Reliable Military Looking .22's

S

Sexydave

New member
EE Expired
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Hi All

Knowing nothing about guns- (just passed the PAL/RPAL before the Covid thing hit, haven't got my license , and won't I assume until after this has all passed) I think I'm going to pick up a .22 rifle for my first gun.

The only person I know who shoots , shoots pistols, so I can't even rely on "have a friend who.." .

Now before I buy one, I'll join one of the local clubs and see if anyone has one, as ell as opinions, but figured it makes sense to ask here as well.

So- I think I'd like a .22 rifle. I like the look of the military ones, but I don't think I'd be comfortable (right away) buying a lot of aftermarket parts for it- so that kinda leaves the 10/22 out.
So what I'm looking at is the ISSC MK22, The GSG 15 and the GSG 16. As well as the S&W Mp 1522, but I'm not sure if it makes sense to buy a restricted rifle for my first one. I'll probably only shoot it at clubs, but I've heard there's a few places around on crown land you're allowed to shoot .22's, so...might not be the best choice. (although reviews seem to paint it as the most relaible)

But I can't find any kind of comparison , as to what's the difference between the three rifles. One sight seems to say ISSC is practically the same thing as the GSG 15, another says they're a little different. (This could be my interpretation, again, I know very little..)

Just wondering if anyone here has them, has used them, or can give quick run down on their reliability.

I just want one for general plinking , but I don't really want something that is going to turn into a maintenance workload to get it to run reliably , -I'll wait for that until after I've been shooting for a while.

Thanks!
 
Ruger SR22. A heavy “tactical” version of the 10/22. Not a plastic toy, actually heavy as ####. I had one, worked fine. Not especially accurate, but it’s a fun gun you will probably sell after a couple of years. Think of it as a starter significant relationship. Get the basic urges takes care of before it costs too much.
 
Anschutz msr rx22, the ISSC Mk22, and the GSG 15 are all just about the same gun, with minor differences. The major difference between some of them is the barrel. The Anschutz (unsurprisingly) has an Anschutz barrel, the ISSC and the GSG have a Walthers barrel, though there is a version of the GSG (the GSG-15 Competition) which has an Anschutz barrel. From what I've heard the Anschutz model is the most reliable and accurate of the bunch.

Someone mentioned old-school look. There is the M1-22 by Chiappa if you are into an older style.
You can also get a semi-auto 22lr bullpup if you are into that with the Tanfoglio Appeal.
If you are looking for something inexpensive, I've seen Squires Bingham (I think model 16) go for next to nothing. It has an m16 sort of look going on.

Rugers can be interesting because of the modding potential, but you do have magazine restrictions. The SR22 I've heard mixed reviews on, and I think it has the same magazine restrictions. With the GSG-16 you can get a huge drum mag.

Another option, since you have to wait anyways, might be the (hopefully) soon to be available in Canada Kriss Vector 22lr.

If you are looking for accuracy, and less of a tactical looking rifle, a well modded 10-22, A browning sa-22, or a Beretta Olimpia Super Sport are amongst the most accurate I've used, all easily outperforming the ISSC MK22, though there are sure to be other good bets as well.
 
I'm not a jaded old fudd yet, but the writing is on the wall. :)

Hey Dave-if you're as new to the shooting sports as it sounds, you'd be doing yourself a bit of a favour by passing on the military-styled semis...and picking up a bolt gun to start. Even a modestly-priced one like a Savage or Marlin will probably have a better trigger, be more accurate, be WAY easier to clean, easier to trouble-shoot (if they even have a problem), etc. There is so much more to shooting than what the gun looks like, and there is a reason why so many guys in this sport for so long end-up shooting bolt guns mostly, if not almost exclusively. I've been at it pretty hard for over 30 years and have had every action except a falling block. More than one pump/semi/lever gun/break action/bolt...and yet it's the bolt guns I reach for every time. In fact, I don't own any 22 that isn't a bolt gun now, and I'm happy with that 100%. Don't get me wrong..I can see the appeal, and fight the urges myself. However, when it comes to just cleaning one...that's where the benefits of a bolt gun become very apparent, and 22s tend to run a bit dirty. Especially semis.

Anyhow, to your question...the only "military" styled 22s that even held an ounce of appeal for me were the Ruger SR-22 and the Kel-Tec SU-22. I like the look of the latter more, but would trust the SR-22 to be more reliable. That 10-22 action is very forgiving when it comes to working with all kinds of ammo. My 10/22 literally couldn't hit a pop can at 50 yards reliably no matter what ammo/scope combination...so I'm done with Ruger semis, but they are fun to shoot!

Your $/your choice...but my suggestion would be to start with something you'll have good accuracy with, learn marksmanship fundamentals with, learn how to clean easily, put your bullets right where you want them with no "spray and pray" temptation...and THEN toy with the idea of a semi fun-gun. I'm a big CZ 452 fan (and Anschutz) but have had scads of fun with Savage Mark IIs, Cooeys, Marlin XT-22s, etc.

Good luck, let us know what you end-up getting. Always best to start with a decent .22...and some of us never like anything more. :)
 
I found my MK22 non-Anschutz to be very reliable and accurate. When it comes time to clean though, watch a youtube video of cleaning the bolt to see what is entailed. It is a complete pain.

That and the takedown pins. Awful.
 
Mosin Cricket 22lr is well a ~2/3rd scale replica single shot Mosin Nagant 91/30 military style rifle.

Keystone-Mini-Mosin-Crate.jpg
 
Last edited:
HuskyDude said:
Must say I agree. Fun little .22

Yo0bS5x.jpg
Click to expand...

How could I forget the JW-25a.... My mother at 68 learned to shoot on my JW25a....she liked it so much and went on to get her restricted. I gave her my JW25a and a nice old 1957 Ruger single six.

The JW25 is an excellent rifle. The one I passed on was incredibly accurate and has fired at least 3000 rounds without a hitch...Any it takes CZ mags so you could use a 25 round mag on it.
.Only issue was a Thunderbolt round that got stuck in the chamber...
 
Last edited:
.22LRGUY said:
I'm not a jaded old fudd yet, but the writing is on the wall. :)

Hey Dave-if you're as new to the shooting sports as it sounds, you'd be doing yourself a bit of a favour by passing on the military-styled semis...and picking up a bolt gun to start. Even a modestly-priced one like a Savage or Marlin will probably have a better trigger, be more accurate, be WAY easier to clean, easier to trouble-shoot (if they even have a problem), etc. There is so much more to shooting than what the gun looks like, and there is a reason why so many guys in this sport for so long end-up shooting bolt guns mostly, if not almost exclusively. I've been at it pretty hard for over 30 years and have had every action except a falling block. More than one pump/semi/lever gun/break action/bolt...and yet it's the bolt guns I reach for every time. In fact, I don't own any 22 that isn't a bolt gun now, and I'm happy with that 100%. Don't get me wrong..I can see the appeal, and fight the urges myself. However, when it comes to just cleaning one...that's where the benefits of a bolt gun become very apparent, and 22s tend to run a bit dirty. Especially semis.

Anyhow, to your question...the only "military" styled 22s that even held an ounce of appeal for me were the Ruger SR-22 and the Kel-Tec SU-22. I like the look of the latter more, but would trust the SR-22 to be more reliable. That 10-22 action is very forgiving when it comes to working with all kinds of ammo. My 10/22 literally couldn't hit a pop can at 50 yards reliably no matter what ammo/scope combination...so I'm done with Ruger semis, but they are fun to shoot!

Your $/your choice...but my suggestion would be to start with something you'll have good accuracy with, learn marksmanship fundamentals with, learn how to clean easily, put your bullets right where you want them with no "spray and pray" temptation...and THEN toy with the idea of a semi fun-gun. I'm a big CZ 452 fan (and Anschutz) but have had scads of fun with Savage Mark IIs, Cooeys, Marlin XT-22s, etc.

Good luck, let us know what you end-up getting. Always best to start with a decent .22...and some of us never like anything more. :)
Click to expand...

This is VERY good advice.
 
GSG makes a few, such as their WW2 era MP40 and StG 44. Both have good shooting reviews although some folks are not ok with their construction (zinc alloy receivers). They also make a couple more modern style rifles. Check out their website, all are available in Canada except their AK “variants”.
 
Thanks all!
Can't believe there's 2 pages of suggestions already. Great forum.

I have tried out the bolt action before, my problem is- I don't have great impulse control, and also not a lot of extra money for this.
So I completely understand that a bolt would be better for the first one, (and maybe hte second and third..) if I'm just kind of "eh" about the look, I'll be stupid and buy a second one I like the look of more. But I admit hadn't really considered the maintenance.
I'll definitely (well hopefully) try out some at the club I'm planning on joining once everything is open again, or at least be able to see some in action.
Some of the reviews on things seem..odd, one will flag the stock on the GSG 16 as seeming cheap and loose, one will say it's nice and tight .

But yeah, might look into a bolt, Ruger had some "precision" .22 that looked kind of cool.

Thanks again!
 
Most of those cheap "cool" looking "military" firearms are just cheap plastic around the receiver and barrel... Feel like an airsoft gun. Very underwhelming and garbage. Wait a big longer, save up. Get a proper rifle.
 
Regarless of other folks opinions and observations, try and find a friend that has some you're interested in and try them out.

"feels cheap and plasticky" is EXTREMELY subjective ,try and avoid those posts. Get a feel of your own as everyone is different.

One thing I will say is that my gsg-16 feels tighter than my gsg-15, except for the aforementionned stock wobble minor issue (That's easily fixable).

Most .22's you can find used, and if you dont like it can sell back for the same price...
 
There is a big selection of mostly bolt action military issue .22 training rifles such as Lee Enfield that you should consider. These are also least likely to be affected by any future restrictions on forearms ownership.
 
If you're new to shooting you should get something that is capable of good accuracy. That will help you work on marksmanship. If it's not capable of hitting a pop can you won't know if you're missing because of the rifle or because of your shooting and you won't get better. Bolt actions tend to be more accurate, but that is not always true. The toy/model military rifles are often poor in the accuracy department, but that's not universally true either.

Do not get a GSG-15. The Anschutz RX22 shares most parts but has a more accurate barrel and I believe a better trigger. There are lots of reports of the butt stocks breaking on these rifles (cheap plastic) so I wouldn't really use one in any sort of demanding conditions (hunting?), but for standing around at a range I don't see why not.

The GSG-16 generally has accuracy reports that aren't great. Acceptable for their intended purpose.. but probably not a good first gun to learn with. It has a reputation for being a bit more robust than the GSG-15, has bigger magazines readily available, and I think it's cheaper too. I still wouldn't recommend it, but definitely a better idea than the 15.

The CZ 512 is a quality firearm and is available in a tactical configuration.

The famous 10/22 is generally reliable, but not known for good accuracy . At least not the more budget friendly unmodified versions.

I know it's not a military look alike, but if you're set on a semi I'd have to recommend the Marlin 795. They're budget friendly, pretty accurate (especially considering the price), and very reliable. I admit the triggers and stock iron sights are not very good though.

Savage makes great first guns. Good triggers and out of the box accuracy is usually good. In my experience the quality control is not that great lately, but I'd still give them some serious consideration.

People usually hold on to guns that are reliable, accurate, and fun to shoot. I've had quite a few 22's in a relatively short amount of time and gotten rid of most of them. If you ask people what has been in their safe for a long time that they just can't get rid of... that might be a good one to look at. For me it's a Marlin 795. A couple friends of mine have Savage Mk II's. The internet suggests it's the 10/22 for almost everybody... but I guess I'm in a weird circle of friends. Often I hear people with CZ's or old Anschutz rifles (but those are bolt action and not really "first gun" price range). I have honestly never heard anyone answer that question with "man, I could never get rid of my GSG. I've put so many rounds through it and I still just love that thing so freakin' much"
 
Reliable Military Looking .22's
I think some of us were thinking ww1 or 2.

suazrL1.jpg


Didn't think OP was thinking Modern Military until I read his post.

YfDN1So.jpg


Could meet in the middle and look at these although weight wise the plastic ones are lighter.

QJYm1yY.jpg
 
LOL yes, it was my bad, I was thinking of whether I should call it "tacticool" or not, and just went with military.
Didn't think that might mean older rifles. ( Basically...I'm dumb)

A lot of good advice here though I think, so it worked out..

Honestly the one I'd like is hte MP-15 22, It's one of the few I've fired, and from the reviews I've read, seems to be the easiest to break down/clean, as well as reasonably accurate.
Along with great upgrade potential.

Downside is of coruse it's restricted- which I'm not sure is a real issue (I don't know anywhere nearby that I can shoot that's not a club, although I've been told there is crown land available) and who know what will happen with the liberals.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom