Looking to start a project for a fun target rifle, not competition purposes. Since doing a lever & revolver fun project is on hold due to ammo/gun shortages & super high prices I figured I may look into another fun project. I probably already have to many gun projects, though my wife doesn't seem to mind, yet.... (Trying to pull her in slowly)..
Anyway back to topic. Looking for some input and feedback on items I'm interested in from the Calguns braintrust. First a bit of background. I already have a 10/22 takedown, which is great for plinking and a travel gun for fun when out and about in the forest, etc. However I do want some thing that will fun to shoot targets out to 100yds, maybe a little further, though I would rarely get the chance to go beyond 100 yds. Already have an AR for a defensive long gun and which will be more accurate and consistent at long ranges. Also looking for something that is easy to use, and potentially get my wife and kids interested in shooting.
My thinking so far:
1- Caliber
Want to stick to 22LR since I have a bit in stock. Low noise, recoil, etc. Don't really want to add another caliber, especially in the current climate. Also will be easier to get novices to use it without "side effects". It is also pretty accurate to 100 yds, though starts adding some "fun" due to drop and wind that needs to be accounted for. More powerful calibers you can pretty much point and shoot at 100 yds. So it will add a bit more thinking even at 100 yds as wind does impact 22LR, and different cartridges will add to the complexity.
2- Rifile
Thinking of getting a Ruger American rimfire, since I already have the magazines, loader, etc. Makes it easier to share with the 10/22. Want a bolt action as it is simple to use, and good for beginners to learn the basics without having to deal with semi-auto if there is a feed issue, etc. I have bolt actions to be more reliable than semi-auto with 22LR due to the overall poor quality of 22 rimfire ammo compared to centerfire. Also already have a 10/22 for semi-auto and plinking purposes, with a red dot for faster target acquisition.
I looked at the Ruger Precision Rimfire and just don't like the looks of it, and will likely add to the intimidation of novice young shooters (female). Since I don't plan on doing competitive things with it, probably not needed.
Looking at the Ruger American Rimfire, looks to be plenty accurate, like the looks of it. Not sure if the 22" barrel or 18" is the way to go. Don't think the 22" will add much in terms of accuracy, any ideas? Also the overall length of the 22" I can manage in my safe and rifle case, but will make things a bit more tight.
My preference is to the Ruger since I already have the 10/22 and mags, etc. I also like the elevated stock that comes with it, which should make it more conformable with a scope.
But perhaps I need to widen my thinking.
3 - Scope
I definitely need a scope with my eyesight to really see at 50 & 100 yds for more accurate shooting. I have used the peep sight on the AR and it does help, but at 100 yds my eyes are just not good enough anymore to precisely see the bullseye. I don't want to buy a scope that will cost more than the rifle, prefer something that will be clear but still budget friendly.
I saw the new Bushnell Banner II - 4-12x40 - the pricing seems good and I like to be able to get get a little higher in magnification to get a better picture. 12x with 40 will work best in good light, and I'm ok with that. Not planning on darner shooting. Something that can do 10x or better will be good, especially if the optics are clear in good light conditions.
I do like the app that comes with the DOA on the scope to estimate drop and will make it fun to play with different ammo and see/save profiles. May make target sessions fun, or frustrating???
Open to other ideas as well.
4 - Scope mount
Only saw a few Weaver mounts like this Weaver Quad Lock rings
But really no idea of what works, etc.
Also not sure if I need a little torque wrench to fit the rings properly or hand tight is GTG.
Anyway figure this may be a fun discussion, and hopefully I get some good ideas to build this project.
Anyway back to topic. Looking for some input and feedback on items I'm interested in from the Calguns braintrust. First a bit of background. I already have a 10/22 takedown, which is great for plinking and a travel gun for fun when out and about in the forest, etc. However I do want some thing that will fun to shoot targets out to 100yds, maybe a little further, though I would rarely get the chance to go beyond 100 yds. Already have an AR for a defensive long gun and which will be more accurate and consistent at long ranges. Also looking for something that is easy to use, and potentially get my wife and kids interested in shooting.
My thinking so far:
1- Caliber
Want to stick to 22LR since I have a bit in stock. Low noise, recoil, etc. Don't really want to add another caliber, especially in the current climate. Also will be easier to get novices to use it without "side effects". It is also pretty accurate to 100 yds, though starts adding some "fun" due to drop and wind that needs to be accounted for. More powerful calibers you can pretty much point and shoot at 100 yds. So it will add a bit more thinking even at 100 yds as wind does impact 22LR, and different cartridges will add to the complexity.
2- Rifile
Thinking of getting a Ruger American rimfire, since I already have the magazines, loader, etc. Makes it easier to share with the 10/22. Want a bolt action as it is simple to use, and good for beginners to learn the basics without having to deal with semi-auto if there is a feed issue, etc. I have bolt actions to be more reliable than semi-auto with 22LR due to the overall poor quality of 22 rimfire ammo compared to centerfire. Also already have a 10/22 for semi-auto and plinking purposes, with a red dot for faster target acquisition.
I looked at the Ruger Precision Rimfire and just don't like the looks of it, and will likely add to the intimidation of novice young shooters (female). Since I don't plan on doing competitive things with it, probably not needed.
Looking at the Ruger American Rimfire, looks to be plenty accurate, like the looks of it. Not sure if the 22" barrel or 18" is the way to go. Don't think the 22" will add much in terms of accuracy, any ideas? Also the overall length of the 22" I can manage in my safe and rifle case, but will make things a bit more tight.
My preference is to the Ruger since I already have the 10/22 and mags, etc. I also like the elevated stock that comes with it, which should make it more conformable with a scope.
But perhaps I need to widen my thinking.
3 - Scope
I definitely need a scope with my eyesight to really see at 50 & 100 yds for more accurate shooting. I have used the peep sight on the AR and it does help, but at 100 yds my eyes are just not good enough anymore to precisely see the bullseye. I don't want to buy a scope that will cost more than the rifle, prefer something that will be clear but still budget friendly.
I saw the new Bushnell Banner II - 4-12x40 - the pricing seems good and I like to be able to get get a little higher in magnification to get a better picture. 12x with 40 will work best in good light, and I'm ok with that. Not planning on darner shooting. Something that can do 10x or better will be good, especially if the optics are clear in good light conditions.
I do like the app that comes with the DOA on the scope to estimate drop and will make it fun to play with different ammo and see/save profiles. May make target sessions fun, or frustrating???
Open to other ideas as well.
4 - Scope mount
Only saw a few Weaver mounts like this Weaver Quad Lock rings
But really no idea of what works, etc.
Also not sure if I need a little torque wrench to fit the rings properly or hand tight is GTG.
Anyway figure this may be a fun discussion, and hopefully I get some good ideas to build this project.

Though 300 yds with a 10x scope, her eyesight is obviously much better than mine. I don't think I will hit an egg at 300 yards with a 22 and a 10x scope. May have to try it sometime, once I get my setup sorted.




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