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First rifle purchase for Appleseed

Started by icecoldkidd, September 30, 2026, 01:59:43 PM

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icecoldkidd

Besides a Ruger 10/22, could I get recommendations for an inexpensive beginner/starting .22lr rifle that will properly perform at Appleseed event?

Potentially, a Savage or Rossi, unless there is another that performs well. 

NJrefugee

Any magazine fed semi-auto that will take tech sights or a scope and a GI sling will be fine. Ruger 10/22 is the standard. I also really like the Tippmann AR style 22lr rifle, which is avail in a variety of configurations.

Rattlehead

If cost is a concern, don't sleep on the Rossi R22.

LDB415

I'm only familiar with 10/22's and Tippmann M4-22's. Both are truly excellent. I bet there are some Savage and Rossi options that may do well. Magazine availability and capacity would be something to check. GLWYSearch

DEH

I have seen a lot of .22 rifles come across the lines.  The only one that I would currently recommend is the 10/22.
-Appleseed: '08-IBC, '09-Red Hat, '09-FT Stewart, '10-RBC,

'09, '10, '11, '14, '15, '16, '22, "25-KD, '24-IBC, Pistoleer '24. RFKD '25

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-Eph6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world forces of this moral darkness and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Gus

Yep, the 10/22 is by far the most popular platform at 25 meter and Rimfire KD events. But, to be different....

....If buying a used rifle is an option, you could look into a Marlin 795. Gunbroker is a possible source. The only issue with the rifle is magazine availability. Make sure any used 795 you may consider comes with at least two magazines.

The rifle itself is inexpensive and a solid semi-auto performer. Tech sights or a scope are super simple to install.

My two cents.

Gus
"Mental notes aren't worth the paper they're written on" - Mark Twain
"Pick up a rifle and you change instantly from a subject to a citizen" - Jeff Cooper

Rifleman: 03/2019: Ruger Sporter 10/22 and Tech Sights
RF Known Distance Rifleman: 09/2021 Ruger Sporter 10/22 scoped
CF Known Distance Rifleman: 09/21 Bergara HMR .308 Win
Distinguished Rifleman: 06/2022 Ruger Sporter 10/22 scoped
Morgan's Shingle: 02/2024 Rock River AR15 5.56
Standing Morgan's Shingle: 08/2024 Ruger AR15 5.56
Distinguished Pistoleer: 11/2024 Colt Gold Cup .45 Auto

Mrs. Smith

Quote from: Gus on September 30, 2026, 05:06:42 PMYep, the 10/22 is by far the most popular platform at 25 meter and Rimfire KD events. But, to be different....

....If buying a used rifle is an option, you could look into a Marlin 795. Gunbroker is a possible source. The only issue with the rifle is magazine availability. Make sure any used 795 you may consider comes with at least two magazines.

The rifle itself is inexpensive and a solid semi-auto performer. Tech sights or a scope are super simple to install.

My two cents.

Gus

The 795 is a solid performer. I have two in my loaner fleet

;D Fleet  **)
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Fortitudo et Honor

Rattlehead

795 is awesome and if still in production would be my go-to after the 10/22. It's a minor tragedy they're no longer made.

Mike AKA Bandaid

If you can wait just a month or so, the Ruger 10/22 goes on sale before the holidays for less than $200. Hard to justify another brand when they will be about the same price.

Not only is the 10/22 reliable, there are more aftermarket options and accessories available than almost any other firearm. They are easy to work on, and quick to fix if you were to break something. I mean, they are so simple, if you had a bastard file, hack saw, and some scrap spring steel, you can actually MAKE a lot of the parts that make up the trigger group. I don't recommend it, but in an EOTW/SHTF situation, it's nice to have that kind of simplicity.
Rifleman 04/2018-Red Coat Cleared 04/2018
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Known Distance Rifleman 07/2018-PNW Morgans Rifleman 07/2018
Red Hat 09/2018
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Zorak

Quote from: icecoldkidd on September 30, 2026, 01:59:43 PMBesides a Ruger 10/22, could I get recommendations for an inexpensive beginner/starting .22lr rifle that will properly perform at Appleseed event?

Potentially, a Savage or Rossi, unless there is another that performs well. 

Bandaid's post raises a question in my mind - why don't you want a 10/22? Knowing why you want to avoid that model might help us give better advice.
"If only it were all so simple! If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?" -- Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

icecoldkidd

Quote from: Zorak on Yesterday at 01:05:21 PM
Quote from: icecoldkidd on September 30, 2026, 01:59:43 PMBesides a Ruger 10/22, could I get recommendations for an inexpensive beginner/starting .22lr rifle that will properly perform at Appleseed event?

Potentially, a Savage or Rossi, unless there is another that performs well. 

Bandaid's post raises a question in my mind - why don't you want a 10/22? Knowing why you want to avoid that model might help us give better advice.

Unfortunately, I believe that you made improper assumptions about me.

Bandaid's advice is for better or worse nearly spot on and potentially a little late.

I appreciate the advice from Rattlehead and Gus as it was kind of what I was looking for.

This thread can be closed.

mrsurplus

If you can find one, I like the Remington 597 especially the bull barrel models. There can be issues with loading the mags to 10 rounds, but the gun itself shoots well.
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