All steel .22lr auto rifle (Browning??)

[hunt127588]

Guys,
I have a newer Marlin Model 60 that I bought a few years ago and one thing that really bothers me is the fact that guns are no longer heirlooms these days. Rather, they are consumables like everything else. I can't stand the fact that my Model 60's receiver is made of aluminum.

With that said, I have been looking for a new .22lr auto that will be around for my son when I'm long gone and that is made out of ALL STEEL. In my research, I am leaning towards a new (yes, made in Japan) Browning .22lr (ATD) auto rifle. This is the one you load through the buttstock. I also thought this would be a good gun to buy due to the fact that you can break it down and clean the barrel from the breach end rather than the muzzle. What are the opinions on this gun in terms of:

1) accuracy
2) quality of fit and finish
3) it is all steel isn't it?

Would you guys recommend any other auto that is all steel? I have been looking at the TC Classic as well. Any and all information appreciated.

Hunt

[Flash]

I hate to bust your bubble about aluminum receivers but I have two Remington 572's that were made in the 1950's and shoot like target rifles and hardly have the paint worn. My great grandchildren will get those rifles. I like the Browning 22 Auto myself but wouldn't have anything but a Belgium made rifle.

[Fullchoke]

I'm not even going to start on your Marlin 60. No sense starting a fray. But a lot of shooters are shooting "60's" that are hand me downs.

My first rifle was a Browning .22 semi-auto takedown. Bought it with the proceeds from the sale of a calf I'd raised. That was a tad over 42 years ago. It's still a shooter and will be handed down to my grandson when he's ready (or when I'm ready).

It was made in Belgium. The difference between the Belgian rifles and the Japanese rifles seems to lie in the the eyes of the collectors more than anything else.

To your questions;
Accuracy- It's a plinker. Not bad accuracy, but not benchrest stuff either.
Quality of fit and finish- Better than the average .22. I think it's good. But I've been a Browning fan a looong time.
All steel-Yes.

I don't believe you would regret buying one. Your son would be proud of it in the years to come.

I have no experience with the T-C products.

Buy the Browning. You'll be glad you did.

[Doc TH]

Excellent rifle.  Yes, all steel.  High quality, good workmanship.  Easy to store and pack.  Very reliable.  One of the easiest of all semiautos to disassemble/clean.  Bottom ejection reduces malfunctions and bopping your buddy (or self) with empty casings.  I've never met anybody who bought one and regretted it.  Scope sight installation a bit awkward.
Buy it!

[Doc T]

I have a Belgian Browning that will shoot a dime sized group at 40yds with the right ammo.  I have an old Weaver K3W mounted on it.  it is one of my favorite squirrel rifles.  It is also the first gun I ever bought with my own money.  I cut yards all summer and bought it at OTASCO when I was 11 (1969).  I have had a little experience with the Japanese model and I agree that it is mainly a big difference to collectors.  

     I really want one of the T/C autos but I am waiting for their 17HM2 version which should be out soon.

[Coal River Rat]

I don't have any experience with Browning 22s, but I don't think that you will be a bit disappointed with the TC Classic or Classic Benchmark. According to what you said you were looking for these 2 guns fit the bill perfectly. I own a Benchmark and couldn't be happier with it. Well, I guess I could if it had an adjustable trigger on it, but what are you gonna do?-lawsuits ect. Anyway, fit and function are perfect and the gun shoots 1/2" groups or less at 50yds all day long with Wolf Match-Target ammo. No, I'm not gonna win any benchrest matches, but for under 400 bones and the quality of this gun right from the factory, I'm a happy camper! I will buy a Classic model in the near future for my daughter to shoot. Yea that's it, for my daughter. Oh yea, lifetime warrenty, real steel, real walnut or nice lam. wood and real accurate. Classic runs around 300 and the Benchmark around 375. Good Luck with your choice.