Beginner 22 rifle discussion

[despree]

Hey ppls,
I caroused the Ohio section of the forum, and did a general search, but couldn't find much on this; so if this is discussed elsewhere, please redirect this topic.  Basically, I'm considering getting a 22 for practicing what I've learned at Appleseed.  I'm hoping for something inexpensive (no higher than $250, hopefully decently under that).  I'm not really asking for "get this gun here" responses (though those would be great as examples), because I'm aware of the debate that would likely start; but I would certainly like things to be aware of (reliability, easy to mod, longevity, past experiences with a brand, etc.).  Reworded: I've never bought a gun before, soooooo...where do I start?   


Thanks all!

[therealsteamer]

For the price range stated you should be able to get a Marlin 795, 2 extra mags for a total of 3, A set of tech sights (or inexpensive scope and mounts), a pair of 1 1/4" sling swivels, and a G.I. Sling.  You might be a bit over but not by much...

[DryFire]

Well if price is the biggest concern then look to the Marlin 795 from Dicks for $130 or so and there is a $25 mail in rebate this year. However as far as future modifications you are somewhat limited there. You can of course mount a scope on it, and Tech Sights does a set of good irons for it, the sling studs are already there so a set of 1 1/4 inch swivels and a USGI sling and you are set with a basic LTR (Liberty Training Rifle) just add extra magazines. Beyond that there are not a lot of aftermarket options to change other parts of the rifle. I have seen a wood stock, and a metal (instead of plastic) trigger guard out there and that is about it. Check this thread, there is a lot in there, some of it opinon, some fact.

http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=10883.0

The other option is the Ruger 10/22 also available at Dicks for $210, sometimes you can find them on sale for less. Here your modification options are unlimited. Yes you can still scope it and Tech Sights again does a set of irons for it. However you will need to install both sling studs and swivles as well as the USGI sling. The sight upgrades and sling modifications alone though will put you over your $250 budget where as on the Marlin you will stay below that level. Where the Ruger shines however is if you ever want to change the stock, or the barrel, or the trigger, or any other part of the rifle. You can build a 10/22 without a single Ruger part in it simply because there are so many aftermarket parts out there for the rifle. Just something to think about looking long term. You pay more in the begining, but over time you can more easily change the rifle to suit your tastes. Check out this thread for a TON of info on the 10/22 LTR platform. Again just remember some is simply opinion and other is fact, do your best to sort out which is which.

http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=32.0

my .02 (and I do own both)
DryFire

[Nickle]

Another option is a Savage bolt action.

They're pretty much ready out of the box. Add a scope and sling (and swivels) and an extra mag or 3, and you're good to go. Tech Sights aren't available for these, are far as I know, but, Williams makes a post/peep set up that should work.

I've got a 93R17 Savage (.17 HMR), and it's box stock, other than the sling and a Weaver T-6 scope. The Accu-Trigger was good as it came, and everything is about right.

[Gordon]

It's a little beyond your stated price range, but there's a guy who's selling Ruger 10/22's fixed up ideally for Appleseed.

Out of the Box Ruger 10-22 LTRs for sale.

[nyrasgt]

With a bit of perseverence and legwork, should be able to find used Ruger 10/22...made millions, mos shot little...

For example, in local (NYS) Want Ad Digest, used Ruger 10/22, laminated stock, comes with studs, swivels, and sling, 2 mags, @$175...only need either Tech Sights or scope and 2-3 addl mags...in UJtica, NY

              Excelsior...and remember, Thomas Jefferson in a letter to a younger nephew, advised "the gun" for exercise and as a constant companion for your walks...smart man...
madMark

[ghostrider]

If your are worried about the price stick with the marlin 795, you can buy 10 round clips for it through  cheaperthandirt.com for a very reasonable price. I bought two for my son and I when we attended our second appleseed (we took old tube feed 22's to our first appleseed, wouldn't recommend that) and they worked real well. The only thing I have notice with the 795, is that they are light and Ruger 10/22 are a bit heavier. 

[Coaster]

The 795 is light to start out with but there is plenty of empty space in the forearm and butt to add as much weight as you want to balance it as you see fit. 

If you want to stay as close to $250 as you can get, go with the Marlin. Straight out of the box it will usually be a little more accurate than the 10/22. The only downside is that it less upgradeable in the future. Also be sure to inspect the dovetail on the particular rifle you are buying, some of them are not cut well.

[despree]

Thanks for the responses guys!  From what I've read here and a bit elsewhere (and I want to say someone mentioned this at the appleseed, too) it seems that the more expensive (though much more customizable) 10-22 needs some additional work to get it closer to the Marlin's stock accuracy; so I'm leaning more to the Marlin...  

On a sidenote, dryfire, I got errors when trying to get to the pages you posted.  Weird.

Coaster, what is the dovetail you refer to?

[DryFire]

Hmmm not sure why those didn't work. If you go to the main page and find the forum listed as Rifle Knowledge Bank the threads are in there. The one for the 10/22 is tacked at the top, while the Marlin one is a little bit down on the first page.

If you can't find that one give this a try for the marlin

http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=9797.0

and this one for the ruger

http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=9517.0

There is a lot of additional information in the Appleseed section over at

http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=267

Since our forum tends to focus more on the working aspects of Appleseed, with good info for those looking to get started, over at rimfire central they started an Appleseed area. That is where they often discuss the merits of one LTR vs another, as well as some of the modifications and limitations of each of the rifles. While I am not a member and don't post over there I do read it, and we have some instructors that post over there as well.

Hope these give you some ideas
DryFire

[mtbrass]

I picked up the Marlin 795 after buying 2 10/22's for my son. I like the feel of the Ruger but if I had to do it again I would buy the 795 add the sling and swivels and then go to a lot of shoots and maybe shoot a lot of different set ups to see what you like, what feels right and then see how far you want you money to take you.

[Coaster]

Coaster, what is the dovetail you refer to?

It's the wedge that sticks out on top of the receiver (action) of the rifle. The part where you would attach a scope or the rear part of a peep sight .

[Wildcat]

Hey despree,

RPD is a big fan of the Marlin - I don't have one so I can't comment other than to say it seems like a very nice rifle.  Don't forget to look for a left hand version 

The link Dryfire posted on the Marlin is a good one, http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=10883.0, if you can't get into it give me a call and I'll steer you to it manually 

Here's another one by RPD that shows a good price on the Marlin....
http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=13589.0

Enjoy,
Wildcat

[despree]

Hey guys, found that the sale at Dick's was still going on for the 795, so I swung by today and picked up the last one they had; was $136 after taxes, with a $25 mail in rebate.  Now I'll start piecing it all together (mags, slings, perhaps stiffening the stock, or buying a wood laminate stock, etc).  You guys gave a lot of good advice between the two.  Thanks guys!

[Ratchett]

despree,

Mags for  Marlin 795 are pretty pricey at most websites or gun shops. Try CDNN.com, they are about $13-14/ mag which comes about half of what you would pay else where. Can also get Marlin tech sights from EEL here on forum. Just PM him and he will get you set up with what you need and a little cheaper than ordering from Tech Sights.

Happy  ! Stay strong and keep the Faith
In His Grip,
Ratchett

[redman1]

The ruger 10-22 are good for what they are and the marlins for the price are nice also,but im not sold on either of them.Remington 597 has a much better barrel and at a price new for 159.00 and used for  around 100 bucks these rifles make me wanna sell my marlin and ruger..right out of the box you can shoot a very high rifleman score with no amatch this and match that added

[Old Dog]

All I have set up for LTR (not counting .22 conversions for ARs) is a Ruger 10/22.  It was used when I got it and worked fine so far.  I say this because others have had worse experience with a 10/22.

The Remington's have been widely reported to have problems at past Appleseeds.  By widely I mean several reports of malfunctions that were regular enough to be very frustrating for the shooter. 

The recent issue reported on the Marlin is the first one I remember reading.

Price isn't always an indicator of a good deal (low price) or a great rifle (high price).  Realize that no matter what you buy sometimes a bad rifle gets out of the factory.

Whatever you buy, if for LTR use, get a set of 1&1/4" sling swivels, a GI web sling and whichever sighting system works best for you (Tech Sights or a scope).  Then get the extra magazines (3 or 4 is good) and buy several types of ammo to find out what works and shoots best in your rifle.

My little XM177 clone with the conversion kit likes Remington Golden Bullets better than Federal.

My son's 20" HBAR clone like Federal better than Remington.

My 10/22 likes Remington better than Federal.

My old Ruger Mk1 likes Thunderbolts better than anything else.

Etc, etc., etc. - buy different brands/bullet types and try them out.  Then, when you've found the best brand/type for your new rifle buy more and practice with it.