Inexpensive 22 for new firearm owner?
- Thread starter NaOH
- Start date
I've had the 64 for about 6 years and put a MCarbo sear spring in it (didn't use the MC Trigger spring - I used 1/3 of a clik-pen spring, stretched to fit), polished everything inside and lubed with synthetic grease (CanTire). Trigger is around 2# and when I had a scope on it I was getting 3/4 to 1" groups @ 50yds. Now have a Reflex dot and getting 1-2" @ 50yds.
I spent hours trying to get the A22 trigger under 4# and finally did the "Heat T-spring red hot" mod and got it to ca 2.5# - pretty good but NOT 'best'. So far I'm getting ca 1" @ 50 using a Limbsaver 'donut' damper with Fed Auto-match. My A22 doesn't cycle reliably with SV and many empties bounce back into chamber area, jamming the bolt. I have the bolt and inside of the receiver polished and lightly lubed, so the prob seems to be the ejection port is too narrow. I've used 3 diff HV brands and all do this.
All this makes me unhappy with the A22 and I have a B22 with a 1.4# trigger that I had to work a lot to get down to that, so I'm fussy but I try hard to make things work. I've read threads where some are pleased as Punch with the A, but they say they 'like' the trigger so whaddya think ? 4-5# ??
Then you've got quite a few good options.
It'll help if you can narrow it down for us somehow. Is there a local shop you can get to and have her handle some different models? After doing so, she may let you know she has a strong preference for wood vs. plastic, sights, action, detachable magazine, etc. Otherwise, any of the options here will probably be just fine - There are a few stinkers out there, but not many that are commonly available.
A word of warning about 22LR detachable magazines in general: Most of them are pretty flimsy. They're fine for gentle use, but if you're not careful with them you're eventually going to have problems. The toughest designs appear to be Ruger 10/22 / American and Savage A22 / B22. (any others you guys recommend?)
It's a real bummer to have your firearm go down because you sat down on a bench with one in your pocket. And finding a replacement can be trouble, depending.
It's a real bummer to have your firearm go down because you sat down on a bench with one in your pocket. And finding a replacement can be trouble, depending.
The MKII at Tilsonburg is a good price and for $60 more you can get the B22 which has rotary mags which I love. And $399 gets the FV heavy barrel B22 for more consistent accuracy if you shoot more than 1 mag every xx minutes for cooling.
Still the 64 is only about $200 and the stick mags are 'solid' pot metal that's not 'flimsy' - I've got 7 and several years - so far. See above posts for 64 details.
Still the 64 is only about $200 and the stick mags are 'solid' pot metal that's not 'flimsy' - I've got 7 and several years - so far. See above posts for 64 details.
Rangeview Sports had (have?) a Ruger 10/22 shotshow special, $299. Model has no barrel band, and a light grey synthetic stock.
However, I'm in the "bolt action" camp for sure. Like someone else mentioned as a footnote, I personally wouldn't recommend a Cooey 60/600 model. Don't like tube mags as a rule (.22LR tube mags) and pretty much every other 22LR bolt action will be a more modern design with removable box mags.
Whether box or tube-you could look at Marlins. I actually prefer Marlin over Savage, and it seems Marlin makes stainless versions of most of their rimfire guns. (if that's appealing) I also think the landscape has changed a little in terms of used gun values, meaning, they seem to be climbing. The deals are out there if you look.
I'd personally take a Marlin 925 over a Savage MKII, but that's me.
Semi/bolt-It's been my experience (young shooters) that bolt actions hold the attention a little longer. Hitting targets accurately is more rewarding than mag dumps, at least after the first 10 minutes. lol Agreed-let your daughter play a part in picking the rifle, but I would try to do this in person at a gun shop vs. online. You can't get a feel for how good/cheap a gun feels looking at it on a computer/phone screen.
However, I'm in the "bolt action" camp for sure. Like someone else mentioned as a footnote, I personally wouldn't recommend a Cooey 60/600 model. Don't like tube mags as a rule (.22LR tube mags) and pretty much every other 22LR bolt action will be a more modern design with removable box mags.
Whether box or tube-you could look at Marlins. I actually prefer Marlin over Savage, and it seems Marlin makes stainless versions of most of their rimfire guns. (if that's appealing) I also think the landscape has changed a little in terms of used gun values, meaning, they seem to be climbing. The deals are out there if you look.
I'd personally take a Marlin 925 over a Savage MKII, but that's me.
Semi/bolt-It's been my experience (young shooters) that bolt actions hold the attention a little longer. Hitting targets accurately is more rewarding than mag dumps, at least after the first 10 minutes. lol Agreed-let your daughter play a part in picking the rifle, but I would try to do this in person at a gun shop vs. online. You can't get a feel for how good/cheap a gun feels looking at it on a computer/phone screen.
The Gun Dealer out east has an ever changing inventory of used, as well as a pretty good new selection. I just bought a Savage SV-SR from them awhile ago. $319 and free shipping when I ordered, (looks like they have 1 left) free shipping is a promotion that comes and goes there. Savage plastic stock is cheaply built but it is super accurate! Kind of a mid size gun with a 16.5" threaded barrel. Savage Accu Trigger is, in my opinion about as good as a trigger gets on a cheap gun.
True - The Savage 64 is pretty crazy good value. It's such a great example of how to do "cheap" well.
BTW, I should say: "Savage-Lakefield-Cooey" 64 to give respect where it is due.
I've come to need flush-fit mags at this point, so I never consider them for myself. But yeah, it's amazing what you can make with pot metal if your design is spot-on.
Thanks for all the help. I have some research cut out for me.
To clarify, she’s fine with semi auto. She’s 21 and has a fair bit of trigger time behind my AR and pistols. She’s also at university so we can’t look at them together to see what works.
To clarify, she’s fine with semi auto. She’s 21 and has a fair bit of trigger time behind my AR and pistols. She’s also at university so we can’t look at them together to see what works.
sillymike
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I'd save up for something "nice"... maybe I'm a sentimental-older-fart, but my first 22lr hold a special place in my heart.
- If she likes to hunt, I'd vote a nicely used BL22/SA22/CZ bolt action
- If she likes to hunt, I'd vote a nicely used BL22/SA22/CZ bolt action
