Thinking about getting a .22, any suggestions?

[Zek]

So I have been thinking about getting a .22 just to plink around with. I was thinking something in the ~150 dollar range, used or new, doesn’t matter. Something with a little scope on it, and bolt action. Anyone got any suggestions? Thanks

Zek

 

[jh9x18ky]

I have a couple of CZ models.... a 452 trainer, and a 453. IMO, for the money they are as good as you could ask for. Very satisfied with both of mine.

 

[22-rimfire]

I would look at Walmart first in the Savage and Marlin lines for the low cost 22 rifles. They still shoot remarkably well though.

Semi-Autos: The Marlin Model 60 is one of the most popular low cost 22 semi-auto rifles. I believe Marlin has made something like 5 million of them. A lot of folks will suggest you get the Ruger 10/22 which is a bit more expensive and a semi-auto. Very popular 22 rifle. Walmart sells a nice stainless version with composite stock that many like.

IF you step up in price a bit, the CZ 452 is probably the rifle that gives you the most bang for the buck when you consider out of the box accuracy, function, overall beauty, and price.

 

[skeeter1]

Zek--

While I admire your desire for a .22 bolt-action rifle, your price-point of $150 puts a real crimp in your choices. Marlin, Mossberg, Savage, Remington, and Winchester might all have choices in your range. The better marques, like CZ, are well above it.

Don't write off the semi-autos just yet. They are among the loss-leaders for the manufacturers, and there are some very good deals. The Marlin 60 and Ruger 10/22 come to mind, and there are many more.

 

[pinstripe]

.22 rifle

I would concentrate more along the lines of a Savage or a Marlin in that price range. You can find one for that at retailers such as wal-mart or academy sports.
Good luck

 

[wezwez3]

try your local pawnshop . for a cheap marlin 60 ,best buy.

 

[TOU]

Spend a tiny bit more on a CZ Trainer ($225) and use it for decades of enjoyment...then pass it to your kids for decades of enjoyment...then they can do the same.If you do, you will never regret it or feel like you compromised. They are undoubtedly the biggest bang for the buck in rim-fire bar none IMHO.

Good luck!

TOU

 

[Zek]

Thanks everyone, there is a gun is Ohio this weekend I will look to see what they based on your suggestions, and hopefully find something I like. This will be my first .22, pistol or rifle. Thanks again.

Zek

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

Just stay away from remington's famous golden bullet unless you don't mind missfires. It's been crappy ammo for decades and I guess they sell enough of it that they don't care to improve it.

 

[ArmedBear]

I've shot thousands of rounds of Golden Bullet, and very few misfires in a variety of guns. Accuracy has been quite good.

Some people shot one crappy batch decades ago and have been parroting the same advice for years. Try it for yourself (along with the others). Chances are you can find cheap ammo that works well for you. Maybe you'll hate Golden Bullets with a passion, but don't take someone else's word for it. Ditto for cheap Federals/American Eagles (I've gotten some really good AE .22LR, but I don't like their centerfire stuff at all). I don't care for SuperX unplated lead bullets, but some people say they're really good. They don't feed well for me, in a few guns.

Depends what you want from it, too. You can pay a lot for target ammo, but you probably don't need it.

WRT the bolt action rifle, a Marlin will shoot quite well. If you don't mind plastic stocks, you can get one for pretty cheap.

CZ 452s are nice, though people get new triggers for them, 453s are nicer. So's an Anschutz. So what?

Marlins and Savages can offer great performance for a lot less cash, at least in plastic stock versions.

 

[308win]

I am in the middle of a bubba project on an old bolt action I have had for 40 years. So far I spent $21 on a Burris scope and rings and I have glassed the barrel/action to the wooden stock (not intentionally it just worked out that way). I am anxious to see how it shoots.

 

[hardhit777]

Hey guys i just picked up a tula T-03-78 bolt gun i had my local FFl order from Centerfire Systems. First impressions well its Russian, It is not as pretty as some of the domestic offerings but i bought it b/c i am a poor starving college student. From what i have heard they are superbly accurate. I will post a range report when i get a chance to shoot it. It is bolt action mag fed, came with 4 mags, (2) 5 rounders and (2) 10 rounders. and for $20 more i got a tasco "pronghorn" 3-9 power scope and rings. Just something to consider. Oh yeah, my total out the door was $163 so IMHO not to shabby for tax, transfer fee, and $20 bucks for the scope. Here is a link to the page on CFS site.
http://www.centerfiresystems.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1015


HH

 

[viking499]

Here's one -

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=300543

 

[Selfdfenz]

I would give the TOZ the edge over Marlins or Savage models in the same price range and that's based on my 1st hand expereinces with all three products. The TOZ comes with a hard-to-beat adjustable trigger and the tolerances are pretty tight. Mine seems to shoot a number of the lower cost/bulk ammo very well. The Marlins & Savages are good products, well made and "accurate enough" but they are not smoother and their triggers are just average unless you get a deal on something with an Accutrigger.

It's a little crude looking but the Russians do a better-than-average job on the elements of the TOZ that impact accuracy and we all know...only accurate rifles are interesting. The owners manual is largely a waste of some of the lowest quality paper I've ever seen

Best,

S-

 

[frogomatic]

i had one of the little savage bolt action guns, they run about $100 and are pretty nice little rifles. Quite accurate and with the little synthetic stock they weigh next to nothing.

 

[rangerruck]

hmm, accurate, reliable, bolt action new or used? Marlin 25, 925, 81 or 981 series. they are all super accurate, all fire short ,long, and long rifle, and the tube fed 81, and 981 models, hold 22 or more shorts at one time!!! All you need to know.

 

[mrcpu]

Golden Bullet? Shoot it by the bucketfull, my 2 daughters (9 and 12), and me. Very few problems. Had a few more problems with thunderbolt stuff, but it appeared to just be one lot/box, because stuff bought later worked fine.

My oldest has the Marlin 981, it shoots so well that I may just get one for myself, instead of having to wait for her. She really likes it.

 

[greyling22]

bump for the ruger 10/22. there is no better .22 to plink with. and limitlessly accessoerizable (not a real word)

henry makes a nice lever action too.

 

[JonB]

Echo what others have said - CZ is nice for a bolt, but will cost a bit more. I'm wanting one of those myself.

But I don't think you can go wrong with a Marlin 60 series. 10/22's are very popular and have a ton of aftermarket 'stuff' for them. My Marlin shoots damn good and I didn't have to modify anything.

My nephew has a Savage bolt from Wally World that was cheap but is a good shooter as well.

 

[mickmten]

TOZ

I've had a TOZ since March of this year and it goes to the range with me every time I go out. It's not the best looking .22 bolt action out there, but for the price it's accurate and the trigger is smooth. Centerfire has a good deal on them and I'd recommend you give the TOZ a chance.

Also, has anyone noticed that whenever this thread comes up ("Looking for a .22") regardless of price and type of rifle (cheap/bolt) you get someone recommending either the Ruger 10/22 or the CZ within the first five replies. Come on, consider something else, folks.

 

[tubeshooter]

These threads come up *so* often, sometimes I think there should be a sticky thread with some objective (keyword) info on the common flavors of entry-level to mid-grade .22 rifles.


CZ would have to be included, that horn gets tooted an awful lot every time the topic surfaces. Marlin 39a too, I think somebody will recommend one even if the OP says single shot!

 

[Shadowangel]

I have a Marlin 981t that's nice. Was less than $150. Accurate, holds plenty of ammo.

 

[ACORN]

The Marlin 39 is going to cost an awfully lot more than $150, unless you find a real deal on one, or an abused one. New they're around $400. In the price range of $150 I'd look at a Marlin, or if you can swing it, the CZ Trainer is a sweet rifle.

 

[micky692002]

Two weeks ago I bought a Marlin 60ss. I bought it new for $285 but i like it very much and it shoots like a dream.

 

[ArmedBear]

I love the 39A. I think the 60 is a GREAT gun, and still priced right. The CZ's are nice, of course.

But he said BOLT ACTION. That means not semiauto or lever gun. (A 10/22 is a semiauto. Or a single shot. Depends on your personal opinion, and how many accessories you want to add.)

And he said $150. That means something cheaper than a CZ, or a 39A.

Inexpensive, accurate bolt guns are out there. Marlin and Savage make them, or you might find a former-combloc import. Marlin and Savage are easier to go and buy. They'll shoot well. Check them out.