Choosing a 22LR Platform

[Nickbowen5]

I've been interested in getting a .22 for awhile now, but have just brought myself around to the idea of actually getting one. There are 4 options I'm looking into: CMMG .22 Upper and Conversion for AR-15 (in the process of building), Ruger 10/22, Marlin 795, Savage (Not sure of the model, have seen it at the Big 5 right around the corner).

Any insight, suggestions, opinions are much appreciated

[Chaos47]

The Savage model you have seen at Big5 (if it is semiauto) is probably the 64f.

People love 22LR uppers. And I would pretty much always suggest that or a drop in bolt over a lookalike AR.
Ruger 10/22 is the King of Customization. You can make it look like anything and replace every single part of it.
Marlin 795 will be more accurate out of the box at a better value than the 10/22. There is less aftermarket for the 795 but there are parts out there.
Savage 64f has the least following here on CGN while I am sure they are fine they have the smallest fan base and no aftermarket support.

My choice of course is the Marlin 795!
Make sure to check out the Marlin 795 MEGATHREAD Part Deuce

[Dattebayo]

Really depends on what you are looking for out of a platform. An AR platform or the M&P 15-22 are great training tools if you want to practice handling the AR at significantly reduced costs. They are great for plinking and have good enough accuracy for your typical squirrel hunting.

For more precision shooting, the inherent accuracy bonuses to bolt action rifles and their affordable cost are hard to beat. I personally believe that CZ makes the best rifles within their price range, without a single competitor coming even close to the fit and finish in that price category. Coming in at a price under $500, these rifles are often compared to Anshultz and Coopers. Given those rifles are a work of art and have a fit and finish that no sub $500 mass production rifle could ever achieve, but it will shoot dime sized groups out of the box at 50 yards. Many CZ rifle owners say that if you can out shoot your CZ, you are probably good enough to compete in the Olympics. With the 455 being more available now, you can easily swap barrel calibers in under 5 minutes or purchase premade aftermarket barrels for Lilja to get the groups into the .2 to .3 range.

Negative side of CZ's is they are not in stock often and are cleared off the shelves pretty fast when in stock. You may have to resort to ordering online and shipping to your LGS. Even then, sometimes it is like hunting for Unicorn teeth.

[RonnieP]

I'm not sure about anyone else, but my Marlin 795 has had ZERO cleaning and fired over 3 bricks of Federal. Just a spray of CLP every 200-300 rds and it's been running like a champ.


Though, if you do get a Marlin 795, remove the two take down screws and apply a drop of Loctite Blue or other tread locker. I lost one of my screw at the range without noticing it worked loose.

[whipkiller]

795 has to be one of the best "bang for the buck" deals, and accuracy out of the box is amazing, although the stock sights leave a little something to be desired.

I put as Centerpoint scope from Wallyworld on mine and it's GTG.

I think I'm going to go get an XT-22 (Bolt action) and start taping lifesavers and tic-tacs to my targets.

That having been said, I'm also thinking I should get a MP15-22 while I still can.

[Iskra]

I'd throw my $.02 in for the Marlin 60 as well, if you never want to worry about buying mags. Under $200, holds 16-17 rounds of 22LR, and will be gone from CA by next year. Yes, it will be on the AW list like all the others... but from a practical point of view, its a lot less likely to get 2nd looks at the range or in the field, without detachable magazines. Easy enough to make 'speedloaders' out of straws, and no tired fingers from pushing rounds against springs.

[IPSICK]

For .22lr AR, I'd recommend a TACCOM since the Nordic NC22 is basically unavailable.

For other semi-auto, 10/22 or Marlin.

For bolt, a CZ.

[jyo]

No matter which you choose, EVERYBODY should have at least one 10-22---they are good-to-go right out of the box and have more custom parts available than anything else. I would start there...

[BigPimping]

Marlin 795. I have a 10/22 and a 795. Marlin is way better value and really accurate out of the box. Buy with confidence.

[CWDraco]

Savage MKII, bolt action, magazine fed, accurate, fun, inexpensive.

[zhyla]

The 795's are so cheap that you can't really go wrong. But the sights are awful and a peek under the hood won't give you a warm fuzzy feeling. Heck, the bolt handle isn't even attached to the bolt, it just rattles around on it. It's an amazingly cost effective design, accurate, and reliable -- but not what I would want to build on top of.

10/22's aren't that much of an improvement over the 795 but with a wood stock hey at least feel less toy-like.

I enjoy shooting a decent bolt action more than either of these. The Savage MkII isn't a bad choice and nobody has ever regretted a CZ.

[Nickbowen5]

Thanks everyone! I believe I will be purchasing a Marlin 795 soon. Will post pics when I do

[trigger945]

FWIW, I have 2 .22LR rifles - M&P 15-22 and Henry Lever Action. Both are fun to shoot and I would highly recommend.

Good luck!