range.

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The Lord cometh and right soon

The extra money you'll spend on quality will be forgotten long before the headaches from buying something cheap will end. I wish I'd figured this out 30 years ago!

Like others have said, the 10-22 would be a great place to start. Reliable, accurate, affordable, easy to tinker with.

However, I wouldn't consider the Henry lever rifle just because it's more affordable than a Marlin or Browning lever action. Yes, I'm sure there are those that are happy with the Henry, but the truth is, they are lacking in quality compared to the Marlin or Browning.

I highly recommend the Browning BL-22. Yes, you'll spend a little extra for it, but you won't be disappointed.

I have more .22's than anything, just bought a 10/22 this week, and picking up (another) Ruger Mk III to go with it next Monday. Also have Marlins, Rugers, Kimbers, SIG's, Remingtons, Winchesters, Smiths, Colts...you cannot go wrong with a .22. Unfortunately, they are extremely addictive!

My vote is Ruger 10/22, Ruger 77/22, T/C R-55, SIG 522 (incredible fun) and the CZ's. Also LOVE the old Kimbers and any Anschutz, but they are pricey.

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I hope I copied that right

I have more than a few 22 rifles. By far the most enjoyable is my old Winchester model 63 (fitted with an old Browning 4X). The gun is very accurate the trigger is amazing and you end up with something that feels as nice as one of your old revolvers. A shooter grade 63 won’t cost you much more than a CZ and will likely be worth much more when you hand it down to one of the grand kids.

If you want to go off the shelf and keep the cost low 10/22 is hard to beat.

I'd go with any of the respected-name mfr.'s above. Just
don't buy a single-shot . All the pleasure of a .22 is in shooting
w/o worrying about ammo cost.
TACC1

I stumbled into a Remington 504 Sporter with Leupold scope - CHEAP! They have a bad rep but mine will put five rounds under a dime at 50 yards, regardless of the amunition, which is plenty good enough for me. Never had an issue with the rifle at all and I would call it my best "score" of a firearm yet.

That being said, if I were actively looking to buy a .22 I'd get a Ruger 10/22 or Marlin 60. Inexpensive, good rep, lot's of fun with both of them.

removed PC

[QUOTE=BuckeyeChuck;136441236]I'm fairly new to gun ownership and shooting, and all of my attention has been on handguns. I find myself wanting an inexpensive rifle chambered in .22lr, but as I have little knowledge, I ask the advice of my more knowledgeable friends here.

What are my constraints? Primarily cost. Secondarily, I'm open to advice on something that can be easily outfitted to other calibers, like an AR.

As AKA Guy22. The 22 doesnt stand for age. I have ~ 40 .22lr rifles. You don't give price range, purpose, semi- bolt, etc

What are my constraints? Primarily cost.
If cost is king you a looking used.
In semi auto you will find a Marlin 60 a best buy. ~ $100.00 home. If you don't find one send me a PM, I have plenty.
Some other ones Ruger 10/22, Whinchester 190, & Reminton 597. Some of these will run you around $200.00
Bolt guns go with a Marlin or Savage. Can grty good ones for ~ $80.00 to $200.00.

"I'm open to advice on something that can be easily outfitted to other calibers, like an AR."

The best is the S&W M&P 15/22. Why do I say that? Everthing I have added on my AR. will fit my S&W M&P 15/22
It sounds like you want to be tactical cool. Price wise the Mossberg, Colt, might sound good. I would save money and get a S&W M&P 15/22, GSG 522SD, Sig 522 SWAT Commando.

JMHO
Guy22

Would it be my desire to minimize costs, or my revelation that I'm badly right handed that led you to this remarkably unwarranted conclusion? Never assume. It makes an... well, you know.

I asked about the AR because I wondered if it might fulfill the interchangeability about which I inquired. I couldn't care less how the gun looks. I am primarily driven by a desire to keep costs low -- which is why I asked about a .22lr rifle in the first place. If I could get a .22lr rifle that would also allow me to cost-effectively purchase interchangeable hardware for larger calibers, I would find that appealing.

Lower costs are why I own an M&P9 and not a Wilson Combat Commander. I've shot both, and I much prefer the Wilson, but if I can have an adequate gun and keep my money for other purposes, this makes me happier overall.

Marlin Mod. 60 it is still my fav. I've had mine since '78 or '79. But I do like my 10/22. Going to start my 9y/o daughter on them this year and see which she likes best. I hope I dont lose the marlin to her, but at least it will be in good hands.

My other .22 rifle is a Mossberg 340 KC bolt-action that I got for free after helping a buddy clean up his house after a fire. We were dragging everything out of the rooms and salvaging what we could, when he found the rifle in a closet in a room that was untouched by the fire. He rarely went in that room and couldn't remember where or when he got the rifle, so he gave it to me.

It shoots very well, despite the dinky sights, and the dovetail scope mounts make mounting a scope a little tricky. The looooooooooong barrel makes shooting subsonic and the big 60gr. solids a very quiet event.

I am for the Ruger 10/22. There are many options, configurations to pick from. Size of barrels, mag's, stocks, etc. I own a Belgium Browning Auto take apart that I bought new when I was a young man. That was over 50 years ago. I remember many more hunting experiences that I had with my school buddies than I do with my pistols,hi-powered rifles, shotguns. You will be able to start your kids & their kids off shooting with a nice little 22. I really like the bolt action 22's as you take more time to be accurate and it saves on the ammo, if thats a concern. Accuracy is the most importent factor in picking any firearm. But for a overall 22 I would pick the Ruger. I owned a couple on 22 Ansults which were very accurate and fun to shot. They are expensive and very accurate. I hear the Marlin 22's are very accurate. I think I would look for the used rifles that have a good trigger pull and a clean bore.

You wont regreat owning a 22 rifle.