looking for a 22

animus_divinus said:

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.

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Sorry that I posted about 10-22’s and missed your post above. Wasn’t trying to disagree with your opinion of the Ruger gun. I like mine...but your money, your call.

mgresh said:

Marlin 795 or 60.

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Light weight, inexpensive, accurate, reliable
Lafitte

I’d get a Papoose or AR7.

I think this is what you want I have had one for over 40 year great little gun 22LR over a 20ga https://www.range365.com/savage-model-42-takedown-gun-review

When the Nodak Spud stocks go back into production, get a Marlin XT, trim the barrel length if it's not a youth model, and add Tech Sights to it. Kinda pricey all together, but should be a compact alternative.
https://www.nodakspud.com/Survival Rifle Stocks.htm

MedWheeler said:

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.

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The 802 was my first thought when I read the OP

Another vote for the Marlin Papoose. Stainless steel receiver, synthetic stock, take down, light, reliable.

25 round mags are available for it that work as they should. I'm very happy with mine , especially after a disaster of an AR-7.

If you think a single shot will serve your needs, look into an older Remington 510 or 514, or a Winchester 67. They pop up around me for $150-200, and can sometimes be found for less if you’re patient. Accuracy wise any of them will blow away a 10/22 or Marlin 60. If you want it to be a little shorter, have a gunsmith cut the barrel down to 16”.

Another +1 for the AR-7.

Also, a contender carbine fits your criteria & is worth a look. A quality firearm.

bassjam said:

If you think a single shot will serve your needs, look into an older Remington 510...

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They are great rifles but make even a suppressed breakopen single shot like a 16.125” contender seem short and I don’t know of anyone that makes a folding stock for one.

When I think of a 22 rifle in survivial terms I think of reliability issues. The 10/22 mag is probably the most reliable magazine system. I have a Savage MKII that's pretty good, but the mags seem flimsy and cheap. Accurate though. I like the idea of a tube fed rifle because there is no magazine to lose. But so far as minimizing size and weight...that also reduces strength and shootability in my opinion. So, a takedown 10/22 seems like a great choice, and the Ruger bolt rifles using that same magazine system maybe better. I also think that autoloading 22's are as simple as bolt guns.
If I were looking for what you were, I'd go with a Ruger American bolt rifle with the shortest available barrel, open sights, and a low power scope.

The 10/22 mag is probably the most reliable magazine system.

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The SA-22 is the most reliable magazine system I have used.

jmorris- Do you mean the Browning SA-22? I have an older model that's pretty reliable, it's just a classy unique rifle with very hard (for me) to see sights. I'm sure mine needs some advanced maintenance (clean and lube in places I don't yet know how to reach), but it hasn't been quite as reliable as my 10/22's.

You can't go wrong with a Marlin or Henry.22 lr. My opinion.

Picher said:

A neighbor returned two bolt-action .17 HMRs because they were splitting cases when fired. We also had problems with accuracy on a .223 Rem. Seems like QC has not been up to par lately.

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animus_divinus said:

It seems the QC isn't up to par for most companies as of late. That sounds like a problem with the semi automatics?

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I also know a guy that had same problems with his Marlin .17hmr and he returned it. I think was a recall at some point too.
As for 22 rifles: I believe the #2 selling 22 rifle in the world is the marlin model60/795.
The #1 selling is the Ruger 10/22. You cannot go wrong with any of those.

Forget the crickets. The cocking piece on the striker is plastic. I had one that was broken. Still usable, but broken nonetheless.

animus_divinus said:

How hard is it to make a metal replacement? It looks like nothing but something to grab onto.

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Are y'all talking about this?
https://www.keystonesportingarmsllc.com/product/metal-cocking-piece/

https://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5393466#post5393466