Where to start?
- Thread starter popcanhunter
- Start date
Simple, if you like honda civics and like swapping parts, buy a 10/22.
If you don't want to swap parts -
If you want a tactical 22 buy a mossy715t.
If you wants a cheap bolt action buy a marlin.
If you want a very accurate bolt action but a savage or cz.
If you have money to burn and plan on bench rest shooting buy an Anschutz
If you don't want to swap parts -
If you want a tactical 22 buy a mossy715t.
If you wants a cheap bolt action buy a marlin.
If you want a very accurate bolt action but a savage or cz.
If you have money to burn and plan on bench rest shooting buy an Anschutz
hometownhero
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Toon Town, Sk
Marlin 60/795. Very accurate out of the box and under $200. Can be had for $150 even.
- Location
- Winnipeg,Man.
I would suggest for a first gun....buy a bolt action. Cheap ones are for sale in the EEs everyday. They can be easily sold if you decide that shooting is not for you. And the big benefit it that a bolt teaches you to be patient and accurate and they tend to be more accurate and safer for a novice than a semi. IMHO. Big names or prices. do not mean better shooters. My old 1940 Marlin 81s have placed very high in many competitions and they cost only $100 each . but if deep pockets you have, there are some competition rifles that shoot better.
- Location
- West Quebec
Great advice ..
^HTH saved me some typing.
I own only one semi-auto rimfire, and it's a Marlin 795. That said, if your "where to start?" means this is your first firearm, I'd urge you to get a bolt action instead. A good place to start (if budget is a big consideration) is a Marlin XT series rifle. If you have a little more $ in the bank, CZ would be my suggestion. I think I have 6 rimfire rifles at last count, and 5 of them are bolt guns. I even just sold my only centerfire semi and ordered a bolt gun to replace it. They're simple, reliable, accurate, predictable, easy to clean, etc. etc. etc. Once you have a few thousand rounds through a bolt gun (or more) ...then get a semi. The idea of putting bullets exactly where I want them trumps seeing the brass fly...but that's me. 
What do you want to do with it?
If you'd like to buy a rifle, and shoot the dickens out of it for fun any on your list will work. I'd consider handling a Remmy 597 too! I have a rimfire weakness, and really like some of the older/out of production gems. Too many cool leadslingers out there to list. (I adore my 64's, but they can be finicky. Any old Mossberg is a fantastic choice, some nice 'ol Savage/Stevens/Springfields out there too). Of your list, I far prefer the Marlins.
If you'd like to buy a "platform" with future mods in mind, you should look very closely at the 10/22, with the 597 n' 60/795 as secondary candidates.
Keeping this limited to semi's, as your original list is comprised of semi's...if you want a semi, than a bolt won't satisfy you. If you want to cut your teeth with a .22, consider bolt actions too. This will make deciding much much harder though...
Personally, I no longer tolerate 10/22's on the premises, but will be the first to acquiesce that any functional .22 is better than no .22 at all!!!!!
If you'd like to buy a rifle, and shoot the dickens out of it for fun any on your list will work. I'd consider handling a Remmy 597 too! I have a rimfire weakness, and really like some of the older/out of production gems. Too many cool leadslingers out there to list. (I adore my 64's, but they can be finicky. Any old Mossberg is a fantastic choice, some nice 'ol Savage/Stevens/Springfields out there too). Of your list, I far prefer the Marlins.
If you'd like to buy a "platform" with future mods in mind, you should look very closely at the 10/22, with the 597 n' 60/795 as secondary candidates.
Keeping this limited to semi's, as your original list is comprised of semi's...if you want a semi, than a bolt won't satisfy you. If you want to cut your teeth with a .22, consider bolt actions too. This will make deciding much much harder though...
Personally, I no longer tolerate 10/22's on the premises, but will be the first to acquiesce that any functional .22 is better than no .22 at all!!!!!
If you're on a budget and want a fun blaster that is perfectly functional, the Marlin 60/795 is one of the best deals in firearms right now. It's super-light and shoots well. I love them. There are a few things I don't like (the stock sights are kinda poopy, topping up the magazines is a pain, trigger is rough at best) but overall at well under $200 it's hard to beat. Throw a light sling on it and you're good to go.
For introductory-level bolt guns I like the Savage Mk II rifles. There's really not much you can say bad about them. The Marlin XT rifles are a fine choice as well, especially if you plan to own a 795 as the mags are interchangeable.
For introductory-level bolt guns I like the Savage Mk II rifles. There's really not much you can say bad about them. The Marlin XT rifles are a fine choice as well, especially if you plan to own a 795 as the mags are interchangeable.
^HTH saved me some typing.
I agree with .22LRGUY.....
One of my first bolt rimfires is a Marlin 981T. Many other rimfires have come and gone but this one is still getting regular use. Bought it for under $200 and its very accurate! I also love the tube mag which holds 17 22lrs IIRC. I just picked up a Simmons 22mag 4x32 to replace the cheap 3x9x40.
I've owned a few 10/22 but sold them. Found them fussy on cycling certain ammo were my bolt never fails. If I were to get another semi I would look at a Marlin 60 and put on a set of Tech Sights.
My only center-fire rifle is now a bolt gun...mint Polish 1944 Mosin Nagant Carbine (but I digress)
.22lr Levers are fun also.....
thanks for the replies!
may I ask why folks are suggesting a bolt?
first powder burner, but i have an extensive collection of airguns, all of which i have disassembled piece by piece, and learned to be patient when placing a shot.
i am mainly lookin to "shoot the dickens out of it for fun". i like the idea of many rounds in a small amount of time.
i really dont like the idea of the thing jamming up though
may I ask why folks are suggesting a bolt?
first powder burner, but i have an extensive collection of airguns, all of which i have disassembled piece by piece, and learned to be patient when placing a shot.
i am mainly lookin to "shoot the dickens out of it for fun". i like the idea of many rounds in a small amount of time.
i really dont like the idea of the thing jamming up though
10/22s are the best platform for "customizing", but keep in mind that what draws people TO that distraction can be the fun of the building~not the shooting. You see allot of 10/22 with add-ons selling for allot less than the sum of the parts. My experience is anecdotal, but like camster...I won't have another 10/22 in my house. My 795 (costing less than 1/2 as much) shot circles around it. Only custom options possible for the 795 is better iron sights or a laminated stock~neither necessary, but both are actually nice.
ya im aware of the customizing trap from playing with airguns.... and would only customize for the fun of the building, and the appreciation of the final piece of art.
i might for example build a really pretty 10/22 to display, and shoot the dickens out of a stock 795.
