I have done a respectable amount of target shooting in my younger years and am now intersested in getting back into it. I figured I would start with a .22. I have looked at a few up at Wal-Mart and plan on stopping by some gunshops. Any suggestions as to a reasonably priced model that shoots well would be appreaciated (The Mark II FXP at Wally World looked nice, but is it?). A short list of initial items I would need to shoot and maintain the rifle would be very helpfull also (never owned a rifle before, I have always shot someone elses). Thanks for any help you may provide.
Interested in buying a .22, not sure where to start?
- Thread starter Bluesky
- Start date
freeride21a
New member
Rifles
AUTO- ruger 10/22 $125(on sale) and up.
Bolt action- Marlin 25N or 880SS
Pistols
Auto- Ruger MarkII(my only beef is its a pain in the but to clean) but I love them!) also 22/45 which is same gun, but different grip style
Revolver- Ruger Single Six(six shot single action 22/22mag)
Go to the local gun store and or Indoor shooting range and see what they have to sell or rent, try them out if you can. I find that when it comes to firearms it is like a car, totally personal preference. Stick with a name brand, better support, usually better guns. There are some reall nice import 22 rifles too. check shotgun news or a publication like that as well as www.gunbroker.com to see what is popular.
Cleaning.
I suggest getting a simple KIT, they come in rifle or pistol kits. comes with rod and utilities, patches, oil, solvent, there are a few brands, too. Outers and hoppes are the best in my book($10 at walmart) the only Extra thing i can suggest for cleaning, is BREAKFREE CLP(not CL) best lube and rust preventative out there. and use that in place of the kit oil.
good luck
www.marlinfirearms.com
www.ruger.com
AUTO- ruger 10/22 $125(on sale) and up.
Bolt action- Marlin 25N or 880SS
Pistols
Auto- Ruger MarkII(my only beef is its a pain in the but to clean) but I love them!) also 22/45 which is same gun, but different grip style
Revolver- Ruger Single Six(six shot single action 22/22mag)
Go to the local gun store and or Indoor shooting range and see what they have to sell or rent, try them out if you can. I find that when it comes to firearms it is like a car, totally personal preference. Stick with a name brand, better support, usually better guns. There are some reall nice import 22 rifles too. check shotgun news or a publication like that as well as www.gunbroker.com to see what is popular.
Cleaning.
I suggest getting a simple KIT, they come in rifle or pistol kits. comes with rod and utilities, patches, oil, solvent, there are a few brands, too. Outers and hoppes are the best in my book($10 at walmart) the only Extra thing i can suggest for cleaning, is BREAKFREE CLP(not CL) best lube and rust preventative out there. and use that in place of the kit oil.
good luck
www.marlinfirearms.com
www.ruger.com
I have had a 10/22 for probably 25 years and I seldom use it.
Every time that I do shoot I completely strip down the weapon for cleaning because it sits for a long time between shoots.
I recently bought a 96/22 and I found that I like the lever actions
and bolts more than the autos. There is a lot less cleaning to them. I found the accuracy to the 96/22 so nice that I bought the 96'22 Magnun also. I will never own an auto again. Actually for accuracy I am leaning towards bolts exclusively for high power rifles.
Every time that I do shoot I completely strip down the weapon for cleaning because it sits for a long time between shoots.
I recently bought a 96/22 and I found that I like the lever actions
and bolts more than the autos. There is a lot less cleaning to them. I found the accuracy to the 96/22 so nice that I bought the 96'22 Magnun also. I will never own an auto again. Actually for accuracy I am leaning towards bolts exclusively for high power rifles.
rugerfreak
New member
I have a stainless 10/22 International with a black/gray laminated stock ($249 at Wal-Mart--at least 5 years ago) and T/C Classic (bought recently for $279)----Neither is what you would call resonably priced--but both are very nice and accurate.
I also have a Marlin 882ss .22 magnum (this summer at Wal-Mart for $188) that I finally got to take out today to the range for some serious shooting--this rifle is a tack driver.
You can't really go wrong with any of the Rugers or Marlins.
I also have a Marlin 882ss .22 magnum (this summer at Wal-Mart for $188) that I finally got to take out today to the range for some serious shooting--this rifle is a tack driver.
You can't really go wrong with any of the Rugers or Marlins.
Welcome to TFL, Bluesky!
I'll ditto about the Ruger 10/22's. I have 3 or 4, I think. They all shoot well, are inexpensive, and hold their value. WalMart will likely have the best price, but go where your heart leads you.
Now the burning question is...are you going to be at the gunstore when it opens? Buy something today and buy often. You'll not regret it.
Welcome, again to TFL, you'll really like it here, I'll bet.
I'll ditto about the Ruger 10/22's. I have 3 or 4, I think. They all shoot well, are inexpensive, and hold their value. WalMart will likely have the best price, but go where your heart leads you.
Now the burning question is...are you going to be at the gunstore when it opens? Buy something today and buy often. You'll not regret it.
Welcome, again to TFL, you'll really like it here, I'll bet.
Art Eatman
Staff in Memoriam
No argument against the Ruger 10/22; I have one.
I will suggest that you go to a largish gun store and feel and fondle the various .22 rifles they have in stock. Check the fit--length of stock, for instance, to see if it's long enough for an adult. Many .22 rifles tend to be more "kid-sized". The Ruger seems a bit short to me, but I have longer arms than average.
Appearance plays a part, as well.
And, don't be afraid of a used gun. It's very hard to wear out any .22 rifle, absent abuse or total neglect.
FWIW, Art
I will suggest that you go to a largish gun store and feel and fondle the various .22 rifles they have in stock. Check the fit--length of stock, for instance, to see if it's long enough for an adult. Many .22 rifles tend to be more "kid-sized". The Ruger seems a bit short to me, but I have longer arms than average.
Appearance plays a part, as well.
And, don't be afraid of a used gun. It's very hard to wear out any .22 rifle, absent abuse or total neglect.
FWIW, Art
Thanks for all the advice. Sounds like Marlin and Ruger are my two best options. When you guys say 10/22 or 96/22, whats the first number actually mean? One of the replys refers to auto, is that in regards to a non bolt or lever action rifle? And should I be looking at a magnum (have no clue what the difference is)?
eviltravis
New member
ruger 10/22
I've had one for 12 years. The thing has had thousands of rounds through it with no problems. It's killed thousands of gophers. I love this gun. Buy one. you will love it too.
I've had one for 12 years. The thing has had thousands of rounds through it with no problems. It's killed thousands of gophers. I love this gun. Buy one. you will love it too.
freeride21a
New member
When I said AUTO I meant semi-auto. One shot per trigger pull, without haveing to load it each time, till the magazine is empty
All the gun that have been talked about have been for .22long rifle(normal 22) except the single six in my original post it could shoot both, it comes with 2 cylinders and you can chang them to shoot one or the other.
.22 ~ $.99 per 50
.22mag ~ $7.00 per 50
10/22...the 10 refers to how many the magazine holds. this rifle is semi-automatic.
96/22...probly refers to the year it was conceived, the 96/22 is a lever action rifle based on the 10/22 design.
All the gun that have been talked about have been for .22long rifle(normal 22) except the single six in my original post it could shoot both, it comes with 2 cylinders and you can chang them to shoot one or the other.
.22 ~ $.99 per 50
.22mag ~ $7.00 per 50
10/22...the 10 refers to how many the magazine holds. this rifle is semi-automatic.
96/22...probly refers to the year it was conceived, the 96/22 is a lever action rifle based on the 10/22 design.
You can't go wrong with a Ruger 10/22. I have a couple. They also offer the most accessories and upgrades if that might fit into your future needs (Everything from gimmicks that just look racy, to very serious accuracy enhancements like precision barrels and trigger parts). The vast majority of these accessories can be easily installed at home. That said, if I was buying a new .22 rifle, I would buy the T/C Classic. I like the walnut stock, it feels just right in my hands, and is accurate. The only drawback to me is the 5 round mag. I am not a spray and pray shooter. I love accuracy, but five rounds just isn't enough. I own a number of other .22 rifles, but I shoot my Winchester 94/22 Trapper the most, by far. It is just a fun gun for me. The front sight is large for precision accuracy, but more often than not, that is what comes out of the safe with me to the range.
Count me in on the 10/22 bandwagon! I've got one with a stainless steel barrel and synthetic stock that I paid about $165 for a year and a half ago. It's very accurate with the factory barrel out to 100 yards.
A good cleaning kit should run you $10-15.
Ammo for the .22 LR is dirt cheap, obviously. I'd get a couple thousand rounds, just because you can.
A good cleaning kit should run you $10-15.
Ammo for the .22 LR is dirt cheap, obviously. I'd get a couple thousand rounds, just because you can.
hksigwalther
New member
The .22mag is considerably more powerful than the .22lr and will not only hit harder but will go a little farther. The 10/22 Magnum is built a bit more ruggedly to handle the more powerful round (although it is not readily evident to the eye).
The problem with .22mag, however, is that the .22lr has an incredible amount of different loads available for purchase. Anywhere from $0.80/50 round box plinking ammo to $10.00/50 rounds of match grade ammo. The number of different loads for .22mag is considerably smaller and the ammo is 5-10 times that of cheap .22lr. If you plan on shooting for fun, go with .22lr. If you plan on doing a little hunting, .22mag might be considered but .22lr can do most jobs just as well.
As a side note, the 10/22 Magnum I purchased had the worst (heaviest) trigger pull of any firearm I have ever bought. This was before I had sworn off Rugers.
The problem with .22mag, however, is that the .22lr has an incredible amount of different loads available for purchase. Anywhere from $0.80/50 round box plinking ammo to $10.00/50 rounds of match grade ammo. The number of different loads for .22mag is considerably smaller and the ammo is 5-10 times that of cheap .22lr. If you plan on shooting for fun, go with .22lr. If you plan on doing a little hunting, .22mag might be considered but .22lr can do most jobs just as well.
As a side note, the 10/22 Magnum I purchased had the worst (heaviest) trigger pull of any firearm I have ever bought. This was before I had sworn off Rugers.
Bluesky:
Here's some images to go with the suggestions...
Ruger 10/22 http://www.ruger-firearms.com/rfrimfire_auto.html
Ruger 96/22 http://www.ruger-firearms.com/rflever.html
Marlin 25N http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firearms/boltAction22/25N.htm
Marlin 880 http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firearms/boltAction22/880SQ.htm
I am rather fond of "my wife's" (yeah, right!) 10/22 despite the fact it requires a rather complete dissassembly to do any serious cleaning. As we speak, most of it is in a ziploc bag, waiting for clean-up and aftermarket parts that should come in through the mail any day now...
Hope this helps!
Here's some images to go with the suggestions...
Ruger 10/22 http://www.ruger-firearms.com/rfrimfire_auto.html
Ruger 96/22 http://www.ruger-firearms.com/rflever.html
Marlin 25N http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firearms/boltAction22/25N.htm
Marlin 880 http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firearms/boltAction22/880SQ.htm
I am rather fond of "my wife's" (yeah, right!) 10/22 despite the fact it requires a rather complete dissassembly to do any serious cleaning. As we speak, most of it is in a ziploc bag, waiting for clean-up and aftermarket parts that should come in through the mail any day now...
Hope this helps!
Much like Rugerfreak, I too have a 10/22 international in stainless... expensive, but a SWEET weapon...
I also have a full collection of Nylon remingtons... in the '66, and '76 versions, along with a model 52 Winchester, and a 513 Remington.
pure accuracy? the bolt guns, HANDS DOWN... pure fun? the Ruger 10/22 international... (it is QUITE accurate too...)
if I could have only one of these, it'd be the Ruger...
I also have a full collection of Nylon remingtons... in the '66, and '76 versions, along with a model 52 Winchester, and a 513 Remington.
pure accuracy? the bolt guns, HANDS DOWN... pure fun? the Ruger 10/22 international... (it is QUITE accurate too...)
if I could have only one of these, it'd be the Ruger...
Ok, as long as we are posting links, at least give this a look before you go to Wal Mart. :barf:
http://www.tcarms.com/tc22classic/index.html
Compare these features:
full-size deluxe American Walnut buttstock
solid steel receiver
22" Match Grade Barrel which is precisely threaded into the receiver for maximum rigidity
http://www.tcarms.com/tc22classic/index.html
Compare these features:
full-size deluxe American Walnut buttstock
solid steel receiver
22" Match Grade Barrel which is precisely threaded into the receiver for maximum rigidity
Brian Williams
New member
Since you mentioned the Savage mkII in your orginal post I will put in my $.02, my son bought one and he has an old weaver 4x scope on it and he makes some nice cloverleafs at 50 yds...
I highly reccommend it as a newbie rifle. he has the 10 shot clip model.
I was told Wally world rifles are seconds... might just be a gun shop guy trying to justify his higher price.
I highly reccommend it as a newbie rifle. he has the 10 shot clip model.
I was told Wally world rifles are seconds... might just be a gun shop guy trying to justify his higher price.
Tropical Z
New member
Definitely go with the $100 Savage at Wal-Mart!
The Rugers are the weirdest .22 i've ever handled.
The Rugers are the weirdest .22 i've ever handled.
Ruben Nasser
New member
Let me suggest something else...
Leaving aside the really expensive ones, this is probably the "most wanted 22LR rifle" in the world:
http://www.cz-usa.com/pro/detail.php?P=18
the CZ 452 is a classic, shoots very well and has the feeling of a "true" walnut and steel rifle. I don't know what the price is in USA (250$ ?), but it has lots of fans everywhere else.
Leaving aside the really expensive ones, this is probably the "most wanted 22LR rifle" in the world:
http://www.cz-usa.com/pro/detail.php?P=18
the CZ 452 is a classic, shoots very well and has the feeling of a "true" walnut and steel rifle. I don't know what the price is in USA (250$ ?), but it has lots of fans everywhere else.