AR, Marlin LTR, or 10/22 build for Appleseed Training/class rifle?

[Detritus]

Both my wife and I are planning to attend an Appleseed clinic next year and then continue to hone the skills learned until we can both attain at least a rifleman score.

with this in mind I have been thinking of how to best go about equipping myself and my wife as far as rifles for this endeavor.
the options I've been entertaining so far are the three listed in the thread title/poll above

Keep in mind when reading options and voting on the poll that two separate rifles will be needed, one for each of us. and please do explain why you chose to vote the way you did

AR: Wife currently has an A1 style AR and it has some pull as far as that becoming the rifle she uses for this. upside: we already have it on hand, plus the personal reason that it's as close to the rifle she would have had to use for qualification has she re-enlisted (she joined the Army just as the Women's Army Corps was being phased out).
Downside: is mainly the increased ammo cost.

Marlin "795-LTR": Upside fairly inexpensive rifle built to meet the general specs of the Appleseed program, pretty much ready to go except for finding which ammo it likes and laying in a supply thereof.
Downside, the one option on the list that we currently do not own at least a major assembly for/of (ie have to buy the whole thing )

10/22 Build: currently own a 10/22 (assembled by me into a target rifle at tis time) that I'm perfectly wiling to gather the needed parts for, to convert it into an "LTR" style configuration.
Upside(s): own receiver/trigger group/etc, therefore can purchase new stock, sight-set, and barrel and have them shipped direct without needing to purchase through an FFL like the marlin (convenience factor), I'm familiar and comfortable with the 10/22 platform, and if at a later date I want to swap it back to the "target rifle" config it takes all of 10 mins to do so.
Downside to do this "the right way" could cost as much or more than buying the marlin.

would really value the opinions of others, esp. those who've been through the Appleseed program, and/or have used one or more of the above in that course or one similar.

thank you in advance

 

[gidaeon]

FWIW I think most worry too much about the rifle they are taking. Its about the 6 steps firing the shot (and relevant American history of course!) I'm not a "colored hat" of any type but have done about 8 Appleseeds and shot rifleman at the first one with irons.

I've used a marlin LTR (tech sights) , my AR with irons or aimpoint and a scoped 10/22. All will allow working on fundamentals.

IF money or recoil/flinching are a concern use either .22 you mentioned wih tech sights. Confidence from seeing tight groups with the rimfire is a great start and "proves one can do it" before going centerfire. Don't buy a new gun just for an Appleseed IMO (speaking as one who did..) I've seen guys with plane jane surplus bolt actions with small mags run circles around others with expensive fancy rigs.

Otherwise I vote the AR.

Appleseeds should never be confused with a typical level 1 carbine course from reputable trainers - both have their place.

 

[gidaeon]

I should add that it IS possible to shoot rifleman with an ar conversion bolt. I did such this summer (though its harder than a proper .22 barrel and groups are generally bigger) I consider it the best of both worlds and with a quick sight adjustment one can even switch bolts / calibers over the course of the weekend.

 

[rule303]

Accuracy is pretty much a non-issue, any of those would suffice at 25yds. Just my 2 cents, but the Ruger generally has the fewest malfunctions out of the three rifles listed. You can run the rifle in any configuration BTW, your 10/22 would work as-is, just get a web sling set up and you will be good to go.

 

[DeMilled]

Appleseed events aside, that LTR is a cool little rifle!

I want one.

 

[Detritus]

your 10/22 would work as-is, just get a web sling set up and you will be good to go.

for me personally, shooting my 10/22 in it's current configuration would not achieve the goals I have in mind for myself.

I am wanting to attend an Appleseed so as to gain both a better grounding in the basics of "unsupported" shooting, i.e. (re)learn how to shoot without a bench/other rest. And be able to do so with Iron sights.
I am confident, almost exceedingly so, that I can shoot a rifleman's score with a scoped rifle. for me doing so would not feel like an achievement. doing so with Irons on the other hand is a whole other matter.

Also the stock currently on my 10/22 is more suited to shooting off of bags or a front rest, currently lacks swivel studs, and for my own reasons I am reluctant to add studs.

If I use the 10/22 it will wind up with a new stock and sights minimum, and probably a new barrel as well, since I'm unsure if Tech-sights or Nodak make a front sight that will fit it's profile

 

[CraigC]

I grew up with Marlins but am partial to 10/22's. They're imminently tunable and can be configured in any way imaginable. I also find mag changes to be much quicker.

I shot a 242 with this one.

 

[OldBrownDog]

OP, I'd recommend you build an LTR out of the 10/22 you already have or buy one and build it up. You'll be much better off for your specific learning objectives. I'm hugely partial to 10/22's for Appleseed. There's a reason everyone shoots them....

In addition to new sights/stock/barrel (if building on your old one), an auto bolt release and extended mag release are must haves if you don't have them already.

That being said, gidaeon mentions a very good point. If you learn the fundamentals of marksmanship, you'll be able to shoot well with just about any rifle. Software>hardware or mindset>skillset>toolset, etc.

 

[Detritus]

Craig could you give a parts list for that rifle please? the barrel doesn't look as heavy as many of the other 10/22 based builds I've seen previously.

specifically I've mainly seen builds using straight contour .920" barrels and tech or Nodak front sight assemblies meant for that dia. but would greatly like to know about ways to get the same effect with a lighter contour.

auto bolt release and extended mag release are must haves if you don't have them already.

No argument there, current rifle has these upgrades and any new addition would receive them in very short order.

 

[CraigC]

It's a Clark mid-weight barrel at 22.5". I would've ordered a 24" if they offered it. All the accuracy of a bull barrel without the weight. Still heavier than an aluminum or carbon fiber barrel so it still feels like a proper rifle. Nodak receiver. Rimfire Tech accurized bolt with Superior Concepts handle. Nodak rear sight with Tech Sights TS200 module. Marble front ramp with TS tower. KID two stage trigger. Boyd's stock and Brownells competition 1907 sling.

Technically, I shot the 242 in this configuration. Factory trigger housing with Power Custom innards.