Best Semi-Automatic .22 LR?

E

El Matadurr

New member
So, what with the impending re-election of Obama and all, which in effect will probably push ammo prices even more through the roof, I'm beginning to see the appeal that still remains in .22 LR cartridges for target shooting (<100 yards) and even for varmits. The cartridge is cheap (when you buy those bulk 555 round boxes); yet you can also get extremely reliable ammo that almost never jams, fires clean, and most importantly, fires straight every time with no duds (A.K.A. CCI mini-mag, I love that stuff).

With that in mind, I'm looking for a no bells-and-whistles .22 LR semi-automatic that fires the best, cleans easy, and most importantly, will last a lifetime. I've grown up with the good 'ole Ruger 10/.22's and they have served me very well whenever me and my Dad go out plinking. However, if the ammo isn't perfect, there will be FTE's, FTF's, and just yesterday, duds that don't even get out of the barrel (I'm talking to you bulk Winchester ammo!!!). I've heard that Remmington makes an outstanding semi-auto .22, and I guess it'd be kind of fun to get that M&P 15/22 that S&W makes.

Honest opinions? Suggestions? Arguments if you have any? Haha
BTW, I will edit this first post as new information becomes available.
Thanks for any help.

***EDIT***I currently use a 10/22, and here's the group I shot a couple days ago at the range during a downpour and heavy winds (at 25 yards haha). Nonetheless I'm happy, as the squares equal an inch. see link.
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In my opinion you have the best one out of the box, now (10/22). But I do understand the alure of the AR frame. So I would say yes get the S&W AR-15/22 It should be a fun gun to shoot, or you could just change out the trigger and hammer and stock on the Ruger and have fun also.

Jim

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It is very tough to beat a 10/22. Parts are plentiful, reliable to a fault, easy to breakdown. I have not heard of a remington 597 being considered superior to the 10/22 but that is just me.
 
@Jim, my dad just picked up that same exact 10/.22 from the pawn shop with that druganov stock, awesome!

and to everyone else, please give me a reason or two for the gun of your choice, I'm hearing a lot of "remminton 550 series" or "my vote is for the S&W M&P 15/.22" but there isn't any reasons for your pick (for the most part, some are defending their choice).
 
Ruger 10/22 would be my choice. Not the most accurate right out of the box, but accurate enough for what 90% of shooters will do, and can be made super accurate if you want to modify it. They really just are great rifles and you can customize them any way you'd like. One modification I'd make is put a VQ extractor in there as they tend to not be the most reliable with some cheap bulk ammo with the factory extractor, but it's a simple $11 fix and you will have a great gun. I've shot several of the other popular .22's, and the 10/22 imo is by far the best.
 
Semi auto, Ruger 10/22 if for no other reason you can build them to exactly what you want. Out of the box they are passable and most certainly fun. Crappy triggers being the worst offense. Dump an obnoxious amount of cash...or not so much if you are smarter then me, and you will have a fantastic .22 semi auto. Marlin and Remmy make decent semi autos but the 10/22 is kind of like the Glock or 1911 of this discussion in that you can't turn left without tripping over accessories, modifications or equipment to make it into what you want.

Seems stupid, I know, but I have a couple $600-$700 10/22 builds that would knock your socks off. Smooth, bolt action accurate, telepathic triggers etc. but alot of time and money when into them. I have a bone stock 10/22 carbine that is barrels of fun but frankly I keep it around to compare against my builds. Sort of like driving high power cars and getting desensitized, so you spend some time in a Corolla to re-acclimate yourself to how fast your toy really is.

All that being said, and although it is not a semi auto.......I still say the CZ 452 is the best .22LR rifle you can buy for the money and isn't simply a good .22 but a good rifle, period. I will climb off my soapbox now.
 
Ruger 10/22 would be my choice. Not the most accurate right out of the box, but accurate enough for what 90% of shooters will do,
Click to expand...

Ruger 10/22's even bone stock are reasonably mechanically accurate..........they just have really, REALLY shi^Q@^y triggers. Fix that and even a bone stock, barring the trigger, thin barrel 10/22 is pretty darn accurate. Even a dufus like me behind the trigger can make them run with VQ trigger group.
 
The first picture is my first build. Fajen stock, GM barrel, VQ trigger group, Sightron scope. Stupid money for a .22, especially a Ruger 10/22 but an absolute tack driver. Bottom stainless is my bone stock 10/22 that I will never part with. It is my build benchmark.

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Second one is a crappy range pic. but is of my setup with Leupold 2x7 scope, Bell and Carlson Anshutz stock, VQ trigger and either a GM or Adams and Bennet or GM barrel (I forget at the moment). Again a tack driver.

At 50-75 yards either will put five rounds into a shoot and see "dot", those dots used to cover the hits on the big targets, with aplomb.

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There is simply no question to the answer to this question.... Ruger 10/22... Forget all the rest - it is the best value .22 semi-auto out there...
 
I really don't like 10/22's because of the V-block system, but I'd say they would be my pick for the magazines alone. I love those rotary mags. But then again, if you want more than 10 rounds....
 
Browning's SA22 would have to be the rifle of choice. Add to accuracy, reliability and light weight it can also be broken down for backpacking.
 
DON'T BUY ANYTHING MADE BY MARLIN

Do yourself a favor and buy a Ruger 10/22 or Savage.
I own a Marlin 795 and it is/was will be a mistake to buy one.
 
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