First 22 Rifle

I have a 64. To clean the receiver, the rifle has to be disassembled. And when you take the barrel off with that cheesy bracket, you lose Zero every time (esp. with a scope). I'm guessing the other two brands are the same?

On the other hand, my old Mossberg 151M has a removable plug at the back of the receiver which unscrews. The bolt then comes out the back, without disassembling anything else. BTW the barrel is securely fixed to the receiver. Plus, it's a completely reliable action, and quite accurate.

Pick up something you like. Then buy the next rifle you like. And so on, and so on . . .
 
I used to buy into the bolt action theory for learning. I learned on a .308 Winchester model 70. Every shot had to count because you were being tested. Yes it worked. However if the person was taught to shoot with a semi and was scored on every shot . I believe you'd find they aimed every shot the same way as they would with a bolt action.

Nowadays I believe the personality of the person plays a bigger role. A person who is detail orientated will still shoot a semi slow and controlled. Shots that don't go where they are aimed are frustrating to someone like this. Now, that being said the semi offers a lot of opportunity. A good one is fairly accurate while still allowing for plinking which is fun as well. Also I've seen people with bolt guns cycling the aciton really quick and throwing away shots as well.

If you aren't teaching children to shoot, then I believe a semi is probably a better first rifle in .22 than a bolt. You can do more with it. Informal target shooting, hunting, and there is still the fun factor for plinking. Lets face it starting low and raising the rifle to hit 10 targets in rapid succession is a great stress reliever. Frankly a lot more fun with a semi than a bolt.

The reality is he'll end up getting a bolt as well later on :D The accuracy bug is addictive.
 
Frankly I'd go with the Ruger.
The 10 round magazines really make this rifle. They sit flush, are well made and very reliable.

Now here's the other thing. The Ruger will allow you to change the rifle to your changing interests. Also when you find you have more money you can simply modify it to your interests without having to start from the beginning. Right now you might only want plinking. Later on you may find you want some more accuracy. Or you might want a more dedicated hunting .22. Either way you change the rifle to your needs.

Any of the rifles you've listed will fit your needs. But will they still fit your needs in a year or two from now?

I'd also consider putting in more money for this. You'll be putting more rounds through your .22 rifles than any centerfire.

At first I didn't have any interest in a .22. A buddy of mine constantly hassles me about this. I considered it a kids gun. My current firearms collection includes two .22 pistols (both Ruger MKIII) a K10/22T and a Kimber SVT.
I put 1000 rounds through the 10/22 my first week of owning it. Something to think about.
 
10/22 is a good way to go. Its fun and you can modify it if you like to get into that kinda thing. I was almost going to get modifying it when instead I bought a cz452lux and traded the 10/22. I couldn't afford both. In my mind I got the semi out of my system and went on to a more classic rifle. A bolt action. A nice one that shoots well. And I'm glad I have the CZ. I love it and it is still my first choice. BUT! Keeping the 10/22 would have been good. They are accurate and LOTS of FUN!
 
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