Sporting .22 rifles are great - my first gun was a bolt action Winchester Model 69A. The sporters can put small game on the table and are fun for target shooting and plinking.
But in today's troubled times, another type of .22 rifle makes a whole lot more sense. For lack of a better term, we call them "tactical" .22s. Not only can such a rifle serve for small game and fun activities, it can be a vital defense tool when larger centerfire guns are too heavy, bulky, inconvenient, expensive, and dependent on a supply of what may be hard-to-get ammo. .22 long rifle ammo can be obtained anywhere and thousands of rounds can be stored and packed in very little space. If the balloon ever goes up seriously, boxes of .22 LR would almost certainly be terrific barter material.
Many regular sporting arms can be converted to the tactical configuration by the owner, using aftermarket parts and a little ingenuity.
Defining a "tactical" .22 is not an exact thing, but there are some commonly accepted characteristics. First, a semiautomatic action is mandatory. Useful for running game and peppering a two-legged critter intent on doing you or your loved ones harm. Next, absolute dependability. If the ammo is good, it should go "bang" with every pull of the trigger. Good accuracy should be another hallmark. Being able to hit a pie plate at 100 yards is an absolute must. For this, a good scope is called for, and regulated back-up iron sights should be available. Higher magazine capacity would be prudent - certainly more than 10 rounds, and 20-, 25-, 30- or even higher round capacity would be even better. A good lightweight sling is a must. A folding stock for compact storage and carrying would be nice but not necessary. A subdued color scheme - black, tan, green or camo - a good idea. No shiny surfaces. For night operations where a lessened visual signature would be desirable, a flash hider would be a good thing. The ability to attach a sound suppressor would be a nice option.
Such rifles give you a "grab and go" capability to tackle the large majority of foreseeable circumstances: packs of hungry wolves or coyotes, small game, self-defense, intimidation of those contemplating you harm, or even "fishing" if necessary.
Here's a prime example of the genre. This is a Ruger 10/22 with a number of custom modifications. A flat black folding stock is employed. A trigger job on this gun gets the pull weight down to a crisp 3 pounds for a precision letoff. An muzzle adapter permits the use of a flash hider or a sound suppressor. A ventilated handguard allows handling a rifle heated by extensive firing. An aftermarket 30-round magazine gives plenty of capacity. A scope enables shots at longer distances. An M16 "silent sling" lets the gun be slung from a shoulder. An extended mag release makes magazine changing way faster and easier. The bolt hold-open device has been replaced by an automatic bolt release. Closing the bolt requires only a tug on the locked-back bolt to release it rather than the awkward procedure necessitated by the factory part. The visual impression is intimidating, mimicking an "assault rifle" configuration. It says "back off" in a very persuasive way.
Again, I think such a useful tool should be in the inventory of every shooter who gives these things much thought. Might never be needed, but then again... it might. Expect the best; be prepared for the worst.
John
But in today's troubled times, another type of .22 rifle makes a whole lot more sense. For lack of a better term, we call them "tactical" .22s. Not only can such a rifle serve for small game and fun activities, it can be a vital defense tool when larger centerfire guns are too heavy, bulky, inconvenient, expensive, and dependent on a supply of what may be hard-to-get ammo. .22 long rifle ammo can be obtained anywhere and thousands of rounds can be stored and packed in very little space. If the balloon ever goes up seriously, boxes of .22 LR would almost certainly be terrific barter material.
Many regular sporting arms can be converted to the tactical configuration by the owner, using aftermarket parts and a little ingenuity.
Defining a "tactical" .22 is not an exact thing, but there are some commonly accepted characteristics. First, a semiautomatic action is mandatory. Useful for running game and peppering a two-legged critter intent on doing you or your loved ones harm. Next, absolute dependability. If the ammo is good, it should go "bang" with every pull of the trigger. Good accuracy should be another hallmark. Being able to hit a pie plate at 100 yards is an absolute must. For this, a good scope is called for, and regulated back-up iron sights should be available. Higher magazine capacity would be prudent - certainly more than 10 rounds, and 20-, 25-, 30- or even higher round capacity would be even better. A good lightweight sling is a must. A folding stock for compact storage and carrying would be nice but not necessary. A subdued color scheme - black, tan, green or camo - a good idea. No shiny surfaces. For night operations where a lessened visual signature would be desirable, a flash hider would be a good thing. The ability to attach a sound suppressor would be a nice option.
Such rifles give you a "grab and go" capability to tackle the large majority of foreseeable circumstances: packs of hungry wolves or coyotes, small game, self-defense, intimidation of those contemplating you harm, or even "fishing" if necessary.
Here's a prime example of the genre. This is a Ruger 10/22 with a number of custom modifications. A flat black folding stock is employed. A trigger job on this gun gets the pull weight down to a crisp 3 pounds for a precision letoff. An muzzle adapter permits the use of a flash hider or a sound suppressor. A ventilated handguard allows handling a rifle heated by extensive firing. An aftermarket 30-round magazine gives plenty of capacity. A scope enables shots at longer distances. An M16 "silent sling" lets the gun be slung from a shoulder. An extended mag release makes magazine changing way faster and easier. The bolt hold-open device has been replaced by an automatic bolt release. Closing the bolt requires only a tug on the locked-back bolt to release it rather than the awkward procedure necessitated by the factory part. The visual impression is intimidating, mimicking an "assault rifle" configuration. It says "back off" in a very persuasive way.
Again, I think such a useful tool should be in the inventory of every shooter who gives these things much thought. Might never be needed, but then again... it might. Expect the best; be prepared for the worst.
John
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Folding stocks & other evil features are no-go in Kalifornistan as well. 
