best rimfire when the time comes

[mikeystew]

If you want to accessorize, best bet is 10-22.

If you want one of the most accurate and most reliable out-of-the-box semi-autos, bar-none, look into the Marlin 60. Mine has shot 5 round groups of bulk winchester dynapoint ammo into 1.5 inches at 100 meters. Almost as good as my CZ 452Varmint. ATI makes a synthetic stock for it, but no way will this tube-mag rifle look tactical.

Mine shoots exactly the same as yours, i have never been so pleasantly surprised with a guns performance as i have with the model 60.

 

[djmay71]

I love all the input and helpfulness of this forum!

I spent a good deal browsing online and I found these....
Marlin 925
Savage Mk.II w/ Accutrigger (A bit more expensive than I was hoping for, but I'd spend more to get a good one I guess
Did someone say Stevens? How is their quality and accuracy?
Stevens Model 300 w/Scope (I'll probably invest in a better scope as well)

Is there anymore good online dealers that I could browse through, that may have a used section?

 

[AWOL]

This thread began specifically looking at semi's. Now that we are leaning to bolt actions (which is probably a better option for a noobie), my strongest recommendation is CZ for the quality & workmanship. They are as accurate as any but will last a few lifetimes. Look at the 45x series.

 

[SuperDan]

Savage 64G,

 

[dizzy]

if you are only buying for when 'the time comes' buy a s&w 617 10 shot

if you are on a real tight budget 10/22's are fine, many happy fans and loyal owners, if you really want the cream of the crop of semi's then save up and buy a Thompson Center R55 all weather

 

[rimfireplinker]

10/22's are OK. I have found over the years that they vary wildly in their accuracy and reliability from rifle to rifle . I had one in the early 70's that would eat any ammo you threw at it and was pretty accurate to boot . Tried a newer one a year or so ago and it was a jam-o-matic , POS that couldn't hit the broad side of a barn . Go figure ?? Maybe the newer one was built on a Friday afternoon. If you can try before you buy, do it .

 

[Winnipeg Toymaker]

i totally agree with the bolt actions for a new shooter. They tend to create a much better shooting platform.....one shot..one kill ..as to the 'spray and pray"shooting that happens. The Stevens or Savage 300 is a great beginners gun and the 5 year old one I have just will not give me problems...Thousands thru her and many target events as well as gophers lends to its prowess. The accutrigger is great.

 

[RememberTheSomme]

^x2, well said. I don't think anyone should start shooting with a semi-automatic. The "spray and pray" thing is true. Not saying they're not fun, or that adding one down the road is a bad idea....but as your first, I think they ARE a bad idea. Savage is the most accurate for the price these days new, but even an older bolt-action Cooey will get you rolling for 1/2 the price of a new Savage..which is already an inexpensive rifle. (following this? lol) Even if you have deeper pockets, I'd still suggest a Savage.

On the 10/22 issue~reminds me of the discussion regarding dog bites. "more people are bitten by labs than pitbulls". Dig deeper an you find out that there are probably 100+x more labs than pitbulls out there. It's a question of odds, not a comment on labs. (and I'm not dog owner BTW) If you want to know how "good" a 10/22 is, look at how many have been sold...and continue TO be sold. There is bound to be the odd stinker when 5-6 MILLION have been made. I have a mint 10/22 with about 1/2 a brick through it that has fed/fired everything I've tried. I have friends who have thousands and thousands of rounds through theirs with barely a complaint, and no mods. either. The only thing negatives I will happily admit to on 10/22s is #1. The trigger is heavy #2. Ruger doesn't seem to be wanting to improve this beloved carbine with each passing year. If/when you do decide to get one, look for an older one with less plastic.

My 10/22 is over 20 years old and many many bricks of all kinds through it ,no issues. Maybe the older ones were better, all i can tell you that when i bought mine and up to that point 1990, they were the most reliable out of the box semi .22 because of the flawless functioning rotary mag. Whats going on with the 10/22 of late i can't comment on because i don't own a recent production.