first rimfire rifle

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2006vinson

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I everyone, I am new to the forum and I would like to know if you can recommand me a specific rifle that is accurate but not too expensive. I have heard of savage as good rifles and would like a .22 wmr.

thanks for you help
 
Well, you'd probably need to define what's "too expensive" to get any real useful information. I own a Savage .22WMR I bought it VERY lightly used for $225, but they're around $265 + tax new. Looks like this (modified bolt handle and aftermarket mag)

Savage93FVTR3.jpg


Is it accurate? Off a bipod at 110 yards on the weekend (at a shooting range) I was getting 1-1/2" groups during my ammo-testing session...which wasn't quite as good as I'd hoped. I've shot it better while in the field hunting, so I think I can blame about 1/2" on being rusty. :rolleyes: .22WMR is a hunting round (to me) in both the accuracy it's capable of, and the amount of punch it has. If you want really tight groups and a gun better suited to the shooting range, .22lr would be a better choice for the wider variety and lower cost of the ammo. For hunting at/around 100 yards or less, .22WMR is the king of the rimfires in my opinion, and I've put countless rounds of all 3 (.22lr/.22WMR/.17HMR) down the pipe.

So if you're buying new, my vote would be Savage because that's what I have experience with. I'm actually considering trying a Marlin XT17 (.17HMR) as the price is very attractive at about $202. They have a .22WMR option, the XT-22MR. I know I'd be considering one if I was shopping today. http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/xt/XT22.asp
 
First, a few questions:
Why a .22 mag over a .22 LR? The mag is noisier, ammo cost 4x as much, its a lot louder and ammo variety is usually quiite limited.
Second, do you have permission to view the equipment exchange on this site? A huge range of rimfires is available on the EE. I have little interest in buying new guns anymore, due to EE, and I doubt I'm alone.
 
Agree with all of the above posters.
My 2c... .22lr is the quintessential learners round and should not be skipped, I wanted a .17hmr for my first gun and am very happy i went with .22lr instead. You can only buy 100 rounds of .22mag for the price of 500 .22lr so you get to practice MUCH more, and practice makes you a better marksman. Also .22lr is WAY more versatile... you can find tons of different brands in different price and velocity ranges from $2 boxes of 50 for plinking ammo to $20 for high grade target stuff, and velocities from 700fps super quiet "stealth" ammo to 1600 fps stingers for blowing stuff up. You will be VERY surprised how fast 500 rounds goes. I can shoot a brick in one shooting session easily... sometimes two if i have guests.

As for entery level rifles... I'd recommend a bolt action Savage or Marlin, and i'd recommend buying new. Because there is nothing like wiping the packing grease off a new gun and being it's first owner... especially when it's your first gun.
 
I'd also recommend going with a Savage. I've got a Stevens 300F [Think Savage Mk II without accutrigger], a Savage 64F, a Savage 93R17FVSS and all three of them are fantastic. The 93R17FVSS is especially nice with the black furniture and heavy stainless barrel.

The Stevens, I bought instead of a Savage Mk II because I wasn't too convinced of the accutrigger. While it is a fine rifle, the accutrigger on my 93R17 is a very wonderful feature.

My vote goes for a Savage. For my stainless/heavy barrel .17HMR, I walked out of the shop with it brand new for just a touch under $400, and it's the most expensive gun I own. There is great wisdom in the mention of looking for used on the EE. I've seen quite a few GREAT deals in the rimfire section.



.22LRGUY said:
... (modified bolt handle and aftermarket mag)...
Click to expand...

Where in the 7 circles of hell did you find an extended magazine? I've been looking for one of those since I bought my .17HMR.
 
Farva said:
I'd also recommend going with a Savage. I've got a Stevens 300F [Think Savage Mk II without accutrigger], a Savage 64F, a Savage 93R17FVSS and all three of them are fantastic. The 93R17FVSS is especially nice with the black furniture and heavy stainless barrel.

My vote goes for a Savage. For my stainless/heavy barrel .17HMR, I walked out of the shop with it brand new for just a touch under $400, and it's the most expensive gun I own. There is great wisdom in the mention of looking for used on the EE. I've seen quite a few GREAT deals in the rimfire section.


I have a Savage 93R17FVSS, I love it, tack driver. I've had it for several years, was pricey then but they have come down a long way.
Click to expand...
 
What's your budget? "Not too expensive" could mean getting a classic Cooper instead of a custom classic or it could mean getting a Savage instead of a CZ.

Popular options in different price ranges:
$50-$200: A used firearm from the EE.
$200-$400: The Savage and Marlin offerings
$400-$800: CZ, Ruger, Browning
$800+: Well if your dropping that kind of money you probably know what you want.
 
Farva said:
Where in the 7 circles of hell did you find an extended magazine? I've been looking for one of those since I bought my .17HMR.
Click to expand...

What...this little old thing? :)

Savage93FVTR.jpg


I bought it on the EE, the first, and only one I've seen there. The guy who sold it to me got his here, probably among the first to cross the border;

http://17hmrmag.com/Savage-17-HMR-10-Round-Magazine-2-pack-17HMR10RND-2pk.htm
 
I was not really clear on the price, I agree. I was thinking at something like 200$. I was looking at a semi auto savage 64g lightly uses with a scope (22lr) or a more expansive choice, a new savage 93 f (22wmr). But thanks to all for your answers its appreciated.
 
2006vinson said:
I was not really clear on the price, I agree. I was thinking at something like 200$. I was looking at a semi auto savage 64g lightly uses with a scope (22lr) or a more expansive choice, a new savage 93 f (22wmr). But thanks to all for your answers its appreciated.
Click to expand...

Very different beasts there. Both more aimed towards the gopher patch instead of the bench. The 64 will be a spray and pray, but cheap option. The 22 wmr will be more precise, but slower and more expensive option.

The semi vs. bolt action debate will always go on. In reality both sides have fun. The semi shooters tend to hit less on the first shot and at longer range, but having instant follow up shots means they usually get just as many gophers. The bolt guys use less ammo and can make better hits at longer ranges, but even if you can work the bolt super fast you still get follow up shots off far slower. At the range it's a no contest, bolts rule.

Whatever you choice, have fun and welcome to CGN.
 
.22LRGUY said:
I bought it on the EE, the first, and only one I've seen there. The guy who sold it to me got his here, probably among the first to cross the border;

http://17hmrmag.com/Savage-17-HMR-10-Round-Magazine-2-pack-17HMR10RND-2pk.htm
Click to expand...

EDIT: After running my mouth off like this, I went to the website and they now apparently have stock of them again. Needless to say I've ordered a pair. Thank you .22LRGUY for pointing me back in this direction!

Among the first, and probably last to get over the border. Everytime I check the website they're "Out of stock". It's the only place I've seen them at all.

2006vinson said:
I was looking at a semi auto savage 64g lightly uses with a scope (22lr) or a more expansive choice, a new savage 93 f (22wmr). But thanks to all for your answers its appreciated.
Click to expand...

Either way, you won't be sorry. The 64F I bought new however, and it did need a good bit of ammo to break it in. If you're looking used though, it's probably already broken in.

cam1936 said:
The 64 will be a spray and pray, but cheap option..
Click to expand...

I disagree. My plain-jane 64F will put rounds wherever I point them at 50 yards if I do my part. Like most, if not all Savages, it's a very accurate little gun. In friendly informal competition, I'd pit it against a bolt gun any day of the week.
 
2006vinson said:
I am leaning a bit on the boot action 22wmr side because it will more versatile small game hunting and range, at least that is what my limited knowledge tells me.
Click to expand...

Scrap the WMR and buy one later. A standard .22 LR rifle will serve your needs with zero issues and can be used to take everything that walks, crawls, swims or flies. The extra power of the WMR is fun, but not necessary. Consider the fact that you might be able to buy 100 WMR rounds for the price of 500 LR rounds, that's alot more practise and that's what will give you more versatility, not the extra power. Being able to put the bullet exactly where you want it is paramount.

As for the choice of rifle, you need to head into the local gun shop and try several on. Don't listen to what they try and push you to, they like everyone here will have a personal preference. You need to make your decision based on what you want, not what anyone else wants you to have. There are lots of new models and many more older models. Some are good, some are bad. And you don't always get what you pay for. Just remember, you'll shoot your .22 rifle tens of thousands of times more then you'll shoot your big game rifle, keep that in mind when selecting your new rifle. If you buy the cheapest .22 out there simply because it's a .22 your prohibiting yourself from truely enjoying your most useful and versatile rifle. And be sure to post some pics when you make your choice, and above all else, have fun.
 
Farva said:
EDIT:
I disagree. My plain-jane 64F will put rounds wherever I point them at 50 yards if I do my part. Like most, if not all Savages, it's a very accurate little gun. In friendly informal competition, I'd pit it against a bolt gun any day of the week.
Click to expand...

I'll take you up on that if you're even in southern Alberta.
 
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