buy the henry, then buy the others one at a time I own one and I love it. Ruger American is a decent unit too mine is sporting 2x7 Nikon for glass, and if you enjoy projects buy a 10/22 mines constanly got new additions to it cause I can lol
Buying my first rifle
- Thread starter Riley702
- Start date
its your first rifle, go nuts and get what catches your eye first and think of the possibilities. the next rifle is the one your going to bang your head against the wall trying to figure out whats feasible for what ever your attentions are for it(hunting, paper punching, tactic-cool etc.)
If I were you and looking for my first rimfire rifle for the above intended use I would do as others have already mentioned and save up for a CZ bolt and a scope with AO. It will save you money in the long run…..
So, when I was younger I had a 10/22 with a folding Butler Creek stock which was way cool but I got tired of doing the modification thing when I realize that I was beginging to spend way too much money on upgrades for a rifle that was intrinsically inaccurate. Sure, the customization really reflected my personality at the time but when I got serious about shooting, the 10/22 was not the rifle for me. At the same time, I had an old Cooey and it was fun to have for no other reason then it was made in Canada but the novelty wore off pretty quickly.
Through out the years I have owned, Winchesters, Remintons, Henry's, Savages, Anschutz, CZ s, etc and today I still have most of them and I have assigned all my .22 rifles (37 in all) falls into 3 categories. The categories are, locker queen, competition and field and range. Most of my locker queens are rifles that don't shoot well or don't feel comfortable to hold but they fill a nitch such as a manufacture or a model or an action that I have to have such as the Henry Golden Boy. Or a rifle that is not worth alot but I find attractive such as my CZ 455 Canadian so it stays hidden which is really a shame.
The next category are my competition rifles which, from time to time I do take to the range. Neither my kids or I compete anymore but if I was looking for a super accurate rifle I would grab one of my Anschuts before I would even consider any of my CZ s. The last category of .22 are what I consider my range and field .22 which are the rifles I use the most. I am retired now and I visit the range about 4 times a week and the one gun that I take with me the most often is the Marlin XT.22 in a laminate stock topped with a Bushnell 3-9x40. This is my rifle of choice for the range because it cost me $240 for the rifle and $100 for the scope which allows me to run hundreds of rounds of cheap .22 through it without feeling guilty or having any fears of roughing it up. As for accuracy, Marlins Micro grove barrel makes the XT at par with any of my CZ s. CZ rifles to me is at a price point and quality where it doesn't make any sense as a competition rifle when it only produces the same performance as a rifle half its value. CZ are well made which is why I have a few in my safe. Another reason why I chose the XT over all other rifles in my safe is the Micro Grove rifling. I am a true believer because I have a couple of Marlin 2000 biathlon rifles and dang, they are as accurate as any one of my Anschutz. I am talking about 10 rounds, one 1/4" hole, Lyman peep sight at 50 metres. So the XT shares enough of that DNA to worth noting. As for my field/camp/walk in the woods gun, I carry a Marlin 60. It is a semi but it has eaten everything I put in it. I buy cheap 333 or 555 just to use in that rifle. It is the worlds best selling .22 apparently and I don't even mind the tube magazine. 14+1 is plenty before reloading. There was a couple of times when I have gone to the range and realized I forget my magazines for either my Savage Trr-sr or my Marlin XT and even though the club is only about 5 minutes away... What a pain! Then I look over at my Marlin 60 which I bring along as a backup and the day just got a bit better. I picked up my Marlin 60 for $150. I think they are now $219. The Marlin 795 is the same gun with a removable 10 round magazine and sells for $180. Now compare that with a $400 10/22 or $500 CZ.
Through out the years I have owned, Winchesters, Remintons, Henry's, Savages, Anschutz, CZ s, etc and today I still have most of them and I have assigned all my .22 rifles (37 in all) falls into 3 categories. The categories are, locker queen, competition and field and range. Most of my locker queens are rifles that don't shoot well or don't feel comfortable to hold but they fill a nitch such as a manufacture or a model or an action that I have to have such as the Henry Golden Boy. Or a rifle that is not worth alot but I find attractive such as my CZ 455 Canadian so it stays hidden which is really a shame.
The next category are my competition rifles which, from time to time I do take to the range. Neither my kids or I compete anymore but if I was looking for a super accurate rifle I would grab one of my Anschuts before I would even consider any of my CZ s. The last category of .22 are what I consider my range and field .22 which are the rifles I use the most. I am retired now and I visit the range about 4 times a week and the one gun that I take with me the most often is the Marlin XT.22 in a laminate stock topped with a Bushnell 3-9x40. This is my rifle of choice for the range because it cost me $240 for the rifle and $100 for the scope which allows me to run hundreds of rounds of cheap .22 through it without feeling guilty or having any fears of roughing it up. As for accuracy, Marlins Micro grove barrel makes the XT at par with any of my CZ s. CZ rifles to me is at a price point and quality where it doesn't make any sense as a competition rifle when it only produces the same performance as a rifle half its value. CZ are well made which is why I have a few in my safe. Another reason why I chose the XT over all other rifles in my safe is the Micro Grove rifling. I am a true believer because I have a couple of Marlin 2000 biathlon rifles and dang, they are as accurate as any one of my Anschutz. I am talking about 10 rounds, one 1/4" hole, Lyman peep sight at 50 metres. So the XT shares enough of that DNA to worth noting. As for my field/camp/walk in the woods gun, I carry a Marlin 60. It is a semi but it has eaten everything I put in it. I buy cheap 333 or 555 just to use in that rifle. It is the worlds best selling .22 apparently and I don't even mind the tube magazine. 14+1 is plenty before reloading. There was a couple of times when I have gone to the range and realized I forget my magazines for either my Savage Trr-sr or my Marlin XT and even though the club is only about 5 minutes away... What a pain! Then I look over at my Marlin 60 which I bring along as a backup and the day just got a bit better. I picked up my Marlin 60 for $150. I think they are now $219. The Marlin 795 is the same gun with a removable 10 round magazine and sells for $180. Now compare that with a $400 10/22 or $500 CZ.
The irony................... dun it fer yah.
So, you said you have yer eye on a MkII G. Go get it. As long as it has a varmint or bull barrel and an Accutrigger you're set. Do yourself a favor and contact Apachee triggers and get one to fit your gun. (there are two types, E and pre E). If you buy a new gun it will be an "E". I have a MkII and a Classic .17 HMR with the Apachee triggers, and it makes a huge difference. I also have a CZ 453 and the MKII keeps right up with it.
In my world, there is no room for inaccurate rifles. I am very happy with my three rimfires. The 453 has a set trigger which is very nice, but not as good as the MkII. (or the .17) with the trigger upgrade... C.
In my world, there is no room for inaccurate rifles. I am very happy with my three rimfires. The 453 has a set trigger which is very nice, but not as good as the MkII. (or the .17) with the trigger upgrade... C.
I have 2 of the Savage Mark II G rifles. Both are lefty models. One each in .22lr and one in .22mag. I love the Savage accutrigger. They shoot and feed any ammo out there with virtually no problems. I find them quite accurate hard to beat for the price.
black powder
CGN Regular
- Location
- Saint Hippolyte
also if you ever buy a cooey mod.60 bolt make sure it was made before 1959 ..WINCHESTER bought COOEY in 61 and produced garbage ...every time i go to a gun show i make sure the rifle is not staped COOEY WINCHESTER ..
The Cooey Model 60 is a bolt action repeater that appeared in 1939-1940, capable of firing .22 short, long and long rifle. The Model 60 had a tubular magazine, capable of holding 11 to 15 rounds depending on the type of cartridges. It was manufactured in H. W. Cooey Machine & Arms Company in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada, until 1979; and was also known as the Ranger.
It was replaced by the Model 600 in 1967 during the Winchester era.
The Cooey Model 60 is a bolt action repeater that appeared in 1939-1940, capable of firing .22 short, long and long rifle. The Model 60 had a tubular magazine, capable of holding 11 to 15 rounds depending on the type of cartridges. It was manufactured in H. W. Cooey Machine & Arms Company in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada, until 1979; and was also known as the Ranger.
It was replaced by the Model 600 in 1967 during the Winchester era.
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wayupnorth
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Northern Alberta
Hey Riley~having seen, and commented on dozens of threads like this...I clicked on it with my reply already in mind; "buy whatever you want, you'll end-up with a half-dozen .22s in the next couple of years anyway!: While that IS probably true, your first comments are proof to me that you've already given this some thought, looked at some guns, and turned to the forum here for a few opinions before taking the plunge. Good on you. Like many here I'm sure, I've been shooting rimfires for almost 30 years, and in that time...I've had lots of 22s come and go. I've bought some I knew I shouldn't have, I've sold some I should have kept forever. Lots of successes, but a few mistakes too. With all that said, I'll respond 2 ways.
#1~It's your money, buy whatever feels right to you. Buy the best you can afford, shoot it allot, take good care of it. Period. You don't need to please anyone but yourself. With that said...
#2~Don't get a 10/22.
So, bottom line, get a bolt gun and save the lever action idea for another time. They're almost always the most accurate, easiest to scope, best triggers, easiest/quickest to maintain, easy to mount a bipod on~ideal for your first gun, and almost always preferred by shooters/hunters who want the best results. The geometry on the stocks of most lever guns favors the use of iron sights, so while you can use a scope on them...it won't be comfortable for very long. Also, look into what it takes to fully clean a lever gun, then compare that to a bolt gun. I've shot Henry lever and pump 22s, and I like them. Would I prefer them over a bolt gun if I could only have one? Not a chance. So...which bolt-action?
Of the ones you mentioned, I'd say pick the Ruger American. I've heard very promising things about them (in spite of my 10/22 experience) and for what you get, they seem like incredibly good value. If the synthetic stock doesn't turn your crank, you have the option of upgrading the stock to a "Boyds" wood stock down the road. I've owned 4 different Savage rimfires over the years and I've been a little discouraged by the direction their QC is going. For an econo bolt-action, they seem to be the best choice right now. The Marlin XT series would be another to give serious consideration to, but only a wood-stock model. The plastic-stocks don't have a metal sling-swivel stud, so mounting a bipod will take some alteration to the stock. If I were guessing, I'd say accuracy with the Ruger American and the Marlin would likely be comparable.
A few other things worth mentioning...
The "get a CZ" refrain you'll hear~there is merit to that. When you say to a group of people "I have a max budget of $350" and they mostly all say; "buy a CZ for $500+"...you'll probably feel like slapping somebody! However, when you add-up the cost of a Ruger American and then factor-in a Boyd's (and all the required goodies) you're at, or in excess of the cost of a CZ anyway. A stock, Ruger American (for example) will likely outlast you with a little care, so you don't need to spend CZ money to have a fantastic shooting experience. I'm sure the gophers won't be able to tell the difference.
Ammo~most rifles will show a strong preference for 1 ammo over all others, and that goes for any rifle. When you get your rifle..buy a 50rd. box of every kind of 22 ammo you can get your hands on. Get the rifle scoped, the scope zeroed, then start testing ammo. If you've gotten your hands on more than 3-4 different types, you'll likely see a drastic difference between the best, and the worst.
Optics~get the best you can afford, but keep in mind that not all scopes are meant for 22s. Most are meant to be used at 100 yards or further. In simple terms, get a scope with AO (Adjustable objective) They can be dialed-down to 15-25 yards if req.
Clearly I like to ramble..
contrary to what some people say there is nothing wrong with Ruger 10/22's.
i got my first back in 1984 and i still shoot it today.
ive got one from the 80's, one from the 90's, one from 2013 and a 50th anv one plus 2 custom made DAR ones.
ive never had more then the odd jam from mine and even those are so rare i cant recall the last one.
there are lemons in every factory, so blanket cover every 10/22 because you got a lemon is pretty poor IMHO.
back to the OP.
the Ruger Rimefire is a nice inexpensive way to get into the 22 world.
get it, shoot it, enjoy it.
i got mine for $315 new from my local gun store and its a hoot.
it sees the range 20 times more then my Savage MKII which cost me twice as much and even more when i had to put optics on it to even shoot it.
the RAR you can take out of the box and away ya go.
and no, you dont have to swap out the stock and why would you even?
if you want wood then buy a Savage or CZ.
if you want a nice entry level gun that will work good then RAR and your good to go.
if you want wood then look at the Savage or a nice CZ but your gonna spend 2 to 3 times more money.
find a gun that feels good in your hands and feels good to cycle and there ya go.
Cabela's makes a real good inexpensive scope too, its called Cabela's Pine Ridge brand.
for around $100 they are the best bang for the buck in optics for 22.
After having owned dozens of 22lrs,..I now find myself shooting only bolt actions. This past year I have really come to like the Savage FVSR. I know you can get a wood stock for it (I think it is a Boyds?). It is an absolute tac driver. It shoots just as well as the several CZs I own for a little less money.
Bottom line,..Which ever one you choose, shoot it lots, enjoy it,..because you will find yourself looking at other guns within 6 months regardless of what you end up with. Lol TRUE STORY!
Cheers! Hairy
Bottom line,..Which ever one you choose, shoot it lots, enjoy it,..because you will find yourself looking at other guns within 6 months regardless of what you end up with. Lol TRUE STORY!
Cheers! Hairy
my first PAL rifle was a 10/22 (first one ever was a 50 cal. flintlock)
I dont regret it, but thats because i had researched it alot and i knew right off the bat that i was going to customize the heck out of it part by part. About 2k total with the vx2 scope...it's still is the jewel in my safe...KIDD everything and Tactical solutions laminate stock. The spare parts made another one eventually. The only jams i got was with aftermarket mags, TI mag that were not adjusted properly. Its a tack driver now.
But if i was to start over, knowing what i know now about myself and firearms in general, i would get a cz 455 without a shread of doubt, in the long run, getting a good quality rifle the first time saves alot of money and hassle....and its not a whole lot more expensive ( a few hundred is peanuts when it come to firearms). The CZ is a heirloom rifle, hand lapped barrel and quality is beyond what you will get with thos other rifles.
With the cz 455, you can get barrel replacement kits for a couple of hundred in 22mag ir 17hmr too.
You know it think i'm gonna get one anyways.
I dont regret it, but thats because i had researched it alot and i knew right off the bat that i was going to customize the heck out of it part by part. About 2k total with the vx2 scope...it's still is the jewel in my safe...KIDD everything and Tactical solutions laminate stock. The spare parts made another one eventually. The only jams i got was with aftermarket mags, TI mag that were not adjusted properly. Its a tack driver now.
But if i was to start over, knowing what i know now about myself and firearms in general, i would get a cz 455 without a shread of doubt, in the long run, getting a good quality rifle the first time saves alot of money and hassle....and its not a whole lot more expensive ( a few hundred is peanuts when it come to firearms). The CZ is a heirloom rifle, hand lapped barrel and quality is beyond what you will get with thos other rifles.
With the cz 455, you can get barrel replacement kits for a couple of hundred in 22mag ir 17hmr too.
You know it think i'm gonna get one anyways.
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Like many others here I would say a CZ. I do not have one but have had and still shoot a buddy's. I have 10-22 VQ; Rem 597 HB; win 94;Bruno target; Cooey, ranger etc. etc. Spend your money wisely, a Cz will last your grandkids. A good scope in medium power will be ideal. A semi in the gopher patch is a hoot! A bolt is safer and more accurate. For paper or rodents over 50 yds. a bolt is the way to go. Look around and you will see the CZ hold value better than most. If $$ are the stumbling block, look at Marlin.
Hahahahaha!
To the OP..... I'd recommend a bolt action. Simple, accurate and you won't have problems with whatever ammo you put down it. Manufacturer doesn't matter - but buy one that feels good and save some money for some glass to go on it. You won't go wrong with an accu trigger savage, cz, cooey or whatever.
A semi is a lot of fun, but you use more ammo, it is somewhat intolerant of certain ammo and will be expensive to approach the accuracy of a basic bolt.
Just my $0.02.....
Plus, once you stop worrying about getting the perfect first rifle you can start worrying about getting your second, then third etc...
A semi is a lot of fun, but you use more ammo, it is somewhat intolerant of certain ammo and will be expensive to approach the accuracy of a basic bolt.
Just my $0.02.....
Plus, once you stop worrying about getting the perfect first rifle you can start worrying about getting your second, then third etc...
You will never regret spending the extra money on a CZ bolt action. I would recommend saving the extra few bucks and going that route. It'll not only be your first rifle, but one you'll cherish and use the rest of your life.
The "get a CZ" refrain you'll hear~there is merit to that. When you say to a group of people "I have a max budget of $350" and they mostly all say; "buy a CZ for $500+"...you'll probably feel like slapping somebody! However, when you add-up the cost of a Ruger American and then factor-in a Boyd's (and all the required goodies) you're at, or in excess of the cost of a CZ anyway. A stock, Ruger American (for example) will likely outlast you with a little care, so you don't need to spend CZ money to have a fantastic shooting experience. I'm sure the gophers won't be able to tell the difference.
^^^^^
These guys know what they type!
Purchase a CZ! Thank me later.
Regards,
Chizzy
I've personally owned and/or shot a variety of .22s including the Savages, Rugers, ancient Cooeys and a few others. After several years of playing with em I've personally started leaning much more towards the bolt guns. I find they're much better for keeping up with the basics.
Thus far the Savage Mk2 has been my all time favorite. I currently keep a BTVS in my locker and it comes out to the range every time. Great tack-driver at a very reasonable price. You can find some well cared-for Mk2s on the exchange forums here once in a while.
Best of luck with with your search.
Thus far the Savage Mk2 has been my all time favorite. I currently keep a BTVS in my locker and it comes out to the range every time. Great tack-driver at a very reasonable price. You can find some well cared-for Mk2s on the exchange forums here once in a while.
Best of luck with with your search.
