Sounds like you have the worst luck, or never gave them a fair chance.
Though, I never really had to try with my 77/22 (.22 LR). Even its 'worst' groups are acceptable. But most of the ammo that I feed it does very well.
From what I have seen, the Americans are even more predictable. (I
know the centerfires are - I've owned two of them.)
And, the WMR barrels have always done better than LR barrels, from Ruger. So we're not looking at .22 LR performance.
But, my 77/22
is .22 LR.
This is the first target that I found in my stack, with a 77/22 group on it.
That day, I was doing some load testing for centerfires and had the 77/22 along to entertain me while barrels cooled, and just because I enjoy shooting it.
Squares are 1-1/8". Group is 0.844". And this is pretty typical of the rifle - arguably a little bigger than average.
I'd say sub-MoA at 100 yards, with .22 LR, is just a *little* bit better than most people's expectations.
I own a bushel of Rugers and have had more pass through my safes and hands. I was not ashamed of any of them. Even my 77 Mk II in 7x57, that didn't meet my usual high standards, was still above average. It was usually bringing in groups at 1.5-1.75", at 100 yards.
Something to consider:
I know of many people - including some on this very forum - that had to have their Henrys sent back for accuracy issues and get barrels replaced. So, I did a quick interwebs search for "henry .22 wmr accuracy issues" and "ruger 77/22 wmr accuracy issues".
The first two pages of results for each were quickly skimmed through.
The majority of the Henry owners that offered follow up information had to send the rifle back for repair, or gave up and sold it.
The majority of the Ruger owners that offered follow up information either started shooting something other than Winchester Dynapoints (garbage ammo), or adjusted action screw torque and were happy.
