10/22 suggestions

[cemiii]

Hi, I'm looking to purchase CA legal and not too expensive semi 22lr for target shooting and varmint (ground squirrel). I've noticed the following 3 choices (in the $500 range) available locally and I am looking for comparative advice as I know little about them. Is there a clear winner here on reliability and performance?

Colt M4
Sig Sauer 522
S&W M&P 15-22

Thanks, Chris

[tast101]

If your in so cal you can buy a Ruger 10/22 from Ammo Bros for $209 and use the extra cash to mod it. Just an idea, unless you want more of a assault rifle type 22.

[darqhelmet]

I have the SIG 522. Its heavy compared to the others but the upper is metal and it takes ciener mag's. Meaning I can pick up any blackdog mag and I am good to go. The 522 is a great rifle and I have pushed it out to 200 yards at the range running minimags and federal match 40 grain. It will hit the steel plates all day. As for grouping at that range it all depends on the wind. I have over 5k rounds and have had zero problems with the rifle. Some bad .22's yeah but they didn't go off in my MK II pistol or my buddies NEO's either.

[G-forceJunkie]

If target and hunting are your goals, why are you looking at tacticool AR style rifles? I would go with a Savage Mark 2 bolt action.

[barrym66]

Did you mean a .22LR rifle when you say 10/22?

If so, I agree w/ G-forceJunkie... a 10/22 would serve your purposes well and be half the cost (or less) of a pseudo-AR .22 clone. Consider adding aftermarket sights, the tech-sights adjustable peeps work great. see here.

[dandechino]

If your in so cal you can buy a Ruger 10/22 from Ammo Bros for $209 and use the extra cash to mod it. Just an idea, unless you want more of a assault rifle type 22.

This.

[dirtykoala]

None of those will be all that great for hunting. For $500ish, I'd suggest a 10/22 with a barrel, trigger job, and scope, or a CZ bolt action with a scope.

The 10/22 will put you between your choices and the CZ.