Which inexpensive .22LR? UPDATE: Post #66!

[Vinnie Boombatz]

I've decided to add a .22 to the herd. Have several handguns, a pump and a semi-auto shotgun, a couple AR-15's and a Winchester Model 70 in .30-06. Would like to add a .22/.22LR just to have, for plinking fun and could come in handy for small game. Just can't decide which direction to go. Henry level-action, a bolt action like a Ruger American, or would a Ruger 10/22 semi-auto make more sense?

Don[t want to spend a lot and would prefer to keep it under $500.

[DaveInOroValley]

So many good choices out there. If lever action personally would spend a bit more and go with a Browning. 10/22 is always a safe bet so many options out there as well. Bolt actions to me are less interesting to me but an older Remington or other would be nice.

[Tunabliss]

I have several .22 long and hand guns now. It's addicting. The 10/22 is the one everyone seems to end/start up with, I have two. There are some really good choices from several companies depending on what you want. I used to not care for bolt action but after getting a CZ455 it all changed. That rifle is soooo accurate!

If you just want to plink for less, get either a conversion kit or a dedicated upper for your AR platform. The CMMG kit is great and Bear Creek Arsenal makes a cool side charger that is very nice.

[JS11B]

[bigbossman]

I'd go secondary market for a true classic. Any of the Remington 500 series bolt guns, or a Winchester. Also, store branded vintage rifles (Sears, Penny's, etc) can still be had for under $200 (at least around here).

For instance:

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/930314642

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/930796114

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/929750180

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/931326113

[JackEllis]

I have five rimfire weapons - a Buckmark pistol, a Savage Mark ii, a Winchester semi-auto and a Marlin 60, all in .22lr, and a CZ 457 in .17 HMR.

Last weekend I shot squirrels using the Marlin with CCI copper and was very satisfied with the results.

The CZ shoots 5/8" groups at 100 yards with Hornady NTX .17 HMR ammo out of the box with no modifications other than adjusting trigger pull down and adding a scope. I have a .22lr barrel for it but have not shot that configuration much.

If I could start over again, I'd get another CZ instead of the Savage. The Savage shoots well but it does not like HV ammunition and right now that's what I have a ton of.

As you're probably aware, folks are going to recommend whatever they have in their arsenal but there are plenty of good 22s at very reasonable prices. I think I paid under $200 for the Marlin a few years ago and although I didn't shoot it much after I bought it, I'm going to bring it along more often now that I've seen what it can do.

[FNGGlock]

A 10/22 with a TRS25 red dot is hard to beat for plinking, etc. A bolt action is a different beast, as it is not nearly as much fun to shoot offhand and just plinking, but it is easier to clean and saves on ammo.

A lever sounds interesting, but again I would start with a semi first and expand from there.

A red dot is not needed if you still have great eyes, but does help a lot for older folks and quicker target acquisition.

[Garv]

M&P 15-22
I have not checked prices recently so that might be close to your limit.

Otherwise I would go with the 10-22 for plinking.

[FeuerFrei]

I've decided to add a .22 to the herd. Have several handguns, a pump and a semi-auto shotgun, a couple AR-15's and a Winchester Model 70 in .30-06. Would like to add a .22/.22LR just to have, for plinking fun and could come in handy for small game. Just can't decide which direction to go. Henry level-action, a bolt action like a Ruger American, or would a Ruger 10/22 semi-auto make more sense?

Don[t want to spend a lot and would prefer to keep it under $500.

Buy a bolt or lever or pump. They will accept most any 22lr ammo you can find available and still work with good accuracy. First 22 should be a good budget model in case you find out you're not a rf kinda guy. Those guys are rare, but they are out there.

I have various rf rifles including Remington, Winchester, CZ, Ruger and Savage.

The Savage is the best value and really performs with good standard velocity or subsonic ammo.

I'm talking about the Mk2 bolt guns. Fantastic barrels for precision fun. They come in a lot of flavors/colors/stocks/barrel lengths and the triggers are adjustable down to frog finger light. Cheaper price also allows for much better scope to ride on top.

https://www.savagearms.com/content?p=firearms&a=Mark

Mine is the fv sr model.

[Cowboy T]

Ruger 10/22's are very good, and I like 'em a lot. They're affordable and reliable. Same goes for the Marlin Model 60.

Nothing wrong with a good bolt-action or lever-action, either. With these, you can also shoot .22SR if you happen to run across any.

[golfish]

Having pretty much all of the above I suggest a Marlin 60 and then the Henry H001.

You might be able to get both for around $500.00. No mags to worry about ...

[OldFinger007]

Also happy with my Marlin 60.

[gwanghoops]

10/22 or SA22 for plinking
Remington 552/572 for full size fun

[alpha_romeo_XV]

When I bought these a few years ago before Bidenflation kicked off, you could have got both the Henry rifle and Heritage pistol for about $500 combined.

[Sir Toast]

Ruger 10/22's are very good, and I like 'em a lot. They're affordable and reliable. Same goes for the Marlin Model 60.

Nothing wrong with a good bolt-action or lever-action, either. With these, you can also shoot .22SR if you happen to run across any.

I couldn't agree more. Ruger 10/22 or Marlin model 60.