looking for a 22

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I am looking for a new 22 caliber rifle. I am looking for something simple and reliable, and easy to maintain. Mostly just as a survival type of game getter. I was looking into single shot youth models for their size and weight like the Crickets and the Rascals but are these built to last as long as a full size 22 rifle? The receiver on the Cricket looks pretty thin. I was also looking at the Ruger American and the Savage B22, both of these are twice the weight though, but likely stronger tools.
 
With a single-shot, I doubt it's going to get enough wear to test its longevity up against a "full-size" rifle.

For what they go for (the Crickett and Rascal), a Mossberg 702 isn't a whole lot bigger, hardly heavier, and gives you a ten-round magazine, along with a click-adjustable rear sight. I'm pretty impressed with mine.
 
For a youth sized rifle consider the Marlin XT22 youth model. Light, short and has a seven round magazine along with a single shot adapter. The one I bought for my grandson has excellent accuracy. Since it's simply a shorter version of the full sized XT22 it's durability will remain the same.
 
They do make the Ruger American Rimfire in a compact chassis. I owned the full size version and it was a great little rifle. 10 round Ruger magazine, a very smooth bolt action, adjustable comb on the stock for irons and optics and it was a accurate little rifle. Being a bolt action, pretty simple too. Not much to go wrong. Price was reasonable too. Can't imagine ever wearing one out (or most rimfire's for that matter).
 
I am looking for a new 22 caliber rifle. I am looking for something simple and reliable, and easy to maintain. Mostly just as a survival type of game getter. I was looking into single shot youth models for their size and weight like the Crickets and the Rascals but are these built to last as long as a full size 22 rifle? The receiver on the Cricket looks pretty thin. I was also looking at the Ruger American and the Savage B22, both of these are twice the weight though, but likely stronger tools.
The Ruger American seems to be a great little rifle that would last you well. I'm shying away from Marlins and Savages, after some serious issues with friend's rifles and some of my own experiences.
 
Marlin papoose or model 25

I like the papoose because its light and can be stored in a backpack. The Henry ar7 is similar, but the buttstock is like 4" wide, and hideous. Papoose gives ten rounds of semi auto capability.

Or my personal favorite, a Steven's 22-410 O/U. Savage still makes a near copy. 22LR up top and a 410 shell on the bottom. Come across a big game animal, and you can throw a slug in there. Or shoot rabbits and squirrels with the 22 and birds with the 410. Makes a pretty versatile woods gun imo
 
I have an AR-7 and one that has always ran like a top, with everything I have fed it. They are crazy light, like they weigh less than their trigger pull.

Not sure what kind of survival you are looking at but with practice you might have it ready to fire in a half a minute. A number of other take down rifles are quicker to get ready to fire.

For “do all” rifles it’s nice to also have a shot gun. The Savage 24’s are my favorites but they are not very light. The M6 rifles would be a lot cooler if they had a trigger and were accurate at all.

I also like the SA-22’s but all the ones I have are too nice for me to beat on much.

My goto for a compact rifle, that is ready to fire in an instant, doesn’t cost too much and I’m not afraid to have it out in the elements is an SBR’ed 10-22. It’s more compact than most of the take down rifles.
 

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animus_divinus asks:

What is the receiver material on the 702?

Aluminum, or aluminum-alloy. For how often you'd fire the Rascal or Crickett (or tens of times over), it will hold up fine. My only complaint (and a trivial one at that) is that it's "nose-heavy" due to the hollow buttstock. A sock full of ammo stuffed in there fixed that.

Thomas Mayberry offers a great suggestion in post 5 above that I hadn't thought of. Not sure what the XT22 Youth goes for.

For me, especially if it was going to be a "truck-n-trail" gun, I'd grab either my 702 or maybe even my Henry H001. I do have a Crickett around here somewhere that I bought a couple of years ago thinking it might become my daughter's (she's outgrowing it faster than she's developing an interest, though.)
 
The Ruger American seems to be a great little rifle that would last you well. I'm shying away from Marlins and Savages, after some serious issues with friend's rifles and some of my own experiences.

What's going on with Savage?
 
Given the stated requirements, I think I would try to get a good deal on a used tube-fed bolt action.
And then do everything in my power not to dent my tube mag.

I also think this is another situation where a single shot might really shine. They generally tend to run a bit lighter in weight due to the simpler action compared to a repeater.

Neither is particularly sexy - but the OP did say "survival"...



Something take-down would be a plus, but outside of the Papoose and maybe a 10/22 anything else is generally kind of spendy I think. I don't think I would recommend an AR-7 based on what I have heard and read over the years. Good luck.
 
Another to consider is the CZ Scout, buds has them for $313
Had one years ago...great little short and compact .22 rifle, and bet will last a very long time

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog...55_scout_bolt_22_lr_165_1_beechwood_stk_black

I got a 452 Scout as a trainer for my grandson. So far I haven't been able to get him past my daughter to go to the range, but the gun is just as accurate as my full size 452. With a slip on recoil pad to lengthen the stock, it works fine for me as a small, light, handy bolt gun.
 
It seems the QC isn't up to par for most companies as of late. That sounds like a problem with the semi automatics?
 
I've been shooting the heck out of the same Ruger 1022 for 30 years. Last year I finally took it apart and gave it a detailed cleaning. Its probably the #1 selling 22 rifle in the US. I can keep the groups within less than 1" at 50 yards all day long. They are optics friendly and come with iron sights as well, and are available in stainless. Semi automatic, so even though its "only" a 22, there is a capability for rapid firepower, if needed. Detachable mags that are available in capacities from 10 rounds to who knows what, so there is your quick reload capability- if needed. Also, several mags no matter the capacity gives backup in the event that one or more is lost or becomes inoperable. Mine has a 1-4 scope with illuminated reticle- capability for low light, along with the power range to use it as a RDS or dialed to max power for sufficient magnification within the range of a 22 LR. Choate and Butler Creek both make 1022 collapsible stocks that fold to the side for storage- I can't vouch for the quality of either, but I did have a similar Choate side folder on a mini 14 in the 80's that was satisfactory in quality and durability. It seems to me, that a stainless 1022 with one of these collapsible stocks, several spare mags, and a scope like the one on mine, a simple sling, a supply of ammo, a small cleaning kit in a soap dish, and an extra battery or 2 for the illuminated scope, all packed into a soft case would be the ideal 22 survival rifle for any situation, with the primary limitation being that its a 22.
 
An auto certainly does give you the advantage of using it as a defensive carbine. I mean, if it was all I had i'd carry a 22 pocket pistol, it'll do the job, but it wouldn't be my first choice. Out of a rifle you're basically quadrupling it's effectiveness in that role. It's not my main defense rifle, but if I am out hunting with it, it beats nothing. I just don't really like the 10/22 though.
 
I have experience with CZ and Henry rifles. Both make youth models that are shorter than the non-youth models. My Henry is the H001Y. It’s really cool.
 
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