Help me decide on my first rimfire!

I'd go with the ruger for sure the rotary mag is awesome they are totally customizable and it's a ruger I have a bolt 22ruger and I love it. My nephew has a 597 and the charging handle keeps falling out and it doesn't shoot well and very finicky about ammo too
 
I have both the 597 and 10/22. Both basic, standard models. The 597 is more accurate than the 10/22, but it does jam up more often. Saying that, rimfire rifles tend to jam more than a centre fire. I wouldnt say my 597 is problematic at all.

Unless you plan to modify/ tacticool your rifle, I would go with the 597.
 
Do yourself a favour.

Google T/C Benchmark.

THAT is the gun you should buy if you want a semi.

The T/C Benchmark is a very beautiful rifle, very solid and unfortunately... often unreliable... I had four of them and had out of battery explosions with two, bolt issues with another and many feeding and ejection issues... I still liked the gun and hung on to an HM2, but it hasn't been out to play for years.
 
Thanks for the help guys!

I'm going to go pick up a 10/22 for the mrs since she feels most comfortable with it. After we put some time in with it I may look at a bolt action for me.
 
Thanks for the help guys!

I'm going to go pick up a 10/22 for the mrs since she feels most comfortable with it. After we put some time in with it I may look at a bolt action for me.

Just this week, I have acquired both a 10/22 and a bolt action .22LR. While both have their own feel, I much prefer the 10/22 on a bipod. Not having to reload in ten rounds or aiming in and being able to put two or three rounds in the same spot are definite advantages. I didn't think I would like the semi-auto, I have always shot bolt action rifles, but I am really liking the 10/22.
 
If semi is your game, at least for now, that I would go with a Marlin. Its cheaper than the 10/22 (under $200) and more accurate than the 10/22 so you will no doubt 'grow' more with this gun than you would with something with less accurate. It is also smaller than a 10/22 so your girlfriend may take to it more. I think that starting with this will better educate you on just what your next step should be..17HMR, 17WMR, 22WMR maybe a bolt action with thumb hole stock. If you want to go all in than CZ is making the better semi's not to mention some wicked nice bolt actions with mannlicher stocks. For me, all in was a Savage BTVS in .22 WMR which will shoot 40 grains under 1" at 100 yards but this gun is only set up for use with a scope which is going to cost you another $200. If you are thinking of a scope than I would go all in and buy a Bushnell XLT 4-12x40 ($200 at W-M) this way you can actually see the holes at 100 yards. Some people will see 'all in' as different from my version of all in but for me 650 bucks for a 22 with scope is 'all in'.
 
Why semi???? I think they are boring and get old fast.


I'd go a nice bolt gun in .22lr or .22mag. CZ 452 or 455 would be my first choice. They are just so nice to shoot, The semi phase will wear off in about 1 hour or use IMO
 
Why semi???? I think they are boring and get old fast.


I'd go a nice bolt gun in .22lr or .22mag. CZ 452 or 455 would be my first choice. They are just so nice to shoot, The semi phase will wear off in about 1 hour or use IMO

I'll have to agree to these two posts. Been there and now I only own bolts. One tube feed & scoped and one mags and irons.
However, if I were to get a semi it would be a Marlin 60 tube feed with Tech sights. YMMV

If semi is your game, at least for now, that I would go with a Marlin.
 
Exactly! Lmao... I never saw the logic.... "I'm gonna buy a 300.00 rifle *because* I can sink another 500.00 into it and make it shoot as well as a....well....300.00 rifle"

Yup I find it pretty funny. Point in having a 10/22 that cost 1000 to make but doesn't shoot much better if at all then a $150 marlin. But to each their own I guess.
 
Really depends on what your shooting needs are.

I have my awesome .22 Anshutz bolt love this gun!!! Super accurate being a bolt and cheap to shoot and relaxing.

Now my 10/22 is heavily modded for my pleasure!! I have a 556r AR kit, a 10" Charger barrel, 50 and 110 round drum,why? I SHOOT GOPHERS!!!

Yes I have a grand into it but I gave up a few a vices to cover this I miss shooting my AR15 away from ranges so my 10/22 now fills that tactical feel in the fields.

So for relaxed paper punching go with a bolt, if you hit the fields like I do a bolt does not work too slow and 10 round mags will make it painful.

I have no regrets building my 10/22 over a period of time as the money was budgeted. I have choices either 18.5 inch barrel in wood, or 10" in plastic, the 2.5 lb trigger job, auto bolt release makes this platform a real dream no gopher is safe at 100 yards!!!

Randy
 
What upgrades are there for a marlin?

Are you suggesting the merits of a rifle be based on aftermarket crap that can be hung from it? I hope not. Marlin outsold Ruger for many decades for a very good reason! There are some folks who want a "platform" of a .22, and the 10/22 is a fine choice for that. Most folks tend to want a rifle that comes out of the box as a fine gem.

OP. If you n' the little Mrs want semis, buy semis! I have owned about 100 rimfires, and hopefully will see 100 more in time! I have owned a couple of 10/22's, but they are no longer tolerated on the premises. I have owned a couple of 597's (still have a couple too), and haven't had any issues. I prefer the full sized 597 over a few current semi .22 offerings.

Although your inquiry stated 597 vs 10/22, I wouldn't overlook the Marlins for fun out vs cost in. Pretty serious little gems!
 
Does the marlin have aftermarket barrels and a pistolgrip stock. IMO its nice to be able to add stuff.
Some dont want that, thats fine. Im just saying if you want add ons, its important to know whats avalible before you buy the rifle.
I like having an ultralight 22 but perfer a pistol grip. However I do like the very low cost of the marlin and remington.
If we could have drop in bullpup kits, Id buy a center balanced rifle kit and gun.
Silly Canadian laws
 
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Bingo, its all about options.

So how many tuners have copied Remingtons or Marlins none, how many have copied Rugers? Quite a few, ever wonder why?

Need a spare mag, trigger parts, barrels, stocks, for a 10/22? Those parts are available everywhere, now try to find parts for a Marlin or Remington not so easy.

I will stay with Rugers, as I have since the 80s and as well as my fellow rimfire buddys have, kind of nice being able to share mags and parts,never mind having the knowledge base to do tested mods....

Randy
 
There are some folks who believe it's all about the "add-ons", and there are many that don't see the need to augment an already fine gem. I am one of the fuddy sort who don't care what aftermarket stuff is available for a rifle. I buy rifles, not platforms.

Again, there are many who are satisfied with their 10/22's. My experience precludes this, and I no longer tolerate them on the premises. I will again refer to the sales history. Marlin had outsold Ruger for decades, and for a good reason!

Making aftermarket parts for a rifle doesn't imply the original is great...it does imply it needed help from the get-go. I would postulate there are no aftermarket Marlins, because the original didn't scream for improvement.
 
Understood, but remember I have a great .22 Anshultz as well and yes the Ruger pales but I also have never had any issues with any of my Rugers over 35 years. It is a base lego platform that affords a shooters many choices.

I like the Marlins, love Papoose but the 7 round mag and limited factory barrel choices removed it from the short list. Do I hate the new Rugers having plastic trigger groups? You bet!!!! But then again Glocks are plastic to......

All I know is my 10/22 goes bang and harvests gophers at 100 yards with ease as it did last weekend. Everyone of the rimfire shooters last weekend used Rugers, mine with a aftermarket stock and 10" barrel, one other stainless Ruger with a heavy fluted stainless barrel (that one was insanely accurate) and another 10/22 heavy barrel in a synthetic stock.

All I know is I observed hit after hit with all the Rugers with no cleaning.

At the end arguing which is better quality is pointless its really about what platform best suits your shooting needs and budget. :) Just because I prefer choices and ready access to spare parts and accessories doesn't mean the next shooter requires this.

Randy
 
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