I’m considering buying a .22 rifle to plink with. I have a few other .22’s, but they are old hand me downs and I’m not sure the safety’s are totally trustworthy. Would like something new. Nothing fancy, nothing expensive… Just for backyard use, off-hand practice, correct shooting form practice/reinforcement… Semi-auto most likely. I have a .17 HMR already, just looking for a cheap shooting .22 to have fun/practice with
What might you guys buy?
I have a cheap little Remington 597 with a Weaver 4x scope and love it. I bought it at Fleet Farm a few years back for around a $100. Lots and lots of rounds through it with no problems.
Savage Rimfire 64 Series M64F Semi Auto 22LR will run about $125.00
A nice step up is the ruger 10 22, but also about twice the cost.
That savage has been a fantastic plinker for my kids 
Any marlin rifle or a Remington 597 for the price you can’t go wrong on either and you will be laying the smack down on the bunnies and squirels for years. 
You can’t go wrong with a Ruger 10/22
Ruger. 10/22.
i havent had a problem with the ruger 10/22 
Quote:
You can’t go wrong with a Ruger 10/22
Magnum Research 10/22. They’re awsome! http://www.magnumresearch.com/Expand.asp?ProductCode=MLR22H
Ruger 10/22. They make so many aftermarket accessories for this rifle. You could go crazy making it what you want.
The Henrys are great 22`s little more pricey but an excellent rifle.
Ruger 10/22 I accumulated a couple while growing up and they are still reliable and accurate (even after years of miscare and neglect). I also have a Henry golden boy I won at a DU event years ago. Not a fan. I dont know if its just the one I got or what. Looks great, shoots miserably……
I gotta throw in the Ruger 10/22 also… didn’t every kid have one ??? 
Went and shouldered a few today. Had my son (7 yo) also shoulder a few. Ruger 10/22 being seemingly the standard, it was a little too heavy and long for my 7 y.o. I had him shoulder the Cricket – anyone have any experience with this youth rifle? Seemed to fit much better, although I’m sure he would probably outgrow it within a few years. (No big deal, my other son is 4)..
Single shot and/or bolt action probably a better bet for youths (vs semi auto) for safety reasons.
Maybe next Cabelas sale we’ll have to make a run. I told him I would pay half and he could work his way into paying for the other half — just like how my father and I bought my first gun….
We had a cricket as kids for my younger brother. It worked great for him until he could hold the fullsized rifle his self. He still has it for when he has hisown kids.
New question:
My son said the “normal” sized .22 felt just fine (vs the smaller cricket) – but that its only drawback was too heavy (not necessarily too long). (the 10/22 weighed about 5 lbs).
Anyone know of a good, resonably priced lightweight/featherweight .22?
I’m sure there are tons out there – the 10/22 we looked at was hardwood… Any synthetic will be quite a bit lighter… Just fun to think about. The plan is to give him $1 towards the rifle for each Bible verse that he memorizes, towards his goal of paying half.
Thanks!
Mike
I was going to stand up for Marlin since I have an old one I bought when I was 16 and fired a billion rounds through it and it still works fine. But. I also have a 10-22 and that is my go-to 22 now. Easier and safer to load/unload.
I never really liked messing around the end of the barrel while loading or unloading the gun.
I also have a Marlin tube fed magazine. I don’t care of it much either. I like the accessories you can get with the Ruger. 30 round clips, speed loaders etc…
The Savage/Marlin autos can be lighter but you do risk getting a lemon in those selections. I had a Savage I bought and dumped quickly and working in sporting goods for a couple of years, I heard plenty of “dissatisfying” remarks. Bolts, in spite of the tube magazine, are safer to operate so the savage, marlin, mossbergs…… in a bolt, might be the better way to go, for light weight and durability.
It’s also true that while the Ruger is heavy now, he’s going to be able to handle it in another 5 years. Prices are only going up and 5 years vs. the rest of his life is a very short time to wait. It would be a GREAT investment! Otherwise, just get a crickett for now and work out “HIS” first gun deal later. If you’re offering to buy half of a Ruger, it’s about enough to just buy a crickett or Youth Rossi for educating and “breaking in” your sons.
Also, I like the Bible verse thing….. Guys need supporting comments on standing up for their convictions! SALUTE!
Good luck on your decision! I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun no matter your choice. And yes….. overall, long run, smart purchase, I don’t own one myself but the reputation is undeniable….. Ruger 10/22 all the way. I have a 597…. nice, but not as reliable as the rotary fed Ruger.
Quote:
Also, I like the Bible verse thing….. Guys need supporting comments on standing up for their convictions!
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
