looking for advice on a good first gun in .22

303Fudd

303Fudd

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hello as the title suggests I'm looking for advice on good first gun in .22, I have been looking around and from what I've seen my eyes are currently set on a cooey model 60 as its very affordable for me and I've heard its pretty accurate.

I've inherited some rifles from both my grandfathers but not a .22, as I plan to start trapping I need a .22 for dispatching animals and I would also like a .22 for overall general range usage as .22 is a very cheap cartridge, so with all of that in mind do you guys think I should get a cooey model 60? if not I would like to know which other rifles you would recommend.

thank you
 
People in Canada, specially those born in the last century have a fondness for Cooey's and there are lots out there rusting in the back of a barn or an attic.... If I was looking for a .22lr today for dispatching trapped animals I'd probably pick something lightweight and compact.

A little badger in .22lr or .22mag would work well for dispatching trapped animals.

A mare's leg .22lr would also be compact and offer quicker follow up shots.

I guess it depends on how important size and weight is for your mission?
Are you hiking around or ridding a machine? Mag fed might be handier then tube fed if your using machines.

Hard to go wrong with a 10/22 backpacker as a compromise between full size range gun and portable bush unit.
The Little Badgers are inexpensive but not really suited for range use.

Savage has a good rep for accuracy at low cost if your on a budget.

There are a ton of good options and most likely you will end up with a few .22lr's..... :)

Tell us more about your aesthetic preferences (Wood? Plastic) and what type of trapping you will be doing.

Any preference for action types?

If the Cooey is in nice shape and cheap go for it..... it won't be your last!

Simple iron sights work well with young eyes, but peep sights are even nicer.... modern guns give you more options for sights and optics though many today might not include iron sights.
 
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I was going to say CZ 457 or Tikka T1x, but I saw the preference for something affordable.

Can't go wrong with a Ruger 10/22. Been around forever, highly customizable. Will not win any accuracy awards...that was my first .22, followed by an even cheaper Savage Mark II bolt action.

In retrospect, I should have gotten the bolt action first, as it was more accurate than the 10/22.

Cooeys are great though, and it is almost like a rite of passage for every new gun owner to have one in their stable, for the historic nature and reliability of it alone.
 
Cooey guns are basic but can last forever. For occasional use they are perfectly fine. As a trapping gun a cooey model 60 is perfectly acceptable. However, if your budget is not limited, a cz457 is a much more refined bolt action and lets you shoot to longer ranges. A 10/22 is also a decent choice. Really you have so many choices, it depends more on your preference.

While I have no trapping experience, I suggest using solid point, non hollow point ammo for finishing trapped critters.
 
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Sure, I've got a CZ457 MTR Varmint in an MDT chassis. I've also got a Ruger 10/22 where only the receiver and bolt are still original.
But dang, there ain't no greater joy than whacking steel with my Cooey 60 with its original iron sights!
It's the most pleasurable offhand plinker I've ever experienced. Don't ask me why, but it is...
 
Bubba Yugga said:
Sure, I've got a CZ457 MTR Varmint in an MDT chassis. I've also got a Ruger 10/22 where only the receiver and bolt are still original.
But dang, there ain't no greater joy than whacking steel with my Cooey 60 with its original iron sights!
It's the most pleasurable offhand plinker I've ever experienced. Don't ask me why, but it is...
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It's amazing how some guns just fit... when ever I handle a Lee Enfield No.4 Mk 1 it's like meeting an old friend or someone I knew from another lifetime.
 
Can-down said:
I guess it depends on how important size and weight is for your mission?
Are you hiking around or ridding a machine? Mag fed might be handier then tube fed if your using machines.
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I'm probably gonna be hiking considering I don't own an ATV, but I know a couple close family members who do though so I may be able to use one at times.
Can-down said:
Hard to go wrong with a 10/22 backpacker as a compromise between full size range gun and portable bush unit.
The Little Badgers are inexpensive but not really suited for range use.
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I would like a 10/22 down the line but only once I have the full kit I want on it, i want a 10/22 m1 carbine kit because as you know m1 carbines are restricted now unfortunately.
Can-down said:
Tell us more about your aesthetic preferences (Wood? Plastic) and what type of trapping you will be doing.

Any preference for action types?
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I would definitely say I prefer wood over polymer if you gave me an AR-15 I'd replace the polymer with wood :ROFLMAO:
and for action type i prefer bolt actions, just something about cycling the rifle yourself makes it all that better.
Can-down said:
If the Cooey is in nice shape and cheap go for it..... it won't be your last!

Simple iron sights work well with young eyes, but peep sights are even nicer.... modern guns give you more options for sights and optics though many today might not include iron sights.
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I've seen some really nice ones in the range of 200-300 but I'd rather not pay more than 250 for a cooey model 60, my price range is gonna be 200-350 so that's why the affordability of the cooey model 60 peaked me so much but I'm still willing to spend a bit more on something else.

as for peep sights are there many after market modifications for most .22s new and old? if so that would be wonderful
 
303Fudd said:
I'm probably gonna be hiking considering I don't own an ATV, but I know a couple close family members who do though so I may be able to use one at times.

I would like a 10/22 down the line but only once I have the full kit I want on it, i want a 10/22 m1 carbine kit because as you know m1 carbines are restricted now unfortunately.

I would definitely say I prefer wood over polymer if you gave me an AR-15 I'd replace the polymer with wood :ROFLMAO:
and for action type i prefer bolt actions, just something about cycling the rifle yourself makes it all that better.

I've seen some really nice ones in the range of 200-300 but I'd rather not pay more than 250 for a cooey model 60, my price range is gonna be 200-350 so that's why the affordability of the cooey model 60 peaked me so much but I'm still willing to spend a bit more on something else.

as for peep sights are there many after market modifications for most .22s new and old? if so that would be wonderful
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I agree wood can look pretty nice on an AR 15
iu


There are all kinds of peep sights out there, the easiest to deal with are ones that mount on picatinny rails or rimfire grooves but there are older models that could be side mounted to receivers and also tang mounted style flip up peep sights with tons of micro adjustable elevation for long range artillery shots.... :)

Old guns are fun to shoot and a part of history, some times parts can be a hassle but in general guns are pretty durable and we seem to be entering a new era of manufacturing where making one off's of a broken part is getting cheaper by the day.
 
Take a looks at the Savage Mark II G, while I don’t have personal experience with the wood stock, I do have the same configuration F model with a synthetic stock and it’s a great plinker. I also have two FV models in MDT stocks and they’re both reliable and accurate.
 
I bought a gently used Savage Mk II left hand in a wood stock for the daughter in law……

Topped it with an older BSA “Sweet”?? 4-16x scope, and took it for a spin at the range.
1785323952790.jpeg
Discount the 2 shots north of the center aim point(sight adjustments) it shows it likes what it likes and hates what it hates, the Eley ammo on the bottom row lives up to its price tag, as well as the copper Federal Game Shok solids, and the CCI Mini Mag HP’s, and the shocker was the bulk Winchester HP’s (333’s) the other interesting thing was the windage and elevation shifts between ammo brands (the mini mags were shot at the RH point on the aim point)
1785323637248.jpeg

My daughter and Son in Law have the same make and model of rifle as well, one being a left hand action the other a righty, they too shot quite well when fed what the rifles liked, all though that’s from a few years back, so I don’t have pics of the targets.

IMO you can’t go wrong with this platform for a starter platform, will it compete in 300 meter competitions, probably not, but will it get you shooting and having fun till the long range bug bites you hard, you’re damned straight it will.
 
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Yes — a Cooey 60 will absolutely do the job for trapping dispatch and casual range use if you find one in good mechanical condition. They’re simple, reliable, and surprisingly accurate for what they are. But depending on your budget and how you plan to use it, there are other .22s that might serve you better long‑term.

303Fudd said:
hello as the title suggests I'm looking for advice on good first gun in .22, I have been looking around and from what I've seen my eyes are currently set on a cooey model 60 as its very affordable for me and I've heard its pretty accurate.

I've inherited some rifles from both my grandfathers but not a .22, as I plan to start trapping I need a .22 for dispatching animals and I would also like a .22 for overall general range usage as .22 is a very cheap cartridge, so with all of that in mind do you guys think I should get a cooey model 60? if not I would like to know which other rifles you would recommend.

thank you
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thegazelle said:
I was going to say CZ 457 or Tikka T1x, but I saw the preference for something affordable.

Can't go wrong with a Ruger 10/22. Been around forever, highly customizable. Will not win any accuracy awards...that was my first .22, followed by an even cheaper Savage Mark II bolt action.

In retrospect, I should have gotten the bolt action first, as it was more accurate than the 10/22.

Cooeys are great though, and it is almost like a rite of passage for every new gun owner to have one in their stable, for the historic nature and reliability of it alone.
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Yeah, that’s a solid take. The 457 and T1x are fantastic rifles, but definitely in a different price bracket than what the OP is looking at.

The 10/22 is hard to argue with — it’s basically the “default” semi‑auto .22 at this point. Reliable, tons of aftermarket support, and everyone should shoot one at least once in their life. But you’re right: they’re not exactly known for match‑grade accuracy out of the box.

A budget bolt gun like the Savage Mark II is honestly one of the best first‑rifle choices. Cheap, accurate, simple, and perfect for learning fundamentals. Mine punched way above its price tag too.

And agreed on the Cooeys. They’re not fancy, but they’re part of Canadian gun culture. If the OP found a clean Model 60, it’ll absolutely do what they need — and owning a Cooey feels like joining a long tradition of shooters who started with one.
 
I have a wide range of different .22 rifles.
I highly recommend a Cooey though my sweet spot for them is in the single shots Model 39 or 75. They are very accurate.
I have a very nice CZ which I love but don't want to get all scratched up carrying it through the woods and the level of accuracy it gives is actually not needed for trapping and I find iron sites better when putting down an animal in a trap and most CZ or Tikka don't come with irons anyways.

Savages are good for the price but after owning a few I wouldn't choose one over most other offerings. Lots of aftermarket stuff for them I guess.

Lastly if your gut is saying a Cooey is the way to go then follow your gut in this case. I don't know anyone who ever felt let down when they bought a Cooey. They are more solid and reliable than half of the new stuff that comes out. and with a wipe down of oil they'll last to pass down to your grandkids.
 
Echo the comments on the Tikka and CZ...and the Cooey too.

Here's an interesting take. While my Tikka is super accurate (guess being a UPR T1x it better be!) it is very picky on ammo - not necessarily in terms of accuracy but reliability. Now some may say, why would I feed it anything other than premium ammo. Because I'm cheap. And I don't think CCI Mini Mag varmints are crummy ammo, but for whatever reason, that gun WILL NOT reliably feed the Mini Mag Varmints.

Meanwhile my Cooey has not had anything that it could not feed, going the gamit from cheap to premium ammo.

I recently got a Marlin 60 and am mixed on it. Love the stock, but hate the manual tube loading, and once in a while it doesn't quite feed right. I don't think I've ever had a problem with any feed issues on my 10/22...and I don't remember the last time I cleaned it.

Only problem I ever had with my Savage Mark II is a magazine fitment issue with the 10 round metal ones. 5 rounders no issues - it seems there is a bit of play in the magwell, but I have been able to work around it. All my kids shot the Savage as their first gun. I haven't taken it out in a while.

Now for semi-autos, the Derya TM22 is quite good...I had my doubts but that has been a fun plinker. Similarly the Adler Arms .22 is fun too though I swear it's a rebadged Derya.

I think I'm going to take out the Cooey for my next range trip. Sadly it was not one that was in the family or handed down (my family of origin are not gun people), but bought it from a friend whose brother (the owner) passed away. It has been fun to shoot it.
 
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thegazelle said:
Echo the comments on the Tikka and CZ...and the Cooey too.

Here's an interesting take. While my Tikka is super accurate (guess being a UPR T1x it better be!) it is very picky on ammo - not necessarily in terms of accuracy but reliability. Now some may say, why would I feed it anything other than premium ammo. Because I'm cheap. And I don't think CCI Mini Mag varmints are crummy ammo, but for whatever reason, that gun WILL NOT reliably feed the Mini Mag Varmints.

Meanwhile my Cooey has not had anything that it could not feed, going the gamit from cheap to premium ammo.
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I'm sure you are aware thegazelle that the Tikka chamber is prolly tighter than the ole cooey and that the mini mags have a thicker wax like coating on them and when chambering it shaves a little wax off.
But, the smell is soooo...
Tight Groups,
Rob
 
CZs, Brnos (all models from the Mod 2 up to the 457 (Brno 2, 452 and 455 are my favorites, 457 have some plastic parts).
If you want cheap, reliable, and accurate with cheap magazines, the Scorpio 20".
 
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