Time to get a .22lr

[K1LLROI]

So i've been holding off on a .22lr rifle. The reason is because I wanted some higher power, in case SHTF, or bans start rolling in. Well, nothing yet. I have aquired what I wanted, kind of.

Now its time to have fun. I have always wanted a 22lr rifle. I don't know where to start. I'm leaning towards the 10/22. I was at a show recently,and for the first time I saw a 10/22 classic. WOW. It was beautiful. The carving on the wood was so elegant. It was looking pretty dang good. I believe it was $389.
So, what to do? IMHO that's too much to pay, or is this what I should expect?
I'm not leaning towards GSG's, or any of the black style 22lr.

Opinions, comments, suggestions are all appreciated.

Thanks

[professionalcoyotehunter]

Keep an eye out in the WTB section. Sometimes you will see nice plinkers for $60-$100.

[Deadbolt]

Theres a Marlin 795 in the Private sales section for 150 w/ some ammo and spare mags. If you want to buy new - Marlin is offering a 25$ cash back mail in rebate for the 795 too

[Chris M]

10/22's are great because there is a huge aftermarket for them. Starting price is usually just over $200 (Big 5 usually has them for around $220 or so).

I went with the Marlin 60 for $149. The tube magazine can be a little cumbersome to feed, but I don't mind it much. It shoots great, and is pretty simple to maintain. It just needs a stock that fits me better.

[rsrocket1]

Marlin 795's are a great buy. You just missed the Big5 sale $159-$25 marlin rebate. The good thing is that Big5 puts these on sale several times a year and the rebate is good throughout 2010. I think I saw one at Sportsmans Warehouse for $129, but I'm not sure. Bass Pro Shops had them last Black Friday for $99, but that's a crapshoot.

Be aware that modern 10/22's have plastic triggers and plastic trigger housings (lower receiver part) which aren't terribly bad, just probably not "decades durable" like the older metal parts. 10/22's are not as accurate as longer rifles at longer distances. They are fine for recreational shooting and plinking. My old 1986 model is fine, but just not as accurate as the Marlins or just about any other longer rifle.

If customization is your thing, you could go hog wild with the 10/22. You can still find older 10/22's in pretty good condition for $150-$200, or if you are really turned off by the plastic parts, you can get a metal trigger, trigger housing and magazine release latch for about $35.

http://www.clarkcustomguns.com/RugerOEMtrigger.html

Maybe cheaper elsewhere.

[Iknownot]

Marlin 39's are really nice, especially if you can find a good condition older one.

If you want semi auto, the 10/22 and marlin 60's are good ways to go, based on how often I see them when I'm a range.

[p7m8jg]

I'm buying more .22 rifles all the time:

The latest was a Marlin 795 for my son. A few years ago I bought a Henry .22lever action to go with my Ruger 10/22. I also have a Charter Arms AR7 survival .22 that still shoots just great.

Add to it a Colt 1911 .22 conversion kit and a Ruger Mark II bull barrel and its a .22 bonanza!

I really enjoy the Marlin: it is very lightweight and the short barrel makes it a good "pointer".

You really can't go wrong with either gun - the Marlin or the Ruger. Watch for Big 5, Sports Authority, Bass Pro shops or any other good sale that comes up from time to time. Then be ready to jump....

[zman]

I hate the new plastic trigger group on new 10/22s. Oh why did Ruger do this?

[Esquire]

I'm a recovering .22lr addict. They're just a lot of fun for less money and less noise. Marlin 795, Ruger 10/22, Marlin 60 are all top notch. I had them all at one point or another.

Dollar for dollar, I'd have to pick 795 as the best. it's very light, feels great to hold, amazing accuracy, and digests all kinds of bulk ammo without a complaint.

[Maltese Falcon]

....y'all are terrible. Just when I thought I was SET for my firearms...I see that there may be a gap left. Sigh....Marlin 795 eh?

.

[kidrice]

marlin 795 is great. my buddy has one. he got it after seeing my savage 64.

since then, i've put on a bipod, got a better scope, and a few extra mags.

can't have more fun at the range.

[XDRoX]

I have 4 10/22's and a Marlin 60. Can't go wrong with any of them really.
Have you considered a 22 pistol? My Walther P22 is the funnest gun I have. You'll hear terrible things about them. Cheaply made, jam-o-matics, etc. I can't say enough good things about them. They melt into your hand, light as a feather, and run great once broken in. I only have 650 rounds through mine and it'll almost eat anything now without complaints. The other day I put cheap walmart bulk though it. 100 rounds with 1 jam. It's improving so quickly I think after a few hundred more rounds it'll be perfect.

[K1LLROI]

I have 4 10/22's and a Marlin 60. Can't go wrong with any of them really.
Have you considered a 22 pistol? My Walther P22 is the funnest gun I have. You'll hear terrible things about them. Cheaply made, jam-o-matics, etc. I can't say enough good things about them. They melt into your hand, light as a feather, and run great once broken in. I only have 650 rounds through mine and it'll almost eat anything now without complaints. The other day I put cheap walmart bulk though it. 100 rounds with 1 jam. It's improving so quickly I think after a few hundred more rounds it'll be perfect.

Yes, Pops has an oldschool Colt Woodsman, I think. That thing is the ISH. Hitting center all day every day with that sweet piece.

Looking for a training rifle more than anything. Something fun. I'm going to be taking lots of NEW people shooting, and well, taking out the "high power" stuff might intimidate them. I wouldn't mind shooting cheap neither.

Lets start them off easy.

Have any of you seen the Ruger I'm talking about? The Classic 10/22 with the carvings in the wood.

[Federalist]

IMO, buy the one that you will want to shoot for the next 20 years or more. That's how long you will keep your .22lr. If it costs a bit more to get one that excites you each time you take it out of the safe, it might be worth the extra money.

Beware of the 10/22. You have heard of BRD (black rifle disease). There is a related, but equally serious, disease called 10/22 disease. It is real. And there is no cure, just expensive regular treatment. If you catch it, you can seek treatment at gunkings, rimfiresports, cabelas, brownells and any number of our sponsors. Proceed with caution.

[ledman]

I picked up a brand NIB Marlin 60 here from another cal gunner on a trade...I traded him a Custom Wall mirror, and I got the .22! Haven't shot it yet, but I used to have one years ago and loved it. I picked up a used rimfire scope for 25 bucks,a nd it looks great! They just had these on Sale at Turners for $149.99