Need some advice, based on experience, on which of the following .22 rifles to purchase. I will use the rifle for plinking, small game hunting, and generally for low cost practice. I have pared down the list of rifles that I am considering to the following; Ruger 77/22 stainless steel with iron sights; Taurus stainless steel with 23" barrel, Marlin 39?, Marlin 25N. I realize that the price range is from $150 to $400 without scope, but this will probably be the last .22 that I purchase so the price is not a consideration. I will probably mount a Leopold scope later on. I like the idea of stainless steel and a plastic stock, for ease of care, but also blue steel and walnut for the beauty of the rifle. I can go either way regarding these choices. What I would primarily like is comments from those who have experience with the above rifles regarding their accuracy, etc.. Thanks DGR
Which .22 rimfire?
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DGR160 -
Your list is an interesting mix of candidates. All quite different from each other. I guess I don't like the safety on top of the Taurus bolt, and the Ruger 77 is overpriced. The 25M is really a hunting rifle, not for targets and plinking with the 22 Mag ammo - at least in my book. The M39 is classic and accurate, so probably the most tempting in your group.
Your list is an interesting mix of candidates. All quite different from each other. I guess I don't like the safety on top of the Taurus bolt, and the Ruger 77 is overpriced. The 25M is really a hunting rifle, not for targets and plinking with the 22 Mag ammo - at least in my book. The M39 is classic and accurate, so probably the most tempting in your group.
DGR,
Being a Ruger fan, i would have to recommend the 77/22 as a rifle deserving of careful consideration. I really feel Ruger offers great value for the dollar. I have had a blued 77/22, sporter weight barrel for several years now. I topped it with a limited edition Leupold Alaskan 6x scope. The scope has a 7/8" dia. body. I had a local gunsmith turn out a pair of bushings to fit the scope with the 1" Ruger factory rings supplied with the rifle. The only accuraccy modification was to install a Volquartsen trigger sear and spring (a drop-in part). Shooting Federal match and ultra-match cartridges results in about .5 to .75 inch groups at 50 meters- good enough for me and head shots at grey squirrels! Sorting other brands of cartridges with a rim thickness guage also results with "good" groups. Good luck with your selection!
Being a Ruger fan, i would have to recommend the 77/22 as a rifle deserving of careful consideration. I really feel Ruger offers great value for the dollar. I have had a blued 77/22, sporter weight barrel for several years now. I topped it with a limited edition Leupold Alaskan 6x scope. The scope has a 7/8" dia. body. I had a local gunsmith turn out a pair of bushings to fit the scope with the 1" Ruger factory rings supplied with the rifle. The only accuraccy modification was to install a Volquartsen trigger sear and spring (a drop-in part). Shooting Federal match and ultra-match cartridges results in about .5 to .75 inch groups at 50 meters- good enough for me and head shots at grey squirrels! Sorting other brands of cartridges with a rim thickness guage also results with "good" groups. Good luck with your selection!
CEJ -
Speaking of Marlins and your Nylon 66, have you checked out the Marlin Model 795 autoloader? 4.5 pounds, 10 shot clip, composite stock, 18 inch bbl and digests everything without a glitch. I got mine retail for $125, topped it with a Red dot ($35 from Midway)and brother is it fun to shoot.
Good trigger and perfect ergonomics smake it pointable and as quick as a carbine can possibly be. Even with the light weight, you can hold the dot on a coke can at 25 paces and empty the clip in 3 secs without a miss.
Speaking of Marlins and your Nylon 66, have you checked out the Marlin Model 795 autoloader? 4.5 pounds, 10 shot clip, composite stock, 18 inch bbl and digests everything without a glitch. I got mine retail for $125, topped it with a Red dot ($35 from Midway)and brother is it fun to shoot.
Good trigger and perfect ergonomics smake it pointable and as quick as a carbine can possibly be. Even with the light weight, you can hold the dot on a coke can at 25 paces and empty the clip in 3 secs without a miss.
Hi Guys, Thanks for the offer on the 10/22 but I've been there and as for the Marlin auto it is a nice rifle but since I got my 1895GG I've had the urge to pick up a Marlin lever action 22! I don't know how this happened since I was a confirmed bolt action man, but something about the way the 45-70 handles in the nasty stuff just makes me a happy camper! The nylon 66 never shot well at all no matter how clean it was or what ammo I used, so I couldn't in pawn it off on one of you guys. I'll always have a bolt action with me when I head to camp but the 45-70 is what I'll grab when it's time to head into that nasty cedar swamp! 
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