semi auto vs. bolt action .22?

[Sikvenum93]

I'm torn. I want the semi auto for the defensive capability and rapid firing but from what I've read, semi auto rifles are quite picky with ammo and that is a huge issue ATM. I love bolt actions but I'm left handed and if iget a bolt gun it can only be used for varminting and plinking. Which should I get?

While we're at it, can anyone recommend some models of .22 for me? My budget is around $200.

[Chaos47]

First up no one is going to tell you any .22 is good for "defensive capability" unless its the only thing you have.

Second semi autos like the Marlin 60 / 795 and the Ruger 10/22 will function fine with most ammo. Sure they will have their favorites to get the best performance and accuracy. But that doesn't mean that they won't function.

[kygen]

If you need to take up a defensive position against a hoard of roaches, a 22 will work. Other than that, you are gonna need something bigger.

[North Bay Guy]

I currently own two semi-auto .22lr rifles. One is a Ruger 10/22 that's around 25 years old and the other is Marlin 795. Both are an excellent choice. Neither of mine are picky with ammo. I've been shooting bulk ammo through both for years. When I have a jam I'm confident it was caused by the ammo not the guns. You can always run higher quality ammo like CCI Mini Mags or something with a similar velocity. Jams are much less frequent when you use good ammo. I've been thinking about getting a bolt action .22lr to teach my youngest kids to shoot though.

[FiremanBob]

A few thoughts to help sharpen your decision factors:

1. As others already said, .22LR is not a good defensive round. But it's better than nothing, if nothing is your only alternative. If you are stuck using a .22 as a possible defender, you definitely want semi-auto as you'll need as many hits as possible in very little time. But it's a poor compromise - no one firearm can do everything well.

2. A budget of $200 will get you a used Ruger 10/22, possibly a new Marlin 795 (although I think the pre-2008 used ones are better quality), a used Remington 597, or a Mossberg. Of these, I would pick either the Ruger or the Marlin, with a preference for the Ruger because it's easier to clean and maintain. These should be totally reliable (and are easily made so if they aren't).

3. Left-handed bolt actions are available from CZ and they are very high quality. But a used one will cost at least twice your budget.

In summary, you should have no worries about reliability with a good-quality Ruger or Marlin shooting good quality ammo (not Remington or Armscor). A bolt-action will have a slight edge in accuracy but it sounds like for your purposes the difference won't matter.

[19hugeracks57]

my freind is a southpaw and didn't have a peoblem finding bolt action gun on GUN GEINE ...AS FOR THE 22 LOOK ON GUN GEINE AND SEE WHAT THEY HAVE OR YOUR CLOSES BIG 5 OR WALMART STORE

[Chaos47]

my freind is a southpaw and didn't have a peoblem finding bolt action gun on GUN GEINE ...AS FOR THE 22 LOOK ON GUN GEINE AND SEE WHAT THEY HAVE OR YOUR CLOSES BIG 5 OR WALMART STORE

what is wrong... WITH YOUR CAPS LOCK! (not to mention your spelling..)

First there are few modern 22LR bolt rifle offered in left hand. Off the top of my head theres the Savage MKII GL Left ~50 buck more than OP's budget and CZ offerings which are over double their budget.
Second your options at Big 5 are going to be pretty much limited to the Mossberg Plinkster, Savage 64f, Ruger 10/22, Marlin 60 / 795....
Third Walmart doesn't sell firearms in CA....

[Mwfillmore]

Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm assuming you haven't had the opportunity to shoot much (referencing the defensive comment). Start with a .22 semi, hard to go wrong with the above mentioned Ruger 10/22 or the Marlin. If you enjoy shooting you will buy more. If you end up liking longer range shooting then get a bolt gun in a larger caliber like a .308. If you end wanting to shoot fast (tactically) build an AR.
This is a total guess but I'm sure most people's first shooting experience was with a .22. I know mine was, so a ruger 10/22 was the first gun I bought at 9 years old, it will also be the first gun I hand down to my son.

[wpod]

My 1st (still have it 45 years later) was a bolt .22
It teaches you to accurately determine your 1st shot.
I know my brother ran out of ammo before me when we went plinking and he used his 10/22.

[uxo2]

IF a 22 is all you have for defense.

I'm not going to turn you off of the .22lr as a defensive
tool.
Better than nothing.

And I bet there is no one on the board that will step up and say
they would rather get shot by a ""22"" than hit by a bat.

You want a semi auto. IMHO-10/22-
For ammo. Ultra High Velocity "stinger" or HV ammo.

Quality magazines.
Practice with it.
Make sure it works.
Malfunction drills. It is a rimfire. Not as reliable for ignition as a center fire.

You can by a reliability kit.

http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/467408/volquartsen-bolt-tune-up-kit-for-ruger-10-22

You don't need a fancy trigger.


Shoot for face, Throat or plain center mass.
If they are wearing body armor. They are going to get pissed.
Keep shooting till target is down

Light recoil..Fast trigger. Lot of lead in the air.
You should be able to triple tap.

But it is still a rim fire.

[Gem1950]

Get Both

Ruger 10/22 (semi-auto)

Ruger American 22lr (bolt action)

Both use the same magazine

[Chaos47]

Ruger 10/22 (semi-auto)

Ruger American 22lr (bolt action)

Both use the same magazine

Marlin 795 (semi-auto)

Marlin XT-22 (bolt action)

Both use the same magazine

[kayaker]

As has been said here a few times, most .22 semi auto rifles are pretty reliable. Use quality ammo and the chances of a jam or miss-fire is very low. A .22 isn't a good HD weapon but much better than a sharp stick.

[CSACANNONEER]

Well, how about a pump or lever action if you want a repeater?

I suggest looking at the used racks and don't focus on just one type of action. Look for a great deal and jump on it. Sometimes you can find a great deal on an old .22lr. Whatever you do, do not discount Mossberg .22s. I have a couple that will hold their own against high end .22s that cost as much as 10 times more.

[Sikvenum93]

Well, how about a pump or lever action if you want a repeater?

I suggest looking at the used racks and don't focus on just one type of action. Look for a great deal and jump on it. Sometimes you can find a great deal on an old .22lr. Whatever you do, do not discount Mossberg .22s. I have a couple that will hold their own against high end .22s that cost as much as 10 times more.

I discounted those because all the ones I've seen seem to be well in excess of $200. But I'll take your word for it and I'll keep a look out for em.