Inexpensive .22 SA for Appleseed shoot

[fivefoot20]

I am a C&R fan primarily, but I have been wanting to do an Appleseed training and am not nearly crazy enough to consider shooting 500 rounds through a Mosin in a weekend. I have been looking for an old-school .22 semi-auto with a box mag, but those don't seem to come on the market much, so I have been checking out the selection at my LGS's and Big 5, to see what they've got. Any recommendations for an inexpensive box-mag fed .22 plinker? I want to start out with iron sights, but have the option of adding optics later without too much trouble. I am not a fan of modern "tactical" style firearms. What do you think would be a good, reliable platform to start out with that won't break the bank?

[Kestryll]

The Marlin 795 LTR is made for AS.

http://appleseedinfo.org/ltr-marlin.html

http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/Default.aspx?item=70677&mfg=Marlin&mdl=795&cat=All&type=All&cal=All&fin=&sit=&zipcode=46112

[Izzy43]

I am a C&R fan primarily, but I have been wanting to do an Appleseed training and am not nearly crazy enough to consider shooting 500 rounds through a Mosin in a weekend. I have been looking for an old-school .22 semi-auto with a box mag, but those don't seem to come on the market much, so I have been checking out the selection at my LGS's and Big 5, to see what they've got. Any recommendations for an inexpensive box-mag fed .22 plinker? I want to start out with iron sights, but have the option of adding optics later without too much trouble. I am not a fan of modern "tactical" style firearms. What do you think would be a good, reliable platform to start out with that won't break the bank?

In not particular order of preference.

Savage 64
Marlin 795
Remington 597
Ruger 10/22 but is the most expensive of the group.

I have a Rem 597 so I am partial to that. Great shooter and cost around $200+ Tax and DROS fee with iron sights.

[Hdawg]

The Marlin 795 LTR is made for AS.

http://appleseedinfo.org/ltr-marlin.html

http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/Default.aspx?item=70677&mfg=Marlin&mdl=795&cat=All&type=All&cal=All&fin=&sit=&zipcode=46112

/End thread.

(Unless you decide to go with a Ruger 10/22, of course)

[Merc1138]

Yeah, that marlin LTR already includes the cost of appleseed, has decent sights, a sling, and mags. All you'd need is a box of ammo and you're good to go. Can't really get much cheaper than that.

[Collector71]

I was making the same decision two months ago and bought a pair of 795s from Big 5 with the idea of being able to break in the rifles before an Appleseed shoot. If the LTR had been available I would have gone that route. If I had been able to find the Remington 597 had been available locally I would have considered that too.

[Chaos47]

795, even if you don't get the LTR edition. You can build one up to be a Liberty Training Rifles yourself. Plus also you have the option to build it scoped instead of irons...

See the link in my sig to learn more about the Marlin 795!

[as_rocketman]

Marlin did a pretty good job with the LTR. 'Course it didn't hurt that we consulted with them on the design...

Here's my own LTR: old Marlin Model 70, Tech Sights, DIProducts trigger guard, replaced stock swivels with Uncle Mike's swivel studs and 1 1/4" swivels, M1 GI cotton sling. Shoots Rifleman scores with cheap bulk ammo and without drama.



The Ruger 10/22 is also extremely popular on our line. After that is probably the AR-15-lookalike .22's such as the S&W M&P15-22, then actual AR-15s and Mini-14's.

But pretty much any rifle can be made to work. Loop sling and click-adjustable sights are the most important features. If you want to bring an old Rem 512 or something, go ahead.

[Eljay]

What's the availability like on the Marlin LTR? At some point there were complaints that they weren't actually making any.

Personally I got one of the wood-stocked 10/22s and set it up with Tech Sights. It's a lot like a mini Garand in that configuration - I like it.

[as_rocketman]

The Marlin LTR is shipping now, in the hundreds... there was a delay between the original announcement (back in late February) and the first shipments (late October), but they're cranking them out now. Should be available without too much searching.

If you get one, make sure they include the Appleseed gift certificate! Many of the first wave shipped the certificates in the shipping container, not the individual rifle boxes, and got overlooked. This problem should be sorted by now but you never know.

[roger1022]

Marlin did a pretty good job with the LTR. 'Course it didn't hurt that we consulted with them on the design...

Here's my own LTR: old Marlin Model 70, Tech Sights, DIProducts trigger guard, replaced stock swivels with Uncle Mike's swivel studs and 1 1/4" swivels, M1 GI cotton sling. Shoots Rifleman scores with cheap bulk ammo and without drama.



The Ruger 10/22 is also extremely popular on our line. After that is probably the AR-15-lookalike .22's such as the S&W M&P15-22, then actual AR-15s and Mini-14's.

But pretty much any rifle can be made to work. Loop sling and click-adjustable sights are the most important features. If you want to bring an old Rem 512 or something, go ahead.

Wow, you worked with Marlin on the LTR design? That's awesome. It's a nice package for the price.

What's the availability like on the Marlin LTR? At some point there were complaints that they weren't actually making any.

Personally I got one of the wood-stocked 10/22s and set it up with Tech Sights. It's a lot like a mini Garand in that configuration - I like it.

You can search Davidsons Gallery of Guns to see which dealer is near you.

http://www.galleryofguns.com/

[Merc1138]

What's the availability like on the Marlin LTR? At some point there were complaints that they weren't actually making any.

Personally I got one of the wood-stocked 10/22s and set it up with Tech Sights. It's a lot like a mini Garand in that configuration - I like it.

GoG has 99 available(which means they probably really have a lot more than that), plus shops aren't even charging MSRP through GoG, shouldn't be an issue getting one if that's what the OP decides to go with.

[as_rocketman]

Wow, you worked with Marlin on the LTR design? That's awesome. It's a nice package for the price.

Not me personally, the RWVA industry outreach team... but we're all on the same page.

Kind of embarrassing how few rifles come ready to shoot well right out of the box. They're out there -- this one, the Ruger GSR, CZ 455 Trainer, etc., but many rifles cut corners that shouldn't be cut. Of course, customization and the aftermarket is part of the fun.

[Eljay]

Good to hear they're actually making them - thanks!

[readysetgo]

OP, I vote on the 795LTR from Davidsons as well. Everything you need 'cept a brick of .22! I'm DROS'ing one next week.

Mine's @ the FFL NOW! Will DROS next Friday. Stoked!

FYI, Appleseed Certificates are on sale now too. 20% off Project Appleseed Gift Cert. *Ends 12-31-13