I want to buy my first 22 lr rifle. Bolt or semi-auto?

I have a Marlin 60 and think it is a great gun. The advantage to a bolt/pump/lever 22 is that you can shoot various types of ammo. Shorts, sub sonic, long rifle. This is why I got a Remington pump. It is fun to change it up instead of only being able to shoot one type. Just my .02.
 
cybrok said:
Thanks, that is exactly what I asked for :)

Next question: Iron sights or scope?
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I always recommend learning on iron sights before stepping to optics. I've never seen a semi auto that didn't come with irons, so if you go with a semi auto why not learn to use them? Then you can take your time picking out your optics while you learn all the basics.
 
Jastab said:
Good all 10/22

Lots of accessories and mags easily available almost everywhere.
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Yeah that is a problem though. The big mags (BX-25 type) for the 10/22 also fits the Ruger Charger, therefore illegal in Canada :(

The Marlins being a bit over 200$ in Canada, I almost hesitate getting both.
 
For learning to shoot, I would go with a bolt action with iron sights. I've taught shooting for a while, and I've come to the conclusion that starting with the basics is best. Semis are fun, and there is no reason not to own a 10-22 down the track.

But to learn with, just a good quality bolt action repeater will do everything you want it to. It will mean you take the time to learn to shoot properly, instead of learning bad habits throwing lead downrange.

I would also recommend a peep sight if your eyes are good, I find them easier to be accurate with than an open V, but to each his own.
You may find a good deal on a used .22 if you look around. If you've got a local range and gun club, they should be able to help you find a reputable dealer.

If you were going to be small game hunting I would recommend a single shot, it makes you be more sure of your shot, so instead of several wound shots, you wait for the kill. I know that will ruffle some feathers, but its what I've experienced, both personally and while teaching.

On a side note. If you have not already gotten your PAL, when you do, take the time to do the extra work to add Restricted firearms to your license. Best to get your hands on as many grandfather-able rights as you can.
 
My 1st 22 was a JC Higgins single shot bolt action, 2nd was a nylon 66, currently it's a Remington viper. All my Rugers were .357 or larger revolvers.
 
A bolt action is probably the best to learn on. I bought a new 795 a few years back for a real good price. The trigger pull was gritty and well over 10 lb.. I took some work to get the trigger smooth and down to @ 4 lb.. That 795 is a tack driving rifle though. What ever rifle you choose check out the trigger before you buy. Some of the bolt action Marlins have an adjustable trigger. Check with your Uncles. One of them might be willing to loan you a rifle to practice with. You don't need to shoot a lot of ammo to get good. Remember, it is the first shot that counts.
 
Marlin is great, but I will also recommend pretty much any older Remington bolt action. Savage is excellent as well and has stellar customer service.

For sights, I'm on the other side of the fence, I teach kids and rookies with a scope to start. Being able to see your shots and target really helps. Plus the magnified view will magnify any movement, forcing you to calm down and hold still. A simple 3x or 4x Rimfire specific scope is all you need, good scopes can be had for $100US new and older ones like the Japanese Tasco scopes for 30-40 bucks on line.

I really like the Remington 582, tube fed bolt action, it can get 1 moa at 100yds accuracy on the right day with the right ammo, if I do my part. Best thing is they hold their resale value.

Either way, find your ammo first, then buy your gun.


-X
 
Ruger 10/22, might also want to look into a henry or marlin lever action .22, a lever action henry was my first "real" gun when I was a kid and is usually the one I take with me on a longer camping trip or walk through the woods.
 
fast14riot said:
For sights, I'm on the other side of the fence, I teach kids and rookies with a scope to start. Being able to see your shots and target really helps. Plus the magnified view will magnify any movement, forcing you to calm down and hold still. A simple 3x or 4x Rimfire specific scope is all you need, good scopes can be had for $100US new and older ones like the Japanese Tasco scopes for 30-40 bucks on line.
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Not the first time I hear that. A coworker recommended I start with a scope. He taught his son without, and now he says that he never can find his pray quick enough with a scope, and that it eventually runs/fly away.

I am not too big on level actions, they just don't appeal to me. Guess I miss that cowboy heritage.
 
Another vote for a CZ. Love my 452 and think a bolt encourages better fundmentals and slows you down.
 
A challenge is fun, but don't handicap yourself. Go semi with a scope.
I recommend Remington 597. Every bit as good as a 10/22, but works great out of the box. But buy new, or at least get new mags; the original ones had issues which have since been resolved.
 
If I was to teach a new shooter from the ground up, I would make them shoot a single shot with open sights. It teaches you to make the shot count and not rush the shot. With a semi auto you will subconsciously tell yourself that it's ok to rush this shot because you have another a trigger pull away. Having one shot teaches you to focus on trigger pull, timing, sight picture, etc. You really can't go wrong for a starter 22, they will all be more accurate than you for quite a while. If you have the money, pony up for a CZ now and you won't want to replace it down the road.
 
The more I read the comments, the more I consider getting both, one with scope (that could eventually be switched to the other).

I get the point that a bolt action would give me better habits, but since I am in Canada, a 22 semi auto would be fun for plinking outside. Even chambered in 22, I cannot just bring a pistol in the bush up here :(

I am waiting to get my PAL. Just did my restricted class 3 weeks ago, documents take FOREVER to come.
 
22RF ammo is readily available in Canada (in Ottawa, anyway) in boxes or bricks and lots of selection. Bolt (especially if it's a single shot) is inexpensive and reliable and gonna teach how to make your every shot count whereas an easy-to-load semi is going to eat a hole in your pocket and then burn through ammo like poop through a goose. Semis also don't tolerate whisper-quiet CBs or any of the tame offerings.
I was given an old (1906) and beat up clip-fed take-down Savage pump many years ago and I've grown quite fond of it despite always having been a bolt fan. Matter of fact it even prompted me to get rid of the pretty first generation Browning T-1 bolt that I'd bought new 40+ years ago.
 
If you want top notch accuracy and a rifle that you will not grow out of get a CZ 452.

I've had many other .22s and have been the most satisfied with CZ.
 
My first .22 was a Savage bolt action (with scope and accu-trigger).
Absolute joy to learn on as far as taking your time. And that thing was a tack driver.
Only thing I didn't like was the small 5 round magazine. (And the weight, because I bought a bull barrel. lol)

I recently bought a S&W M&P 15-22. It is A LOT more fun, but I am glad I had the bolt gun first to learn the fundamentals.
However, having said that. If you KNOW you are good at self control (resisting the urge to rapid fire when you are just learning, I was not),
I see no reason not to just save up and get exactly what you want in the exact configuration you desire. I know I am contradicting myself.
For me that was a semi-auto with a larger magazine. And since I want to eventually buy an AR15, the 15-22 was a no-brainer for me :)

The best advice I can really give is to make sure you handle as many types as you can in person.
Make a final decision based on your findings and not just someone else's opinion alone. Which it seems you already would :)
 
Ive never owned a bolt but have a few semis. My Marlin semi { M1 carbine}has a tough finger pull. I dont like it that much but it seems to be fairly accurate.
 
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