The idea of rimfire savings is irrational exuberance

[greenwellg]

Shoot an air rifle. If ammo cost concerns you, or breathing fumes from shooting indoors. Use BB's and a trap and you can shoot them over and over. Like the cannon balls of revolutionary times.

 

[djohns6]

I'm definitely saving money by shooting more .22 . The math works out for me .

 

[oneeyedpete]

The main problem with the rimfire addiction is that, if you want more accuracy, you have to pay up for the better ammo. Out of my S&W K22 Masterpiece or Model 41, I can get very good accuracy out of inexpensive CCI SV ammo at 4 bucks a box. However, out of my CZ or Anschutz target rifles, you need to step up to SK plus ammo at $75-80 a brick at a minimum. For the best accuracy, you need to step up to SK Rifle Match at $120 a brick. Once addicted, you can never go back!

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Hats off to anyone running a Ruger with Volquartsen upgrades—or even better, a full Volquartsen build. That’s a truly beautiful, highly prized tool. The precision, craftsmanship, and attention to detail in those setups are on another level. You can tell right away it’s made by people who are passionate about performance and perfection. It’s the kind of firearm that turns heads at the range and earns respect the moment it hits the bench. Wish I could afford it.

I typically go through a 1,400-round bucket of .22 LR each time I hit the range. At around $99 per bucket, it’s a cost-effective way to enjoy a full day of shooting. .22s are always a blast—low recoil, cheap ammo, and surprisingly accurate, making them perfect for both training and casual plinking.

For years, my go-to was the 1986 AMT stainless steel Ruger Mark II. It's a true classic—reliable, accurate, and a joy to shoot. I still have a soft spot for it. But lately, the GSG Firefly has taken the top spot in my lineup.

The Firefly is essentially a .22-caliber version of the SIG Sauer P226, and it handles great. Lightweight yet solid, with well-placed controls, it delivers impressive accuracy for a budget-friendly pistol. I’ve added a small suppressor—not so much for noise reduction, but to give the muzzle a little extra weight. That added balance makes for smoother follow-up shots and gives the pistol a sleek, well-balanced feel overall. In terms of fun, reliability, and bang for the buck, the Firefly has become my favorite.

The 1986 AMT stainless steel Ruger Mark II is a standout piece in any rimfire collection—a blend of rugged engineering, classic design, and enduring performance. While technically based on the iconic Ruger Mark II, this particular model was manufactured by Arcadia Machine & Tool (AMT), known for crafting all-stainless firearms during a time when stainless steel was still considered premium.

The Mark II platform itself, produced from 1982 to 2005, is beloved for its reliability, accuracy, and simple blowback operation. Chambered in .22 LR, it features a 10-round magazine, fixed or adjustable iron sights, and that unmistakable Luger-inspired grip angle that naturally points well.

What sets the AMT stainless variant apart is its full stainless steel construction—slide, frame, and internals—which not only gives it a unique, sleek appearance but also adds a level of corrosion resistance that’s perfect for long-term use or harsh conditions. It’s built like a tank and has the smooth cycling and pinpoint accuracy that rimfire enthusiasts crave.

Whether you’re using it for plinking, small game hunting, or just admiring it in your collection, the 1986 AMT Ruger Mark II stands the test of time. The trigger, especially in older models, can be surprisingly crisp. Add a Volquartsen trigger kit or bolt, and it rivals even some of today’s high-end competition .22s.

To this day, the AMT stainless Mark II is not just a shooter—it’s a piece of history. If you own one, you’ve got more than just a reliable rimfire pistol—you’ve got a beautiful, well-crafted classic that’s only becoming more prized as the years go by.

Every now and then, I even break out the Heritage revolver with the 16" barrel. It’s definitely a conversation piece at the range. If it weren’t for the fireball that blasts out of the cylinder gap, it would be close to perfect. Still, it’s very accurate—and the sheer weight of that long barrel gives your shoulder a serious workout after a while. It’s a fun change of pace and always draws attention.

The Firefly is made GSG......Not by Sig and is not a copy of anything.............The AMT wasn't a great .22 either.......Glad you're have fun with yours............1400 rds per range trip?........Means ya shooting 175 rds per hour for 8 hours. Did you take a break for dinner?

 

[pasound]

I have to discipline myself to use my 22 SA's, my 617, and K-22 more than any of my semi autos or any of my Ruger 10-22's. Otherwise I'll burn through no less than 2-300 rounds every time. Then I might keep one range trip less than $20.

 

[AJ]

I like to shoot rimfire rifles and handguns also. A range sessions for me with a rifle is about 25 rounds I shoot five rounds a string (a string of fire on our range is 15 minutes). Half the time I am talking to other shooters that I know.

On the pistol range I shoot about the same abount of .22 LR ammo. I intersperse my .22 LR shooting with my centerfire shooting. I shooting slowfire on the handgun range normally. Also again talking to other shoots or coaching while I am there.

Some of the folks here sound like my Grandkids. Give them a whole brick of .22 Lr and it will be gone in a half and hour with semi-autos. I have slowed them down some by give them bolt action rifles and revolvers to shoot. Now a brick will last about an hour.........

 

[jeffrefrig]

I found a used Savage semi-auto .22 WMR. He has to do at least one mag dump when we have it out, but those round magazines are a pain in the butt to load so that saves on ammo. But it’s a fun gun to shoot. I take the scope off because neither of us like it anyway. Twenty shots in rapid succession will stop the bad guys’ army’s attack.
(I meant my grandson when I said HE.)

 

[MelvinWalker]

The point is, that shooting a tuned semi auto is so much fun, it defeats the cost savings. I could have easily shot 600 rounds. Now, I have to rethink my AR22 acquisition. I can see how this would go with a few 30 round mags. Especially if the pistol came along for the ride.

If you had shot 600 rounds of centerfire, you would have had to dipped into your 401K or made a payday loan.

 

[JohnRippert]

Which is why I normally shoot my K22's instead of semi-autos. But I do hear what you are saying.

 

[rwsmith]

Rimfire is like reloading. You just shoot more.

 

[MajorD]

22’s have always been my favorites to shoot- low noise no recoil and pretty affordable for the most part.

For general plinking with guns like a revolver,generic 10/22 etc, the low cost mass merchandiser type ammo is fine
I do prefer CCI to other domestic brands quality wise ( Will reluctantly buy federal sometimes, suggest not touching Winchester or Remington with a ten foot pole the quality is so bad)
Where 22 gets expensive is when you are pushing for utmost long range accuracy in rifles- I have been on a rifle kick the last few years shooting NRL22 and similar matches.
With true match grade ammo ( Lapua,Eley etc- American made ammo doesn’t cut it at all) costs rise fast.
Instead of $4 per box ,now you are talking 15.
And some of the people I shoot with who are far more serious about it than I am, have close to ten grand into their rifles ( action trigger chassis stock optics)
But when shooting 22’s at 300+ yards that our group does, you need all the help you can get.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Rimfire is like reloading. You just shoot more.

Kind of, I've loaded some stuff pretty cheap with my bargin hunting . As a reloader the trade off is much less than factory loads.

I know what you mean though. That's what I've always said. You don't save money.

 

[Greyman50]

Wow, thought folks on here would be shooting S&Ws 16s, 17s or 18s. I seldom shoot semi auto 22s as shown by this thread one burns through lots of ammo.

 

[cstanmiller]

22's are a true personal favorite.. even 22 conversions.. big & little.. long & short... all fun... and still cheap...

Beautiful Marlin.

 

[Oldsalt66]

I enjoy shooting .22 because due to the dynamics, with enough practice, it's so easy to place the rounds in a single hole.

 

[GypsmJim]

It used to be time was my limiting factor. I traveled for my job half the time. Now retired, I have all the time in the world, but arthritis and eyesight issues have changed my whole shooting regimen.

I used to shoot a box of 100 rimfires, and 2 boxes of centerfires. So, 1:1 ratio. Now I shoot 100 .22s and only 50 centerfires. So now I'm at 2:1.

Partly to conserve primers (and my sore wrists...LOL), but also to "use up" the .22s.

After several .22 shortages, when they finally became available at a price I was willing to pay, I stocked up. OK, I lied...I hoarded them.

I have a computer program that charts my ammo and component usages. My .22 supply will take me to about age 98. That's why using them up is not an issue.

 

[-BTM-]

Irrational exuberance sounds like a department at Lumon

 

[TJohnD]

I have an old Ruger Standard that I bought used back in the early 70's. It was and still is a great shooter.

When I was into shooting fairly regularly and supplies were looking "iffy", I started stockpiling 22 ammunition a little at a time. Then I got out of shooting into another hobby.

Now I'm easing back into shooting and use the Ruger for sight and trigger practice and general fun. Not having to buy ammo at current prices is a relief.