Help me decide on a new rimfire.

I've come to a point where I can't decide to get a .22 handgun or bolt action rifle not sure .22 or .17hmr. I don't want a 10/22, I want a rifle I can be accurate with right out of the box, my handgun options are the Ruger SR22, the Browning buckmark Camper, or the S&W .22 compact. I'm leaning toward the savage Mark ii rifle with factory mounted scope or a magazine fed Marlin. I don't want a tube fed rifle. My budget is around 300-350 max. The gun will just be for plinking and target shooting. I don't expect to be doing much if any hunting, just a fun fun at the range. Thanks for the input.

 

A Ruger 10/22 is very accurate out of the box and is the gold standard of auto loading 22 rifles. Yes you can buy better looking and more accurate 22 but it comes with a expensive price tag.

 

Savage bolt action or Ruger 22/45.

 

I guess I come off very negative about the 10/22. I have no personal experience with them just seems like a lot of people are modding their 10/22 instead of just shooting them. Seems like new barrels, triggers, stocks are all very common.

 

I've had Mossberg and Marlin bolt action clip feeds and loved them.

 

10/22's are great guns. People mod them cause they're easy to work on, not because they're junk. If you applied similar logic to this forum, no-one would ever buy a tacoma because everything on it needs to be changed.

 

Savages are very nice rifles for the price. Mark II is a great little bolt action, thats my recommendation.

 

I will second the Marlin.

I have had the Model 60 for 10+ years and love it. Always accurate and precise.

 

+1 for a 10/22. Those rifles are extremely hard to beat. They're the toyotas of the gun world

 

I've got a 10/22 in my collection - never fired it, though. a VLEH:



If a rifle's not to your liking right now, I'd suggest taking a strong look at the Buckmark. That little pistol is scary accurate, ultra reliable, and not too expensive.

 

I also own a Ruger 10/22 - great gun!

But I just picked up a new Ruger American (22") in 17HMR with 2-7X32 Nikon P-Rimfire Scope. Haven't had a chance to fire it yet, but I hear these things are tack drivers.

 

Lefty!!!! Lol im left handed and never actually used a left handed bolt. Can never find anyone near me to try one out.


But as for 22's ive enjoyed.....

Ruger American Rimfire in 22lr....for the 230 or so I paid for it I have been happy. If accurate enough for me. Shooting bulk ammo at 50 yards was between .5-.75" groups. Nothing spectacular but I haven't really tested different brands of ammo. That was with CCI standard velocity I believe

Ruger 10/22. I own two..one I shoot and one I haven't yet. I haven't done any mods to it either. Cost was around 230 as well. You can find plenty of examples online so I wont go into details. It works great and is pretty accurate.

Savage MKII FV-SR...its my brothers but it is accurate and fun to shoot as well! I have wanted one for awhile but they were never in stock. So I picked up the Ruger American Rimfire instead. I would buy one if I saw one now.

Honestly if you pick one of the bigger name brands in 22's you will be happy. Ruger, Model 60, Savage, all shoot great!

As for your budget.... id get the rifle and then pick up a Mueller AO 4-14 scope. Great little scopes for 22's and not that expensive either. Might be slightly above your budget if you buy new though

 

I'm all messed up....I'm left handed, but shoot right and am right eye dominant. What's even stranger is that I shoot a bow left and use my left eye for aiming!

 

Based on your budget I would also consider looking into a Marlin 917V .17 hmr. A bolt action rifle that is incredibly accurate and a blast to shoot. They are built well and one can add a decent optic and still remain within budget.
Ammo is very reasonably priced, often easier to find than .22 and comes in many types.

 

OK so now I've restarted my search and including the 10/22. I guess why are 10/22 s so popular and would it be wise if I don't plan on doing a lot of changes, stock, barrel, trigger to buy the 10/22. I see they are accurate and a lot can be done but I have an AR that seems to get my mod money. Also does anyone have a 10/22 charger? I can't seem to see what the appeal of them is just curious what they might be used for other than plinking?

 

I shoot a marlin 80dl, great little bolt action. Many thanks to my Grandmother for passing it down to me. Next rifle will have to be a larger caliber centerfire for ease of meal-catching.

 

I have had one. Other than plinking and cool factor (I had and arch angle stock), not really worth much.

 

I love my Henry lever action .22

 

wut.
OP
I have had the older model and now own a new one and love it. I sold my older one because I wanted the threaded barrel for my suppressor. They are easy to transport with the reliability of the 10/22 and a blast to shoot.
Using the 10/22 action with a shorter barrel produces less fps but negligible imo. You will also sacrifice a bit of accuracy but, am looking forward to plinking and shooting rock chucks this spring.

 

it just wasn't my favorite