Super Six 4

So I'm looking to buy my first rifle, a .22 LR. I promise I'll buy an M14 eventually, but I figure it's best to get good at something lighter first.

Anyways, I'm thinking bolt action, iron sights, option to put on scope, customization is ok, but not a priority. However, I don't want something that's an extortionate price.

Any suggestions?

I've shot and like my brother's Weatherby .22 LR, but of course I'd prefer something different. It came with a scope only-which isn't a huge problem, but methinks there's a bit of satisfaction working your way "up" from more basic configurations to customization.

EDIT: I have now bought one. I went with a nice CZ 452 Scout.

KYShooter

You'll get a TON of opinions on this topic! For a REALLY great set of iron sights, you may want to check out the CZ line of rifles. They even have one with a rear sight with different settings (in meters).

For a very general knock-around rifle, I like the cheap Savage. Decent set of iron sights and easily mounting of a scope. Quite accurate with mine really liking the CCI Velocitors. Had to do a little smooting of the trigger but it was easy to do without affecting sear engagement surfaces.

If you're wanting accuracy out of a .22, stay away from the "bargain" ammo. I have never found any of that, regardless of brand, to be very consistent. The "good" stuff, in the scheme of things, isn't that expensive ($12-14/100). Way cheaper than .308!

AKA Hugh Uno

in a bolt gun, it is impossible to beat the quality and features you get for the price from the CZ-452/4. etc. line.

Hmm, adjustable trigger, hammer-forged and free-float barrel, decent wood stock (older ones and the current "American" deluxe version are walnut), forged receiver, and match-chamber. There are several different versions around 300-400 dollars but all shoot the same, which is VERY accurate. I have a walnut-stocked 452 Varmit from about 10 years ago.

http://www.gunworld.com/buyers-guide...-455-american/

THIS IS THE "AMERICAN" MODEL:


On the other hand, if you just want to go cheap(er), buy ANY Remington 512/513 clip or tubular feed bolt gun from the 60's through the 70's with a grooved receiver and you will be happy enough also I suspect.

PS: I hit "post" a little after KYShooter (above). I was making coffee as I was drafting my post and did not mean to be "amen corner" him.

Rapidray

Bolt action...CZ...American! I have the American Tribal, special run. I love it! You can not go wrong with it.

GunNutz

If you want to go in a little different direction you absolutely can't go wrong getting a Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22. Great AR-15 style rifle that is affordable, accurate, and can be customized however you like. Optics installation is a breeze. All the fun of shooting an AR - 1/10th the cost on ammo. Just some food for thought.

24kshooter

Ruger 10-22.

charlie98

I would actually concur with what he said here, particularly about the ammo. I don't know why, but CCI seems to be the only one producing consistently accurate ammo (ammo that is accurate in the 5 different rimfire pistols and rifles I own.) YMMV, of course.

To the list I might add a older Marlin (not new production) model 15 or 25, etc. If I were to buy a .22 bolt rifle today it would probably be a Savage.

The 10/22 is a decent platform, but everyone has one, it seems. Granted, they are probably THE most moddable .22 platform ever produced. I have one but it's not my favorite, and I HATE those darned rotary mags.

bd111

If you don't want a turnbolt, Ruger 10-22 is about it, unless you get a AK or AR15 copyclone.

GCBurner

I went to an Appleseed shoot last weekend, and the most popular .22 rifles in order of preference were the Ruger 10/22, the Marlin 795, and then various .22LR versions of the AR-15. There were two Marlin Model 60 tube-fed, rifles, and one bolt-action Mossberg, and one AR-15 in 9mm Luger calibre, too.

Super Six 4

I was poking around as a guest on the firing line forums-checked out a thread about the 10/22, and it seemed like it's a decent rifle (obviously very popular), however not exactly the best. But still good, and I don't necessarily NEED the best right now.

Also heard a lot of good stuff about the CZ(s). In reality though, it comes down to what's in the/a couple local stores. I suspect they'd have 10/22s because of their popularity, maybe CZs for the same-I wouldn't really know lol.

As charlie98 said though, if it seems like everyone has a 10/22, I might like something different.

lawsonej

I love my marlin 60. Taught me everything i needed to know about handling/holding/practicing with a rifle. Love it.

Sweets

Savage makes good quality bolt action .22s that are quite accurate and not very expensive. You get a selection of fancy looking composite stocks too. I don't recalll seeing one with iron sights so you might have to buy an optic with one of them. They made some budget semi autos as well; no experience with them.

Dire88

I received a Marlin 25N for christmas when I was 5. Rifle has survived 20yrs, and has hundreds of squirrels, rabbits, and woodchucks to it's name. A long with about 200 snakes (hate those bastards). It survived me beating it up all this time.

I love it and is the one rifle I'll never get rid of no matter what.

Cousin has a Ruger 10-22, same story.

Also have an old Remington at my grandparents, not sure the model but it's another good shooter.

Sister has a Savage, I don't really like it but it does shoot well. Something aboutthe plastic stock throws me off.

JayKosta

I recommend a bolt-action with a magazine, not tube feed.
I like mag-fed because it is much easier to verify that the rifle is unloaded, and when at a range with other people I can reload the mags without touching the rifle. So when there is a ceasefire I can reload while people are downrange because I leave the rifle setting open & unloaded while just handling the mags.

I have an old Mossberg 22 b/a that is similar to the M44 training rifle - it has a useable adjustable aperture rear sight and a post front (I don't use a scope on this).
.
Make sure the rifle you buy has good enough iron sights so you don't have to try and find replacements. Also make sure the receiver is already grooved to accept a scope mount.

Make sure the rifle has the correct mag(s) with it. Some mags are expensive and difficult to find - same applies to any other 'missing parts' .

Check your local gun shops for used rifles, and consider local gun shows to see what is available.

For 22LR ammo, I use standard velocity with greased lead bullets - NOT the HV copper wash stuff.
Winchester T-22 is decent, or other brands that are for 'marksmanship training', or 'club' ammo. The 'top shelf' stuff is not needed unless you demand the most possible accuracy regardless of cost. And the differences are small, but can be important if every X or 10 is critical.

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

Earthquake

The nice thing about 22LR rifles is they very rarely wear out, I bought a Stevens M56 at a gun store for $50.00 out the door and it shoots as good as any 22LR rifle I have shot, If you are not dead set on a bolt gun the Ruger 10/22 cannot be beat, it has about the biggest aftermarket I can think of. The older Marlin bolt guns are pretty good, I dont like any thing Marlin make now since Remington took over they have gone down hill. I have not shot any of the new Savage guns but have not heard any thing negative about them, in fact I am looking at one of the "Rascal" youth guns to use to teach my Niece and Nephew how to shoot. Check out some of the pawn shops in your area, you might find a deal.

Casey