reerc
Member
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. 
Wanted: Advice on a .22lr Rifle
- Thread starter BuckeyeChuck
- Start date
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.
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.
labworm
US Veteran
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.
HAWKEYE10
Member
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
David LaPell
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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.
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Smith357
US Veteran
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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35Rem
Member
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.ruger.com/products/1022/index.html
Be sure to check out the "distributor exclusives", also. There is a model for everyone.
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.ruger.com/products/1022/index.html
Be sure to check out the "distributor exclusives", also. There is a model for everyone.
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
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
Shooting Padre
US Veteran
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.
ancient-one
US Veteran
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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OP
BuckeyeChuck
Member
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.
(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.
labworm
US Veteran
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
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
Viss
Member
All good sugguestions, however the cz 452 is hard to beat.
phs3194
Member
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.
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
John
BearBio
Member
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.
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.
RobertJ.
Member
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.
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.
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