.22 rifle suggestions

[thenick_ttu]

So I think my next purchase is going to be a 22 rifle. I'm very new to guns and frankly don't know much about rifles so I was hoping some of the more knowledgable members could make some suggestions for me. I did find this thread http://texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=52878 which has a few suggestions but I wanted to make sure nothing was left out.

I'm looking for something that is fairly cheap (under $400 but hopefully closer to $200), accurate and reliable. I also think I was a semi-auto style rather than bolt-action but my opinion can be swayed if there is a compelling reason. Here are a few suggestions made in the linked thread above (in no particular order):
1) Ruger 10/22
2) Marlin Model 60
3) Mossberg 702 Plinkster
4) CZ 452

So, does anyone have anything to add to the list above. Which one would you suggest? Anything else I need to consider about buying a 22?

Also, what about a scope... do I even need a scope? If so, what's a good, relatively cheap scope?
TIA

[Warhammer]

If you're looking to improve your marksmanship skills, go with a bolt action rifle. Semi-autos tend to encourage faster shooting. Bolt action rifles make you slow down and concentrate on doing it right.If you're just looking to have fun plinking, you can't go wrong with a 10/22.

[Jumping Frog]

I'd recommend the Ruger 10/22. It is by far the highest selling .22 semiauto rifle, and it won that market share for hitting the sweet spot on features, reliability, accuracy, and price. Because it is the highest selling .22, there are more aftermarket marts available for it than all other brands combined.

Since you say you are new to rifles, I'd suggest you get a good set of iron sights, including an adjustable rear aperture sight, and a good shooting sling. Being able to shoot accurately with iron sights is an "essential" skill. Spend some time learning the standard shooting positions (prone, standing, sitting, kneeling). Leaning the fundamentals is a great foundation for a new sport.

[Jumping Frog]

If you want to challenge yourself by measuring your progress, take a look at the NRA/Winchester Marksmanship Qualification program.

http://www.nrahq.org/education/training ... /index.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

One of the many qualifications is Light Rifle, found here: http://www.nrahq.org/education/training ... df#page=20" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You can do it on your own until you have qualified for Expert and are seeking Distinguished Expert ranking. That requires an NRA member to witness.

[flb_78]

The Marlin Model 60 is the number 1 selling 22 rifle in the world.

I have both a Model 60 and a Ruger 10/22 and the Model 60 is a better shooter for me.

I prefer the tube style magazine over the detachable and with a Spee-D-Loader, it's fast to reload.

You should also look at a Henry lever action. The nice thing about a lever action is that it can shoot 22lr, 22long and 22short. The 22short out of a Henry is quieter than a BB gun and it excellent for use to introduce younger folk into the sport of shooting.

[puma guy]

So I think my next purchase is going to be a 22 rifle. I'm very new to guns and frankly don't know much about rifles so I was hoping some of the more knowledgable members could make some suggestions for me. I did find this thread http://texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=52878 which has a few suggestions but I wanted to make sure nothing was left out.

I'm looking for something that is fairly cheap (under $400 but hopefully closer to $200), accurate and reliable. I also think I was a semi-auto style rather than bolt-action but my opinion can be swayed if there is a compelling reason. Here are a few suggestions made in the linked thread above (in no particular order):
1) Ruger 10/22
2) Marlin Model 60
3) Mossberg 702 Plinkster
4) CZ 452

So, does anyone have anything to add to the list above. Which one would you suggest? Anything else I need to consider about buying a 22?

Also, what about a scope... do I even need a scope? If so, what's a good, relatively cheap scope?
TIA

.
If your main priority is accuracy you should stick with a bolt action. There are myriad models available, some out of production, but still available on the used gun market at reasonable prices. If you are not in a hurry get a copy of C. Rodney James' "Gun Digest Book Of The .22 Rifle". He has a lot of information that may help you decide and attain optimum performance from whatever model you choose. From my experience accuracy wise it's bolt action, lever and pump and semi-auto in that order. My Marlin model 60 out shot the Ruger 10/22. I have an old Marlin Model 80 bolt action that I could take match heads off at 50ft with iron sights. I do strongly advise you to read Dr. James' book, though. Good Luck.

[WildBill]

If you want to challenge yourself by measuring your progress, take a look at the NRA/Winchester Marksmanship Qualification program.

http://www.nrahq.org/education/training ... /index.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

One of the many qualifications is Light Rifle, found here: http://www.nrahq.org/education/training ... df#page=20" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You can do it on your own until you have qualified for Expert and are seeking Distinguished Expert ranking. That requires an NRA member to witness.

I did these when I first learned to shoot. The program is, indeed, challenging and highly recommended.

BTW, I'd go with the bolt action. When I did the program, you had to use iron sights and bolt action. I haven't fired a semi-auto like the Ruger 10/22 very much, but IMO it would be much more difficult to finish the program with a semi-auto than bolt action. I used a Mossberg Model 144 with Lyman sights. I think that a scope might put the shooter at a disadvantage.

P.S. The new program is different that the one I took so YMMV.

[Rex B]

I have a bunch of .22 rifles, probably 8 or 10. Of those my favorite is a Stevens bolt gun with a tubular magazine, made in 1947. Three is something satisfying about working that bolt and putting round after round through the same hole. The semi-autos are fun, but not as accurate.

[Iunnrais]

My first rifle was a Marlin 60 waaaay back in the day. Carried it all over the back 40 hunting rabbits and the backwoods of east Texas going for squirrels. Wish I still had it, but it was stolen a couple years after I got married while we were moving from San Marcos to Austin. Beautifully accurate rife. No telling how many rounds went through it but it never missed a beat.

Last spring, I picked up a Marlin XT-22. I thought about getting another 60, but decided that I wanted my girls to focus on accuracy instead of just sending rounds downrange. The bolt really slows them down and makes them think about fundamentals. Added on a nice Mueller scope (so I could actually see what I am aiming at downrange) and it is just a blast at the range.

[speedsix]

The Marlin Model 60 is the number 1 selling 22 rifle in the world.

I have both a Model 60 and a Ruger 10/22 and the Model 60 is a better shooter for me.

I prefer the tube style magazine over the detachable and with a Spee-D-Loader, it's fast to reload.

You should also look at a Henry lever action. The nice thing about a lever action is that it can shoot 22lr, 22long and 22short. The 22short out of a Henry is quieter than a BB gun and it excellent for use to introduce younger folk into the sport of shooting.

...almost twice as many Marlin 60s as 10/22s...and the Henrys are smooth rifles!!!

[Oldgringo]

Try to find a CZ 452. Their accuracy, out of the box, is amazing. Once you find your first one, numbers two and more won't be far behind. Czech out this site.

[speedsix]

...replaced by this one: http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/CZ-455-FS/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ...I've heard nothing but good on CZ .22s...the International stock's a work of art...

[Oldgringo]

...replaced by this one: http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/CZ-455-FS/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ...I've heard nothing but good on CZ .22s...the International stock's a work of art...

I think someone on this forum referenced the Rimfire forum a couple years back.. I had no clue how little I knew about .22 LR nor had I ever heard of the CZ 452's. I now own eight of 'em.

Similarly, I didn't know how much one could do with, or to a Ruger 10/22....and the list goes on.

[speedsix]

...wish they'd branch out and make pumps and levers...and semiautos...with that quality look about them...

[Salty1]

Ruger 10/22 as they have a few different models that will fit anybodys budget, since your new to rifles I highly suggest taking an Appleseed course, the time will be a great investment in developing your shooting skills, plus it is lots of fun..............

http://www.appleseedinfo.org/as_schedule2.php