I've been casually seeking a 22 magnum semi-auto. I think I posted that a while back. I came across a Ruger Bolt action 22 magnum rifle with scope, sling, 3 mags, soft case & manual. Going up to look at it tomorrow. Not a semi-auto but I think a good buy at under $500.
Then I came across a bolt action 22 mag Colt "The Colteer" for $400 but no sights or anything.
My question is what is a Colteer? It's a rifle, but I never heard of it. Lots of info online for repair, what not, but are these good for decent plinking?
Also, I think I heard good about the Ruger. Any bad reviews on the Ruger? I can get the model number, but I think it's their only 22 Mag Bolt action. I will update this when I get the Model No.

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Waiting For The Sun.

The Colt rifles must be 50-60 years old. I believe those were made overseas for Colt. A friend had a semiautomatic carbine, IIRC it had a straight stock and a saddle ring in the receiver. I personally would prefer a newer gun if I was going to use it frequently.

I know a handful of people who own center fire versions of the Ruger American model and like them a lot.

I will soon have two .22 mags. Both of are made by Marlin from the old factory. One of them is a Model 57M, a lever action rifle which looks more like a large caliber centerfire rifle than a mere .22 but let me tell you, it's a shooter and if you are considering going after medium size game (anything up to a wolf) you'd be hard pressed to find a better rimfire. Would I sell it? Sure, if you gave me enough money and I was pushing daisies. My other is also a Marlin and truth be I haven't a clue to its shoot-ability or even its model number, but it's a Marlin bolt action so I'm fairly certain it is also a shooter. I do know it needs some work cuz the stock is as dry as the Acoma Desert in the middle of summer.

Llance

There were two Colt Colteers offered, one was a semi and the other a single shot. I’m not sure but I think the .22 mag was only offered in the single shot bolt action.

I have had a .22 mag bolt action one for a very long time. (It’s actually a Montgomery Wards Hawthorn and still in excellent condition.) I bought it when a kid from a friend and still have it. 15 yrs ago I locally got an excellent condition .22 example for nothing. I just wanted the safety for the .22 mag.

The are inexpensively made but of high quality if that makes sense? Basic iron sights but they work perfectly. I put a scope on it for the boys after they learned to shoot but I took it off. The safeties tend to break in half but Jack First has hardened steel replacements. Ironically I recently got one but the sheet brass one I made worked perfectly for 40+ years. My Colteer .22 mag filled many pots with meat. They are capable of pinpoint accuracy.

I personally don’t think a bolt action single shot .22 mag Colt Colteer is worth $400.00 but that’s just me. Then again I already have one though.

Jim

If that's a 77/22 in decent shape, buy it...

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"I also cook."

Own the Ruger American in 22 magnum for the past 6 years. Is accurate and comes with a glossy bluing. Feeds and ejects great.

Check out CZs offerings.......I've got two 452 FS/Mannlicher's in .22mag, both are sub MOA shooters.

Edit: I have CZs in .17hrm, .22lr, .22mag and .223/5.56 all are great guns.

CZ is hard to beat. I have 1/2 dozen, no disappointments.

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For semi auto the CZ 512 is hard to beat.

I have a Remington 597 22magnum. It shoots best with the heavier loads. It will do 1” groups at 100 yards with the Federal 50 grain load if I do my part

I’ve never thought of any .22 WRFM as a plinker. Way too expensive for my tastes. I’d definitely check on the Ruger. A bolt action makes a lot more sense to me than a semi-auto, or an ancient one that was foreign made, and if it’s a 77 series model, could be a pretty nice rifle for the money - and you would be dealing with an American company for parts/service.

If the Ruger is a newer “American” model it’s a nice rifle but not a great deal. As mentioned, if it’s a wood stocked 77/22 it’s a very nice rifle.

The Colteer by Colt has a history that is scrambled to say the least.

The orig Colteer Model 1-22 was made by Jefferson Arms Co, N. Haven CT.
Later name changed to Kodiak Arms Co around 1966. Most people are more familiar with that name. They then used 'Jefferson' as a Model designation on a few guns.

The single shot Model 1-22 was made in .22RF S,L,LR starting in '56 or '57
The same rifle in 22WRM was added in 1959 when that round was introduced.

These rifles will usually have a 24" bbl length and NO Ser#.
Completely legal before GCA68.
One way to tell who actually mfg them.
They may have the Colt name and Model on them. Or a store brand like Western Auto , Mont Wards, and others.

This particular rifle was dropped in 1966.
Some references state that Kodiak/Jefferson made them for Colt through out the period.
Some state that Colt took over production at some point during that time and made the Model 1-22 rifles at HArtford.
Still others state that Colt farmed out production to other firearms mfg'rs like HighStandard during the period to make some of these for Colt and were continued after GCA68. Those will have a ser# on them if they are in fact out there. I've read where the bbl was shortened to 22" on these as well Collectors Note!

I really don't know what the full story is.
Even the Late Great Larry Wilson had to punt on this one stating the majority of Colteer production was by Kodiak under Colt contract. End.
Not much infor from the Great One. But not a big money gun either so no interest from LW at the time.

Colt also marketed a .22 semiauto rifle called the Colteer. It's name later changed to the Stagecoach.
Many Coltspurts say this rifle was made by Kodiak Arms for Colt. Kodiak being the renamed Jefferson Arms co as of about 1966. The same time that the orig Colteer Mod 1-22 was discontinued.
But...then others say that High Standard was the actual maker of the semiauto and Colt just the Retailer and name on the gun.
But,,,Kodiak Arms did make a semiauto .22 rifle for a time that was the exact same gun as the Colteer semiauto.
Sold as the Kodiak Model 260 and also as the Jefferson.
These are usually jamm-o-matics if the feed throat is the orig and has deteriorated with age. Being plastic they just crack and break. The
Colt Colteer semiauto rifle carrys the same plastic orig part.

Confusing... and there's undoubtedly a lot more to it than this.

I just picked up this Magnum Research Barracuda, a 10-22 clone. Sighted it in yesterday at work. Much better quality than a 10-22 magnum, much closer to my Volquartsen, but not nearly as heavy. Easily swallowed everything I fed her. Will be looking for a quality rimfire scope with 44-50 mm objective. Another selling point for the Magnum Research is that it uses 10-22 mags and other cool, Ruger or aftermarket parts.

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I agree! Have had 3 77/22 type rifles and they all were great guns.

Sold the ,17 and Magnum. Only have my first one now (.22LR) It was one of the first sold way back when. Crazy gun thinks its a target rifle, has won me a lot of bets over the years!

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If you want the best 22 WMR auto I too would suggest the Magnum Research versions. The one I had was very accurate and smooth functioning, but not inexpensive. Which is why I no longer have it, someone offered me twice what I had in it.

My favorite 22 WMRs though are the bolt actions CZ457 (the model in which they fixed the backassward safety) and the Anschutz 164M. Both are less than MOA shooters and very well built. The Ruger 77-22, the wood stock version as others noted, is nice too although accuracy can be spotty in those, at least the one I had. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I’ll probably pick up a .22 Mag CZ or Henry lever this year. And likewise try to get rid of the left hand Savage 93 and the Ruger American. Neither of those have been what I consider reliable. No sense in a bolt action that you need to slowly work and visually check that everything is kosher between shots. Kinda defeats the purpose.

As far as the Ruger, I had a couple factory BX15 mags before even buying the rifle. Neither of those feed worth a darn, the factory nine rounder mostly works, but the rifle acts like the extractor is weak and often lets go of the fired case when it’s halfway out of the chamber. Ruger sent a new stock to try but no improvement there, and I’m on no mood anymore to play shipping tag with factories getting problem gunsback and forth to them.

The little, 16" Bbl., "Stagecoach" version of the Colteer in high condition has become collectible. I passed on one such in high condition at a very reasonable price a few years ago. Still kicking myself. Only .22LR though.

I like the idea of a semi-auto .22WMR rifle, but my .22 WMR experience has been with the Winchester 9422 lever action and Ruger American Compact bolt action. Both fine, reliable little .22 WMRs. Not finicky, both fed all the different types of .22WMR I used without issue..

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I looked at the Ruger American bolt rifle today, it is in excellent shape, but I passed. I don’t shoot any small furry animals anymore, as they frown on that in the city, so I really don’t need a scope. I think the rifle new is less expensive and it has iron sights. A semi automatic is out. I grabbed a decent 22 Lr semi automatic last year and my grandson loves it. I can dump 22s as fast as my grandson can pull the trigger, but I’m not mag-dumping magnums! (He only does that with the last two 10-round magazines).
Hey I really appreciate all the input. I’ll write down all the guns mentioned above in my phone so I know what to look for. South Hills area of Pittsburgh tomorrow to hook up with my old work buddy for coffee, or beer, and some drooling on gun cases. Lotsa long guns there, too.
Edit to add: The above post, that’s the Ruger I was looking at today, and a nice pair there.

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Waiting For The Sun.

To me, the 22 magnum begs to be chambered in a classic, frontier style lever action. I don't know much about what is offered besides the Henry and of course, the old Winchester 9422 would be the gold standard but they are hard to find and pricey.

Don't forget about the Remington model 121 pump rifles. They came in .22 short, long, and long rifle, .22 WMR, and .22 smoothbore long rifle shot cartridge. I had one of each at one time. They were all very accurate, light and quick handling and worked flawlessly.

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I have always wanted a BRNO ZKM 611. It is a magazine fed semi auto in .22 WMR. I remember seeing a very nice used one in a local shop but there were two problems.
It was missing the front sight. Not an easy issue to address as the sight slipped into the ramp from the front rather than being a conventional perpendicular dovetail. But even worse, it was missing the magazine. I did an online search and didn't find any for sale.

A few years ago at a gunshow a seller had one new in the box. And wanted $1000. If it had been around $600 I would have bought it. They are beautiful rifles with a European hogback stock.

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I own a Mossberg model 640K "Chuckster" and is my go to rifle for critters like woodchucks and raccoons.

IMO the .22WMR is an unappreciated round for mid sized critters.

Good luck in your search and remember the shopping for a new gun is half the fun.

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When I was a kid a long time ago my dad had a Winchester Model 61 .22 MRF pump. That thing was awesome. I wish it was still in the family. I've lusted after another for years but they are crazy money.

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We all like what we like, but I'd pass on the 22 magnum if you don't hunt. I'll always have at least 22 mag. because they're great for small to medium sized varmints. But the 22 LR is WAY cheaper to shoot and just about any rimfire round is more accurate than the 22 WMR for plinking or paper punching. I know someone will chime in that their 22 mag. will shoot one hole "all day long" at 100 yards, but the cartridge in general just doesn't have the accuracy potential of the 22LR, 17Mach2 or 17 HMR.

I have the Henry Golden Boy in .22 and .22 Magnum. I replaced the front and rear sights with William's Fire Sights. The rifles are accurate, easy to shoot, and easy to maintain.

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You are what you learn.

A neat feature of Ruger 77/22 rifles is that they are readily convertible to 22 mag, 17 HMR or 17 Mach II with a simple barrel switch. Barrels are fixed to the receiver by a simple v-block fixture. You will need a different trigger guard if switching cartridge lenghts, say 22 lr to 17 HMR, but that's also pretty easy. It's an easy way to enjoy another rimfire caliber without buying another $500 rimfire rifle. I converted mine and enjoy it a lot.

I've got that same rifle. Mine came with a Weaver 3/4" tube scope,
old school. I'm with you, that thing is real accurate and a joy to shoot. Quality is first rate, and this is coming a Winchester lover.

My Savage Model 93, I think it is, has been a gem. But it's a bolt action.

I like the .22 WMR. I have three revolvers so chambered but only one rifle, a Ruger 77/22. It's a good one. I have an aftermarket .17 HMR barrel on it right now, though. I think I'd like to have a CZ 450 series rifle in .22 mag...

Then there's the King Of All Semi .22 Mags, the Mighty Marlin 922M!

Well, today I went and bought a used Savage Model B22 Magnum, bolt action, two 10-round mags and a cheap Bushnell scope. It was only $250 and seems like it’s in good condition, so if it’s a dud I won’t be out much. I need to get a picture of the funky iron sights. It looks like someone added them. They seem functional but don’t match the gun metal. If I move to where I want (in the county North of mine) this year it will be good for coyotes and groundhogs. Very comfortable pistol grip. I’ll try to add a couple pics of the sights to show what I mean. The action feeds and ejects smoothly. I’ll edit with a picture after I empty the dryer for my lamed up wife.

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Waiting For The Sun.

Sorry about the lousy pictures. There’s an adjustable trigger but I don’t think I’ll need to mess with it. (Also, I don't know how yet!)

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Waiting For The Sun.

I have a Kodiak and it works great, luck of the draw?

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"I'm feeling MUCH better now"

Years ago I had a Ruger .22 Magnum B/A rifle with a laminated stock and dull finished medium weight barrel. Excellent rifle. Sold or traded it for some foolish reason, and have regretted it ever since.
Don’t know if that is the model you are looking at.
Ruger made a semi-automatic 10/22 in .22 Magnum for several years, but I rarely see one.

On the subject of .22 Rifles, I have just come across the opportunity to buy a Kimber Model 82, .22 fitted with a Leupold Vari-x-111 1.5x5 scope and two mags, all in as new condition, and was wondering just what it would be worth in the U.S. The only serial number that I can find is 1320.

I was looking at a Ruger b/a in very good condition, and it was hard to not buy it. I forget what model but it is as you described. But they had this Savage for half the price of the Ruger and in very good condition. (Both used.) I bought the Savage.
Next week it’s supposed to be warmer so I’ll see if I can hit anything up at the range.
Edit to add: I was originally thinking about a semi automatic but that was just a thought that bounced back out of my head.

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Waiting For The Sun.