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

[rsarffs]

Least expensive is the Citadel Trakr 22lr. Read the reviews on Rossi rs22 and/or Mossberg 702 plinkster and some on the Citadel. The three rifles are the same except for the stock from the information I gathered.

[jstert]

[Preston-CLB]

Plus 1 for the Single Six! Mine is 6-1/2 stainless. It's gorgeous and very accurate. Shooting WMR is a hoot!

The 10/22 is a good bet. There's lots of aftermarket parts for upgrades.

You might also look at the bolt action offerings from CZ.
-P

[heavyhaulin818]

+1 on the CZ bolt rimfires. Oh man, just went to look at another CZ rifle today and can not convey how gorgeous these rifles are. The wood is just beautiful/rich and the bluing fantastic. I know there are many other .22’s and many are semi autos which are desired by many, but do checkout CZ if you can.

[strakill]

The bottom line is that there's something out there to fit just about anyone's personality, preference, and/or need. For under $500, there are really only a couple of choices in semi-auto worth discussing for most people. As others have indicated, the two most popular models on the market have long been the Marlin Model 60 and the Ruger 10/22. As a FIRST .22 LR, you really can't go wrong with either. But, they do have different strengths and 'weaknesses.'



The biggest advantage of the 10/22 is the aftermarket support and options. It's only rivaled by the aftermarket support for the AR-style rifles. However, it's a two-edged sword if you're not careful in that it can turn an "under $500" .22 LR into a money pit. As some say, a 10/22 is like Lay's potato chips in that you can't have just one and, even worse, it's typically something you can never stop tinkering with.

Otherwise, the Model 60 is simple, accurate, and will get the job done. Some will say the Model 60 is far more affordable... Marlin 60 vs Ruger 10/22: Comparing Accuracy, Features, Reliability, and More. But, that's going to depend on which model of 10/22 you go after. Yes. A Model 60 can usually be had for a bit less than a base model 10/22; but, the price difference isn't that great at that level, particularly if you catch a 10/22 on sale.

Overall, there is no 'correct' answer as to which is 'better.' It's an endless, though often fun, sometimes dubious, periodically heated, debate. Not quite as serious as .45 ACP vs. 9mm, but comparable in many respects.

Now, if you're willing to go a bit more price wise, then the CZ bolt actions and the Henry pump action are definitely worth consideration. If you just want a bolt action under $500, then the Ruger American is worth a very hard look; but will, generally, be a bit more expensive than a base line 10/22. The Savage Models are very accurate, but not everyone is a fan.



In the end, whatever happens, if you acquire a .22 LR and get "into" the fun, you're likely to find yourself eventually owning a number of them in various brands, actions, price ranges, etc.

If I had to pick just one as my FIRST .22 LR? If I wanted the semi-auto, then it would most likely be the 10/22. If I wanted a bolt action, I'd take a very hard look at the Ruger American; but, knowing what I do about the CZ's, I might just hold out and pay a bit more for one. (Though the magazine aspect might just tip it in favor of the Ruger these days given the price and spotty availability of the CZ magazines.)

After I gave my old Remington bolt .22 to my Nephew I ended up picking up a Ruger American. I really like it. It's no CZ but I don't feel bad beating it around like I would with the CZ. It is very accurate and I have no complaints. In fact I sold my 455 because I would only use it at the range so it didn't belong in my safe any longer.

[antonio]

The old Heritage Wyatt Earp

[rkt88edmo]

For $300 you can just about get two old .22 rifles in decent shape.

I like used

I like department store branded rifles

For 300 you might even be able to get a low end basic target model.

[bigbossman]

For $300 you can just about get two old .22 rifles in decent shape.

I like used

I like department store branded rifles

For 300 you might even be able to get a low end basic target model.

At yesterday's gun show there were racks full of vintage .22 rifles priced anywhere from $150 on up. Marlins, Winchesters Remingtons, and "store brand". I almost bought a couple, but I have too many .22's already.

[Handgunther]

If you're thinking 457, go to Sportsman's Warehouse now. The 457s are like 20%+ off for some reason. Got a 457 Varmint for $509! An American is $419!!

[k1dude]

If you're thinking 457, go to Sportsman's Warehouse now. The 457s are like 20%+ off for some reason. Got a 457 Varmint for $509! An American is $419!!

Yeah, for some reason they are showing those as the normal prices instead of sale prices.

[rkt88edmo]

Also - outside of the CZs, the craftsmanship in the old guns is fantastic, particularly those with nice wood. A similar modern gun often feels much clunkier in the hand and to the eye.

[TrappedinCalifornia]

After I gave my old Remington bolt .22 to my Nephew I ended up picking up a Ruger American. I really like it. It's no CZ but I don't feel bad beating it around like I would with the CZ. It is very accurate and I have no complaints. In fact I sold my 455 because I would only use it at the range so it didn't belong in my safe any longer.

That's been one of the drawbacks to the CZ's; i.e., they are very accurate, but are also so nice that it seems a shame to take them out brush bucking.

I picked up two CZ's so as to have a 'beater;' but, I just can't seem to bring myself to use it that way.

[Spaffo]

My vote is also for a vintage .22 rifle such as a Mossberg 151 or Remington Speedmaster 241. They don't make them like they used to.

[k1dude]

That's been one of the drawbacks to the CZ's; i.e., they are very accurate, but are also so nice that it seems a shame to take them out brush bucking.

I picked up two CZ's so as to have a 'beater;' but, I just can't seem to bring myself to use it that way.

Get one with a synthetic stock. You don't mind beating the hell out of those.

[TrappedinCalifornia]

Get one with a synthetic stock. You don't mind beating the hell out of those.

But... But... They are so pretty in their wood.

Oh well. Sooner or later they will both pick up a sufficient number of character marks that a different type of appreciation will be in effect.