22 Target Rifle - Help!

R

rinoray

New member
My son is interested in shooting 22 target rifle competition at out gun club. Looking for advise on what an economical starter might be. It will be a target shooter and plinker. I'm new a the target rifle (or any rifle) shooting and would appreciate any range stories you have to share. I have searched the topic here and found many varied opinions and Ruger 10/22 seems to be the most mentioned and upgradable. Got a few pistols but first rifle I've bought, I've fired a few, but been IDPA pistol shooting lately.
I figure if my sons got an interest, we have another convert. He loves shooting pistols, he just got a chance to shoot on of members Marlin 2000.
Thanks in advance for your assistance!
 
As I've posted elsewhere on this general subject, the Marlin 2000L is an excellent choice for an economical target rifle. It isn't the type of rifle one takes to the field for a hunting trip (too heavy; delicate precision sights). As a dedicated target rifle, however, it doesn't have too many rivals in its price range ($500-600). The adjustable stock means that both you and your son can use the same rifle. The two stage trigger, heavy barrel and match chamber combine to make for a highly accurate rifle that is easy to shoot well. Moreover, I like the fact that it is a bolt gun rather than an autoloader which, by its very nature, encourages young shooters to take their time rather than rushing through a magazine as quickly as possible. My son (14) really enjoys shooting this rifle as it always delivers in the accuracy department; it will instill confidence in a new shooter. If your son gets serious about the .22 target game, he'll eventually move up to something more expensive (Anchutz); in the meantime you'll both enjoy learning the game with a Marlin.
 
rinoray,

I just happen to have a NIB (new in box) Ruger 77/22 stainless target rifle with laminate stock for sale on this board. Here's the link:
http://www.thefiringline.com:8080/forums/showthread.php?threadid=42854

This one also comes with an extra 10-round magazine. Most 77/22's shoot 1 M.O.A. out of the box. However, you can free float the barrel and bed the action to bring that way down to .5 M.O.A. or better. And let me tell you they are gorgeus. The barrel and receiver is finished in "target gray" and not that bright flashy chrome look. The laminated stock is hands down the best looking stock on the market today.

This is of course a target rifle so the laminate stock and heavy barrel make it somewhat heavy (about 7 lbs.). However for target shooting this is really what you are looking for. It's meant to get on station and stay put.

Also, if your son is looking for the most accuracy, I'd stay away from the semi-auto actions. While it's true they can be tweeked quite a bit, in general anything with a locked breech like a bolt action will be much more accurate and can be tweeked just as much.

The Ruger I've got is $350 or best offer. You won't find a better deal on it or any other rifle anywhere. As it so happens this was a gift and since I got TWO 22's as a gift I'm giving this one up. I already own a standard 77/22 (not the heavy barreled target version) and four other 22's so this one just needs a new home. I hate to give up that laminate stock but I don't get to shoot most of the one's I own let alone a TWO new ones. I decided to keep this one NIB in hopes of getting a little more cash out of it. $350 is a steal.

Please email me or post here if you're interested.

Regards and best wishes,

WR
 
rinoray,
Before you even think about which rifle you need to know the rules of the game. Not trying to be a smartalec or anything, but, check with your gun club first to find out what is a legal .22 to be used in competition.

More than likely they will be shooting an NRA course of fire and so you need to acquaint yourself with those rules.

Before you spend a penny, find out what parameters are acceptable for a rifle...ie bolt gun, semiauto, singleshot, ad nauseum.
 
Better words have not been spoken. You need to know the rules.

That said, if he will be shooting bolt guns with peep sights (irons), the CMP (http://www.ODCMP.com) has Mossberg target trainers left at well under $90. They will be competitive for a brand new shooter and will let him/her discover if they like formal match target shooting without a mega investment. Even the Marlin at $600 is a lot if they shoot only once.

Anschutz also makes the Achiever which is lower cost and EEA also has some nice lowerpriced guns.
 
If you need a semi the 10/22 Target is a butiful gun that shoots sub MOA with Eley in my gun (or PMC Score master) @50 meters. Mine does not like hot ammo at all. It is a balst to shoot in the matches I do (mostly rapid fire)
 
Another vote for the Mossberg M44US from the Civilian Marksmanship Program. A great deal for $95 delivered to your door.
 
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