hypothetically/realistically - what do you think the best .22LR rifle is?

Mr. Friendly

Mr. Friendly

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I've asked everyone what their first was, hoping to find some insight into what I should buy as my first rifle. didn't help me as much as I hoped. so perhaps I'll ask something more pointed. what is your take on the best .22LR rifle that was made and one that is currently available for purchase new? I've passed my PAL, taking the RPAL test in the next few days and then the paper work is in. I'll have time to find my rifle then.

I want something that's accurate (of course, who doesn't), something I can learn to shoot with and something I can take into the field for small game and bird.

cost will be a factor...probably about $600 at most, if it's worth it, otherwise whatever comes to mind, even if it's more then $600, would be appreciated.

PS - thanks to all you who've patiently fielded all my questions via PM, email or forum posts! :D

edit - I'm interested in most styles (bolt, semi-auto, lever) but I'd like a bolt repeater the most...but like I said, I'm open.
 
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Get a Ruger 10/22, they're accurate, reliable, lots of models to chose from and a lot less than the $600 you mentioned. Theres also tons of aftermarket parts for them just look in the rimfire section.
 
well if you want the most accurate for the price a bolt action would be best, checkout wss and see if they have a CZ instock. would be way more accurate out of box then a ruger 10/22.
 
Take a look at the new Browning T Bolts. i have one of the older models and it is a great little gun.
 
CZ452 is the best accuracte 22 for your money for sure. 10/22 is probably the best semi-auto to get, but they arent always perfect out of the box. I like my Henry 22 as a lever, but I have heard some good things about the Marlin lever 22.
 
well, the common thread is the CZ452, which I've been recommended in some conversations on the side with PM's and email. I've looked them up too...I'd love the Mannlicher model (I love full stocks), but the price...owwie! is it so much more because of the bit extra wood, or is there something more involved in it's parts/mechanics that makes it worth the overhead? :(
 
More because of the extra wood. Nothing extra in a mechanical way on these rifles. But the 452 is a good choice if you are buying new. Usually quite accurate, and well built. If you are not stuck on new, you might be able to find a good Remington 541S or T, but it will eat up at least your $600.00 and going up steadily. I cannot recommend the 10-22 Ruger unless you plan to modify it, and that means substantial extra $$$ Regards, Eagleye.
 
Eagleye said:
More because of the extra wood. Nothing extra in a mechanical way on these rifles. But the 452 is a good choice if you are buying new. Usually quite accurate, and well built. If you are not stuck on new, you might be able to find a good Remington 541S or T, but it will eat up at least your $600.00 and going up steadily. I cannot recommend the 10-22 Ruger unless you plan to modify it, and that means substantial extra $$$ Regards, Eagleye.
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there are a couple of nice looking .22LR's in the EE. someone has a gorgeous Cooey Model 82 (it's got a full stock, of course!), there's a 10/22 for super cheap I've commented on and someone just put up another decent looking .22LR that's an older Stevens Savage. very cheap, so nothing lost if they turn out to be a bit of a dud.

I'm just cautious about some .22LR's being if they've been dry fired, it may have damaged the pin, which can be costly to repair...or so our CORE/PAL/RPAL instructor has drilled into us. :runaway:
 
Ruger 77/22, Browning T-bolt, and CZ452 are all quality rifles, although you might need to get a trigger job on any one of them to bring out the full potential.

For a couple hundred dollars less you can get into the heavy barrel bolt action marlins, maybe with an accutrigger, and it would be very hard to beat.
 
I agree the 452 is a great rifle, there are some new Savage models in a heavy barrel with the thumbhole stocks and are reported to be good shooters as well, for a little less money than the CZ's. FS
 
is there any particular model that's better then the other? any reason to pay the extra for the 453 or perhaps go for the 513 (I'm not fond of the checkered look)? I notice there are some subtle stock differences like what the Lux has, where the FS copies, but has a different butt end.

I like the looks of the CZ's, but they are costly... :rolleyes:

http://www.danwessonfirearms.com/products_rimfire_rifles.php
 
Seriously, coming from a guy who has had guns for 25 years or so, and probably had 3-400 different ones pass through my hands....spend the $$ and get something nice. Your first .22 will likely be the one gun you keep forever, and pass on to your kids. It's hard to see the importance of that sitting where you are, but trust me....20-30 years from now when it's time to pass on that first rifle, you are going to be thankfull you have a classic piece of steel and walnut to hand down instead of some plastic-stocked run-of-the-mill plinker. Believe me, you are going to forget all about the extra 1-200.00 you spent now, and a timeless rifle will hold that value anyway.

WW
 
Wrong Way said:
Seriously, coming from a guy who has had guns for 25 years or so, and probably had 3-400 different ones pass through my hands....spend the $$ and get something nice. Your first .22 will likely be the one gun you keep forever, and pass on to your kids. It's hard to see the importance of that sitting where you are, but trust me....20-30 years from now when it's time to pass on that first rifle, you are going to be thankfull you have a classic piece of steel and walnut to hand down instead of some plastic-stocked run-of-the-mill plinker. Believe me, you are going to forget all about the extra 1-200.00 you spent now, and a timeless rifle will hold that value anyway.

WW
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X2.

And it doesn't have to be brand new, either.
 
I agree w/ Wrong Way. Get a good .22. Stand out from the crowd and be happy with the one you have. Own it for life.
Mine is an Anschutz I recently purchased from a CGN. It took me 30 years to get a good .22 that I'm as proud of as the Remington my mom has owned for over 60 years.
Good guns last a long time!
 
Mr. Friendly said:
is there any particular model that's better then the other? any reason to pay the extra for the 453 or perhaps go for the 513 (I'm not fond of the checkered look)? I notice there are some subtle stock differences like what the Lux has, where the FS copies, but has a different butt end.

I like the looks of the CZ's, but they are costly... :rolleyes:

http://www.danwessonfirearms.com/products_rimfire_rifles.php
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The 452 has a trigger only adjustable for pull weight. Even at that it has its limits, but a lighter spring can take it down further if you desire.

The 453 has a set trigger. I've never tried one, but I'm told you push it forward and it becomes a lighter setting, as the old timers would call a hair trigger. That way you have two trigger weight possibilities. The 453 trigger has more adjustments, both weight and sear engagement, to reduce trigger creep.

The 452 can be modified if the trigger isn't up to your standards. Options range from cutting down or replacing to the trigger spring, and various shim methods to reduce sear engagement and creep, to replacing the trigger altogether with one from Rifle Basix or Automation's adjustable sear.

The CZ's aren't perfect, the bolt can be a little stiff from the factory - some of the internal machining of the receiver needs to be smoothed out to make the bolt really glide home, the safety a little awkward, the choice of rings requiring a little inquiry first to get a good fit and clearance. But overall, they put you into a very nice rifle for the money in terms of accuracy, and overall quality and appearance.

Personally, I'd try to find a nice used one for around $400 or so and it might already have a trigger kit and some spare mags.

I'd also decide right off the bat whether you want to stick with iron sights or go with a scope. I'd buy the Lux if its iron sights you intend to stick with. The varmint or American if you want to scope it.

The Savage, Marlin and cheaper rugers are all good practical guns, but the look of them to me was kind of rough and cheap, especially on the plane jane models. Then once you step up to laminate stock and stainless you are into the price range you almost could have bought a CZ.

I never looked at a Ruger 77/22, but its anything like the centerfire Model 77's, its a nice looking gun, although once again, the trigger was unacceptably heavy and needed work or replacement.
 
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