semi auto vs. bolt action .22?

[Sikvenum93]

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

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.

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.

I have other guns, I know .22 isn't for first line defence. However I don't have any .22 rifles and I also wanted one in case SHTF/outdoorsy kind of purposes. But in hindsight this is not that important.
I actually really want a bolt action to practice actuating a bolt action before I move up to centrefire bolt guns. Problem is I'm left handed. The LH centrefire models don't seem to cost extra but the rimfire ones oddly do.

[Mayor McRifle]

I actually really want a bolt action to practice actuating a bolt action before I move up to centrefire bolt guns.

You don't need a .22LR rifle to "practice actuating a bolt action." You need a .22LR rifle to practice becoming a good shooter. Get a Ruger 10/22 and then shoot about 100,000 rounds through it. Work on your rifleman skills.

You might not understand the importance of this now, but if you do it, someday you'll thank me.

[CSACANNONEER]

I actually really want a bolt action to practice actuating a bolt action before I move up to centrefire bolt guns. Problem is I'm left handed. The LH centrefire models don't seem to cost extra but the rimfire ones oddly do.

As a lefty, I shoot a lot of RHed bolt actions. I find it natural to use my LH to cycle the bolt. I know it is not the prefered method but, it has worked for me for the last 40 years or so that I've been shooting. Also, I don't see centerfire as moving up from rimfire. In fact, in many ways, .22lr is harder to shoot for precision. Just look at BR records and you'll find this out. However, for beginners learning the fundamentals and for just plain fun shooting, a .22lr is hard to beat.

[BigPimping]

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.

HA HA!!!!

Anyway, get a 10/22 or a Marlin 795. Never look back!!!

[DennisCA]

I vote for semi - they're just plain fun!
I have a Marlin Model 60 that I've own since the mid-80's; shot countless rounds through it and haven't a single issue. If I recall - I didn't pay much for it back then. The only thing I have done to it is replace the tiny .22 scope with a decent scope:

(I took this pic for comparison)
Here what it looks like:


Being that said - a 10/22 is not a bad way to go!
(Just stock-up on ammo; semi's go through ammo quickly)

[CSACANNONEER]

Now you've done it. Someone is going to come out with a turret cap rail mount. LOL.

[Mayor McRifle]

However, for beginners learning the fundamentals and for just plain fun shooting, a .22lr is hard to beat.

Beginners and Olympians.

[-hanko]

You don't need a .22LR rifle to "practice actuating a bolt action." You need a .22LR rifle to practice becoming a good shooter. Get a Ruger 10/22 and then shoot about 100,000 rounds through it. Work on your rifleman skills.

You might not understand the importance of this now, but if you do it, someday you'll thank me.

Not to mention get yer butt away from the computer and spend a weekend at an Appleseed meeting. Appleseed + your .22 will do more for your shooting than about anything else that comes to mind.

[CSACANNONEER]

Beginners and Olympians.

Yep. In the post you quoted, I did mention that .22s were not as easy to shoot as centerfire guns and said that one does not "move up" from rimfire from centerfire. I see it as moving up from centerfire to rimfire once you hit a certain level that most here will never achieve.

[CSACANNONEER]

Sik,

Here's a gun in your budget that will serve you well for many years:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1034432

[Sikvenum93]

Sik,

Here's a gun in your budget that will serve you well for many years:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1034432

Thanks for looking. I cant buy from him since hes in contra costa but i will find something similar. First thing i do when i get my rifle is go to appleseed!

[CSACANNONEER]

Thanks for looking. I cant buy from him since hes in contra costa but i will find something similar. First thing i do when i get my rifle is go to appleseed!

It would give you an excuse to visit your parents in the bay area TWICE!

[Sikvenum93]

It would give you an excuse to visit your parents in the bay area TWICE!

You sir, are a genius with very good memory! I just pmed the seller.

[Izzy43]

Sik,

Here's a gun in your budget that will serve you well for many years:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1034432

That is one heck of a rifle at one heck of a price. CSACANNONEER did you a good favor there.

[CSACANNONEER]

That is one heck of a rifle at one heck of a price. CSACANNONEER did you a good favor there.

If it was closer, I would have jumped on it myself. My Mossbergs (42A and 44US) shoot as well as my Anschutz. The triggers aren't as nice but the cost difference makes up for that.