Need advice which rifle to buy

[Bushwack44]

I'm itching to buy my first rifle and while open to suggestions, I'd like to keep the cost at +/- $400, shoot 22lr and be easy to strip/clean. The only significant mod I would make is add a scope.

I'm considering either a Ruger 10/22 Takedown Stainless or a Smith-Wesson MP15-22.

I've put 20 rounds through a 10/22 and I've handled (but not shot) the MP15-22. From what I see on YouTube videos, I like the simplicity and ease of stripping and cleaning the MP15-22. I'm also a little more comfortable positioning it. But I don't like that all-polymer feel (maybe that's just an adjustment/compromise that comes with time).

As for the 10/22, I like how it felt in my hands but not necessarily how it shot. I didn't shoot it well but I assume that also is just an adjustment with time. It also has its share of polymer but didn't feel nearly as much as the MP15-22. It also isn't as bulky and I do like the rifle's design purpose and being able to carry or stow away at half the space of a conventional rifle (or the MP15-22).

I know the 10/22 line has been around for a lifetime and the MP15-22 for only a few years. But I figure both have been around long enough to rectify whatever kinks the may have initially had.

Keeping in mind it will be used only for plinking, that ease of stripping/cleaning is important and it shoot 22lr, I am leaning slightly towards the MP15-22. At the same time, if there's another suggestion that's more favorable besides these two, please share. Thank you.

[SDM44]

I've had both and shot both quite a bit (used the 15-22 in a rimfire steel match at Rahaugues). Bottom line, I sold the 15-22 and kept the 10/22.

While I like the AR platform, the 15-22 was a fun gun and looked really good when I did it all up. But it got boring after a short while and I decided to sell it and keep my 10/22 carbine instead since I wanted something with a 'classic' rifle look. Loading the mags on the 15-22 were much easier (I used the 25rd rebuild kits with 10rd blocks.... pulling down on the side tabs made loading extremely easy & fast). Never had any issues with ammo, but cleaning the bolt was a bit more time consuming compared to the 10/22 bolt. Field stripping either one was very simple, especially if you're familiar with the AR platform already. I'd say that both had about the same accuracy, but it's much easier to make the 10/22 more accurate with better barrels & parts (more availability).

You can't go wrong with either, but the AR-22 style rifles will bore me after shooting them for a bit, and the classic 10/22 stock style rifles never gets old for me.

[davefromca]

I've read this from a few members and agree with it....buy the most basic 1022 (I think turners has one for $199 but it might just be the victorville grand opening) and use the money to mod it how you like.

[DTom75]

I'm itching to buy my first rifle and while open to suggestions, I'd like to keep the cost at +/- $400, shoot 22lr and be easy to strip/clean. The only significant mod I would make is add a scope.

I'm considering either a Ruger 10/22 Takedown Stainless or a Smith-Wesson MP15-22.

I've put 20 rounds through a 10/22 and I've handled (but not shot) the MP15-22. From what I see on YouTube videos, I like the simplicity and ease of stripping and cleaning the MP15-22. I'm also a little more comfortable positioning it. But I don't like that all-polymer feel (maybe that's just an adjustment/compromise that comes with time).

As for the 10/22, I like how it felt in my hands but not necessarily how it shot. I didn't shoot it well but I assume that also is just an adjustment with time. It also has its share of polymer but didn't feel nearly as much as the MP15-22. It also isn't as bulky and I do like the rifle's design purpose and being able to carry or stow away at half the space of a conventional rifle (or the MP15-22).

I know the 10/22 line has been around for a lifetime and the MP15-22 for only a few years. But I figure both have been around long enough to rectify whatever kinks the may have initially had.

Keeping in mind it will be used only for plinking, that ease of stripping/cleaning is important and it shoot 22lr, I am leaning slightly towards the MP15-22. At the same time, if there's another suggestion that's more favorable besides these two, please share. Thank you.

Can't go wrong with a Marlin 60 SB! Eats anything you feed it, accurate as hell and it's just over 200$'s.

Or if you like lever action, the Henry H001 and it'll eat from 22sh, long and long rifle!... so accurate outta the box it'll out shoot you! Around 350$'s, depend which store you get it from.

Remington 572 Fieldmaster Pump .22LR/L/SH. Really nice gun and fun to shoot too! Around 600$'s

[MoltoMario]

IMO you cant go wrong with buying a 10/22 and modifying it the way you like it. They are very accurate and reliable rifles. What I will say is don't count out a nice Savage or Marlin Bolt action. I have a Savage BSEV .22lr and I think its my best purchase yet. Every time I bring it out I get more enjoyment out of it then any of my other guns. Yea its great to shoot my M1A with big .308 rounds and watch the big boom, But theres something so satisfying about shooting a little bolt action rimfire. Bolt action rimfires are so accurate sometimes you really have to challenge yourself. It can get boring at the usual 50 yard range haha!

[glock_this]

15-22 IMHO.

Why? It most approximates the AR15 platform I love so it means virtually same muscle memory, controls are in the same place so this means operation, processes, firing, cleaning and drills are virtually the same and as a bonus, any and all of my picatinny items can bolt on and most all of the tools cross over.

It was a no brainer for me.

[CSACANNONEER]

I own 3 real ARs with dedicated .22lr uppers and 3 10-22s. I see no reason to spend money on something that looks like an AR but isn't when one can build a real AR with a dedicated .22lr upper for less than $400. That said, I'd go with a 10-22 or, better yet, something off the used rack. I have a few under $100 .22lr rifles that will outshoot a stock 10-22 or a 15-22 in a heartbeat.

[ToOTHroTT]

Go with the Ruger 10/22. I own 2 and you can make them in any configuration you want and parts are everywhere. They are great shooters I love both of mine and im considering another one. Cant go wrong with the Ruger.

[safety-1st]

I just sold my AR style .22 "Beretta ARX160" I just didn't like all the complexity of an AR rifle for such a simple caliber. For .22 go with a traditional rifle, I love my Marlin more than any AR style .22. The marlin also cost me $119 lol AR style rifles cost $500+ wasnt a fan after several months playing with AR style .22 rifles.

Here is my setup Zeroed in at 50yards on a 100yard target lol im not the best shooter but it was pretty close

[sd joe]

Don't drink the take down Kool-Aid. I have several 10/22's including a TD and find the TD to have no practical use. Go with a standard 10/22 if you like them and put the extra money towards a scope. The TD might be useful in another state where you can keep it in your car.

[Bullitt01]

Dont think you would have 'kinks' with either one.

[Bullitt01]

Can't go wrong with a Marlin 60 SB! Eats anything you feed it, accurate as hell and it's just over 200$'s.

Or if you like lever action, the Henry H001 and it'll eat from 22sh, long and long rifle!... so accurate outta the box it'll out shoot you! Around 350$'s, depend which store you get it from.

Remington 572 Fieldmaster Pump .22LR/L/SH. Really nice gun and fun to shoot too! Around 600$'s

This man knows his '22's.......check out his Marlin 60SB

[DTom75]

This man knows his '22's.......check out his Marlin 60SB

Thanks for the kind words Bullitt... It's just that I learned alot about .22's becuz I'm too damn cheap to go to centerfire calibers for plinking... lol...

I also have 2 .17hmr's! A Marlin XT-17 VSO and a Henry Lever Varmint Express!

And yesssss..... I have a couple of "Big Boys" calibers, but that's for hunting and when SHTF time comes.... lol But then again, it's alot easier to carry 5,000 rounds of .22lr and .17hmr and the guns then the "Big Boy" caliber guns and ammo when bugout time comes....

Fast well placed shots with them small calibers is all it takes, especially with the .17hmr! .17hmr poly tipped @ 200 yds is AWESOME! Goes in like a pinhole and if it comes out, the size of a grapefruit! And if it don't, it's mush on the inside!

Go to YouTube and watch hunters take out wild hogs with a .17hmr...

[Bushwack44]

Thanks everyone for the input. Very much appreciated.

After spending much of yesterday afternoon/evening further researching the possibilities, I've decided to go with a 10/22. No disrespect to S&W but I decided I didn't want a firearm that aesthetically mimics another firearm ('looks' like an AR). I also looked at a Marlin 60 and just feel if I was going to by a rifle, might as well go with a 10/22 as my first.

Now the decision comes down to whether a 10/22 TD or Carbine. I think I'd be happy if I can get the stock of a 10/22 Target with a Carbine barrel (which blows up my budget). I read somewhere (but lost the link) that a third party has (successfully) created a brown laminate stock for a TD. For someone who is (was) set on just adding a scope, I would bite my tongue and change the stock of a TD to look like a 10/22 Target. Then again, maybe I'm getting ahead of myself.

By chance, anyone have that link of a custom stock for a TD?

[BigPimping]

Buy a 795 or the most basic 22. there is no reason to spend big bucks on an AR wannabe in 22 caliber.