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[boanerges]

I own four Ruger 10/22s and an Anschutz. For what you want it is hard to go wrong with the 10/22. Don't like the trigger? Get a trigger job or a new drop in trigger. Same with the barrel, stock, bolt etc. There are so many aftermarket parts out there that you can customize it any way you want.

[200Volts]

I had a terrible experience owning a Rem 597. Wouldn't eject, fire or feed reliably. All different ammo brands, 4 magazines, cleaned etc.

[hatidua]

So I'm in the market for my first .22lr.

I would prefer a semi-auto

Get a plain entry-level 10/22, the factory barrel will hold 2MOA with cheap ammo which is adequate for critters at 100y or less.

If you really want a heavy barrel, get the same entry-level 10/22 and buy a Kidd match barrel for it and you'll still be under $500 total.

[wchutt]

10/22 with a Volquartsen hammer. Shoot it, then decide if you want to up grade the barrel, stock, ect.,
Dicks has them for $229 and the hammer is around $40, the hammer will smooth out and drop the trigger pull. (The only bad thing about a stock 10/22 IMO)

[beerman]

Its hard to beat the accuracy of an old Mossberg 42 or 44 for the $. Iv'e never shot a 10-22 that comes close....not sayin they'e not out there, but I've never found one.

[Chameleon Loco]

If you are experienced with the ar and ak platform just get a .22lr clone. My dad has a Smith and Wesson mp15-23 that I used to take to the range before the .22 crisis. It is accurate and reliable and allows one to train on AR for 1/8th the cost.

[Nick Adams]

10/22 is second only to the AR in terms of aftermarket support, if you like to tinker, and lets face it, who doesn't. CZ 452 is probably the best accuracy to price ratio and way better build quality than Savage or Marlin. Check out rimfire.com to get the expert skinny on .22LR.