Best .22 for a new shooter

I would recommend a CZ 455 as well (mainly because its one of the few .22LR I have actually used). The one I have is accurate, easy to clean, and is of high build quality. The first gun I learned to shoot was an old Cooey 64 semi-auto. I remember getting very frustrated trying to clean the gun and having to deal with the occasional failure to feed. I would not recommend a semi auto as a first gun.

If you can't (or don't want) to spend the 500-600$ for a CZ 455, I have heard a lot of good things about the Savage MKII. I'd try getting one with iron sights so you have the option of shooting with a scope and with irons.

I think both the savage mk II and CZ 455 are suitable for hunting if you are a good shot. If you are a poor shot like me, borrow a shotgun from someone.
 
garthgorling said:
Hello,

I just posted a new thread asking about what shotgun to buy for a new hunter.
I also plan to buy a .22 for target shooting and small game.
I am not sure if I want a scope or if iron sights are the best option.
Recommendations for targets and game?
For guns I was looking at the Savage FXP .22 and the Remington 597.
Are these good guns? Suggestions for better/cheaper choices?
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I wouldn't get either of those two guns, there are much better choices available. I'd look at the CZ 22's any model will be pretty decent.
 
The OP needs to specify his max budget for these two rimfires with optics. The truth is there are many similar options at many price levels . As it is, the posted question is too vague. Also he should start with only one gun and get the second one later after he learns the is and outs of the first gun.
So... If it were me choosing 1rst gun... Budget choice is $200 scorpio with cheap Bushnell scope.. Total cost. Around $300. More money choice in cz452 or 455 American with 4-12 Nikon rimfires scope. Around $750.
 
Cz 452/455's are a great choice for a bolt gun.
10/22's are fun and you can configure them however you like. The four I've owned functioned very reliably.
I would tell a new shooter to get either, and if they have the cash, to get both.
 
canadian hunter312 said:
I'd stick with a bolt action rimfire as they're lower maintenance and easier for a new shooter to get a hang of things. Savage makes great rimfires for a relatively low cost and are very reliable and accurate. I would never suggest any chinese/knockoff brands for a new shooter as they're more likely to cause issues and you want a new shooter to have the best experience possible.
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Meroh said:
While I agree (my JW15 with the right ammo will put them all in the same ragged hole) it took three rifles (through warranty) to get one with a straight barrel. The first two I had, I had to drift the rear sights just about out the left side of the barrel to hit zero, likewise, with a scope, there was not enough windage adjustment available. They also need tuning; stock bedding, smoothing of sharp edges. I won our club's last cross country shoot scope class, with my JW and a cheap Tasco pronghorn 3 x 9 scope.

A better bet (I have one of these too) is the Scorpio .22. Much smoother, much nicer finish, and about the same price as the JW. Their barrels need bedded too. SFRC has them on for $200.00:
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CZ is still the best bet, but it will be about 3 x the price of the scorpio. I have a CZ in .17 HMR, but my plan is to upgrade the JW to a CZ in the next year or so for no good reason other than it's not a CZ. LOL
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While I agree regarding the Norinco, I have recommended the scorpio to two brand new shooters, and both are enjoying smooth, pretty rifles that shoot straight and accurate... neither have been bedded yet. Extra 10 shot mags are two for the price of one cz mags. Great starter rifle that will teach good shooting habits. I will sell my Norinco when I replace it with a CZ, but I will not sell the scorpio; ever.
 
CaptainHook said:
I would recommend a CZ 455 as well (mainly because its one of the few .22LR I have actually used). The one I have is accurate, easy to clean, and is of high build quality. The first gun I learned to shoot was an old Cooey 64 semi-auto. I remember getting very frustrated trying to clean the gun and having to deal with the occasional failure to feed. I would not recommend a semi auto as a first gun.

If you can't (or don't want) to spend the 500-600$ for a CZ 455, I have heard a lot of good things about the Savage MKII. I'd try getting one with iron sights so you have the option of shooting with a scope and with irons.

I think both the savage mk II and CZ 455 are suitable for hunting if you are a good shot. If you are a poor shot like me, borrow a shotgun from someone.
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I still like the 452 over the 455 though I have both one used one new..
 
Thanks for clarifying :) I was only planning on buying one at first. Those were the models I was debating between :) Budget is important to me. Will look up the Scorpio. Was hoping for something around 300$ for a starter gun (with a scope...maybe)
 
bearhunter said:
I'm going to be upfront with you right from the get go.

Are you cash strapped????

If you are, shooting/hunting likely isn't the game for you.

I tell all new shooters the same thing.

Don't get into it if you can't afford the ammunition to learn to shoot your choice of firearms well.

Nothing wrong with the firearms you've selected and they certainly are at the bottom price range.

Do you know what kind of accuracy your expecting? Are they ergonomically correct for your body shape???

Are you planning to upgrade later???

I would suggest you purchase the best grade firearms you can afford. Starting with lower grade firearms often puts people off the sport because the firearms don't fulfill expectations.

The firearms you suggest are IMHO good plinkers that can be pushed into the role of hunting. If you're plinking, you won't need a scope, if your eyes are good. With practice you should be able to shoot iron sights as well as with a scope out to 100 yards. This is documented by the way.

The reason I suggested a higher quality firearm is simple, in the end game it SAVES YOU MONEY and you will likely have a firearm that will fulfill expectations as long as you do your part.

Same goes for the shotgun. I would also suggest joining a local club and getting some experience shooting TRAP. Many of the new shotguns from Turkey are bargains for what you are getting and suitable for both TRAP shooting and HUNTING as they come with several chokes.

Joining a club and getting into Trap shooting won't be CHEAP. Trap shooting can also be addicting. The good thing is Trap shooters are usually more than happy to share their expertise and help you get the best out of your shotgun and yourself. Be prepared to shoot a couple of boxes every time you go to practice, which you will also have to pay for the clay birds etc.

I would also suggest you join a pro firearm organization of your choice and take advantage of their CHEAP liability insurance, which will more than cover the cost of membership.

TURF THE LIBERALS IN 2019

Liberals really like POOR people, they make more of them every day

If you can't vote CPC, stay at home in protest
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Thanks for the post! I hear what you are saying about the price of the guns. Do you have a recommendation for a .22 at the lower end of the price range? or what would you consider to be a reasonable price range for a .22? Im totally new to this so all the advice is welcome :)
 
gorby said:
You really gotta go and shoulder them, you do not need to be experienced to tell what feels right - the rifle will speak to you. I am a new shooter who joined the CZ club... I would suggest iron sights, just cause it is fun and you can always add a scope later.

I also shoot my CZ with a Nikon P-Rimfire scope, they are pretty cheap and go on sale at Cabelas often. I typically plink under one hundred yards and it is perfect. As a newbie, I really like the tactical knobs as I am always playing around with my set-up.

For targets I love going out in the winter time in the forest and shooting clumps of snow in the trees with a good hillside as backdrop for safety. It is seriously so much fun as you can see your shots and constantly be switching between different distances. you are also practicing shooting in the same conditions you will be hunting!
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Yeah - I think I will skip the scope for now and just get used to irons. Thanks!!
 
bearhunter said:
Depends on what you're willing to settle for..Personally, I like buying lunch and coffee. I don't do it every day butttttt.

I'm not trying to discourage a newbie. I just want to point out some facts that will become glaringly obvious very shortly after he purchases his firearms.

TURF THE LIBERALS IN 2019

Liberals really like POOR people, they're making more of them every day

If you can't vote CPC, stay at home in protest
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its appreciated!
 
ratherbefishin said:
‘I would never suggest any Chinese knockoff brands for a new shooter as they’re likely to cause issues ‘...beg to differ...my Experiance with Bolt action Norinco JW 15 is they are every bit as reliable and just as accurate JW15a Back Packer 13’’ short barrel with a regular 4x Bushnell is my grouse gun of choice and knocks the heads off grouse just as well as my CZ
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I bought a used JW15 13" as a novelty item. It also has fixed 4x scope (Simmons). I have other rimfires that cost much more and prettier but I have to admit this little package is plenty accurate and very handy/light to carry in the woods.

Never had any issues with mine and if it gets a few scuffs and dings....who cares?

OP....get yourself a bolt and scope it.
 
Spend 500 to 600 on a used cz American it’s very versatile
And amazing
But before you do anything and I can’t stress this enough go to some stores and shoulder these rifles... try the bolt take your time see how you feel with it. I really thought I wanted a ruger American then I shouldered it realized it felt like a toy
So definitely feel these rifles.
Would you buy a car without even sitting in it probably not
 
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