Let's see the .22 rifles that make you smile

[Offfhand]

Springfield M22's have become far too valuable to "sporterize" and Springfield purists will probably horsewhip anyone for doing so. But there was a time when they were being converted to a sensational new cartridge called .22 Hornet. Griffin & Howe, and other custom gunsmiths converted the sturdy M22 Rimfires into classy centerfire sporters, like this before - after pairing of an unmolested original with a Griffin&Howe style conversion to .22 K-Hornet with all the trimmings.

 

[Picher]

I was working on a different project this morning and happened into the safe where this one resides, an old Savage Model 7 “Gill Gun”. The kids absolutely love this rifle at the range. I’m sure a lot of you guys had these kicking around back when for pest control and range plinking.

For those who aren’t familiar, while auto loading it offers a distinct pause between shots as it holds the bolt back until the trigger shoe is released, giving this and other similar models their other nickname, a “click-clack” for the sound made. For the $60 I paid it's been all fun and smiles.



View attachment 890379

Seems no rhyme or reasoning behind the number of “gills” different models received over the years.
View attachment 890376

Side view of the left-side gills and bolt lock holes (2). The latter allows for single-shot quiet shooting or locking of the bolt to the rear. Mine is also d&t’d for a peep sight, something I’ve meant to pursue but not gotten around to.
View attachment 890378

Nice long sight radius.
View attachment 890377

I literally wore mine out by shooting, many thousands of rounds through it. At the end, with a scope, it had a hard time grouping about 6 inches at 25 yards. It was a nice piece to hunt small game with and many squirrels and rats lost their lives to it. One day, a bunch of us teens shot about a hundred rats at an open-pit dump in Fairfield, Maine, and my Savage-Stevens rifle accounted for more than it's share. I was kinda worried when a bottle exploded in a dump fire and was close enough to make me look at my leg to see if any glass penetrated my jeans...nope! Anyway, the trigger mechanism wore out, along with the bore, due to the soft steel.

 

[Charlie Martinez]

Here's mine; Mossberg 46M(b) The only 22 rifle I have & ever had. Still going strong after over 45 years of faithful service.

 

[doubleh]

I was working on a different project this morning and happened into the safe where this one resides, an old Savage Model 7 “Gill Gun”. The kids absolutely love this rifle at the range. I’m sure a lot of you guys had these kicking around back when for pest control and range plinking.]

I still have mine although it is branded J C Higgins instead of Savage. It was under the Christmas tree with my name on it when I was 12 years old. That was long time ago. It's traveled many a mile with me and done in many a varmint and even one coyote over it's life time. It still shoots very well to this day.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Here's mine; Mossberg 46M(b) The only 22 rifle I have & ever had. Still going strong after over 45 years of faithful service. View attachment 894598

That's very cool. Didi they come like that? If so, I've never even seen one on a table at a gunshow. No way I'd have ever missed that stock.

Todd.

 

[Charlie Martinez]

That's very cool. Didi they come like that? If so, I've never even seen one on a table at a gunshow. No way I'd have ever missed that stock.

Todd.

Thanks Todd.
Yes it's in original condition including the stock. All I need to complete it are the sling swivels but they are hard to find & expensive. If you go to Gunbroker or some of the other gun auctions you'll find a few of these old 22's in good shape for $300 to $500.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Thanks Todd.
Yes it's in original condition including the stock. All I need to complete it are the sling swivels but they are hard to find & expensive. If you go to Gunbroker or some of the other gun auctions you'll find a few of these old 22's in good shape for $300 to $500.

I know the issue.
I foolishly sold my last complete Mossberg 152 not noticing that the one I had salted-away was already missing ALL the hard to find parts of; front sling swivel, front & rear sights and magazine.

Just like trying to finish a vintage car or motorcycle, you find out too late that the parts you are missing are the same damn parts every-one else is already looking for.

Todd.

 

[Gary W. Strange]

I have collected firearms all my life. When I 12 years old, my Grandfather gave me a Winchester model 61. In the last couple years, I have become fascinated with anything.22 from years past, be it rifle, revolver or pistol. Firearms manufacturers used to put a lot of effort into their .22s. So much so, they were made as good if not better than, their centerfire guns. The little model 63 is one I picked up recently. The photo is the one from the auction. It will sure bring a smile to your face. It weighs about 5 pounds, has a 23” barrel and is pure joy to shoot. I am in the process of hunting down a good Winchester model 52 or maybe a model 75, and a Marlin model 39. Guns like these are a thing of the past. They have a total different feel than, the stuff coming out today. Firearm manufacturers today are trying to produce the cheapest thing they can, that will shoot. Back then, these firearms had craftsmanship. People took pride in building them and people took pride in owning them. If you like firearms, try some of these older firearms. You will be surprised by what they are. They were made during a very neat time and are true classic.

 

[kimberkid]

Like most (I think) I have a soft spot for the 22LR ... It was the caliber I learned to shoot first, so they all make me smile in different ways ... I really get a big grin when I’m shooting my M16 with the CMMG upper, a satisfying smile shooting the M512 military trainer but the Marlin 39a that built from parts collected over some 25 years



I found it at a garage/estate sale for $50, it had been sitting between the furnace & hot water heater for decades, you couldn’t see through the barrel for the rust, feeding tube condition was just as bad hand guard was nasty but for some reason the receiver & stock weren’t bad, 12-15 years later I saw a 16” Marlin Century barrel on eBay ... found a feeding tube, spring & follower & cut it down to fit the barrel but the hand guard & ferrel didn’t fit the octagonal barrel well ... a few years later I found those parts on line, and it finally came together.

 

[Picher]

My 69A is lots of fun, especially with a hunting disk in the receiver sight (shown with target disk). I got her for about two hundred, about 20 years ago and she's a lot of fun on a "range date" or plinking session.

 

[Picher]

When I bought the 69A, the bolt handle was loose, but I used some "High-Strength Locktite" and staked it. It's been fine ever since.

 

[Sarcastic_Hate]

.22Lr crickett rifle is the best one i have had and its easy to shoot and clean . if you dont like the youth stock you can buy the adult stock and switch them with one screw i love the single bolt , i dont care for the semis as they are a pain to clean and they jam they are unreliable no matter what brand you buy .

 

[Mick Boon]

CZ 455

 

[aarondhgraham]

The one that's made me grin lately is my CZ-512 rifle and CZ-512 Carbine,,,
Especially that little carbine.



I mounted Nikon scopes on both guns and they are exceptionally precise shooters,,,
Easily as precise as any of my bolt-action rifles.

Aarond

.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

.22Lr crickett rifle is the best one i have had and its easy to shoot and clean . if you dont like the youth stock you can buy the adult stock and switch them with one screw i love the single bolt , i dont care for the semis as they are a pain to clean and they jam they are unreliable no matter what brand you buy .

I got a SCREAMING deal on a pile of new Crickets in the 90's and gave all away save one since I thought they were so cool.

Eventually, I started buying single shot Husqvarnas and even that last little Cricket got gifted away.

If you ever want to step up to full size, watch for Husqvarnas but make dead certain they are actually .22lr.

Todd.

 

[mdauben]

For a smile, I like a pump-action .22 rifle, like this Henry:

 

[Offfhand]

The cute little Chipmunks always bring smiles in any crowd. I had to buy this one when I fell in love with its pretty wood stock and case..

 

[indy1919a4]

The cute little Chipmunks always bring smiles in any crowd. I had to buy this one when I fell in love with its pretty wood stock and case..View attachment 896918 View attachment 896919

Just outstanding beautiful wood

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

I don't think that our Mr Offfhand owns any "ugly" firearms.

 

[DDDWho]

Santa brought me this Remington 514 single shot for Xmas when I was 9 years old in 1949 (70 years ago). I’ve forgotten most of the memories it holds. I know I’ve carried it while hunting with my Dad and Uncles long passed which brings warm feelings. Some years ago I had it professionally bead blasted and re-blues, I refinished the stock (a single shot rifle and a one eyed dog)

 

[I6turbo]

452 FS for open-sight shooting.

 

[czhen]

16turbo
You have a beautiful rifle.
I regret not buying one in 22 magnum when were available.

 

[Aim1]

452 FS for open-sight shooting.
View attachment 897150

Wow, beautiful rifle.

 

[stevebla]

So many fine rifles in this thread. Needs a bump.
Tikka T1X in PDC custom chassis. Good shooter shoots just about everything pretty well.

 

[BBarn]

Remington 24 in 22 Short. Low report plinking fun. Was my dad's favorite.