THE BEST .22 Rifle Ever

[jimmyraythomason]

dewidmit,you are so right. Improper cleaning (or the lack of it) has "ruined" more .22 semi-autos than most anything else. On the Marlin Model 60,it has been my experience that the feed throat wears rapidly when bulk ammo is used without regular strip down cleaning. I have replaced a goodly number of them all traced back to poor maintainance practices. Earlier Model 60s did not have the bolt hold open feature of later models but this "ain't no biggy". I have found that Winchester Models 190 and 290 are also great little semis but also require proper maintainance to keep them running smoothly. My Ruger 10/22 was as accurate as anything I have ever shot. Consistantly pegging empty .22 long rifle cases at distances that required a 4x scope to even see. My choices would be, in order, (1) Marlin Model 60 (2) Ruger 10/22. I have no use for the little Browning,they're fine guns but I just don't like the looks or the feel.

 

[Confederate]

Good question.

When I was a kid, my dad used to take us out and shoot at ponds in western Kentucky. The gun, I thik, was a Remington, and it discharged the empty cases from the bottom. Given that we kids wore shorts at that time, we were always coming back with red welts up and down our legs! Other than that, it was a great little rifle.

I like the stainless Ruger 10/22 rifles nowadays. Mine has a Ramline folding stock and it does me just fine. Rugers also are a bit short, which is better for many kids. I shoot left-handed and the brass doesn't cause any problems. One of the most trouble-free guns I've ever had.

 

[spiroxlii]

I bought my Marlin 60 used. It's accurate, but it fails to feed maybe once out of every 30 or 40 rounds. It's pretty dirty when I look down at the end of the tube magazine closest to the breech. I should learn to take it apart and clean it fully.

 

[marksman13]

Actually, while both have sold millions of units, Marlin has sold more than Ruger. The Ruger dominates the aftermarket.

Might the reason for this be that the Marlin is the better gun out of the box? I think that may be the case. Don't know if "King of the After-market" is a crown I would wear around town.

 

[kenny222]

Best 22s

I like .22's that are older than I am trough I own two 10/22's an International and an older basic model. Lots of fun to shoot, serviceable, like the clip design and rugged. But not too accurate out of the box and trigger pulls certainly leave a lot to be desired.
My favs are the Browning semi-auto 22 and its bigger cousin the Remington 241. Have the 241 in short only and it is great to shoot. Both are very accurate and you can just feel the workmanship.
These can be expensive, but if you keep your eyes open and take your time
there are some good deals out there. Got one of the 241's for $215 at a gun show and the Browning on Gunbroker for $200. Neither are pristine but I don't have to worry about scratching them either. They will be worth as much or more if i ever need to sell.

Another great gun is the Stevens/Savage model87A. Accurate and reliable.

 

[browningguy]

You mentioned the best, great, classic, reliable, then Marlin in the same paragraph. The Marlin is a good enough rifle, as are the CZ etc, but all very pedestrian. If you really want a "fine" .22 then it needs to be a Browning.



Mine has a lot of miles on it and still looks and shoots great.

 

[benzy2]

Get a Brno/CZ 511. It is right on par with CZ/BRNO bolt rifles. They are a bit harder to find but they will be everything you ever wanted in a semi auto 22lr and will certainly be something to pass down. The Brownings are cool to and I don't have anything to say against them. I don't think you will have more fun with a semi auto than you will have with a 511.

 

[CB900F]

Fella's;

There's absolutely nothing wrong, or even odd, about mentioning best, great, classic, reliable, and Marlin in the same breath. As long as we're talking about the model 39 variants. Those Marlins have a longer history than any other .22 in production for good reason, they're all of the above: ie, best, etc.

900F