[AZ Burns]

I just moved from Chicago to WI last month. This means I can now have a gun without a license obtained by jumping through a flaming hoop backwards after receiving a license to jump through flaming hoops with a jumping backwards stamp. Sorry, I shouldn't misrepresent Chicago gun laws, they are much more convoluted than I just made them out to be.

I want to get a .22LR rifle for target practice, and some small game hunting. I had been thinking about the Marlin 981T since it is inexpensive, accurate, durable, and doesn't have a long clip to dig into my back while slung over my shoulder. I went to Dicks yesterday, just to look at guns, and they had a Marlin 975. This looked like it had the same stock as the 981T so I handled it, and was rather unimpressed with it's size and feel. The stock was super narrow, and light, it didn't feel like a gun.

They also had a Savage MK II BTV, the heavy barrel, blued, thumbhole, with accutrigger, and I asked to look at that just out of curiosity. I really liked the feel of the gun. It felt like a real gun, the LOP didn't feel bad (I'm 6'2"), it seemed like there was somewhere to put my cheek unlike the Marlin, and I rather liked the thumbhole grip.

Obviously this would be a decent gun for target practice. I have read some comments online from people who say it is too heavy to carry around hunting. I could see that. And I also could see carrying a heavier .22 in order to get ready for that day that you are taking the bigger, heaver deer rifle out into the woods to put some deer in the freezer.

How do you all think the MK II BTV would do as a field gun for putting some squirrel or rabbit on the table?

Thank you,
AZ

 

[Gil Martin]

Welcome to the Forum

It depends what you prefer regarding a .22 rifle. I have the Marlin Model 781 and 881 and a Savage Mark II. These are fine guns. The Savage is a bit more accurate than my Marlins. The best bolt action rifles I have found are the used Remington Model 581 (box mag) and 582 (tube feed) and the Winchester Model 69. I would scan the used gun racks and see what is available. Hope this helps. All the best...
Gil

 

[budd]

Hi,

Both the Marlin and Savage makes great firearms. I prefere the Savage over the Marlin in a bolt-action and since Winchester 94-22 is no longer available the Marlin model 39 Mounty is a very good rifle in a lever-action

J Budd.

 

[MikeG]

CZ 452. It'll cost a bit more but you won't regret it.

 

[AZ Burns]

I have read a lot of good things about the CZs, but honestly the savage is more than I want to spend already. I like the price on the 981T, but I didn't care for the feel of the plastic Marlin 975.

I am possitive than any gun I get will shoot much better than I will, but hopefully I can catch up with it enough to be an effective hunter.

 

[MikeG]

Well if you are on a budget, scout the used gun racks. Look for a good shiny bore. As an example, I picked up a cherry Remington 511 a few years back for a hundred bucks. Nice stock and mirror bore. Someone had done a poor job of drilling and tapping it for a scope. Got my dad to sort all that out and with a 4x scope it will just drill holes at 25 yards. Made a good starter gun for my son.

I bought my CZ 452 used for about 200 or so, maybe got lucky, but I wouldn't let it go for twice the price.

Lots of good "classic" .22s out there. Doubt you'll find a Marlin 39 on the cheap but if you do, snatch it up......

 

[AZ Burns]

If I find a decent deal on a Marlin 39A I'll be amazed, and if it was a Marlin 39D I might have to sit down and breathe for a bit...

The other one to keep an eye out for would be the Browning SA-22. I had a Remington 24 growing up and regret selling it immensely.

So if I find a good deal on either of these or a CZ 452 American I'll snap them up.

What are some other good ones to keep an eye out for in used guns? Or maybe the better question would be what are some guns to avoid?

Thanks,
AZ

 

[thegrandenigma]

+1 on the CV 452. I don't have one but my pal does. It's a NICE gun! I'll probably get one eventually (money permitting).

 

[quickstealth91]

The Savage MKII G, while not quite as accurate as the BTV is a great rifle for what you're wanting to do. Its in a hardwood stock and has a sporter barrel so its lighter. Theres also the BV which is like the BTV only without the thumbhole stock and is cheaper. I'd avoid the F models of the MKIIs- they too feel like toys.

 

[slim 60]

you save an get the cz.. its money in the bank ,as resale is easy..
then you have the best[most accurate] bolt [in the cz 452 zkm special] for the money..
you won t be sorry you bought it.jmo slim
ps.. i ll bet anyone a thousand any day ,on my ability to take a sqirrel at a 100 yrds..
i need the dang money ,anyway..

 

[Old Grump]

I just moved from Chicago to WI last month.

How do you all think the MK II BTV would do as a field gun for putting some squirrel or rabbit on the table?

Thank you,
AZ

Welcome to the land of the almost free. We are working on CCW but have a ways to go, in the meantime you can open carry if you abide by the silly rules the anti's put on the practice.

In response to your question, yes, yes yes. It's a great gun. After you get it buy a variety of ammo and find out which one it likes the best. Shoot up the second best stuff plinking and practicing and by a case or two of the ammo your gun prefers.

I cannot recommend a brand or type for you because every gun is its own creature with its own appetite. I will say that 40 grain solids in standard velocity generally are more accurate and at usual small game ranges under 25 yards will anchor them as well as the super fast, super whizzbang, golly gee bullets.

Former inhabitant of Cicero and Des Plaines but I am home now.

 

[AZ Burns]

Another option I may consider is to pick up a 10/22 since they are nearly as common as the bunnies they are often pointed at. I could get an aftermarket stock and trigger that feel right to me and it will be more accurate than me to start. If I ever feel like I am reaching the ceiling of what the gun can do I have more options to improve than I can point the gun at.

 

[MikeG]

10/22s are fun, but you'll pour a lot of money into them if you aren't careful......

Fix the trigger first if you get one. Also there are heavy-barreled versions, but you may not save much on those.

 

[broom_jm]

I've shot a Marlin 80G, like the one shown below, for the last 25 years, or so. Like most .22's it can be picky about what ammo it shoots, but with mini mags or even the Remington "green box" stuff, it will shoot quarter-sized groups at 35 yards for as long as you want to pull the trigger. In my experience, if it has a bolt action and the word "Marlin" stamped on the barrel, it will rarely disappoint. I'm not saying it will be AS accurate as the more expensive guns, because it won't...but the squirrel, bunny or 10 ring will be suitably impressed.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=166062183

 

[Skull13]

IMO T/C .22 classic is the nicest handling and shooting rimfire rifle I've ever held in my hands.I purchased one for my son when they first came out and Im still kicking myself for not buying one for myself.Now that S&W owns T/C prices have skyrocketed. I would gladly trade my Ruger 77/22 (which is another great rifle) for one. Why is it my son always gets the good stuff? Ha Ha

 

[AZ Burns]

Good point about the 10/22 having the money sink potential. Part of the reason it appeals to me is because it could be a project. And I like having a project. But I am guessing I couldn't sell it for what I put into it if I did decide to get rid of it. Something to consider.

 

[pmeisel]

You don't mention any pumps. I shot a friend's Remington 572 a lot in my youth. I mentioned remington pump to my wife who is long on love and weak on details.... she bought me a remington model 12 for a birthday over 20 years ago. It will be my companion until iI can't carry it, then one of my kids will have it.

Just a thought.

 

[Deekes]

You all have great info.

 

[Deekes]

There are so many good .22 's out there. Don't be in a rush. My best guns just came to me in time. be ready to jump on it when the time comes. I just came across a mosberg and sons 146B-A. a friend got for free and was sitting on his table. I offered him $100. for it and it's mine. had to clean it up lots but it's a tack driver. It holds 30 .22 shorts. I'll miss my old cooey sure shot but i'm going uptown with this new find. Ruger 10-22 has always been my favorite but i've been too cheap to buy one. I've brand new .22's in my vault i've never fired. In all .22 rifles are fun cheap to shoot and are popular with the young. If you want any sport to live on, take a kid with you.

" the oxen is slow, but the earth is patient "

 

[TMan]

Obviously this would be a decent gun for target practice. I have read some comments online from people who say it is too heavy to carry around hunting. I could see that. And I also could see carrying a heavier .22 in order to get ready for that day that you are taking the bigger, heaver deer rifle out into the woods to put some deer in the freezer.

I just ordered up a BV, as I wanted a new toy. I liked it better than the thumbhole stock. Time will tell if it is a shooter.

My Favorite .22 is my Ruger VBZ. It weighs a bit more than my .35 Whelen, not exaggerating, and shoots nearly as well as my tricked up 10/22. I initially bought it for rimfire silhouette, and it is just the ticket for sporter class bench shooting. It is a tree rat and bunny slayer like no other. I can carry it all day, NP, even though I am an old guy.

Personally, I think there's a real argument for a .22 that feels like a real rifle.