Hi there,

Registered forever ago, figured I'd finally start making use of my account. I'm trying to get into an inexpensive .22 rifle, to start working on 100 yard shooting. I'm not looking for brand advice, it seems there's way too many good ones out there to get into that discussion. By 'inexpensive' I mean something in the $150-$300 range.

What I would like to hear is, what're people's opinions on the best type of rifle for this kind of job? I.e. - bolt action, semi-auto, lever action, pump-action? Not new to guns, but this'd be my first rifle, and there's just too many types out there. Guess this might just be a preference thing but pros/cons, or any advice would be great.

 

for .22 @100 yards there really is no 'best style' as far as I'm concerned. Even for learning purposes, you can do just as well with a bolt action or a semi-auto. I would be more focused on how you like to shoot.

I have both and each lends itself to different shooting styles. My bolt action rifle is great for leisurely shooting, and is as relaxing a rifle to shoot as I've ever owned. My semi-auto is also a 'fun' rifle. I can shoot slow and work on fundamentals, or I can do other shooting exercises that focus on faster acquisition and firing. But every semi .22 I have ever fired have their frustrating moments; they can be picky about feeding or ejecting certain brands or have other nuances to deal with.

If I were on the market for my first .22 I would probably go for a semi-auto, and I know you said you weren't looking for brand advice but there aren't many alternatives out there. Ruger and Marlin pretty much dominate that space. Ruger is by far the most customizeable with the 10/22 and is my personal preference. Even the most sought after competition rifle; the volquartsen is based on the 10/22 platform.

 

Loved my Marlin M60.

 

Hey thanks for the responses, that's definitely helpful. Looks like the 10/22 runs about a hundred bucks more than the Marlin 60, generally speaking. I like buying things right once, but it sounds like it wouldn't hurt to go with the Marlin M60? Any other opinions would be valued.

I also see there's a few variations in those models, would barrel length or twist be an important factor? Since I'm only looking at 100 yard shooting and plinking I'd imagine not, but if there's anything specific like that to look out for that'd be cool to know.

 

I love my 10/22. Gonna use it to teach my wife how to "shoot guns" with it soon. Course mine has a big ol honking scope, a rubberized stock, carbon fiber barrel, and the trigger has been lightened. But it's still just an old gun to her lol. The fact that u can build them any way u want and they are so versatile makes them the clear winner in my book as far as buying the rite one first. Not dissing the marlin, just giving my 2 cents.

 

hey thanks. i always prefer to buy something that i can stick with, leaning towards the 10/22 cuz of that.

sort of related question - how often do you have to clean one of those? i was under the impression that .22 rounds fired pretty clean, but the lady friend's .22 Ruger got a little gritty inside and started jamming after about 3 times out. (not that I'm averse to cleaning. just curiosity's sake).

 

It depends on how often u shoot it I spose. I'm particular with mine so I try my best to clean it after every use. But I don't use it very often, maybe once every couple months. I have a bore snake for cleaning it and I absolutely swear by it. If u haven't heard of it, it's basically just a rope with a brass weight on the end and some wire bristles toward the other end. All u do is put a lil cleaner around the bristles and some gun oil on the very tail end. Then u drop the weight thru the barrel and pull it thru. That's it. Very easy to use. Hoppes is the brand and they make them for most sizes of ammunition.