First 22 - what to get?

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Uphoria

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Hey all,
To start off I'm pretty new to the gun scene. I have fired some guns before but would like to start my own collection. From my research, it seems that a 22lr is the best starting point. So I would like some thoughts and feed back on what you would recommend. I will be mainly using the gun to plink away at the range. I would like to eventually put a scope on it but I don't need to go nuts with modifications. I would like semi auto as well. My budget is to keep it under $300.00

I've been told good things about the Ruger 10/22, Marlin 60, Remington 597, and Savage Mark 2.

Thanks!
 
I would look at upping you budget. Justification for doing so is .22lr is the cheapest thing you can shoot, so having a little more invested in the rifle won't hurt. I would try and get into a CZ bolt action, they have a reputation for quality and accuracy.

Ruger Americans are apparently nice and utilize the 10/22 magazines.

10/22s are gun but can turn into money pits with modifications to make them something they're not. Also the big magazines have been specifically prohibited.

I would steer clear of the Remington 597, I've heard too many bad stories.

Marlin model 60s are apparently pretty good.

Savage rifles are generally quite accurate but lacking in fit and finish, and sometimes design. The plastic stocks have poor ergonomics, and the magazines are somewhat finicky.
 
I would recommend a marlin 795. Its cheaper, lighter, and just as if not more reliable than a 10/22. Its easy to attach a scope too since there is already a rail cut into it. No issues with ammo. A lot of people say semi autos are picky but not this one. the 795 does not have nearly as much after market stuff as the 10/22 but who cares? If you want to ninja out a 22 buy a 10/22 otherwise get the 795

Remington 597 are just bad. I shot one before and I don't have a single good thing to about it.
 
There isn't much in the $300 and under market. Unless you go used. I would suggest raising your budget to $500. Use website like cabelas both USA and Canada for gun reviews too. They can be quite helpful and may prevent you from buying a lemon.
 
I have a real fondness for pump .22's for offhand shooting/plinking. If you are not shooting from a rest then a scoped rifle is less capable than open sights but I guess it depends on what you want to do and what magnification you're thinking. Think Rossi, Winchester, Remington, or Browning pumps in good working condition on the used market as any of these are reliable and high on the fun factor for a first rifle. Might have to pony up another hundred dollars to get a nice one but you won't be out anything if you want to sell. The rest of the world of course will tell you 10-22 is the way to go. Your budget is far too low for a decent bolt repeater or single shot with good glass or diopter sights.
 
I would look a Remington 597. I have one and have not had one issue with them. Because an above poster "heard too many bad stories" should not be the sole reason to not look at the 597. JMHO
 
How about old cooey. Some can be a little rough in the edges but most are excellent. You can't really go wrong with making the cooey your first, If you like 22's your probably going to end up getting one or two at some point.
That's just my thoughts, enjoy your plinking but be careful some one once told me 22s are a gate way gun
 
i would suggest a bolt 22 and mine was a Marlin XT accurate out of the box
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If semi is your wish then another vote for the 795 again no mods needed and bonus the mags are interchangeable
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I'd take the 795 over the 60, just for simplicity sake of the clip vs. tube magazine. Although that wood stock of the Model 60 sure us nice.
 
Mightymoose410 said:
How about old cooey. Some can be a little rough in the edges but most are excellent. You can't really go wrong with making the cooey your first, If you like 22's your probably going to end up getting one or two at some point.
That's just my thoughts, enjoy your plinking but be careful some one once told me 22s are a gate way gun
Click to expand...

Ya, nothing wrong with an old Cooey Model 60 or 600 bolt action. Lots to be found on EE. Or watch EE for any model you are looking for. Might save some money on something older, but in good condition.
 
Savage Mk 2:

They're not picky on ammo like semi auto 22LR and more accurate. You can accuratly plink away from 10m to 200m with it. My Mk2 FV was 240$ shipped to my door in 2014 and its part of the "never selling" list. I slapped a 3x9 bushnell banners on it.
 
I say buy used, you'll get more bang for your buck. I just a got nice Savage 93RFVS (heavy/bull barrel in stainless steel) for $280 shipped, for example. The Savages are great guns for the money.
Another thing to look at is Magazine availability. It's inevitable that you will lose a mag, having them readily, and cheaply available makes it not such a piss off. I liked the look of the Zastava guns, but seeing the mag availability put the brakes on that. I have lost a mag for my Savage Mark II, my buddy lost one for my 10/22. I am actually considering getting a Marlin 60 for its tube mag, it can't be lost, but its rod can be. Only time a tube sucks is if you are hunting using a motorized vehicle. You have to unload it every time you get in or on the vehicle. Then you have to reload the tube when you get out again.
 
OP - there's a reason the 10/22 is so popular. The availability of parts isn't a deficit, it's an advantage, if you decide in a few months you want a more accurate, or just a "cooler" gun, you simply get some bits - not a whole new gun. 10/22 parts are everywhere, and relatively speaking they run from cheap to costly, so you can choose which way to go. The gun comes out of the box with mags that are cheap, sights that are usable, and accuracy that's more than adequate. Most everyone has or has had a 10/22, and they're simple both to fix and work on, they're also very durable. There are copies of the 10/22 that run from cheap (Philippine made Rock Island) to slightly more expensive (Dlask - made in Canada) to "Oh My God, they want how much!" (Tac Sol, Volquartsen) but they all have the same solid, basic design, and each one will accept the same parts and magazines, that are always available, and from more than one source. It's pretty much the ultimate beginners gun.
 
enefgee said:
OP - there's a reason the 10/22 is so popular. The availability of parts isn't a deficit, it's an advantage, if you decide in a few months you want a more accurate, or just a "cooler" gun, you simply get some bits - not a whole new gun. 10/22 parts are everywhere, and relatively speaking they run from cheap to costly, so you can choose which way to go. The gun comes out of the box with mags that are cheap, sights that are usable, and accuracy that's more than adequate. Most everyone has or has had a 10/22, and they're simple both to fix and work on, they're also very durable. There are copies of the 10/22 that run from cheap (Philippine made Rock Island) to slightly more expensive (Dlask - made in Canada) to "Oh My God, they want how much!" (Tac Sol, Volquartsen) but they all have the same solid, basic design, and each one will accept the same parts and magazines, that are always available, and from more than one source. It's pretty much the ultimate beginners gun.
Click to expand...

:agree: The 10/22 is the small block Chevy of the gun world. ;)
 
Bolt actions: Norinco JW19 or Scorpio .22; both super accurate, both under $230 new (I have one of each and was out shooting both today).
Wife has a little Mossburg 702 .22 semi; just got it for mothers day; quite accurate and < $200.00; we put Simmons Red dot on it and it came in under 300 with tax, and she loves it.
find something that you like, that fits you, and shoot the hell out of it!

Ammo may be more critical than the rifle when it come to accuracy.
 
enefgee said:
OP - there's a reason the 10/22 is so popular. The availability of parts isn't a deficit, it's an advantage, if you decide in a few months you want a more accurate, or just a "cooler" gun, you simply get some bits - not a whole new gun. 10/22 parts are everywhere, and relatively speaking they run from cheap to costly, so you can choose which way to go. The gun comes out of the box with mags that are cheap, sights that are usable, and accuracy that's more than adequate. Most everyone has or has had a 10/22, and they're simple both to fix and work on, they're also very durable. There are copies of the 10/22 that run from cheap (Philippine made Rock Island) to slightly more expensive (Dlask - made in Canada) to "Oh My God, they want how much!" (Tac Sol, Volquartsen) but they all have the same solid, basic design, and each one will accept the same parts and magazines, that are always available, and from more than one source. It's pretty much the ultimate beginners gun.
Click to expand...

Of all my rimfires, the 10/22 is one of my least favourite to shoot, next to my AR-7. Nothing wrong with it, it's a great gun. I just don't get the hype of modding the crap out of a gun. I'm not a tacticool guy, just a small game and plinker kind of guy. If I wanted an expensive gun that is accurate, I would just start there and buy an accurate gun. To each their own I guess. If you are looking for a project gun, the 10/22 is a good starting point, if you want a gun to shoot, well there are as many to choose from as there are opinions.
 
I picked up A RIA m22 which is a direct copy of the 10/22 for $175 new at canadiatin tire.

Once I cleaned the firearm and lubed it. It has been flawless. All 10/2/ parts fit except the barrel

I'd take a look at one if you are just into plinking. It does feel like a cheap firearm but I think it shoots good
 
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