Funny deal.

Hi all. I own several firearms. Shotguns of every gauge and action. Several rifles also, mostly centerfire. I do not own a quality .22. I know, funny. I own a few, but mostly very old jumk. Some of them shoot and shoot well. I am looking for a .22 lr rifle that shoots well and is something I can be proud of. Ive had Ruger 10-22, but found the barrel too short. Anyone have any experience with the Thompson Centers? Are they accurate? Well made? Suggestions welcome. Im not set on a particular action. Lookiong for accuracy, quality, and class.

I recently picked up a Henry Evil Roy carbine lever action 22. I haven’t shot alot of rounds thru it but I love the gun. Quality built, well balanced, octagon barrel. Made in USA. I wanted it to be my go to Pileated gun, but the FW put a kabosh on that.

No experience with the TC 22, but not a big fan of any other TC I have had or shot… I really like the CZ-USA 457 22LR and 22WMR. They are bolt actions and I have found them to be very accurate and reliable. They make a semi automatic I would not be hesitant to buy if was in the market.

robby wrote:

I am looking for a .22 lr rifle that shoots well and is something I can be proud of.

What’s your definition of “shoots well” and what’s your budget?

There are a lot of options. On the class end of the spectrum and limiting to guns in current production, how about:

– Browing T-Bolt. Really cool straight-pull euro style action.
– Browning SA22 – Not an accuracy king, but a total classic of Browning design.
– CZ various models.
– Ruber American .22 – cheaper but reports are excellent accuracy.

Going into vintage rifles, there are many, many options. The .22 used to be taken much more seriously and there are tremendous rifles available, but you have to take your time and find the right one in the right condition.

Do not be talked into modding a 10/22 to try to make a silk purse out of that sow’s ear. The only way to make a 10/22 any good is to buy expensive aftermarket parts to replace the barrel, action, stock, trigger, and a few dozen other parts.

Grouse

Take a look at the Ruger 77/22. It’s been replaced in the lineup by the Ruger American but is a superior, albeit more expensive, bolt action gun. The 77/22 feel and handles much like my Ruger 77 Mk2 in 30.06. Accurate, fun to shoot, uses the same rotary magazine as the Ruger 10/22.

If you are looking for something a little more precision looking The ruger precision rimfire is a great rifle. Or you could get a vudoo if money is no object

if you are looking for an oldie but good Find a remington 512 with low use. very nice bolt action and accurate.

Thank You all. Many good suppestions and opinions. — Rob

Another sweet rifle is the Remington 40x. Available new only from the Remington Custom Shop. Used are around, price for one in good condition is north of $1500. I shot the military trainer version in college. got credit for going to shoot four hours a week with the rifles and ammunition provide by the ROTC department. I loved those guns.

I also have a Ruger 77/22. Mine has a feeding issue from the clip but someday I’ll get that fixed. Why? The accuracy of this rifle gives me the giggles! It is, simply put,… wickedly accurate and it looks great on a gun rack to boot! Proud to own it, proud to show it off.

If getting your hands on one of these it too difficult, I also have a Henry Golden Boy that’s smooth as butter, accurate as heck, and also a beauty on the rack.

This being said, I’m a big Tikka fan and I see they’ve got a 22lr offering now. It might be worth a look! I’d expect accuracy and smooth operation but it won’t be the looker the previous two are.

Love my old mossberg 46 b , heavy as hell and the most accurate gun i own. Wood is beautiful. I’m proud of it , wouldn’t sell it for all the toilet paper in the world.

I’m looking at picking up a Ruger Precision .22. Mainly since I already have an ammo can full of 10/22 magazines. I have shot a lot of mid-high end bolt guns; the models from CZ fit me the best. The ruger american I had for a while was a pretty capable shooter for the money; didn’t really like the trigger though.

Out of the 5 .22’s I own, the built bull barrel 10/22 and the Marlin 39A get the most rounds through them.