Need input picking new semi-auto .22

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Toxid

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Hi all!

I'm a university student so my budget is pretty limited but I've managed to save up $330 and I've decided to get another .22! I'm done working for the summer so I won't be able to add to that amount. I've already got a nice MKII so I'm thinking a semi-auto is the way to go.

I've noticed that Ellwood Epps has some good prices on both the Savage 64 TRR-SR and Remington 597 AAC-SD. Both of these appeal to me b/c of the 16' barrel and threaded muzzle. Frontier Firearms also have a decent price on a new base model Ruger 10/22. I think a Mossberg Tactical .22 is also within budget but all the plastic on those is a turnoff.

I haven't discounted the possibility that I may want to mod this rifle someday, so that gives extra points to the Remington and Ruger... On the other hand the Savage already comes with a heavy barrel and picatinny rail. I already have an old Sears 8C (aka Lakefield 64) which means I save some $$ on mags.

The Savage is the most expensive at $280, the Ruger is $260 and the Remington comes in cheapest at $215. All prices are +tax

Any input would be appreciated as I can't make up my mind between these three. Thanks
 
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The 597 is a good rifle. Just toss on a scope and a bipod and you're good to go. Mine eats cheap .22LR ammo with no problems whatsoever, and pretty good accuracy to boot.

If anyone says anything about jamming issues, its likely due to them having the early plastic mags, or having the guide rods fastened too tightly. The magazine issues have been worked out with the metal mags (which are now standard), and adjusting the guide rod fasteners is a simple tweak.
 
I recently picked up a Rem597 ACC-SD, installed a spare flash suppressor off an AR and mounted a 3x-9 scope. I found the trigger heavy so added a VQ hammer. While I was at it, I also installed an extractor (not that it was needed).
Long story short...it's a nice rifle for little $$ and the OEM 10rnd mags are inexpensive. My son can shoot to his heart's contempt on cheap bricks of Win555's
 
Toxid said:
I'm a university student so my budget is pretty limited but I've managed to save up $330 and I've decided to get another .22! I'm done working for the summer so I won't be able to add to that amount. I've already got a nice MKII so I'm thinking a semi-auto is the way to go......
Click to expand...

Based on your choices, I am guessing you either don't like tube magazines or haven't heard of them. But if you want to consider tube fed semis, think Marlin 60. This baby is very nearly as accurate as my Marlin 981T or Savage MKIIF or CZ Style or Varmint, perhaps even more so on some days.

I like tubes because I will never have to buy extra magazines to replace lost ones. You can fashion a speedloader out of plastic tubing or you can buy the Spee-D-Loader with 90 rounds (or whatever) for 20 bucks which is just the cost of an extra magazine.

Accuracy, ease and speed of reloading makes the Marlin 60 a winner for me.
 
Let me start by saying my next .22 will likely be a Marlin 795. They sell for $139 new if memory serves. Box magazine fed, really light and quite small.

However, what you're going to see in the responses here are everyone's biases. Where inexpensive .22lrs. semis are concerned, it often becomes a 10/22 vs. a 597 thing as they're the most readily available, and both are pretty affordable guns. The 10/22 camp seem to be attracted by the aftermarket goodies they can bolt-on/swap-out/hang-off. I once owned a 10/22 and would have probably kept it if I didn't need the $ to fund a .17 HMR. Bought it stock, sold it that way. Anyhow, I don't like tube-fed guns myself, I prefer box mag-fed semis so already, you have 2 very different preferences in the same thread! Like I said, my next will be a Marlin but between a 10/22 and a 597~my vote would be the 10/22 for 3 reasons. 1~I've never liked the look of 597s , 2~Rugers have a longer history=bigger collection of online info. 3~Rugers WILL cycle with subsonic ammo. which is, to me, a real bonus. As a platform to tinker with, yes, there is a ton of aftermarket gear at your fingertips online.

Good luck with whatever you choose, and safe shooting!
 
10/22 is battle ready, peasant friendly ;)

The 527 which I also like does require the owner be more meticulous with it in terms of cleaning and reassembly.
 
10/22 - its the pig with the best selection of lipstick.

10/22 has by far the most options for modding out of the bunch. It's much easier to find upgrades for the 10/22 like stocks, barrels, magazines... etc.

The only issue i have with the 10/22 vs the others... no hold on empty.
 
Kind of depends on you and, your needs...

I adore my 64's but, not everyone does. They are finicky. With your budget, you could get 2.

I Love my 597...it's a bit bigger. If you like, you can get hi-cap magazines for spray and play. Still a very accurate .22. As far as I'm concerned, it's the only"innovation" in .22 design since Ruger's Rotary Mag.

My fav. (and sadly, still absent from the safe) semi is a Marlin. Really, there's a reason that Marlin semi's outsold Rugers for decades. Also a good reason why they are so sparse in the EE.

Not a 10/22 fan, can't deny they have a huge aftermarket bits n' pieces selection.

If you would consider "used" with your budget, there''s no shortage of fine examples all within your budget.
 
22 semi auto rifle

I would have to put in a vote for the Remington 597 rifle, although the Ruger 10-22 and the Marlin 60 might be considered.

Remington did have some trouble in the early years with plastic magazines, but the latest Generation 3 mags have proven to be very reliable. The 597 is a man sized rifle, and is proving to be very accurate. Many people on these Forums consider, in an out-of-the-box comparison, that the Remington 597 is more accurate than the Ruger 10-22.

The 10-22 has been around so long that it is almost growing a white beard, and the accessories available proliferate. It is very easy to spend more for the accessories than the basic rifle.

The Marlin is a bit of a sleeper. It is a reasonably priced rifle and the system has proven itself reliable. It just does not have the hype of the Ruger or Remington.

Value wise, a Remington 597 is $169.95 at Wholesale Sports and $20 more at Cabelas. That $20 is almost the price of a brick of .22 ammo, or two more magazines.

If you do buy a 597, disregard the Manual instructions to tighten the guide rods up to 10 INCH POUNDS. Just do them finger tight as overtightening will bow them slightly and they will rub on the bolt, causing problems. Also, the trigger on some 597 rifles is a bit heavy, so the addition of a $50 Volquartsen hammer will make an amazing difference in trigger pull weight. It takes less than 5 minutes to install at home.

If you buy one, PM me and I will give you a few more tips and simple mods that you might like to consider.
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