The Marlin 60 is another great choice. Extremely affordable and great fun to shoot. I never put a scope on mine but with iron sights you shouldn't need anything else. It was my first real firearm many moons ago. Still have it and it'll shoot forever. The only ammo it never did well with was the Blazer in the gray and black box(not even sure they still sell it as I only use CCI standard). Any rifle that only costs as much a few bricks of .22lr is a gun everyone should own.
.22 rifle opinions please
- Thread starter RyGuy17
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briang2ad
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Now that you have 12 opinions, here's another (although CZ has gotten a few). If you want to have fun, hit some shows and shops, and rehab an old bolt - it might be fun. Read up at Rimfire Central on what to look for, and spend $200 or less (maybe less than $100) on a good used bolt, and you may be surprised at how accurate it is, and fun it is. I handled an old Marlin 780 yesterday that had a beautiful checkered Walnut stock, nice iron sights, hooded front ramp, and very tight action for less than $200. Besides a few scratches, it looked new. Do a LITTLE trigger work on it, and you will shoot as well as most new rifles under $500, and they won't have the wood this one has.
jjohnson
Member
Kimber DCM Target Bolt Actions
Well, if you know somebody who's qualified for DCM sales, those Kimbers are nice. Not as spendy as an Anchsutz, but pretty darned good.
I like the Ruger 10/22, have owned them (I have several) since the late 1970's, and they're a pretty good value. My kids love 'em, and I have one of the Target Stainless models that I like when I'm just doing target practice.
I know, Remington 597's popular, same with the Marlin. I won't denounce them - Ruger's just MY choice. My Ruger bolt action is nice, but it doesn't have a bolt that's comfortable with a large scope - my thumb gets in the way. Still, nice shooter. I'd like to buy a CZ just for comparison, but I don't have the cash just now. The Ruger 77/22 cost me $300 some years ago.
The Rugers are very common - and have all the add-on goodies available everywhere. I particularly like the factory 10-round rotary mag, very dependable - and that counts a LOT with me.
You have plenty of good choices to start with. Good luck, have fun, but stay SAFE, huh?
Well, if you know somebody who's qualified for DCM sales, those Kimbers are nice. Not as spendy as an Anchsutz, but pretty darned good.
I like the Ruger 10/22, have owned them (I have several) since the late 1970's, and they're a pretty good value. My kids love 'em, and I have one of the Target Stainless models that I like when I'm just doing target practice.
I know, Remington 597's popular, same with the Marlin. I won't denounce them - Ruger's just MY choice. My Ruger bolt action is nice, but it doesn't have a bolt that's comfortable with a large scope - my thumb gets in the way. Still, nice shooter. I'd like to buy a CZ just for comparison, but I don't have the cash just now. The Ruger 77/22 cost me $300 some years ago.
The Rugers are very common - and have all the add-on goodies available everywhere. I particularly like the factory 10-round rotary mag, very dependable - and that counts a LOT with me.
You have plenty of good choices to start with. Good luck, have fun, but stay SAFE, huh?
money an object?
Maybe this was mentioned, but dosen't it depend of the amount of money you're wanting to spend? Hell, if money isn't an issue get a Cooper or an Anschutz. Kimber of Oregon made a great .22 as well that you could probably pick up for $6-700. Those are expensive, but a Savage Mark II Classic is a great choice. It's a little more expensive than other Savage .22's, but it is worth it. I just got one and it is a full-size rifle. Nice, high gloss finish, great trigger, and amazing accuracy. And even though it's been said a million times, CZ makes a fine .22 as well. Cheers!
Maybe this was mentioned, but dosen't it depend of the amount of money you're wanting to spend? Hell, if money isn't an issue get a Cooper or an Anschutz. Kimber of Oregon made a great .22 as well that you could probably pick up for $6-700. Those are expensive, but a Savage Mark II Classic is a great choice. It's a little more expensive than other Savage .22's, but it is worth it. I just got one and it is a full-size rifle. Nice, high gloss finish, great trigger, and amazing accuracy. And even though it's been said a million times, CZ makes a fine .22 as well. Cheers!
If you can find one, look for a Norinco JW-15. they are a BRNO, now known as CZ, knockoff that shoot amazingly well, use the CZ 452 mags. Comes with decent open sights, a good integrated scope rail, somewhat of a squishy trigger.
I picked one up for 70 bucks and it still had the cosmoline on it, it was missing the magazine, but so what, I have an Egyptian replica, or buy a CZ for $28.
If you are only going to buy one to last you a long time, make it a good quality rifle with good quality sights, that means spending some money, if you don't really care and will probably move on, get whatever. Go to a gun store, handle as many as you can, ask friends if you can shoot theirs. I have owned many 22's, gotten rid of most, some really nice, most just plinkers. I found that the European (humpback) style really fit me, would never have tried one had it not been for a friend. You never know, you might fall in love with one you might have never considered.
I picked one up for 70 bucks and it still had the cosmoline on it, it was missing the magazine, but so what, I have an Egyptian replica, or buy a CZ for $28.
If you are only going to buy one to last you a long time, make it a good quality rifle with good quality sights, that means spending some money, if you don't really care and will probably move on, get whatever. Go to a gun store, handle as many as you can, ask friends if you can shoot theirs. I have owned many 22's, gotten rid of most, some really nice, most just plinkers. I found that the European (humpback) style really fit me, would never have tried one had it not been for a friend. You never know, you might fall in love with one you might have never considered.
Now that the old guns have been brought up...I've had a Mod 75 Winchester since the late 60s. Heavy wood stock, heavy barrel, Redfield Olympic peep sights. One big hole at 50 yds., quarter sized hole at 100 yds. with these aging eyes and standard ammo. Most accurate .22 I've ever shot.
I've seen them on the auction sites in excellent shape for about $275. Keep your eyes out for a used one and look it over.
I've seen them on the auction sites in excellent shape for about $275. Keep your eyes out for a used one and look it over.
I love 10/22's, but I am more pragmatic than most people. When I buy a 10/22 I know what I am getting, I also know that for 80 bucks I can get a barrel that will out shoot every marlin 60 I have ever used. Out of the box the 60 is more accurate, anyone who does not believe that has their head in the sand. What bugs me is when anyone starts spouting about how any particular brand is junk and that they MUST buy what that person says.
Try them all, find out what you like, go home happy.
Ignition Override
Member
The Romanian training rifle ('Gunbroker') appears to be a good, accurate type for about $100, but have only read about it. As for spare parts, have no idea.
Most people on other websites always suggest the 10/22 or Marlins, unless more money is available.
Most people on other websites always suggest the 10/22 or Marlins, unless more money is available.
the Romo 69 is an excellent rifle with great feel and accurracy.
it has a full sized stock, clean trigger and excellent open sights (3 folding leaf)
the stock finish is rather crude, about the same as other cheap .22lrs, but i does shoot on par with a CZ. finish was never a priority for the Eastern bloc, but everything that had to due with function was.
i got mine at Big 5 for about $60 and it functions fine with Taiwanese made mags
it has a full sized stock, clean trigger and excellent open sights (3 folding leaf)
the stock finish is rather crude, about the same as other cheap .22lrs, but i does shoot on par with a CZ. finish was never a priority for the Eastern bloc, but everything that had to due with function was.
i got mine at Big 5 for about $60 and it functions fine with Taiwanese made mags
Time for my 2 cents.
For a bolt - high end (less than $400): CZ Low End: Marlin or Savage
Semi auto: Marlin 60
Lever: Marlin Golden 39A or a Henry
For the money, you can't go wrong with Marlins in a 22.
The trigger could be better on my 60SS, but for the money it's quite accurate. The only ammo issues I have had is using very dirty Remington Golden bullet bulk pack. It was accurate enough, but very filthy stuff so I stay away from it now. Federal bulk stuff works great.
My nephew has a Savage bolt and it's a nice shooter too - and cheap ($110 @ Walmart)
My sons will both get Marlin 60's from Dad when they are old enough (first is 1 yr old and the other is due in a few months. nothing like planning ahead!).
On the Ruger side of things, well personally I'll never pay good money for anything made by Ruger. But for a 10/22 you can make a neat looking gun if you are into modding. Add a new barrel, new stock, new <insert part here> and you can build them into a thousand and one flavors.
If you want something that shoots well out of the box, buy Marlin, CZ, etc. If you want a gun to endlessly dump money into and tinker with, the Ruger wins hands down.
For a bolt - high end (less than $400): CZ Low End: Marlin or Savage
Semi auto: Marlin 60
Lever: Marlin Golden 39A or a Henry
For the money, you can't go wrong with Marlins in a 22.
The trigger could be better on my 60SS, but for the money it's quite accurate. The only ammo issues I have had is using very dirty Remington Golden bullet bulk pack. It was accurate enough, but very filthy stuff so I stay away from it now. Federal bulk stuff works great.
My nephew has a Savage bolt and it's a nice shooter too - and cheap ($110 @ Walmart)
My sons will both get Marlin 60's from Dad when they are old enough (first is 1 yr old and the other is due in a few months. nothing like planning ahead!).
On the Ruger side of things, well personally I'll never pay good money for anything made by Ruger. But for a 10/22 you can make a neat looking gun if you are into modding. Add a new barrel, new stock, new <insert part here> and you can build them into a thousand and one flavors.
If you want something that shoots well out of the box, buy Marlin, CZ, etc. If you want a gun to endlessly dump money into and tinker with, the Ruger wins hands down.
sta500rdr
Member
Marlin 39A lever action. End of discussion.
methinks it would be very hard to wear out any .22 rifle. Certain parts may need replaced like springs or similar. But longevity is not typically a concern when talking 22's.
I am sure some of the fellas here have had their 22's for 30 or 40 years and still going strong.
well...they're already over 30 years old.
as a gunsmith once told me, "everything they make is built to last and do a specific job. anything that doesn't have anything to do getting that job done isn't important. that's why they don't spend time on the finish...what does it have to do with making an accurate shot"
the Romo 69 is like that, everything that matters is heavy duty...you'll see as soon as you compare their folding rear sight to that on any domestic rifle. the hardest thing to come up with is a set of scope rings to fit
as a gunsmith once told me, "everything they make is built to last and do a specific job. anything that doesn't have anything to do getting that job done isn't important. that's why they don't spend time on the finish...what does it have to do with making an accurate shot"
the Romo 69 is like that, everything that matters is heavy duty...you'll see as soon as you compare their folding rear sight to that on any domestic rifle. the hardest thing to come up with is a set of scope rings to fit
dagger dog
Member
There are most likley more Ruger 10-22's sold than any other .22 auto rimfire. Why because they are one of the most reliable,accurate for the dollar value and best designed firearms of the 20th century.
There are whole aftermarket parts industrys that have been founded because of the Ruger 10-22, why not because the rifle is inaccurate or the design is flawed but because most every one that has owned one for any length of time has wanted to dress it out and wring out every bit of performance the rifle can give. Just as they would their first car.
Sure you will hear a lot of nay sayers but if you look into there gun locker you won't find a single Ruger product.
There is absolutley nothing wrong with the 10-22 as a starter rifle and it is one you can plan on keeping and being able to have the most aftermarket performance parts of any firearm in production today.
There are whole aftermarket parts industrys that have been founded because of the Ruger 10-22, why not because the rifle is inaccurate or the design is flawed but because most every one that has owned one for any length of time has wanted to dress it out and wring out every bit of performance the rifle can give. Just as they would their first car.
Sure you will hear a lot of nay sayers but if you look into there gun locker you won't find a single Ruger product.
There is absolutley nothing wrong with the 10-22 as a starter rifle and it is one you can plan on keeping and being able to have the most aftermarket performance parts of any firearm in production today.
cracked butt
Member
Unless the competition is to see who can make the most noise the fastest, a 10/22 will come up way short in any kind of typical competition (benchrest, silhouette, etc). You can dump several hundred dollars into one and it will shoot fantastic (about as good as a decent bolt action) but won't balance very well if you need to shoot from your hind legs.
CZ 452, Savage MKII, or pretty much any used remington bolt action will have the accuracy required without setting you back a lot of money.
paradox998
Member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2007
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- 381
I have a 10/22 and a couple of CZ's, and there is no comparison. The 10/22 is not nearly the gun the CZ is. Buy a CZ trainer for about $320. This rifle has the same bolt and barrel as the more expensive models and is a pleasure to shoot. CZ's can't stay this cheap for ever.
check CDNN too i got my CZ 452 American from there for $278
as posted above in #37...2:1 underdog to the Marlin
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