Choosing a .22 Rifle

[Craigt]

I could use your help selecting a .22 LR rifle for some inexpensive fun at the range for the whole family and for emergency preparedness / feed the family type duties.  Preferably it would break down into a fairly small package that could fit into a large backpack.  Please pardon my lack of knowledge of rifles, I have never been exposed to them.

The Henry AR-7 is very intriguing but I am not sure it is rugged enough to hold up in the long term.

The Ruger 10/22 looks like it might be the best choice.  Seems to be the quintessential .22 rifle.  I recall reading that it will disassemble readily but I cannot find any photos showing this.  Presumably the barrel can be removed fairly quickly?

Looks like there many aftermarket options for customizing.

Any of you have any experience with these rifles and would comment on your experiences with them?

Or any other rifles that I should consider?

Any input is most appreciated.

Craig T.

[tracker]

Craig,
Check out the Marlin Papoose model, model 70PSS. It breaks down very easily and is a good value. Additionally, it is very light at 3 lbs.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firearms/selfloading/70PSS.asp

[tracker]

Oops, currently out of stock at the distributor.

[kjtrains]

Craig,
Check out the Marlin Papoose model, model 70PSS. It breaks down very easily and is a good value. Additionally, it is very light at 3 lbs.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firearms/selfloading/70PSS.asp

Still, It's a good looking rifle.

[tracker]

I bought a 795SS not long ago and like it a lot but it doesn't fit Craig's interests. They have made excellent rifles for a long time. I own an 1895 25-20 octagonal barrel that is really a sweetheart.

[kjtrains]

Now I know I would like that!

[yankee2500]

Craig,
  The Ruger 10/22  is the most customized 22 rifle ever made.
Ruger introduced the Model 10/22 carbine way back in 1964. It was a rimfire rifle that replicated the looks and feel of their .44 Magnum carbine. Using a die-cast aluminum receiver and a ten-shot rotary magazine, it was different from any other rimfire rifle on the market. Forty-five years later, Ruger has sold over 5.7 million of the little jewels, and the 10/22 is as popular today as it has ever been. Ruger currently catalogs 35 different variations of the 10/22; blued or stainless steel, wood or polymer stocks, various barrel lengths, and even a couple of models with pink stocks that are popular with the ladies. Still, the heart of the 10/22 is the rugged and reliable action, operating as a simple blowback and still using the excellent rotary magazine, and available from 10rd. to 50rd.

Thought this might help, I have had a 10/22 for 20+ yrs and think they are great.

John

[birdman]

  I have a 10/22 in wood and stainless that I got for Christmas in 1990. It still looks and shoots as good as when it was new, and I still like it as much as I did then!   Gene

[Craigt]

Thanks for all the input.  I was able to do a bit of research today as well.

There is quite a lively rivalry between the Ruger 10/22 and the Marlin 60 & 795 fans.  The Papoose looks very good though I am rethinking how important the quick break-down feature is to me.  What, if anything, is being compromised to get that screw off barrel?

How long would it take to remove the barrel from a 10/22?

A frequent comment is that the Marlin is more accurate out of the box.  10/22 easier to disassemble and clean.  Any experience?

If one needed to do some serious hunting with a .22 LR, would a bolt action tend to provide the best accuracy?  Would the bolt action also provide the highest muzzle velocity since none of the energy is being used to load the next round?  (Making the most from a low powered round.)

Sorry for all the questions.  I am trying to thoroughly think this out (maybe over thinking?)

Your input is very helpful.  Thanks folks.

[xpistosk]

Hello craigt. check out www.rimfirecentral.com.....

[tracker]

Marlin and Ruger both make fine rifles; it just depends on your priorities:
portability, weight, etc..

[Craigt]

Thanks xpistosk.  Will do!

[Aglifter]

I have a Ruger "race" 10/22 (Not sure exactly what it is, some non-catalogued model, but hammered barrel, and a thumbhole, adult proportioned stock.)  

The nicest one I've handled is an old Mauser bolt action of my fathers.

For a take down, what about the old Browning semi-autos?  

[Chief-USN]

Many companies now have AR type .22 that are great for shooting and being able to use all your AR accessories as well as Keep in practice with your AR skills. Fun guns to shoot as well.
 Most are around $400 and come from companies such as :

  Colt
  Sig-Sauer
  S&W
 They also take a beating, are lightweight, and compact (Most have adjustable and/or folding stocks)
 
Chief

[Craigt]

I appreciate all the input.  Will check the ARs out.

Power and internet kept dropping out during the snow storm yesterday.  Hopefully not today though.

Keep the comments coming!

Craig T.