Author Topic: New rimfire for kids (Read 1475 times)

flatlander · « **on:** September 06, 2011, 04:55:06 AM »

My oldest son passed hunter safety, and is starting to hunt. His birthday is coming up, and he wants a 22. I haven't been on top of the gun scene for a few years, so I'm asking for some feedback/opinions. I'm looking for a 22 under $200 that is light and reasonably accurate out of the box. I'd prefer semi-auto or bolt.
My list so far includes Marlin 60 and 795, savage 64 and mark II, and a walmart remington bolt (I don't recall the model, but it was listed for $169). I already have a Marlin 39 and 10/22 from years ago, but neither of those are something I want to give him. I had a model 60 15 years ago or so, and liked it, but the new ones seem to all have short barrels on them, and I'm not sure if they are as good as the older ones.
Any thoughts on the list I have, or suggestions that I haven't considered yet? Thanks. I'm off to read a bunch on this forum to get more informed.

tacklebury · « **Reply #1 on:** September 07, 2011, 01:24:14 PM »

Have heard really good things about the new XT-22 from several people on forums and real life. Haven't had one myself though. I love my model 60, but it is an oldie also. I've seen some from 120 bucks locally, so you might look for one off the shelf in a local gun store. The Mossberg plinkster has good reviews by many also in the bolt or semi-auto. I prefer wood stocks, so that's what these links are, but there are a lot of other configurations. The plinksters come in a bit less expensive, but think they are made a bit cheaper too.

http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/default.aspx?item=70759
http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/Default.aspx?item=60&mfg=Marlin&mdlno=60

http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/Default.aspx?item=37150&mfg=Mossberg&mdlno=702+Plinkster+Autoloading+Rifle
http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/Default.aspx?item=38100&mfg=Mossberg&mdlno=802+Plinkster+Bolt+Action

For a starter gun, a bolt is a good choice, although I use my model 60 more these days. It'll shoot 3/4" groups at 50 yards, from a rest, and eats out the bullseye even when hot.

***edit***
Oh, one other thought is the Marlin Papoose. It's the first 22 I purchased with my own money and it's still going strong after 25 years. The packability is nice though and it's quite accurate for a short barrel.

http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/default.aspx?item=70PSS

Pics of mine:

Love my crackshot too!

flatlander · « **Reply #2 on:** September 08, 2011, 03:14:48 AM »

Thanks for the additional suggestions. I do miss my old model 60, but I sold it to buy my 39, so no regrets.

Marlins in the past have been good to me, but reading the forums, it sounds like quality might not be what it was, but I'm not sure. I did a pawn shop tour last weekend, and found nothing of interest in 5 shops. Lots of picked over expensive junk left. Looks like new is going to be my only option, unless we get a gun show coming through. I've got a month and a half to look, so I'll keep looking.

tt4617 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 12, 2011, 06:22:40 AM »

Check out the new Marlin XT22. I think you will be impressed with the quality for the money.

Victor3 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 14, 2011, 02:32:34 AM »

CZ 452 Scout is maybe the highest quality (but not inexpensive at ~$250) new youth bolt rifle available. Comes with a single shot adapter but can also use standard 5 & 10 shot mags.

By most accounts it's also near as accurate as the average full-size 452. Mine seems to be...

flatlander · « **Reply #5 on:** September 21, 2011, 04:36:39 AM »

I took the 10/22 I've had around out this weekend for the first time, and I'm going to sell it and buy something different. I got it for a good price, so thought I'd try it. I'm definitely not impressed at all. It wasn't exceptionally bad for a 10/22, but about normal from what I've seen.
I guess I just don't get the whole attraction with the things. Out of the box, they aren't particularly accurate, unless you spend a bunch more money on them. And if I'm going to spend $350+ on a 22, there's others I would take first. To each his own, I suppose. I know my 39A has me spoiled, but for a $220 gun, I expect better groups than the 10/22s I've seen.
I will sell or trade the 10/22 I have, and then pick up another. Hopefully the local shops will come up with more inventory. I'm using Wallyworld as a last option. I just can't stand dealing with the clowns in our local store.

emsemt911 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 14, 2011, 05:40:23 PM »

I love the ruger 10/22 and the s&w mp15-22,
but you can not beat the basic Cricket .22 for a beginner gun. My 10 year old has full acess to my guns when at the range, For some reason the single shot cricket is his favorite.

Rex in OTZ · « **Reply #7 on:** October 17, 2011, 11:22:20 AM »

My girls picked this one out and is a Fave on family outings, they love the sights, A pink and a Black (JC)manual single shot bolt action is easy on ammo consumption (they learn to aim instead of pray n spray)

2 Jimmey Crickets, 1 handme down Marlin 110, a remmy 522 Viper, Taurus 941 revolver

Bugflipper · « **Reply #8 on:** October 17, 2011, 11:48:45 AM »

For the price I would suggest a used cz 452. Out of the box they are one of the most accurate 22lr available. So what he gets is a plinking, target and hunting gun all in one. The bolt action will also teach him to make his shots count.

Rex in OTZ · « **Reply #9 on:** October 23, 2011, 05:12:54 PM »

how about a semi built on a classic design?

http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/product_details.php?itemID=42596

flatlander · « **Reply #10 on:** November 04, 2011, 12:14:39 PM »

I took my son out today to test drive a few. He got to handle all types and styles at a few different stores.

I will never buy a gun from our local gander mountain. I had some 20-something guy behind the counter tell me (while my son is holding a 39a) that if I wanted to buy the best 22 that is made, I need a 10-22. I provided a good example for my son, and didn't call the guy an absolute idiot.

BTW, after trying all of the guns available, my son chose a new Marlin 60 over all the other bolt, lever, semi-auto and single shots that we tried. Price was never discussed--he just liked the way it fit him and how it felt on his shoulder. Seemed like a good way to pick one. It appears to be a solid little rifle and quality is the same as the older one I had. I'll update after we get to shoot it. And the made in usa tag on it is a plus, too.

tacklebury · « **Reply #11 on:** November 04, 2011, 03:41:48 PM »

He has good instincts. Make sure you pick him up some CCI Mini-Mag Hollowpoints. These are bar none the most accurate in my Marlin semi and bolt.

Think the microgrooves like em. This was a fastfire entire tube on elbow only rest from my Model 60.

This was federals. Not nearly so tight, but still decent. Always seem to get one or two fliers with other brands though. 8(

flatlander · « **Reply #12 on:** November 05, 2011, 01:54:36 AM »

very nice! I hope my son's shoots as well.

I think I've also decided (after all of my grinching and moaning) to keep the 10/22 I have and pour some more money into it and see how it does.

I'm going to go to the range today and get my baseline targets shot, then shoot comparisons after each upgrade to see how it goes. Should be a fun experiment. Now to find a stainless barrel...

tacklebury · « **Reply #13 on:** November 05, 2011, 11:26:15 AM »

Green Mountain has had some pretty good deals and clearances at their site for 10-22 barrels, might keep watch there.

http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/catalog.aspx?catid=rugertargetbarrels

flatlander · « **Reply #14 on:** November 05, 2011, 02:55:54 PM »

I took the boy out with his gun, along with the 10/22 today. He shot pretty darn well with it, and was shooting good enough to kill squirrels at 25 yards. I'm starting to have trouble with seeing iron sights, but I was shooting pretty tight groups with the gun considering it wasn't scoped. That has already been fixed, and now has a scope mounted and ready to go.

The 10/22 did a lot better today. I think I might just keep it as it is, and use it for a squirrel gun, too. After a second time at the range, I'm feeling a bit more charitable to it than I did before. I'm not sure what it was last time, but if I can get it to keep minute of squirrel next time at the range, I'll be ready to take it in the field.

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #15 on:** November 05, 2011, 03:49:52 PM »

Good call on the model 60.

I was going to point out that a mag fed .22 has its benefits. At least from a kids view point. Dad can stay ahead of the shooting if you get several mags.

I picked up an extra for the 795 at the time of purchase, well it didn't take long for the girls to point out that another extra would mean a mag for each of them.

The tube fed though is so much handier to carry in the woods. I never really noticed the mag in the way at the range, but in the field they are a pain.

flatlander · « **Reply #16 on:** November 07, 2011, 05:50:52 AM »

I was thinking about the mag, too, and figured that if he shoots 14 rounds in the field and hasn't limited out (5), it is probably a good time to take a break and catch his breath while reloading the tube.

Also, it's a lot harder to lose the spring tube than a clip. In theory, of course.
So far at the range, I've been mostly having him shoot 3 shot groups and then adjusting the sights. He ran a couple of full tubes through at the end. The good news is that with the tube, he can reload his own much easier.

flatlander · « **Reply #17 on:** November 11, 2011, 07:32:56 AM »

Just got back from shooting the 10/22 and the model 60 side by side. Both were shot using a scope at 20 yards. The 60 is definitely more accurate than the 10/22. The 10/22 did OK, but the 60 did great! I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. At 25 yards with the 60, I was shooting 10 shot groups that could be covered with a dime. It's more accurate than I can be. 10/22 is accurate enough for squirrels, but the 60 blows it away. We'll hunt tomorrow with a pair of marlins--a 60 and a 39a.

tacklebury · « **Reply #18 on:** November 11, 2011, 03:51:09 PM »

Congrats. glad you are having good luck with em.

Bugflipper · « **Reply #19 on:** November 12, 2011, 02:09:59 AM »

UH oh, sounds like those squirrels are in for some trouble.

flatlander · « **Reply #20 on:** November 19, 2011, 08:33:23 AM »

Wind has been giving us problems. It's been windy enough to put the squirrels down for the last couple of times out. Anyway, hit the gun show today instead. Sold the 10/22 and ended up with a LNIB single six with 2 sets of extra grips for $250. I think I did pretty well.
Maybe next weekend on the squirrels.

gustmouse · « **Reply #21 on:** December 11, 2011, 02:00:19 PM »

Got these recently
Old Glenfield Model 60, less scope for $65New Marlin XT-22 for $190