Used rimfires?

[beerman]

My 22 rifles are all old, used, but nice condition---a really nice "Pre-warning" 10-22 Deluxe Sporter, a very fine old (60s?) Belgium Browning (FN) 22 Auto bottom eject with the "Wheelsight" and one of my all-time favorite 22s, a real nice Remington Nylon 66---AKA "My teaching rifle"---all run perfectly and just seem to exhibit superior workmanship to todays products.
On the other hand, on my recommendation, a friend bought a brand new, plain-jane, Ruger 10-22 for himself and his kids to shoot---the gun runs 100% and shoots brilliantly---what more can you ask?

You are wise beyond your years my friend

[Epaphroditus]

My oldest is a Winchester 67A single shot bolt action that take 22 shorts through 22lr. A real nice shooter that has had countless rounds through it and been handled roughly. Still shoots sub MOA with most ammo - even cheap dirty Aquila.

Bought brand new in 1938 by my paternal great grandfather. Handed down through the family and now, technically, is my daughter's. Many many people learned to shot using this rifle including myself.

My brother cracked and broke a chunk off the stock (one day I'll fix it). I replaced a broken extractor a couple years ago. I think my grandfather installed Lyman peepsights sometime around 1970.

The most spectacular and unforgettable shots I've ever made, save one, were made using this rifle. For example a neck shot on a mountain quail just as it breaks from a run and takes flight (yes, that's where I aimed). There are several more like that.

Used guns have a history and an aura of mystery. New guns don't have anything like that.

[pinger]

It was a only recently that I tested my 1970s vintage Remington 581 and found it makes tighter groups with more different brands of ammo than my new CZ455 or Ruger American Rimfire Target. From what I have read, I think there is two reasons. Recent manufacture rifles don't have chambers cut to as tight of tolerance as before. The bore improves with usage through polishing. All of my new rifles, I have only shot 100 to 500 rounds because there isn't enough time to shoot them all. But the 581 I have had for over 45 years has had over 20,000 rounds. I think there is a wealth of good shooting under $200 OLD used guns. Because the DROS fees are now ridiculous, whenever you get any gun, plan and add an old rimfire too because you could get lucky. It's like buying a lottery ticket with your case of beer.

p.s. I also am a fan of the TCR22. It outshoots all the 10/22s I have had. The 10/22s and TCR22 were all recent manufacture (less than 5 yrs old) guns.

[echo1]

I loves me some old .22s. My '50s Winchester T75, as expected, out shoots just about every rifle I've got to 100 yards. I scarf up .22s when ever they present themselves. PAX

[FeuerFrei]

It's not just 22's.

My latest purchase fell in my lap. Stainless Savage 93R 17hmr with a Bushnell 6x18 scope on it and a box of ammo.

$150 plus ffl/dros/tax/kings permission etc. Looks new.

As a rule I never say no to a good 22 rifle. Specifically an old one. Sometimes fate smiles and gives you a peachy deal too good to pass up.

My other 17hmr is a CZ and this Savage is very accurate too.

Still patting myself on the back.

Keep looking people there's gold in them thar hills!