THE BEST .22 Rifle Ever
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Caleb Longstreet
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Keeeerist, you guys are making science out of this....guy wants a nice .22 to go plinking with....well, let's think....hmmmmmmmm
Model 60 FINE gun and you WON'T be sorry...ever....why you are paying 160 for it is beyond me.....
Marlin 795 is fine but it's a clip....the ruger 10/22...can't go wrong and the aftermarket accessories, should you ever choose to use them, is a cottage industry all by it's self....
If you are looking to simply enjoy shooting a box or so in an afternoon, go get yourself a bolt....perhaps even in .22 mag so you can do more with it but the ammo is considerably more....
Just go down to Wally Mart, pick out what's on sale (yes, even to include the Mossberg Plinkster) and plop yourself down between $90 and $150and do NOT look back....
Of all the guns I have owned and still own over the last 40 years I can honestly say I still enjoy plinking with my .22's quite a bit....for me, I have the Remington Nylon 66 (Brown stock) circa 1982, Marlin 795's (can't miss if I tried) Ruger 10/22 and the Ruger bolt 22 mag.....all are wonderful weapons with the exception of the Remington 597's...always jam...first time I ever owned a .22 that jams with little notice and sometimes entirely, without...clean it all you want, buy all the mags you want, it just keeps jamming and I own 4 of these things...what a dissappointment....
For Pistols" The Browning Buckmark (plain jane, all you need) or the Ruger Mark II or III is all you should ever, ever need...forget the Baretta and Smith...too damn goofy looking for anyone.....
Repeat.....Buckmark and/or Ruger...best .22 auto's ever made and probably for the forseeable future, ever will be made....all this Thompson this, jackwad that, skip it....these pistols can be had on sale for between $220 and $290 each....expensive? Kinda...but you will never regret the purchase....
I have been shooting the Ruger for over 25 years and can honestly say, I would put that thing up against almost any other caliber handgun for defense....that's right DEFENSE because I can dump 10 rounds, center mast, 20 yards faster than most folks can pull and aim a .38 or above at the same distance.....the spread won't exceed 5 inches with that kind of rapid fire...amazing....I use the hyper-velocity ammo....amazing stuff if your adrenaline ever got pumping that fast...
Skip all this nonsense about stopping power too....I have yet to meet a humanoid that will volunteer to stand in front of ANY .22 and take the beating...it's all bull****....shot placement, shot placement, shot placement......the rest is hype....
When I first did this feat in 82 I couldn't believe it either...but try one.....you can't believe how fast you can dump 4-6 rounds in a silhouette at you-pick-the-distance on the range.....amazing.....and don't think that hyper-velocity ammo won't penetrate either...it will...fine....unless of course the guy is wearing body armor and I don't see that in today's society...we just call them fat people.....
buy one...you will love it.....
Model 60 FINE gun and you WON'T be sorry...ever....why you are paying 160 for it is beyond me.....
Marlin 795 is fine but it's a clip....the ruger 10/22...can't go wrong and the aftermarket accessories, should you ever choose to use them, is a cottage industry all by it's self....
If you are looking to simply enjoy shooting a box or so in an afternoon, go get yourself a bolt....perhaps even in .22 mag so you can do more with it but the ammo is considerably more....
Just go down to Wally Mart, pick out what's on sale (yes, even to include the Mossberg Plinkster) and plop yourself down between $90 and $150and do NOT look back....
Of all the guns I have owned and still own over the last 40 years I can honestly say I still enjoy plinking with my .22's quite a bit....for me, I have the Remington Nylon 66 (Brown stock) circa 1982, Marlin 795's (can't miss if I tried) Ruger 10/22 and the Ruger bolt 22 mag.....all are wonderful weapons with the exception of the Remington 597's...always jam...first time I ever owned a .22 that jams with little notice and sometimes entirely, without...clean it all you want, buy all the mags you want, it just keeps jamming and I own 4 of these things...what a dissappointment....
For Pistols" The Browning Buckmark (plain jane, all you need) or the Ruger Mark II or III is all you should ever, ever need...forget the Baretta and Smith...too damn goofy looking for anyone.....
Repeat.....Buckmark and/or Ruger...best .22 auto's ever made and probably for the forseeable future, ever will be made....all this Thompson this, jackwad that, skip it....these pistols can be had on sale for between $220 and $290 each....expensive? Kinda...but you will never regret the purchase....
I have been shooting the Ruger for over 25 years and can honestly say, I would put that thing up against almost any other caliber handgun for defense....that's right DEFENSE because I can dump 10 rounds, center mast, 20 yards faster than most folks can pull and aim a .38 or above at the same distance.....the spread won't exceed 5 inches with that kind of rapid fire...amazing....I use the hyper-velocity ammo....amazing stuff if your adrenaline ever got pumping that fast...
Skip all this nonsense about stopping power too....I have yet to meet a humanoid that will volunteer to stand in front of ANY .22 and take the beating...it's all bull****....shot placement, shot placement, shot placement......the rest is hype....
When I first did this feat in 82 I couldn't believe it either...but try one.....you can't believe how fast you can dump 4-6 rounds in a silhouette at you-pick-the-distance on the range.....amazing.....and don't think that hyper-velocity ammo won't penetrate either...it will...fine....unless of course the guy is wearing body armor and I don't see that in today's society...we just call them fat people.....
buy one...you will love it.....
marksman13
Member
In my opinion the greatest .22LR is the CZ 452. However, since you specified semi-auto, I'll go with the Thompson/Center Semi autos. Those rifles feel great in the hand, very much like a Marlin Model 60, but with out the cheap feeling. That's what I would get if it was my money.
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
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- 13,146
Well, not really, he doesn't. He wants, in his own words:
Not just something ok or just good or nice, but great - that's why most of us are not recommending marlin/savage/ruger/mossberg/henry. I did mention used ones because they are great compared to today's cheapened aluminum receivers and such.
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Funderb
Member
My favorite .22 semiatuo, the most durable, reliable, simple, and precise semiauto rifle in .22 I have ever shot:
Stevens/Savage model 87 a .
Tube fed, 15-16 rounds.
If you want to put a scope on it, it's a good rifle to practice your drill and tapping skills on. Easy to clean, has both semiauto and single shot capability. The heavy barrel comes standard. (lighter than today's "heavyweights" but much heavier than factory barrels seen around.)
I love mine very much. maybe my favorite of all my rifles.
costs about $125 top of the range. and it'll probably be used. but it will also probably still be just as good as it was when it came out of the box.
(note- haven't shot the CZ452, but I want to.)
Stevens/Savage model 87 a .
Tube fed, 15-16 rounds.
If you want to put a scope on it, it's a good rifle to practice your drill and tapping skills on. Easy to clean, has both semiauto and single shot capability. The heavy barrel comes standard. (lighter than today's "heavyweights" but much heavier than factory barrels seen around.)
I love mine very much. maybe my favorite of all my rifles.
costs about $125 top of the range. and it'll probably be used. but it will also probably still be just as good as it was when it came out of the box.
(note- haven't shot the CZ452, but I want to.)
dagger dog
Member
The Browning, is a very nice handy light accurate rifle, some come in take down models some are even engraved with extra fancy wood, but all, even the newer Japanese made are the type of rifle that says Family heirloom, these beg to be handed down. The quality is definitley there, of course accuracy comes with quality .
For a begining shooter the little Browning is a great rifle to learn on. It's small enough to suit a small frame and with the bottom ejection you don't have the brass being thrown about to distract the shooter.
As a hunting rifle for small game it excells because of it's lightness it's easy to get on the target and handles nicley.
The Browning is in a whole different class than the 10-22 Marlin 60 Savages etc. It is fast becoming popular with collectors, and if you could score on one the original Belgian models it would keep or exceed its purchase price over the years!
The Browning Buck Mark would make the companion pistol for the rifle.
For a begining shooter the little Browning is a great rifle to learn on. It's small enough to suit a small frame and with the bottom ejection you don't have the brass being thrown about to distract the shooter.
As a hunting rifle for small game it excells because of it's lightness it's easy to get on the target and handles nicley.
The Browning is in a whole different class than the 10-22 Marlin 60 Savages etc. It is fast becoming popular with collectors, and if you could score on one the original Belgian models it would keep or exceed its purchase price over the years!
The Browning Buck Mark would make the companion pistol for the rifle.
Lupinus
Member
Was wondering when the 10/22 crowd would chime in lol.
For the price, the marlin beats them hands down (if you prefer detachable magazine a marlin 795 is pretty much the same as a 60 'cept for the mag)
10/22 wins if you want to work on your basic gunsmith skills and have something to modify.
For the price, the marlin beats them hands down (if you prefer detachable magazine a marlin 795 is pretty much the same as a 60 'cept for the mag)
10/22 wins if you want to work on your basic gunsmith skills and have something to modify.
Steve H
Member
I have the Rem. Nylon 66 my dad gave me around 1960 GREAT GUN. Another "classic" my grandkids love is the Henery Golden Boy
Caleb Longstreet
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- Joined
- Apr 8, 2008
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- 17
All those mentioned ARE great, reliable, and classic.....if he wants collectible, different story...all those other fine ones mentioned would fill that bill....just trying to point him to an enjoyable shooting experience without all the bluster and expense.
In THAT regard, all those mentioned would fit that bill nicely. Nicely indeed.
In THAT regard, all those mentioned would fit that bill nicely. Nicely indeed.
You can also buy all three of them and a bunch of ammo for the price of one base-model Japanese-made Browning.
Don't get me wrong; I appreciate well-machined steel, nice walnut, and takedowns. I've got a few .22's in the SA22 price class, acquired over time, though I don't have that particular Browning in the safe.
However, dollar for dollar, I still think the Marlin 60 is a damn nice rifle. It does the job well and feels good in the hand, without blowing your hobby budget. I wouldn't part with mine, even though I also have more expensive guns. If I had to sell some to pay the bills, I'd keep the Marlin 60, since it's worth more to shoot than it costs to buy or sell. That attests to its being a bargain for the buyer, IMO.
Tarvis
Member
I don't really look at the .22's a whole lot, but from what I've seen and shot, I'd go with a 10/22 for several reasons. They are easy to take apart for cleaning and there is an abundance of knowlege on the internet, as well as a plethora of parts/upgrades. If it breaks or needs to be taken apart, you don't need a gunsmith. As far as the Marlin 60's and the cz's and the t/c's, I have no idea and no experience. My dad has two old marlins that are pretty good rifles when they are clean, but they are near impossible to detail strip (ping twang clang clang thump, $#!&) and have to be clear of any fouling or they don't run. I don't know how the internals are on the other marlins, but I figure that if I can't take it apart and put it back together again without risk of losing any parts/limbs it's not a good buy.
If you can afford a lil bit more, you could get an AR15 with a 22 conversion so you can swap out uppers to shoot 223 rem.
If you can afford a lil bit more, you could get an AR15 with a 22 conversion so you can swap out uppers to shoot 223 rem.
Lupinus
Member
Tarvis-
My 60 actually runs better dirty. Clean the bolt face and thats it. Anytime I clean more then that it takes a good 200 rounds to get it shooting as tight as it does lol.
My 60 actually runs better dirty. Clean the bolt face and thats it. Anytime I clean more then that it takes a good 200 rounds to get it shooting as tight as it does lol.
Eric.
If you indeed want the best, be prepared to pay for it. The best, the heirloom, the incredibly accurate semi-auto .22 is the Volquartsen. The price tag will be in the high hundreds to low thousands.
The Marlin 60 & the Ruger 10/22 are good guns, for the money. Either can be worn out. They're built to a price point, and ulitmately will confirm that fact.
I haven't had any experience with the Thompson. I do own a Volquartsen.
900F
If you indeed want the best, be prepared to pay for it. The best, the heirloom, the incredibly accurate semi-auto .22 is the Volquartsen. The price tag will be in the high hundreds to low thousands.
The Marlin 60 & the Ruger 10/22 are good guns, for the money. Either can be worn out. They're built to a price point, and ulitmately will confirm that fact.
I haven't had any experience with the Thompson. I do own a Volquartsen.
900F
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Browning 22-Auto.
Either Belgian or Japan made. It makes not difference from a shooting standpoint, as the quality is the same.
There are other good rifles, and other accurate rifles, but none are such a joy to look at, fondle and shoot as the Browning .22-Auto.
rcmodel
Either Belgian or Japan made. It makes not difference from a shooting standpoint, as the quality is the same.
There are other good rifles, and other accurate rifles, but none are such a joy to look at, fondle and shoot as the Browning .22-Auto.
rcmodel
Funderb
Member
87A!
Man, I've been trying to find people that have shot them enough to know how they are, let alone know what they are. I still vote for them. Superb balance, and durability. perfect thing to pass to the kids to teach them the skills of marksmanship, as opposed to the "don't touch that! it's a collector!!" gun.
Man, I've been trying to find people that have shot them enough to know how they are, let alone know what they are. I still vote for them. Superb balance, and durability. perfect thing to pass to the kids to teach them the skills of marksmanship, as opposed to the "don't touch that! it's a collector!!" gun.
Feanaro
Member
The Winchester Model 06 pump action .22. More fun than anything this side of doffin' yer clothes. Sorry, you can't have mine. 
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y298/Alamar/Guns/Winchester06-1.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y298/Alamar/Guns/Winchester06-2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y298/Alamar/Guns/Winchester06-3.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y298/Alamar/Guns/Winchester06-1.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y298/Alamar/Guns/Winchester06-2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y298/Alamar/Guns/Winchester06-3.jpg
351 WINCHESTER
Member
My vote is for the 63 winchester or the browning. If you don't mind the looks a nylon 66 is very relaible.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
But he said semi-auto.
You bring old Winchester Pumps into the discussion, and I will have to start over!
You would have to pry my 1890, 06, 61, and 62A from my cold dead fingers!
As well as my 9422 and 9422M lever-actions!
rcmodel
The thing is, I think one should save one's money for "the best" rifle that IS NOT a semiautomatic .22. I suppose that's why I've never ponied up for the Browning.
"The best" .22 is not a semiautomatic .22. It's also thousands of dollars and it's built, not bought, but be that as it may, semi's are always touchier than manual actions with that little tiny cartridge.
Yeah, the Volquartsen is a DAMN NICE .22! It's very expensive, and it's still a tad clunky. For less money, you can shoot smaller groups at 50 yards with a good bolt gun and you can have a gun that's a helluva lot prettier, or you can have a lot of classy yet down-home style fun with a classic 9422 or 39 lever gun. Anschutz makes some good .22 rifles, too.
A .22LR AR is a really fun, expensive toy, also. The Weatherby Mark XXII is another cool "retro" option, with a classic Weatherby stock in gloss checkered walnut, rosewood, with spacers, and an Anschutz barreled action. Not cheap, but still less than the Volquartsen.
But dollar for dollar, if you want a semiauto that you can let kids use but you'll still enjoy shooting as a grownup, the 60 is hard to beat. Frankly, I wouldn't give a kid the Browning, especially an upgraded variant. Let him/her learn about scratches and dents on something cheaper!
I guess what I'm saying is, tell us how much you want to spend, and what you REALLY want. "The BEST" is just not enough information.
And do you REALLY want a semiauto, when many of us do believe that the most fun, best quality, best accuracy, and best fondling, are found in other types of actions?
"The best" .22 is not a semiautomatic .22. It's also thousands of dollars and it's built, not bought, but be that as it may, semi's are always touchier than manual actions with that little tiny cartridge.
Yeah, the Volquartsen is a DAMN NICE .22! It's very expensive, and it's still a tad clunky. For less money, you can shoot smaller groups at 50 yards with a good bolt gun and you can have a gun that's a helluva lot prettier, or you can have a lot of classy yet down-home style fun with a classic 9422 or 39 lever gun. Anschutz makes some good .22 rifles, too.
A .22LR AR is a really fun, expensive toy, also. The Weatherby Mark XXII is another cool "retro" option, with a classic Weatherby stock in gloss checkered walnut, rosewood, with spacers, and an Anschutz barreled action. Not cheap, but still less than the Volquartsen.
But dollar for dollar, if you want a semiauto that you can let kids use but you'll still enjoy shooting as a grownup, the 60 is hard to beat. Frankly, I wouldn't give a kid the Browning, especially an upgraded variant. Let him/her learn about scratches and dents on something cheaper!
I guess what I'm saying is, tell us how much you want to spend, and what you REALLY want. "The BEST" is just not enough information.
And do you REALLY want a semiauto, when many of us do believe that the most fun, best quality, best accuracy, and best fondling, are found in other types of actions?
Feanaro
Member
Well, if a man wants to settle for the best of the mediocre, that's his business. I just wanted to plant the seeds of a better way.
CajunBass
Member
I'm sure there are, and have been crappy 22's made, but I don't think I've ever seen one. Personally I happen to like the 10/22 in either the Delux Sporter, or the "Wally World Special" models, but that choice is only due to the looks of the rifles and has nothing to do with the performance. The standard carbines probably shoot just as well.
I've also got a Remington 597 that has worked just fine for me, althought I admit I haven't shot it a lot. It jammed once in the first magazine and hasn't bobbled since. It's a nice sized rifle too. The ones with the laminated stocks look nicer, but the plastic one works fine.
Marlin, Browning, T/C, Mossberg, and probably a half dozen or so other brands I can't think of off the top of my head all are good choices.
I've also got a Remington 597 that has worked just fine for me, althought I admit I haven't shot it a lot. It jammed once in the first magazine and hasn't bobbled since. It's a nice sized rifle too. The ones with the laminated stocks look nicer, but the plastic one works fine.
Marlin, Browning, T/C, Mossberg, and probably a half dozen or so other brands I can't think of off the top of my head all are good choices.
IndianaBoy
Member
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- Jan 3, 2005
- Messages
- 1,551
Get a bolt action.
Get a CZ.
Honestly. They are more fun than semi-autos. They don't jam either. (Got my girlfriend a marlin 99m1, shoots great but she doesn't know the best way to clear jams.)
This is advice from me, a very old fashioned 25 year old.
Get a CZ.
Honestly. They are more fun than semi-autos. They don't jam either. (Got my girlfriend a marlin 99m1, shoots great but she doesn't know the best way to clear jams.)
This is advice from me, a very old fashioned 25 year old.
Mossberg Model 45A, Made in 1936-37.I picked mine up at a pawn shop real cheap. It is the absolute best shooting 22 I have ever had or shot. I put 15 round in 3/4" at 100 yards.
Any of the old wardson fields or mossbergs would be a great thin g to have.
Any of the old wardson fields or mossbergs would be a great thin g to have.
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