Favorite 22LR Rifle?

[aterry33]

A friend asked me about a good 22LR rifle to plink with and also to teach his son how to shoot with. I am biased towards the Marlin 39A lever action, but I wanted some feedback from y'all on this one.

I'm sure the Ruger 10/22 has many fans as well. What are your thoughts on what action is best, and what's your favorite?

 

[Snowbandit]

I like the Remington 572. It's a pump action and works just like my 870 shotgun and 7600 rifle. Same action type in all my most commonly used long guns.

 

[jimmyj]

Marlin Model 39A

 

[max]

I think the Ruger is hard to beat for the money. A Nylon 66 would be great if he could find one.

 

[HGWT]

My favorite 22L is a Nylon 66 that I have had since I was a kid. In fact my Dad like it so much that he bought another one so my brother and I wouldn't fight over it.

 

[walnutred]

I started my kids out with a Winchester 67, a Stevens Favorite and a Savage Sporter. While I like the Marlin 39 mentioned I prefer the Browning BL22. However if I was buying a new rifle to start the kids out on I'd either go with a Handi Rifle combo or a Savage 93. Is that vague enough for you? ;D

 

[Bullseye 2620]

A Weatherby Mark XXII semi-automatic, either the Italian or Japanese made editions. At least I look good carrying it, even if I can't shoot worth a dang.

Very close second -- a modestly customized Ruger 10/22. I like the ones made by Clark's with the mid-diameter barrel mounted on a sporter stock. Little tiny groups and light enough to walk the field with.

I think Volquartsen used to make something called the Firefly built on the 10/22 pattern, which was made to shoot .22 Shorts. Never seen one in the flesh, but that little rifle has always appealed to me.


Bullseye


P.S.: Somehow, I missed that this was supposed to be a recommendation for a young one. I definitely concur with the single-shot school of thought on this. Of course, if the rifle is being shot under supervision, the magazines on the semis can be loaded one round at a time.

 

[pluspea]

I'm going to the river this weekend and this one will go along for the ride, I also have a ruger 10/22 with a fixed four scope that works out well.

 

[swilli41]

Favorite 22LR Rifle

My absolute favorite is my Winchester Model 62 that my father purchased for me in 1955. I also like the Remington 500 series rifles of which I have a 510, 512, and 550.

 

[CWO USN]

Marlin Model 60. Bought NIB in 1975. 35+ years and still going strong and shooting much better than I am.

 

[arrowhd]

+1 on the Marlin Model 60. Mine was purchased in the early 80's and still going strong.

 

[redlevel]

If he wants something that feels like a real, sho'nuff rifle, something that can become an heirloom, it's the 39A. I might be a teeny bit prejudiced. I drooled over rifles in the Shooters Bible and other gun rags of the late 50s and early 60s, and made a nuisance of myself whenever I went in the Western Auto, mostly lusting after Nylon 66s and whatever the Sears JC Higgins or Western Auto Revelation brand semi-autos of the time were. All good guns, and ones I'm sure I could still be proud of today. My Uncle was bad about buying guns and other stuff he couldn't afford. He bought a new 39A, and a few months later, needed some cash. That was in 1960, and I was going to be 12 that December, so my Daddy let me buy it with money I had made selling boiled peanuts that summer. It was then, and is today, one of my most prized possessions. I added the scope thirty-some years later, when the eyes began to age.

 

[Blacksmith58]

I have two favorite 22LRs:

Ruger 10-22 Tricked out!

And my Henry Golden Boy!!!

 

[deanodog]

My favorite rifle is an old model 68 Winchester single shot with a peep sight. It belonged to my dad and I still have it and I am north of 72. I have shot it all my life.
The ruger 10/22 or the marlin model 60 would be my pick for a youngster just learning to shoot. I have owned both and they are good rifles.

 

[ACP230]

The 10/22 had the ability to be a lot of different rifles due to all the aftermarket stuff that is available for it. Mine was stock for a while, then got a peep sights and sling swivels added. Now it has a red, white and blue laminated stock and a 3-10 power scope on it. I am considering putting on a more powerful scope.

My other favorites are bolt-actions, a Winchester 52, a Remington 40X and a Remington 541T-HB. They are bigger, heavier rifles though.

I started out with a single-shot .22 caliber Crosman pellet gun. Almost wore the rifle out shooting it.

 

[leswad]

Winchester Model 1890... I don't think it can be worn out.

 

[novalty]

The 22 rifle that I loved to shoot the most was my brother's Rossi 62a pump action believe it is considered the "gallery gun" as it is extremely short. It is very accurate even with iron sights, and a pleasure to shoot. I would love to add one of these and a Remington 552 Speedmaster to my collection someday.

 

[Skeeziks]

39-A, would be my choice. And if he's a real little tike, the much lighter weight Henry Carbine would be a good alternative.

> Hey, Redlevel.... is it just me, or does the flute in the butt stock of your 39-A appear to be about twice as long as most others. What's up with that?

> Hey, Pluspea.... that "66" of yours looks to be in even better shape than mine (alot better.)
They are the only auto-loading .22's I will own. Mine shoot super accurate and they'll eat just about anything you feed them.

> Hey...what ever happened to those T/C auto .22's that came out about 10 years ago? They were supposed to be real fine rifles, but I never see any.

 

[michael thornton]

39 a realy fun 22

 

[haggis]

I am an advocate of using single shot .22's to teach someone to shoot - much safer than magazine guns, especially semi-automatics. I (and my kids) started with an old Stevens tip-up and a Winchester Model 67. I'm not familiar with what's available new these days.

An alternative for teaching would be single loading a bolt or lever magazine rifle. The previously suggested Marlin 39-A and the Winchester 9422 are good lever choices. I like Winchester Models 69, 75, and 52 for bolt guns, but these are a bit pricey these days.

For semi-automatics, the Ruger 10-22 is available new in many configurations. Remington model 66's can still be found, as well as several excellent old Stevens semi's.

.22's are a great way to learn to shoot, and they make lots of sense for an experienced adult shooter as well, considering the price of center-fire ammunition these days. Keep an eye out for older guns - they are usually priced well, and the corrosion-protective nature of modern .22 ammo usually means the the bore and action are in good shape.


Buck