I came into the shop today to look at the new Series B Savages in .22LR Heavy barrel , a Marlin XT .22 LR heavy barrel . Savage Mark 2 Heavy barrel , a couple CZ's , Ruger american rim fire and a couple other guns. I handled a few , found out what fit and what didn't and some prices . Price wise the Marlin XT HB seems like a good deal features vs price and hear they are on par with the Savage Mark 2 as far as accuracy goes . I also hear there are a few quirks with the 2 , and writers tend to lean towards the Marlin , which with the price point still has my attention . Then I saw a deal on a Mark2 HB that kinda evened things a bit . Problem with the savage was the gun really felt small for me to handle . So I looked at the others . The Canadian 455 fell within the budget , but to the high end and I don't know compared to a regular 455 ,if the Canadian has all the same features . This leads to the Savage series B . It handled really nice (even with the FV HB model ), the bolt is really slick , It has a rear tang safety ,which I like and even the standard version is getting high praise for the price . There really isn't much I don't like outside of a laminate stock , which I hear a wood gun is coming soon . Here's the catch . Who of you owns one of these guns in either the standard or FV model and how accurate are they from 50 - 100 yards . Is there a need to go to the FV model or are the standard models accurate enough . And I'm talking under .5 " groups at at least 50 yards . I want this gun for squirrel hunting and maybe a some rabbits or chucks . Don't mind carrying the HB around , but of course , if I don't need to why should I . Keep it real guys . I don't need a war of words . Just asking for some input as I am not aware of the problems with the Marlin , other than hearing something about a drop in quality over a period of time and having to keep an eye on production dates and checking inspecting them for ??? Also something one guy mentioned about his loading ramp being too low to properly cycle ammo . Still have this one in mind also .
ideas on .22 squirrel guns
- Thread starter magnum3s
- Start date
If you want half inch groups at fifty yards. Check out what the guys are using to complete the challenge in that thread. For squirrel and rabbit hunting I find semi auto to be better but I have taken a few with a CZ 455.
I actually just picked up a Marlin model 60 today from a local gun shop specifically for squirrels. I think it's gonna be pretty fun.
I hope you get something that makes you happy!
Jeremy
I actually just picked up a Marlin model 60 today from a local gun shop specifically for squirrels. I think it's gonna be pretty fun.
I hope you get something that makes you happy!
Jeremy
smokeater40
CGN Regular
- Location
- Southern, Ontario
Any of the rifles you mentioned will work for the application stated, BUT if you think you are going to get .5 in groups at 50 yrds off hand hunting, well..................you are a better shooter than I am. All those .22's in the 1/2 in thread are done bench rest, not off hand. Oh and I use a Cooey M60 or Marlin 795 semi for my bush rifle when going after squirrels, rabbits and such.
Dealer at the store said he has a Marlin model 60 and said it was very accurate for a semi . Since I was a little apprehensive about that , I watched a video last night with a guy on a bench shooting at 50 yards . He wasn't using bags but he was using a scope and shot the daylights out of a target , but I thought he said he measured a .75 or .87 group . For a semi ,I thought that wasn't bad . It may just have been luck but , I took an old beater cooey single out the other day , I had been working on and and managed 2 - .75" groups @ 40 after I got the crappy Iron sights set . I started with crappy blazers to see where it was ( flyers everywhere )! Had to admit some of that that may be because of trying to get use to the trigger and shooting off sticks . Eyes have started getting a little fuzzy when shooting iron sights and I had to move to 40 yards to see the red dot on the white board , I had my shoot n see on . Put about 20 rounds thru it , then changed to CCI 36 grain and shot the 2 groups at 75 . All things considered , It was actually kind of a shocker . Had to wear sunglasses , to help me see . I thought that was pretty darn good for a gun that was going to the scrap yard . Regardless , I'd never use it for a humane kill on a squirrel but maybe a rabbit if it was sitting a 50 yards or less . And unless I got it drilled and tapped , I can't mount a scope on it . I know there is a lot of junk out there and even some better rated guns have lemons (just like cars ) , But getting familiar with a rifle with practice , really tells you what is good . I'm just using the site to weed out some of the guns with common problems and find out a little more about the newer stuff out there . And I do believe if the gun is capable and you do have time for a well placed shot ,a half inch is possible , just not on a squirrel waving around on a wind blown tree branch . That's where I think a .410 or 20 might work better . I will have to look into the 795 also as I just recently bought my first Marlin last spring . A model 25MN .22 mag . I hear a bit mentioned about your gun aand will have to check it out . What is something like that worth used at a gun show and is there anything I should be looking for if I find one , besides a good deal ?
Marlin 795 is actually a modified model 60 that replaces the tube mag for detachable box mag. I have not tried the 60 yet so I cannot personally attest to it. But I have had some box mags be touch and go in the past with the 10/22. Tube mag shouldn't have those kinds of issues. Model 60 is a very economical gun which is part of the draw. A brand new one at Ellwood epps is $240. A local gun store will probably be more around $280. I paid $335+ for mine because I got the deluxe. (Fancy wood and swivel studs). The CZ rim fire rifles are very accurate, I just didn't like the slow follow up shots on a moving squirrel at 25 or less yards.
4x scope is sufficient for squirrel. You might want iron sights for rabbit. 12x probably unnecessary for a rimfire unless you're target shooting or getting in to long range stuff with bullet drop compensation. It also makes for a heavier scope.
I used to have a Remington 597 and I found mine to be quite reliable. They're fairly economical so I'd recommend looking in to that too.
10/22 is the Honda Civic of rimfire semis. Tons of after market parts that can make it fit you better and operate better (or worse) if that's even. Needed. They're just a little more expensive. But DBM makes for quick reloads. Part of the reason I bought the model 60 is because I grew up on a 22 with a tube mag so it's partially nostalgia. I got a speed loader for the tube though so that'll be cool for plinking.
4x scope is sufficient for squirrel. You might want iron sights for rabbit. 12x probably unnecessary for a rimfire unless you're target shooting or getting in to long range stuff with bullet drop compensation. It also makes for a heavier scope.
I used to have a Remington 597 and I found mine to be quite reliable. They're fairly economical so I'd recommend looking in to that too.
10/22 is the Honda Civic of rimfire semis. Tons of after market parts that can make it fit you better and operate better (or worse) if that's even. Needed. They're just a little more expensive. But DBM makes for quick reloads. Part of the reason I bought the model 60 is because I grew up on a 22 with a tube mag so it's partially nostalgia. I got a speed loader for the tube though so that'll be cool for plinking.
You hit that right . Looked up for store I was at and the cheapest version is $285 + tax. I was wondering what the difference was . I guess , should I decide on one later , I will be looking for a deluxe then ,because of the studs . I am still thinking of a bolt . I know they aren't as quick as a semi ,but I have a .22 browning as a back up semi . And from what I can see with my cil single and the cooey single , a bolt has to be faster than a single unless there are feeding issues , as with some guns . I'm still waiting on feedback on the Series B Savages as I can only find a couple tests on the FV heavy barrel model and the one above that , by some back yarders . Nothing on the F sporter model . I know the bolt on that gun is slick. The same or better than the CZ (higher models are jeweled bolts ) .There really isn't any accuracy reports I've found in the magazines or on video yet . The boy shoots the 597 and his shoots pretty good w/ the cheap bushnell that came on it . CZ's definitely hold their worth like the boys other Tbolt . I have a couple weeks yet , before our season starts and have already bought a pair of scopes , for when it does . Hopefully will find some Savage reports soon .
Thanks for the advise JR . Good luck w/ the hunt this year . If you are in the area (Simcoe , Ontario ) , leave a message on here for me and maybe we can hook up . The squirrel thing should be a go . Don't see much for chucks anymore . Too bad . would have made for some good shooting with my .22 mag or the .22 250 .
OK, now some common sense. Most of the late 22rfs are capable of half inch groups at 50 yards IF the shooter is capable of doing it in the first place. There are a lot of things you can do to make a CHEAP 22rf shoot very well. First sights. I am assuming that you will be using a scope.
Many people that shoot 22rf have no idea that those rifles require scopes made for that cartridge. They just pick up a scope, usually with 1in tube but made for shooting centerfire rifles beyond 50 yards. The difference is in the parallax settings. Most cf scopes are parallax free at 125yds. NOT what you're looking for. Even those with adjustable objectives aren't capable of shooting close range without excessive parallax.
Rimfire scopes are usually set up for 25yds. IF they have adjustable objective lenses usually they are good from 5yds to 125yds+.
Another caveat to consider. When you pick up some of the low end scopes with AO you need to be extremely careful. They weren't designed for hunting. They were designed for punching holes in paper at specific ranges and have an extremely narrow depth of field. One Barska I tried had to be adjusted for focus and parallax if the range changed more than 3yds. It was wonderfully clear and sharp when focused for a specific range and very good helping to shoot tight groups at the set distance but as mentioned with such a narrow depth of field it was useless as a hunting scope. Great for target shooting though, which is likely what it was intended for.
I just finished a job on a 22rf Marlin bolt action repeater. It was OK as is but not good enough for really accurate work. The receiver was glass bedded into the stock with the barrel free floating. One of the biggest issues with off the shelf rifles, no matter which caliber, is that the bedding sucks. Also the ham fisted individual with a loose fitting screw driver over torques the receiver screws and crushes the the stock if it's wood. BEDDING is VERY important and something just about anyone with a few common sense skill can do easily/cheaply.
Once the rifle is set up to shoot, then you have to find which ammo it likes. One brand of ammo that has become available in quantity in Canada again that seems to shoot well in all of my 22rf rifles is Aguila. It's almost as good as most match ammo. Very consistent.
I won't say it can't or won't happen but if you want 1/2in accuracy at 50yds then DON'T use high velocity ammo. Use STANDARD velocity ammo, it's much more consistent velocity wise which lends itself to being more accurate. It's more expensive but well worth the 10% extra cost IMHO.
IMHO there is nothing less exciting than an inaccurate firearm. Most can be made accurate but not all. The new Savage offerings in bolt action are some of the best bangs for the buck out there if money is an issue.
They have gone where Ruger used to be except they have done it better. Their new and well maintained CNC equipment allows them to make cheap firearms that often shoot better than their far more expensive counterparts.
I hope some of this helps. Likely for your purposes the best advice in in getting the right scope for your needs, along with proper bases/rings.
Many people that shoot 22rf have no idea that those rifles require scopes made for that cartridge. They just pick up a scope, usually with 1in tube but made for shooting centerfire rifles beyond 50 yards. The difference is in the parallax settings. Most cf scopes are parallax free at 125yds. NOT what you're looking for. Even those with adjustable objectives aren't capable of shooting close range without excessive parallax.
Rimfire scopes are usually set up for 25yds. IF they have adjustable objective lenses usually they are good from 5yds to 125yds+.
Another caveat to consider. When you pick up some of the low end scopes with AO you need to be extremely careful. They weren't designed for hunting. They were designed for punching holes in paper at specific ranges and have an extremely narrow depth of field. One Barska I tried had to be adjusted for focus and parallax if the range changed more than 3yds. It was wonderfully clear and sharp when focused for a specific range and very good helping to shoot tight groups at the set distance but as mentioned with such a narrow depth of field it was useless as a hunting scope. Great for target shooting though, which is likely what it was intended for.
I just finished a job on a 22rf Marlin bolt action repeater. It was OK as is but not good enough for really accurate work. The receiver was glass bedded into the stock with the barrel free floating. One of the biggest issues with off the shelf rifles, no matter which caliber, is that the bedding sucks. Also the ham fisted individual with a loose fitting screw driver over torques the receiver screws and crushes the the stock if it's wood. BEDDING is VERY important and something just about anyone with a few common sense skill can do easily/cheaply.
Once the rifle is set up to shoot, then you have to find which ammo it likes. One brand of ammo that has become available in quantity in Canada again that seems to shoot well in all of my 22rf rifles is Aguila. It's almost as good as most match ammo. Very consistent.
I won't say it can't or won't happen but if you want 1/2in accuracy at 50yds then DON'T use high velocity ammo. Use STANDARD velocity ammo, it's much more consistent velocity wise which lends itself to being more accurate. It's more expensive but well worth the 10% extra cost IMHO.
IMHO there is nothing less exciting than an inaccurate firearm. Most can be made accurate but not all. The new Savage offerings in bolt action are some of the best bangs for the buck out there if money is an issue.
They have gone where Ruger used to be except they have done it better. Their new and well maintained CNC equipment allows them to make cheap firearms that often shoot better than their far more expensive counterparts.
I hope some of this helps. Likely for your purposes the best advice in in getting the right scope for your needs, along with proper bases/rings.
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Semis may work, but they make better fun/plinking rifles. If you plan to be a serious squirrel hunter, get yourself a better bolt action... if you have a little patience, you will find a used CZ 452 Lux for $4-500. I shoot a CZ 453 with VX-2 6-18x40mm AO and an Anschutz 1416 D-HB with a VX-2 4-12X40mm AO for squirrels... you wouldn't be giving up much to either of these rigs with a used 452 Lux matched with a used VX-1 4-12... IME most shots on squirrels in open woods will be 30-60 yards... but occasionally much further.
It has been my experience that the shots are much closer. But I second the recommendation on that 453. A fantastic gun
Not where I hunt... the shots are actually generally further than that range estimate... 75 - 100 yards is pretty common... open beech forests... they can spot you from a long way out... by the time you get to a shooting position, they are gone.
squirrel hunting in my books is headshots. body shots do allot of meat damage and you would be surprised how resilient these little critters are. even with almost a clear lung shot they still manage to crawl into a hole high up in a tree never to be retrieved.
so don't skimp on the glass. many people overlook the glass.
a good gun,, yes but good optics will help allot.
i prefer an optic that has a side parallax Vs adjustable objective. I find it easier and faster to adjust as opposed to having to reach over the front of the scope.
hitting a small squirrel head at an undetermined distance in the woods is not an easy task. many times people that haven't done it underestimate the challenges involved.
I currently have 2 squirrel rigs.
one is a cz 452 scout with a 2 x 8x32. this is my lightweight walk all day in the woods squirrel gun.
The second is a cx 452 American with 6x24x50. this is my more serious squeal stalker and is a heavier gun but if i know im going to stalk a spot where i suspect there are lots of squirrels than i prefer this rig.
i find that i tend to keep the scout almost always on the 6 to 8 power and would be nice to have more mag' but its intended to be a lightweight rig.
for more serious squirrel hunting i use the cz with the 6 x24 scope.
so don't skimp on the glass. many people overlook the glass.
a good gun,, yes but good optics will help allot.
i prefer an optic that has a side parallax Vs adjustable objective. I find it easier and faster to adjust as opposed to having to reach over the front of the scope.
hitting a small squirrel head at an undetermined distance in the woods is not an easy task. many times people that haven't done it underestimate the challenges involved.
I currently have 2 squirrel rigs.
one is a cz 452 scout with a 2 x 8x32. this is my lightweight walk all day in the woods squirrel gun.
The second is a cx 452 American with 6x24x50. this is my more serious squeal stalker and is a heavier gun but if i know im going to stalk a spot where i suspect there are lots of squirrels than i prefer this rig.
i find that i tend to keep the scout almost always on the 6 to 8 power and would be nice to have more mag' but its intended to be a lightweight rig.
for more serious squirrel hunting i use the cz with the 6 x24 scope.
You mention that you handled a Ruger American, what were your thoughts on it?
I've found mine to be very accurate at 50y and the action smoothed out nicely after the first 100 or so rounds. The mag sits flush and feeds well, plus it has a tang safety.
Beverkiller
Regular
- Location
- Magic forest
i have a Savage MarkII and i love it for squirrel at 50 yards and 75 yards
