Best first rimfire Ruger 10/22 vs American

[Suther]

Scope is really dependent on what you're gonna use it for. Competing vs hunting vs plinking all have different factors to consider.

Given that you're new to this, a 3-9x or 4-12x would be a good place to start. Something with adjustable parallax is a great feature on a rimfire especially if you're gonna shoot it at ranges under 50m. Athlon makes good scopes for the price, check them out.

 

[kamlooky]

Keep an eye on the EE.
That Leupold 2-7x28 is a bit of a rare yewnitt.

They are great on a 22r/f.

 

[Tinybear]

Scopes are very dependant on use.

I have two CZ457 rifles. A 457 Thumbhole Laminate that I use for short Range positional competition shooting (ORPS). On it I have a Bushnell Match Pro 6-24 FFP scope (out of production but there is a new model). For this scope I have it mounted on a 40 MOA MDT Scope rail with Vortex Pro low rings. For this purpose I find this scope setup perfect.

My Other CZ is my 457 Canadian (same as the American but with a red stock). I use this rifle as just a plinker at the range. It’s my favourite range toy and one I bring out most often. I enjoy shooting this unsupported standing a lot and so for this one I prefer a smaller lighter scope setup directly on the CZ’s 11mm dove tail with Burris medium height Signature rings. Tried a few scopes for this and presently and my favourite so far in this role is a Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 with adjustable objective and a mil dot reticle. The rimfire vortex crossfire II 2-7x32 I had on previously was also great but the Hawke is a bit nicer for the adjustability and the reticle is a bit more useful even allowing rudimentary hold overs.

 

[thefaculty]

Scopes are very dependant on use.

I have two CZ457 rifles. A 457 Thumbhole Laminate that I use for short Range positional competition shooting (ORPS). On it I have a Bushnell Match Pro 6-24 FFP scope (out of production but there is a new model). For this scope I have it mounted on a 40 MOA MDT Scope rail with Vortex Pro low rings. For this purpose I find this scope setup perfect.

My Other CZ is my 457 Canadian (same as the American but with a red stock). I use this rifle as just a plinker at the range. It’s my favourite range toy and one I bring out most often. I enjoy shooting this unsupported standing a lot and so for this one I prefer a smaller lighter scope setup directly on the CZ’s 11mm dove tail with Burris medium height Signature rings. Tried a few scopes for this and presently and my favourite so far in this role is a Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 with adjustable objective and a mil dot reticle. The rimfire vortex crossfire II 2-7x32 I had on previously was also great but the Hawke is a bit nicer for the adjustability and the reticle is a bit more useful even allowing rudimentary hold overs.

This is great! Thank you for sharing, sounds like your range setup is perfect for me at this stage! Greatly appreciated

 

[Anathae]

I've seen a lot of opinions here and I think it really depends on what you're going to be doing. Maybe I missed it but I hadn't seen the question asked. If you're just shooting off of a bench then maybe you need a very accurate heavy rifle. If you plan to walk through the bush maybe you want a but less rifle. If you're just going to be shooting at pop cans semi auto might be a great choice. There's a lot of different applications. I've owned lots of different rifles over the years. Some of them for bench rest shooting some of them for running and gunning in competitions some of them just for shooting at pop cans. Some of them scoped. Some of them with red dots. And some of them with irons just to brush up. I saw somebody comment here that the GSG was superior to the 1022. Personally I disagree, but my 10/22 cost several times the GSG at this stage so it really depends on your personality and what you enjoy and what your range allows for.

Economically 22LR is a good choice.

Welcome to the Hobby. It's a lot of fun. And it's alot like chips, there's a lot of flavors and you can't have just one. Lots of different games and sports - so good luck to you!!!


Ps
If you are planning on doing mostly off hand shooting as opposed to bench rest... You might consider looking at the primary arms with the acss reticle for 22. I found it to be faithful and enjoyable - I have to fix power version.

Keep your finger out of the trigger and keep it pointed in a safe direction.

All the best!

 

[thefaculty]

I've seen a lot of opinions here and I think it really depends on what you're going to be doing. Maybe I missed it but I hadn't seen the question asked. If you're just shooting off of a bench then maybe you need a very accurate heavy rifle. If you plan to walk through the bush maybe you want a but less rifle. If you're just going to be shooting at pop cans semi auto might be a great choice. There's a lot of different applications. I've owned lots of different rifles over the years. Some of them for bench rest shooting some of them for running and gunning in competitions some of them just for shooting at pop cans. Some of them scoped. Some of them with red dots. And some of them with irons just to brush up. I saw somebody comment here that the GSG was superior to the 1022. Personally I disagree, but my 10/22 cost several times the GSG at this stage so it really depends on your personality and what you enjoy and what your range allows for.

Economically 22LR is a good choice.

Welcome to the Hobby. It's a lot of fun. And it's alot like chips, there's a lot of flavors and you can't have just one. Lots of different games and sports - so good luck to you!!!


Ps
If you are planning on doing mostly off hand shooting as opposed to bench rest... You might consider looking at the primary arms with the acss reticle for 22. I found it to be faithful and enjoyable - I have to fix power version.

Keep your finger out of the trigger and keep it pointed in a safe direction.

All the best!

Thank you so much for such a detailed reply. This is so helpful!

 

[.22LRGUY]

The longer I am at this sport, the more I realize how much more enjoyable it is when the gun is set-up well for the application. I know, common sense....but the pragmatic/frugal half of my brain can't accept one gun=one task. The degree to which you chase that is up to you OP, but at least be honest with yourself about how you intend to use the gun and shop/set-up based on the top 1-2 things you plan on doing with it. Figure out why a varmint/heavy barrel is great for some things and terrible for others. Same for sporter-weight barrels like you'd find on a 457 or 452 "American". They all go bang, but you don't want to be lugging a varmint rifle through the woods hunting squirrels...but that's that's where an "American" would shine!

The advice you're getting re: caliber=perfect in my opinion. 22WMR and 17HMR are amazing and definitely worth considering if you plan on hunting (22WMR) or want to see a tight group @ 100 yards/hunt varmints. (17HMR) =that's how I see these calibers, and how I've used them. To me, especially these days with rising costs, it has to be a bigger job than a 22 for me to consider it. I do love the punch of 22WMR and have my eye out for a particular one of those too. lol

Last new scope I bought for a 22 was one of these; https://www.burrisoptics.com/riflescopes/fullfield-e1-riflescope-45-14x42mm Lots to like, especially the reticle and glass quality/clarity. There are 2-3 older models I'm always on the lookout for, but I mostly want at least 12X on the top end and either adjustable objective (AO) or side focus (SF) that will allow the scope to function best as close as 25 yards. Ideally, even less.

 

[thefaculty]

The longer I am at this sport, the more I realize how much more enjoyable it is when the gun is set-up well for the application. I know, common sense....but the pragmatic/frugal half of my brain can't accept one gun=one task. The degree to which you chase that is up to you OP, but at least be honest with yourself about how you intend to use the gun and shop/set-up based on the top 1-2 things you plan on doing with it. Figure out why a varmint/heavy barrel is great for some things and terrible for others. Same for sporter-weight barrels like you'd find on a 457 or 452 "American". They all go bang, but you don't want to be lugging a varmint rifle through the woods hunting squirrels...but that's that's where an "American" would shine!

The advice you're getting re: caliber=perfect in my opinion. 22WMR and 17HMR are amazing and definitely worth considering if you plan on hunting (22WMR) or want to see a tight group @ 100 yards/hunt varmints. (17HMR) =that's how I see these calibers, and how I've used them. To me, especially these days with rising costs, it has to be a bigger job than a 22 for me to consider it. I do love the punch of 22WMR and have my eye out for a particular one of those too. lol

Last new scope I bought for a 22 was one of these; https://www.burrisoptics.com/riflescopes/fullfield-e1-riflescope-45-14x42mm Lots to like, especially the reticle and glass quality/clarity. There are 2-3 older models I'm always on the lookout for, but I mostly want at least 12X on the top end and either adjustable objective (AO) or side focus (SF) that will allow the scope to function best as close as 25 yards. Ideally, even less.

Thank you so much for such a detailed reply. At this time my instinct is to purchase a first rifle that will allow me to get as much ammunition down range as possible at low cost and my understanding would be that .22lr would be best for this. Would you agree? Hunting will come and at that time I would get a new rifle so for now I want to hone my skills and familiarize myself with the sport so that muscle memory can be set.

 

[.22LRGUY]

Thank you so much for such a detailed reply. At this time my instinct is to purchase a first rifle that will allow me to get as much ammunition down range as possible at low cost and my understanding would be that .22lr would be best for this. Would you agree? Hunting will come and at that time I would get a new rifle so for now I want to hone my skills and familiarize myself with the sport so that muscle memory can be set.

For sure, you’re on the right track! 22LR is so popular that there is (still) an option for everyone, and most budgets. If we had a government that respected gun owners I might say “good guns are worth saving for” but these days it’s risky to assume time is on your side.

Should add, it’s not uncommon to have someone ask “what’s your budget?” In threads like these. Not something you have to share, but you might be able to get some fine-tuned answers if you do.

 

[thefaculty]

For sure, you’re on the right track! 22LR is so popular that there is (still) an option for everyone, and most budgets. If we had a government that respected gun owners I might say “good guns are worth saving for” but these days it’s risky to assume time is on your side.

Should add, it’s not uncommon to have someone ask “what’s your budget?” In threads like these. Not something you have to share, but you might be able to get some fine-tuned answers if you do.

Thank you again! I have no problem at all sharing a budget. I am hoping to spend in and around $800 on my first rimfire rifle which I appreciate i the rifle alone and will not include the scope, mounts etc all of which I feel are transferrable to another rifle. I am at this range because I would also like a shotgun in a few months to give me a little of the recoil action that I will be missing from the .22. My thought in this is that I'll be getting more and downrange with the .22 at a very affordable cost and can rip of a few rounds with the shotgun at the top of the hour which feels like a good place to get started.

 

[homslice]

I've owned a handful of rimfires in the last 15 years.
For bolt Savage MRK II with a heavy barrel was a lot cheaper than a CZ 455 with a standard barrel but not nearly as smooth or as accurate.
That being said for a fun gun I recently came across a Scorpio 13" and it's fun (not as accurate but lots of fun)
For single shot I've never tried anything modern as good as the old Cooeys and I've tried 3 or 4 different single shots.
For semi Ive tried GSG, Marlin 795, Ruger 10-22 and a clone, a Norinco made Browning clone, and a Remington Nylon, and Cooey.
The Marlin 795 was the best plus it had detachable mags. the second best was the Remington Nylon.
For lever I've tried Henry and Browning. Browning was better but not double the price better.
Just my personal experience.

 

[Sherlock Gnomes]

I have owned 10/22's and a ruger precision rimfire along with scores of other rifles in 22lr.

For a basic no frills but accurate one the savage mark 2 heavy barrel can be found cheap and everywhere. Downside to them is over 1000s of rounds the magazines can have issues and the extractor claw can be problematic.

Cz 455 and 457s are great starter rifles as well for a few bucks more. I recommend heavy barrel as they tend to be mpre accurate if firing lots of rounds. Can't go wrong with a Canadian or American model but I think the Canadian one only comes as a light weight barrel. CZ makes excellent rifles and if you get a 457 the trigger can be adjusted to a light crisp break.

Tikka T1X are good all around rifles and around same price as the cz. Good fit and finish and good accuracy. Trigger on the t1x is excellent and adjustable as well.

Mdt makes chassis for any of the above rifles typically if you decide to step beyond the factory wood/plastic stocks

As others mentioned semi autos can be harder to small groups with from factory.

If I had to pick one I would go CZ of some flavor and get some decent ammo. Cci SV is a great start but try others to see what the rifle likes. Rimfires can be very picky with ammo in terms of grouping.

 

[1oldfart]

I'm going to add my 22 cents worth.
With the way things are going with the liberal gun bans, you should concider this.
Do you think you will ever want a semi auto rim fire rifle? If so maybe you should start with a Ruger 10/22. This will get your foot in the door to the semis, Now I can't garantee that the government wont ban these firearms rendering your 10/22 a safe queen which you may have to surrender to the government later down the road. But at least you would have been able to experience the semi world. The Ruger 10/22 is a great gun for plinking as it is light and easy to carry if you choose to go hunting small animals. It also makes for a great choice if you wish to get into the rimfire steel change game. (red dot if you want to play in the optics division) The Ruger 10/22 is also the Chevy 350 of the rimfire world with a great variety of aftermarket accessories should you wish to start customizing your firearm. The downside of the Ruger 10/22 or any semi for that matter is that you have to be very mindful of the fact that it is instantly ready for the next shot. Muzzle control and trigger finger control are paramount. But that being said must be diligent with muzzle and trigger finger control with all firearms, it's just that semis are less forgiving if you should make a mistake.
With that all being said you have to seriously ask yourself, are you willing to take a chance on a semi auto rimfire? If so the Ruger 10/22 would definately fit the bill.
If you are looking at precision rimfire the Bolt choices mentioned by other are great. I personally hav a CZ457 MTR with a fluted match barrel mounted in an MTD chassis with a Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25 x 56 scope . I've about 3K into this rig and it is great for precision shooting. This is one heavy rig and it would be totally useless in a rimfire steel challenge. Too heavy and too slow. Don't get me wrong. I love this gun, for what it is built for.
Someone mentioned a lever rimfire. I don't perrsonally own one (yet) but if I were to get one I would seriously look at the Browning BLR22. They carry a hefty price tag but I realy like the short thow lever action and athey are a very pretty looking gun in you go into their upper end variants

I suggest thaat you go out to the range and talk to some people and ask them what their thoughts are, I'm willing to bet that you will get a lot of different opinions and if you are luck some of these people will offer up their firearms for you to try. The world is full of important choices.

Good luck with your decision

 

[lister]

The Remington 572 Fieldmaster pump 22 is a good option as well. Tube mag, 15 rounds of 22lr. Also shoots long and short.

 

[Steiner]

Another thing to consider is barrel length. I have a CZ 457 Jaguar with the 28" barrel.
gotenda.com/product/cz-457-jaguar-28-6-barrel-22-lr-threaded/

Iron sights are fantastic with this barrel length. Mine is now scoped for far shots.
With such a long barrel, it is very quiet on the shooters ears (vs say a 18-20" barrel) and i can shoot gongs out to 300 yds and hear the hits (as I don't need to wear hearing protection).

Anyways, enjoy the hobby, lots of good 22lr firearms out there, and most of us own more than one.

 

[Dylan4570]

CZ 457 with a match chamber if you want a bolt gun. CZ457 Varmint, for example. The only ammo I've found to not chamber in the match chamber is CCI Stingers.

10/22 if you want a semi.

Accuracy is good with subsonic ammo. Typically, CCI SV is the best performance to value proposition.

Out of the box, the 10/22 will be less accurate. But a custom barrel 10/22 shoots pretty close to a 457 or any other factory bolt 22LR.

 

[Anathae]

Consider looking into the rimfire challenge for awareness and find out if it's available at any near by ranges.

Like my previous comment alluded to you should consider looking into the various sports and games available in your area. Rimfire challenge is a fast pace and enjoyable game. There are other games that are more focused on precision as well.

 

[9-ball]

I have an 24 year old ruger 10/22 that is amazing. That being said the new ones do not have a good rap anymore.
I would hold out for an old one, or go savage semi if your looking for a semi auto.

I have a tikka T1x that has been amazing for accuracy.
But also an old coey that is still fun too.

 

[jparent]

I will throw another hat in the ring for the Tikka T1x. I know there is a lot of love for the CZ platform, but out of the box, I have found the Tikka to have a much better trigger (which can be refined even further with a Mcarbo or yoDave spring), smoother action, more accurate (with any ammo). I have won a few local BR matches with mine, and it outshoots rifles that cost 2 or 3x as much. It is not just my sample either, as i had to get a second one for my fiancé, or lose mine to her. It shoots even better.

As other have mentioned, usage and budget are a big factor. For plinking, the RAR is just fine. I had one before my Tikka. Nice little rifle, but the Tikka is better, for very little extra $.

Actually considering another one. Both are set up for long range precision with 6-25x scopes, but one with a different optic for different rimfire challenges would be nice to have around.

 

[Can-down]

I would save you some time and money. Don't get any of the rugers. Get yourself a CZ 457 MTR and you will be happy with it's accuracy, reliability, and aftermarket parts and accessories. Most ruger rifles just won't shoot in a bucket...

Eugene, have you tried many, or any of the American rimfire bolt action line?
CZ's have long been an easy recommendation that's for sure! The Tikka's are nice as well..... I've never really liked Savage's for some reason but there is not doubt they can shoot.

OP, one thing to consider is that the people suggesting quality bolt's for accuracy will also be getting that accuracy with more expensive target grade ammo.... .22lr are very ammo sensitive if your chasing small groups on paper.
That said there is nothing as fun to me as plinking reactive targets with bulk .22lr ammo and not worrying about one hole groups...

Keep an eye on the EE and you might as well start buying any ammo you see on sale...... stack it deep!