Thompson Center Classic........or a Ruger model (any) 10/22?

[goose7856]

I will try to persuade ny parents to buy me a .22 for my upcoming b-day.

Greybeard recommended to try the Thompson center classic, but it is on the more expensive side.  My parents really wouldnt want to spend more than $200 (give or take a little).

I held a Ruger 10/22 (with 18.5 inch barrel) and it felt really small for me.......I guess I am a pretty big kid for my age (6'1, 155 lbs, 15 yoa)

I dont know if that is how all the guns will feel, but I have held the Remington Nylon 66 before, and it didnt feel small at all.  Maybe it was just this one incidence........idk??

I am thinking about trying to "persuade" them to get me the new model 10/22 with the 20 inch barrel.  Shouldnt that give it a little more accuracy, and make it feel better in my hands??  And it seems to fit right into the budget.

I LOVE what the laminated stocks look like.  I really like the one's with the grayish/greenish tint.  I still like the natural wood looking laminate, but I LOVE that style stock.......I just think it looks awsome.......I would really want to get the Ruger 10/22T.  That has the laminated stock and comes with a 20 inch, BULL BARREL.  This would give me even better accuracy, right??  I will be using it for squirrel, rabbits, racoons, opossums, armadillos, and anything else that annoys me while I am wasting away the day in the deer hunting stand.

I mean, going squirrel hunting most of the time I would just bring a 12 gauge.  But I dont want to make much noise when I shoot the lil "noise makers".  So a .22 is the answer!!

Does anyone have a suggestion on how I could get a laminent stock, with gun and everything ready out of the box??  I really dont have that much money......but if I have to I can save any money from my b-day, + what my parents give me, and be able to afford any semi-auto .22.

So what do you guys and gals think about my selection.....and what would you recommend??

If someone is willing to sell me a gun, or has an extra, it would be greatly appreciated (PASSING ON HUNTING TO THE YOUTH!! [cough cough, suck up, cough cough])!!! Just an idea, HAHA!!

Thanx ahead of time for your time and energy!!

[jh45gun]

Out of the box I think the Marlins are more accurate! The 10/22 is a average shooting rifle hence why every one and their brother sells aftermarket parts for them to make them more accurate that is why Ruger got on the band wagon to make the 10/22 T and even them are not as accurate as a tricked up gun using some one elses barrels and trigger groups. Lots of guys bought after market parts to make quasi assault rifles Heck I even fell into that mode for a while and do you know what if you want a assault rifle buy one a tricked up 10/22 is not one! If you want accuracy get a marlin semi over the 10/22. If you want tack driving accuracy have your parents buy you a Bolt action CZ! On the cheap side in looks but not accuracy or quality find a Romanain Model 69 they will drive tacks and a darn good buy for the money! Jim

[X-man]

The T/C Classic Benchmark rifle is basically what the Ruger 10/22T wanted to be. Fantastically accurate right out of the box, and with regular cleaning and maintenance, is as reliable as any other .22. Cleaning and maintenance is a must with the tight match chamber and you'll be better off staying away from cheap .22 ammo like the Winchester Wildcat, etc... CCI Mini Mags, Green Tag, etc...seem to work best and are cleaner.

However, since you said you were on a budget, you have three additional choices that will all make good squirrel, rabbit and plinking rifles. You've already mentioned the Ruger 10/22T. I too love the laminate stocks. Not only do they look great, but they also hold up well under field conditions and you don't have to worry as much about rain and stocks swelling....potentially causing accuracy problems and later splitting or cracking as traditional hardwood stocks are wont to do. The Ruger is plenty accurate for hunting and plinking and there are lots of aftermarket accessories available if you would like to "customize" it to your own likes piece by piece as your "allowance" permits.

Since you like laminate stocks, you might also want to consider the Remington 597. It is available in a very nice laminate stock. It is available in both blue and stainless steel versions. A nice, dependable and accurate rifle, it too would make for a great squirrel gun.

Finally, there is the Savage 64FV. It is one of my favorites and the least expensive of any of the rifles mentioned here. It has a heavy bull barrel, black synthetic stock and comes with weaver bases for mounting a scope or reddot sight. Savage is renowned for the quality and accuracy of their barrels, and the 64FV is no exception! I've shot and handled several dozen of these rifles and currently own two (I also own a T/C Classic Benchmar, Ruger 10/22T and Laminate Remington 597) and would not want to part with either. With the exception of the T/C Classic, the Savages will regularly outshoot both the Ruger and the Remington, using Wal-mart bulk pack Federal 36gr HP ammo, CCI mini-mags, Green Tag, Federal GM, and various Eley loadings. Just about every load I've tried, the Savages always outshoot the Rugers and Remys. Although it doesn't have a laminate stock, the synthetic makes for an ideal field gun, the steel magazines are very simple and reliable, I always carry 4-5 loaded spares with me in the field and I don't have to bother with loose cartridges rattling around. It is a good choice for a first rimfire. The price is right, and it can take a lot of abuse.

If your parents have set a spending cap and you don't have any extra allowance or lawn cutting money to put with it, you might have a better chance convincing your Mom & Dad to buy this rifle for you. Also, before you go shooting, make sure you know the rules to safe gun handling and shooting, be sure of your target and what lays beyond and never point a gun at something you don't want to destroy. If you haven't already done so, why not ask you Dad if he'd like to take a gun safety/hunter safety course with you? Give you guys some "quality" time together, get to hang out with other new hunters/recreational shooters and usually is lots of fun! Hope this helps!

[goose7856]

Thanx for all the info.......I am going to look into the savage that your mentioned.......

I am I VERY safe hunter......I took the hunter coarse about 3 yaers ago (or less).  I always do as you said, "look beyond the target".  If you arent safe, then you shouldnt be out in the woods.

Does the savage have the extended magizine.....??  I dont really like the look of it, and how it sticks out away from the stock......

Have you had any experience with the Marlin Model 60 (tube fed).  I can get it at the local Wal-mart for $105.  Seems to fit everything I would want.  I like the big amount of ammo it can hold, and I like the tube fed.  It comes in a nice wood finish, and has a great price.  How does the accuracy of this rifle compare to others mentioned??

[X-man]

Does the savage have the extended magizine.....??  I dont really like the look of it, and how it sticks out away from the stock......

Have you had any experience with the Marlin Model 60 (tube fed).  I can get it at the local Wal-mart for $105.  Seems to fit everything I would want.  I like the big amount of ammo it can hold, and I like the tube fed.  It comes in a nice wood finish, and has a great price.  How does the accuracy of this rifle compare to others mentioned??

The Savage does have a magazine that extends beyond the stock. However, you get a ten round capacity in exchange. For the most part, if you want a flush fitting magazine, you will have to sacrifice magazine capacity. However, William Ruger got around this problem by designing his really great rotary magazine that is now used in the 10/22. For some rifles, a flush fit magazine is an advantage when the point of balance happens to fall at the point of the magazine well, ...which makes for a much more convenient field carry, unless you will be slinging your rifle!

Marlin generally makes very good rifles, & tube fed magazines have their advantages,-  they're more slim line and yield a "cleaner" rifle, and their magazine capacities are often greater than traditional box magazines. However, they are slower to reload and are more supceptible to damage to the thin walled magazine tube. However, if the Marlin fits you, you like it and the price is right, by all means go for it. Rifles are a pretty personal item and you will definitely shoot better and have greater hunting success if you are using a rifle that fits you and that you like to shoot. It creates increased comfort, which leads to greater self confidence when you take your shot. I wouldn't feel undergunned in the field with a Marlin over my shoulder and I actually prefer their lever action centerfire rifles to Winchester....the Marlins are often the more accurate of the two!

My best advice is for you to go to a gun shop with a friendly staff, its best to go when they aren't really busy, and handle all the different rimfire rifles you are interested in. Check the length of pull or how the stock fits you. What about the balance of the rifle? Is it muzzle heavy? Do you like the trigger? And if they have an indoor range, see if they have any of those .22 models for rent as range guns. Nothing beats actually firing the gun to see if it meets your needs.

I think you're on the right track in any event. Don't be afraid to ask tons of questions. It is the only way we learn and remember, there are NO stupid questions! It looks like you're doing your research, so I'm sure you'll make a choice that you'll be very happy with. It wouldn't hurt to show Dad how much work you've put into this project either, couldn't hurt when it comes time for him to put down his $$$. :grin:

[goose7856]

sounds like some good advice.......I really like the looks of the Thompson, but its just too expensive......I think it will come down to either a ruger 10/22, Marlin 60, or the Savage you mentioned.  I like the idea of the heavy barrel on the savage.  It is "supposed" to increase accuracy (or so im told), and weight really isnt a huge issue (its only 6 lbs).  I shows the retail being around $187, but I would probably be able to buy it for under $100 or around $100.  I held the Ruger 10/22 last weekend, and it just felt SMALL.  Maybe thats just me??  Does anyone else has this problem??  I also dont like the 18'5 in barrel that comes standard.  I think they should make it in at least a 20 in barrel standard (dont have to pay more).  So I guess it will come down to fit, and which I like best.  A marlin for $105, Ruger for around $150, or a Savage for aound $125.  I will be looking at all of these guns this weekend and will keep you informed.......thanx for all the help.....one more ?  How would the standard 64 savage compare to the 64FV in Accuracy??  I am just wondering if the accuracy incraeses that much with the bull barrel or it stays about the same??