I want your skinny on a new .22

Mongo

Mongo

Joined
Nov 5, 2001
Messages
8,969
Hey all, I'll keep this short... getting older. need a .22 rifle that is scope mountable. Would like: tubular magazine, bolt action, accuracy and reliability, good cost. Would also appreciate recc's for good glass... will be a plinker/target shooter/ squirrel brain scrambler/ any other varmint killer.

I posted this same in a couple of gun/hunting oriented forums, but I know I'll get quicker advice from my knife bro's.

Basically, I would like something as accurate as my Winchester model 72... just able to mount a scope.

Thanks, Mongo
 
Marlin 60? The ubiquitous .22. Probably more sold than any other .22 rifle. You can find them at gun shows for $75-90. I really can't make a glass recommendation - sorry. I had one as a teenager, then bought another when I was on the cusp of 40.

Marlin_Model_60_22LR.JPG


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marlin_Model_60


Crap! Sorry... I just noticed you said bolt action. Disregard! :o
 
I have a marlin model 81TS that fits your criteria exactly. Tube fed, bolt action, grooved for a scope. Mine is very accurate and reliable, with several thousand rounds through it. The synthetic stock, is the best factory synthetic stock I have on any of my guns. Its very stiff, no hollow sound, and has worn very well, has sling studs already mounted too.

They still make this rifle, only its now called the 981TS, and has an upgraded trigger ( http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/BoltAction22/981T.aspx ). I would buy another one in a heartbeat. I don't know what they go for now, but I bet its less than $200 too.


As far as glass, I like plinking with iron sights, but also wanted the scope so I have see through mounts and a 3-9X40 scope on it. Its about the perfect set up for this gun.
I put a burris fullfield II- 3-9X40 on this one, it has a ballistic dot reticle for calculating holdover, and came with a chart matching the dots to yardage for popular calibers/chamberings. It looks a little big on the little .22, but I like the set up really well. Its very clear, very sturdy and has a good amount of eye relief making it easy to use with the high rise, see through mounts. Postive click 1/4 MOA adjustments that stay zeroed very well and seem very consistent. Mine rattles around in the truck quite a bit and has never needed rezeroed.
Most places are offering the burris fullfield II, 3-9x40 for about $200 now and it includes either a pair of burris landmark 8x32 binoculars, or a garmin gps. I bought the package with the binoculars and have been very pleased with them as well. They get taken to the range too and are pretty handy as a short range spotting scope.
 
Marlin is the rifle to get and get a BSA scope. both are excellent and wont break the bank. ,,,VWB.
 
I'm very biased to Marlins. They seem to have the knack for making a very accurite barrel with their 8 "micro-groove" rifling. Also the new trigger they started using a few years ago is pretty good. I'd get a 981T.

But then I've been shooting the same 39 for 40 years.
 
My vote is for Marlin, I own two both semi auto not bolt.

Both were right on, out of the box.

Btw the last one I bought was last year in SS and synthetic stock.
 
I have a marlin .22 Mag with a stainless bull barrel. The thing will shoot 1/2" at 50 yards all day long. It's bolt action and magazine fed, but I like that. You can swap springs on a Marlin trigger group (put the return spring inside of the sear spring, and put a light spring in the return) and get the trigger pull down to a very light (yet still safe) 1/2 lb. pull! They shoot all day, and shoot better when the barrel is dirty.


Also CCI just started loading V-Max bullets for the .22 WMR (the bullets that make the .17 HMR so fast/accurate). They now come out of tube at 2200 fps and are very effective on game. Premium ammo is around $9/50, but you get a much faster/flatter shooting round than a .22 LR, yet it retains all of the advantages of a small rimfire.
 
spyder10 said:
Why not just get the Winchester tapped for a scope at a gunsmith?
Click to expand...

Gun has sentimental value... was my Dad's Uncle's gun, then my Dad's... now mine. Also... it's a damn good excuse to buy a new gun! And a scope... and of course, several trips to try out different ammo and sight in scope.
 
I've got a Marlin model 60 that was given to me as a gift. It's a great little gun. As accurate I need it to be. Topped it with a Tasco 3x9 that was also given to me. So I've more money in the scope mounts than either rifle or scope. It's a great squirrel slaying combo.
 
you could pick up a rugger 10/22. Wally world has the longer barreled rifle, or you could just get a carbine. they sell millions of varieties. Bull barrel, carbon fiber bull barrel. heavy stock, light stock and every thing in between. 10 round mags, 25 round mags etc. I have been killing rock chucks with mine for 18 years. I have a 3x9 powered tasco scope on it. Although not tube fed. The best thing about them is there are millions of aftermarket accessories. you can buy one, and change what ever you want to whenever, or you can just buy one with all the stuff you want.
 
How about a Marlin 39A breakdown lever action .22.

That is a sweet handling gun, but tough to find.
 
FYI... the Wildcat is going on sale at Bass Pro on 11/22 for $159.00, maked down from $199. Handled on last night... very nice stock shape.
 
i know it doesn't have a tubular mag but the 10/22 is about the best .22 auto going. You can pick up one from wally world for under 200 and it'll last you a lifetime. if you really want to go with a tubular mag then the marlins are your best bet and are hard to beat.
 
Another option if you would like a gun dressier than the marlin, is Remington's new model 5 bolt acton .22. Its got a nice laminated wood stock with checkering, and a blued finish on the reciever and barrel. Its not tube fed though.

The new winchester .22 looks like a nice gun, but I wouldn't buy one. Winchester was bought out and thier american plant was closed. The wildcat may be a good rifle, but its not a winchester from the company that built a legacy, its an imported gun with the winchester name. The marlins, and the remington are still made in the US and competitively priced, can't see any reason to look elsewhere.
 
Here's your Gun... :thumbup: I know for a fact that Marlin .22 bolt actions will drive a tack all day long from 0-100 yards... It is more accurate then you are. And will take a beating, all day long. and say "Please Sir May I Have Another!" :cool: I've slayed more squirrell and rabbit and other small furry woodland creatures with my marlin .22 than you can shake a stick at.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/BoltAction22/981T.aspx
 
Mongo, get yourself a Marlin bolt action rifle, tubular or box magazine, blue or stainless, .22 Long Rifle or .22 Magnum. :thumbup:
 
Matt Shade said:
....its an imported gun with the winchester name. The marlins, and the remington are still made in the US and competitively priced, can't see any reason to look elsewhere.
Click to expand...

Excellent point.


Also of note, the 981 shoots LRs, longs and short .22's, not all of the Marlin bolts do and none of their current auto loaders can.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top