Want a good practice rifle.

[vossman]

I am looking for an accurate 22LR or 22Mag rifle to shoot just to get practice at 100 yards. I have been looking at the Marlin Model 982VS http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/22WinMagnum/982VS.asp Accuracy is probably my #1 concern but I want something easy and fairly cheap to shoot too.

Do you guys have any other recommendations or thoughts?

[Anton]

Can't ever go wrong with a 10/22, I got mine when I turned twelve and never have had a single problem with it. I've heard some good things about Marlins but my dad's seems to have a lot of problems. It really depends on what you're looking for, semi-auto, lever action, or bolt action.

I don't know how attached you are to the 22 thing but you can get a decent Mosin Nagant for $100ish, too.

[TFOGGER]

I've had a Ruger 77/22 in .22 Mag for a long time, and with CCI MaxiMag ammo, it will consistently shoot under an inch at 100 yards(if I do my part). Nice, full size ergos.

[van7559]

Have you thought about the .17 hmr caliber?

[Irving]

I've always heard that the Savage Mark II is great out of the box, along with the CZ452 American. I can't say anything as to if they are considered the MOST accurate though.

[sniper7]

buy a 10/22. they are the best .22s out there IMO

[Not_A_Llama]

I don't know if the promotion is still on, but Marlin had some rebates that made the 795 about $100.

It's a very solid rifle at any price up to $170, and far more accurate than any stock 10/22. Mine's relentlessly reliable with anything other than Thunderbolts. Wolf match target will impress.

[gnihcraes]

I've had a Ruger 77/22 in .22 Mag for a long time, and with CCI MaxiMag ammo, it will consistently shoot under an inch at 100 yards(if I do my part). Nice, full size ergos.

my vote ^^ have loved mine for many many years. great on those pdogs.

[BigBear]

My favorite is also a cheap little 10/22. They have tons of aftermarket parts and shoot really well right out of the box. However, if you want something of a different flavor, try a CZ model. They are amazingly accurate, though a lot more pricey.

[cysoto]

If you are serious about your accuracy with a .22 caliber out to 100 yards, I would favor a bolt action rifle. If money was no objection I would certainly look into an Anschutz but for a fraction of the price of one of these rifles, you can certainly obtain great accuracy out of either CZ or a Savage.

In the long run, the cost of the .22 Magnum round negates any savings. In addition, finding Match Grade for .22LR (which is a must) is much easier than trying to find Match Grade .22 Magnum ammo.

Here is an article that my buddy wrote about his Savage:http://www.wildlifehunters.com/savagemarkiitrreview.htm

[CrufflerSteve]

I'd also go for the 10/22. They are reliable and as accurate as you want. I bought a crapped out one for next to nothing, rusted barrel & beatup stock. I replaced the barrel with a fluted one, synthetic stock and decent scope and it shoots great. I also have one with regular sights for practice. There's a whole industry for 10/22 customizing. Better rigger sets, barrels & such.

There are also the silly dress up kits. There's a gatling gun kit that uses a few. How about this: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/ruger-10-22-mg-42-dress-up-kit.aspx?a=180441

Steve

[theGinsue]

I must admit that I really like that "dress up kit". I'm also particularly fond of the Archangel kit. http://www.cabelas.com/p-0069004230015a.shtml

[CrufflerSteve]

I must admit that I really like that "dress up kit". I'm also particularly fond of the Archangel kit. http://www.cabelas.com/p-0069004230015a.shtml

Cool! How about http://www.tacticalinc.com/ruger-1022-gatling-machined-aluminum-p-571.html?

Automobile & motorcycle guys think they do all the customizing but gun people can have fun. If I ever have too much money I'll have lots of gun toys.

Steve

[jerrymrc]

If I was buying a new one it would be a Marlin 980s. Bolt with a mag 22LR and cheap. Used would be an 80. Same as above just cheaper. Real wood and accurate.

[vossman]

Aghhh, too much good info. Thanks for all the replies. I need to narrow it down a bit.

Definitely gonna go with a bolt action, may go the inexpensive route with a Marlin or Savage and a fair scope. I have my local shop checking on the CZ 452 Varmint but that is kind of expensive as is the 77/22. I know if I got either of those I'd have to put a good Nikon or Leupold scope on it.

Do you think there is a reason to go with a 22 mag or 17HMR instead of 22LR? It would be much cheaper if I stuck with the LR but will it be as accurate at 100 yrds?

[Irving]

I've heard that people like .17HMR over .22lr because the 17 is faster and flatter shooting. Personally, I have this fantasy that one day I'll get around to getting a suppressor so I'm stuck on .22lr.

[GreenScoutII]

buy a 10/22. they are the best .22s out there IMO


Yep. What he said.

[GreenScoutII]

Do you think there is a reason to go with a 22 mag or 17HMR instead of 22LR? It would be much cheaper if I stuck with the LR but will it be as accurate at 100 yrds?

In my experience .22 mag is good for varmints out to about 120 yds. .17HMR, maybe 150. .22lr with good, target ammo can be very accurate at 100 yds. The trick is slow bullets. Google "trans sonic .22lr" for a much better description than I can provide as to what happens much beyond that.

IMHO, go with the .22 lr.