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- - First .22 for an adult? (http://goldismoney.info/forums/showthread.php?t=437449)

ToBeSelfEvident | 01-05-2010 10:02 PM
First .22 for an adult? I'm looking to purchase my first long gun, and at first I thought I'd get a Remington, Savage, or Tikka in .308, but I wonder how much I'd really shoot it (I live in the city and don't hunt). I am planning to go to an Appleseed event to get some additional training and experience. I had not previously considered the AR or other "black rifles", partly due to cost, but I did read some favorable reviews of the Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 and thought it looked like a great low-priced introduction to that platform. I like the idea of the .22LR cartridge because ammo is super-cheap, recoil is light, good small-game rifle for post-SHTF, etc. And it might be good if my first rifle was something my wife will also want to use. I also have a grandson who will soon be of a proper age. Seems like the adjustable stock would come in handy for the different-sized shooters. But would this M&P15-22 be a good choice for learning rifle skills, or would a traditional wooden-stock model be better? I read that some police departments use these to train. Are there any other models I should consider in the $400 - $500 range? (the M&P15-22 is $399 at a local shop). I do like the idea that if I had the M&P15-22 and somebody threw an AR at me someday I would know what to do with it. On the other hand, maybe my wife would feel foolish using a Rambo gun to plink at cans...or maybe she'd get off on it. I would also like to know if there's a good .22LR revolver at a reasonable price (under $500). It'd be nice to have an extra weapon around that can take advantage of the cheap ammo (we already have heavier weapons for home defense). Any and all advice is welcome.

tyusclan | 01-05-2010 10:11 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Don't have any experience with the M&P15-22, but in a lower priced gun either a Ruger 10/22 or a Marlin model 60 would be a good choice. I have one of each, and I like the detachable magazine of the 10/22 (the Marlin is tube feed), but I actually like the way the Marlin handles and shoots better.

Mad_Max | 01-05-2010 10:17 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Check into the Ruger Charger pistol, great all around pistol in 22 cal. Price is around $220 to 280 used, $360+/- new. Light and dependable.

Mad_Max | 01-05-2010 10:21 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/index.php is a good place to read on this.

TTAZZMAN | 01-05-2010 10:25 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Quote:
Originally Posted by tyusclan (Post 2110568) Don't have any experience with the M&P15-22, but in a lower priced gun either a Ruger 10/22 or a Marlin model 60 would be a good choice. I have one of each, and I like the detachable magazine of the 10/22 (the Marlin is tube feed), but I actually like the way the Marlin handles and shoots better.
+1 ....agree 100%

illuminate10 | 01-05-2010 10:27 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? I would say go with something that "gets er' done" effectively yet "cheaply" (price) as in a Ruger 1022 because you can always spend a little more and turn it into an AR style rifle in the future and still come out at about the same price range anyway. Plus you would have different stocks to switch to and fro with. For the versatility of aftermarket accessories, stocks, parts, etc. go with the RUGER 1022. For target shooting out the box I would think a CZ or maybe a Savage. Or you can go with the Henry Boy Lever action that can shoot 22 short/long/long rifle. I want to pick one of those up for my next 22 caliber rifle. Handgun, I would go with an automatic personally. Most guns people will get acquainted with will be auto's anyhow. Plus it keeps you used to racking slides, mag switches and the same general operation of the handguns you are likely to use anyway. Personally I have the U22 Neos for roughly $300 out the door. Excellent starter 22. Easy takedown and reassembling, full optics rail built onto the barrel, can switch between 4", 6 3/8", and 7 1/4" barrels (if not mistaken), eats every type of ammo I have fed it except WINCHESTER 333 bulk box. http://www.impactguns.com/store/medi..._neos_6_bl.jpg Here's what I have. Though I wanted and still want to pick up a Ruger MkIII Hunter with fluted barrel. :bear_w00t:

Drumblebum | 01-05-2010 10:28 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Quote:
Originally Posted by Mad_Max (Post 2110582) Check into the Ruger Charger pistol, great all around pistol in 22 cal. Price is around $220 to 280 used, $360+/- new. Light and dependable.
Except if you happen to live in CA, of course. They're banned here. I found that out AFTER I fell in love and HAD to have one. Farking bastids.

MetalMoney | 01-05-2010 11:38 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? If you are purchasing to do an Appleseed: Hands-down. Get a 10/22, then get a set of Tech-Sights to go with it. Buy a couple extra mags and a USGI sling and you're ready to go. When you show up at an Appleseed you'll see what I mean. 9 out of 10 participants will be using the same or very similar setup, and will be able to more readily assist you with any questions etc. Great gun, cheap to shoop. Make sure you get one that can easily accept a sling. The synthetic stocks do not work as well for that. I bought mine w/ synthetic b/c thats what came with the stainless barrel model, but I swapped the stock out for a Tapco one that had sling mounts built in so it worked out OK. For a sling - Dont bother with anything but a US GI cheapie. Thats what they're going to train you to use, and its best to show up with one thats ready to go than to mess around with some rambo tatical version that doesnt work the way they want it to. You need one that can easily make a loop on one end to wrap your arm in. If you cant find one, they normally have extras for 5 - 10 dollars. Good luck. Don't come back a cook!

ToBeSelfEvident | 01-05-2010 11:44 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? How about something like a Henry lever action? I hefted a lot of different rifles in Gander Mtn one day, and thought the Henry had the best feel and was beautiful, too. It was the one with the heavy octagonal barrel.

MetalMoney | 01-05-2010 11:49 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Guys, he wants to do an Appleseed. You need a reasonably accurate semi-auto rifle than can easily accept magazine changes and hold a standard sling. bolt actions, lever actions, and pistols are not suitable to his stated purpose. He's going to be doing mag change drills and shooting for 1" groups at 25 yards with this gun.

Willie Peter | 01-06-2010 02:15 AM
Re: First .22 for an adult? My first .22 was/is a Marlin Mod 60, never a problem, got a small 3X scope on her, nice furniture, I like the tube feed, sure it's a little slower to load, not much, but you have more capacity:ok:

luft97 | 01-06-2010 02:51 AM
Re: First .22 for an adult? As most others said, go with the Ruger 10/22. There are a ton of aftermarket products made for the 10/22. I like mine I went with the target model below: http://www.ruger-firearms.com/produc...mages/1136.jpg As far as pistols go, if you are interested in a .22 revolver if you want a single action pick up a Ruger single six. In semi auto I myself would recommend picking up a Ruger MKIII or MKIII 22/45 depending on the feel of the grip you like best.

NOOB | 01-06-2010 07:43 AM
Re: First .22 for an adult? As stated earlier--10/22 with tech sights. Great appleseed trainer.

mk3hunter | 01-06-2010 09:15 AM
Re: First .22 for an adult? If you want a swiss army knife that you can rebuild and rebuild get the Ruger 10/22.......hands down If you want a 22 that is build like a brick, has the same size and weight of an adult rifle. (and is the longest running production rifle going...) Get the Marlin 39a (its the one on the bottom) Tubular magazine, with patented closure system, holds 26 Short, 21 Long or 19 Long Rifle Cartridges http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z...n/P1010255.jpg

ToBeSelfEvident | 01-06-2010 10:03 AM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Thank you everyone for the excellent suggestions. I did a lot of reading on the rimfire forums - thanks Mad Max. Time to go get a closer look at the Ruger, S&W, and maybe a Marlin or Henry. For the handgun, the Ruger single six looks interesting. I admit I'm drawn more towards the classic designs rather than the modern polymer semi-autos.

<SLV> | 01-06-2010 10:37 AM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Quote:
Originally Posted by ToBeSelfEvident (Post 2111156) Thank you everyone for the excellent suggestions. I did a lot of reading on the rimfire forums - thanks Mad Max. Time to go get a closer look at the Ruger, S&W, and maybe a Marlin or Henry. For the handgun, the Ruger single six looks interesting. I admit I'm drawn more towards the classic designs rather than the modern polymer semi-autos.
The Ruger 10-22 is great if you are planning on needing an apocolyptic tactical .22 LR carbine. I did not find my stock 10-22 to be particularly accurate or a pleasure to shoot, so I sold it. I'm sure there are all sorts of upgrades to make it just right, but who wants to sink $800 into a 10-22. Here is what you need: A CZ-USA 452 American. A beautiful classic bolt action .22LR with adjustable trigger. $372 at BudsGunShop.com http://cz-usa.com/assets/product-ima...37x200_q85.png If budget is more of a consideration go with the Savage Mark II G with Acutrigger for $192 at Budsgunshop.com: http://www.savagearms.com/images/fir...um/markiig.png

<SLV> | 01-06-2010 10:40 AM
Re: First .22 for an adult? For a .22 pistol get the Browning Buckmark Hunter - $365 if you can find one in stock: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/i...1/14/14861.jpg You can get the target trigger with overtravel screw from Browning for $9 + shipping. There is a simple mod to lighten the trigger pull -- just flip over the sear spring! It is a dream to shoot. Easier to clean than the Ruger, you can change barrels without changing actions (the registered part of the Ruger), and it looks just perfect. The Beretta NEOS is ugly, but it has great ergonomics, is the easiest to clean of the .22 pistols, and the trigger isn't too bad once you have replaced the sear spring with a spring out of a Bic lighter.

ToBeSelfEvident | 01-06-2010 11:00 AM
Re: First .22 for an adult? I do tend to favor stuff that's simple, cheap, accurate, and reliable. The CZ rifle and Browning pistol look sweet. I think I'll concentrate first on choosing a rifle, since that's my main focus at this time.

Lt Dan | 01-06-2010 11:12 AM
Re: First .22 for an adult? My 2 cents, for your stated use, get the 10-22 as others have said. For a few bucks you can trick it out for the appleseed shoot and do fine. Mine is a standard model stainless with a scope - I can put all 10, time after time in the 1" square at 25 yd and beyond, using the right ammo. (Try different brands of ammo to find what it likes). I also recommend the Browning Buckmark for a .22 handgun for many of the reasons stated above by <SLV>.

gbgunner | 01-06-2010 11:21 AM
Re: First .22 for an adult? I bought a Ruger 10/22 from Dick's a few years ago. Inexpensive and super fun. I don't shoot it nearly as much as I should. Picked up a S&W 21A several months ago. My friend with an FFL hooked me up. I think it was $315 after shipping and state tax. Absolutely a fun gun! Accurate, reliable, and easy to shoot well. Been shooting at least 100 rounds a week through it. Been cleaned once. Dirty as heck right now but functioned fine last Saturday. .22's are a blast. I was brought up and learned to shoot on black guns and semi-auto service pistols. When I got the 10/22 I bitched to my shooting mentor that I couldn't believe he didn't introduce me to .22's 10 years earlier. Oh well....different times...there was a full on AWB when I got into shooting.

Vicatoa | 01-06-2010 11:37 AM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Quote:
Originally Posted by illuminate10 (Post 2110607) I would say go with something that "gets er' done" effectively yet "cheaply" (price) as in a Ruger 1022 because you can always spend a little more and turn it into an AR style rifle in the future and still come out at about the same price range anyway. Plus you would have different stocks to switch to and fro with. For the versatility of aftermarket accessories, stocks, parts, etc. go with the RUGER 1022. For target shooting out the box I would think a CZ or maybe a Savage. Or you can go with the Henry Boy Lever action that can shoot 22 short/long/long rifle. I want to pick one of those up for my next 22 caliber rifle. Handgun, I would go with an automatic personally. Most guns people will get acquainted with will be auto's anyhow. Plus it keeps you used to racking slides, mag switches and the same general operation of the handguns you are likely to use anyway. Personally I have the U22 Neos for roughly $300 out the door. Excellent starter 22. Easy takedown and reassembling, full optics rail built onto the barrel, can switch between 4", 6 3/8", and 7 1/4" barrels (if not mistaken), eats every type of ammo I have fed it except WINCHESTER 333 bulk box. http://www.impactguns.com/store/medi..._neos_6_bl.jpg Here's what I have. Though I wanted and still want to pick up a Ruger MkIII Hunter with fluted barrel. :bear_w00t:
I have both a Neos and a S & W 22a1 they are both nice guns for the money. Cheap to fire and easy to keep clean. You have to watch what ammo you run thru them though as they sometimes jam up and get dirty quick but for the price they are good practice weapons.

luft97 | 01-06-2010 11:52 AM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Quote:
Originally Posted by ToBeSelfEvident (Post 2111238) I do tend to favor stuff that's simple, cheap, accurate, and reliable. The CZ rifle and Browning pistol look sweet. I think I'll concentrate first on choosing a rifle, since that's my main focus at this time.
Stick with the 10/22, you won't be sorry. You can spend as little or as much as you like modifying them, or pick up a target version like I did. It's as accurate as I can shoot. The browning is OK for a pistol. I still prefer the MK III Hunter: http://www.roostingthedunes.com/Temp...uger_mark3.jpg <SLV> the OP said he was going to an appleseed event. From what I know about appleseed you show up with semi auto rifles, not bolt actions. Can I ask you why you recommended the junk you did, downed the 10/22, but yet none of those "high recommendations" show up on your "Take it or Leave it Gun Shop" list? http://goldismoney.info/forums/showthread.php?t=435537 You even had the 10/22 on the gun shop list.

<SLV> | 01-06-2010 12:02 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Quote:
Originally Posted by luft97 (Post 2111339) Stick with the 10/22, you won't be sorry. You can spend as little or as much as you like modifying them, or pick up a target version like I did. It's as accurate as I can shoot. The browning is OK for a pistol. I still prefer the MK III Hunter: <SLV> the OP said he was going to go to an appleseed event. From what I know about appleseed you show up with semi auto rifles, not bolt actions. Can I ask you why you recommended the junk you did, downed the 10/22, but yet none of those "high recommendations" show up on your "Take it or Leave it Gun Shop" list? http://goldismoney.info/forums/showthread.php?t=435537 You even had the 10/22 on the gun shop list.
Sure, you may ask, but I'd prefer being treated a bit more kindly. 1. Never heard of "appleseed" before, so sorry I missed that. 2. I didn't recommend any Junk: CZ makes the finest .22 bolt gun I've ever handled; Savage has amazing accuracy and a great trigger out of the box, for a price nobody can touch. 3. The 10/22 is far and away the most practical tactical 22 carbine due to the plethora of aftermarket parts and high-capacity magazines. But I got the impression that the OP wasn't looking for tactical (as was the primary intent of my gun shop list), but instead was looking for an accurate plinker.

luft97 | 01-06-2010 12:31 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Quote:
Originally Posted by <SLV> (Post 2111359) Sure, you may ask, but I'd prefer being treated a bit more kindly. 1. Never heard of "appleseed" before, so sorry I missed that. 2. I didn't recommend any Junk: CZ makes the finest .22 bolt gun I've ever handled; Savage has amazing accuracy and a great trigger out of the box, for a price nobody can touch. 3. The 10/22 is far and away the most practical tactical 22 carbine due to the plethora of aftermarket parts and high-capacity magazines. But I got the impression that the OP wasn't looking for tactical (as was the primary intent of my gun shop list), but instead was looking for an accurate plinker. Any more questions? Pay attention and you might learn something ;)
The CZ is fine for someone who is wanting a bolt action .22LR, that would not be my first recommendation for someone who is going to purchase his first .22 rifle or if he was only going to have one .22. Sorry if that came off as rude, but the guy was asking for real first time advice on a .22, he isn't adding a 3rd to his collection. Even for survival a 10/22 will be leaps and bounds over any bolt action offering. If you are hunting small game, if you miss your first shot with a bolt gun you are most likely done. With a 10/22 you have a chance to pull of a second shot easily to bring home your meal. A 10/22 can be modified or purchased to be an accurate target gun, or you can make it into a tactical looking fun gun. http://appleseedinfo.org/index.htm

teedub31 | 01-06-2010 01:05 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? I bought a: Model 795 This rugged, economical 22 autoloader has the wide appeal that's made it a winner. The lightning-fast Model 795 features an 18" barrel, 10-shot clip magazine, and an automatic "last-shot" bolt hold-open. Its stock is black fiberglass-reinforced synthetic with molded-in checkering and swivel studs. It's fitted with an adjustable open rear sight and a ramp front sight. http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Images/photo_795.jpg http://www.marlinfirearms.com/images/btn_enlarge.gif nice shooting gun, except for the fact that it don't like the cheap ammo. Talked to a few dealers about the issues I had and asked if I shot high quality rounds like CCI Stingers out of it. Well I had and never had any problem. Both dealers I talked to about my issue (failure to feed or cycle) said the cheap 500 bricks of 22cal ammo you get at wally world are of such varying quality in each box. The loading standards to mass produce this cheap crap result in ammo that while the are not squibs, are not reliable enough power wise to make most auto loading 22 cals cycle correctly. The gun appears to jam when firing these rounds, when the truth is there is not enough energy produced in the firing of the ammo to drive the loading mechanism back far enough to be prepared for the next shot (kind of short cyling if you will). So long story short. Cheap bulk rounds will work for single shots and bolta actions, but my experience is to avoid them in you auto loaders.

illuminate10 | 01-06-2010 01:05 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Quote:
Originally Posted by luft97 (Post 2111339) The browning is OK for a pistol. I still prefer the MK III Hunter: http://www.roostingthedunes.com/Temp...uger_mark3.jpg
Ahhhh, there it is the MkIII Hunter with the fluted barrel that I alluded to in my post above...the precious. I need to pick it up.

teedub31 | 01-06-2010 01:13 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Quote:
Originally Posted by luft97 (Post 2111410) Even for survival a 10/22 will be leaps and bounds over any bolt action offering. If you are hunting small game, if you miss your first shot with a bolt gun you are most likely done. With a 10/22 you have a chance to pull of a second shot easily to bring home your meal.
It has been my experience with most hunters I have been around with in the last 25 years of hunting, that the 2nd shot (if speed is required that negates the use of a bolt action) almost always results in a miss. Sure there are guys that can make that second shot on the fly, but most folks are gonna miss and still come home empty handed. Autoloaders tends to make many hunters overly confident in themselves because they "always have a second shot" mentality. All hunter should be 1 shot 1 kill not gangsters throwing 10 rounds hoping that 1 or 2 find their mark. But that is just my opinion.

<SLV> | 01-06-2010 01:19 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Quote:
Originally Posted by teedub31 (Post 2111488) It has been my experience with most hunters I have been around with in the last 25 years of hunting, that the 2nd shot (if speed is required that negates the use of a bolt action) almost always results in a miss. Sure there are guys that can make that second shot on the fly, but most folks are gonna miss and still come home empty handed. Autoloaders tends to make many hunters overly confident in themselves because they "always have a second shot" mentality. All hunter should be 1 shot 1 kill not gangsters throwing 10 rounds hoping that 1 or 2 find their mark. But that is just my opinion.
I still hunt with my Winchester single shot bolt action with Simmons 22mag 4x32 scope (BEST rimfire scope hands down for only $35!). I don't plan on needing a second shot. I can tear one ragged hole at 50 yards with this rifle. PS - This rifle was my first gun. My dad gave it to me on my 13th birthday. He picked it up at a pawn shop for $50. May not seem like much, but at the time he was unemployed and we were living with my grandparents. I know it was a sacrifice for him. It is one of my favorite guns even though there are many finer rifles out there.

MetalMoney | 01-06-2010 07:30 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Oh, forgot to suggest for your Appleseed - Get good ammo! You are going to use 350 - 600 rounds that weekend. Most people have good luck with most of the CCI rounds. Standard velocity or MiniMags (I like the minimags.) Neither of these rounds have ever jammed in my 10/22). Your gun will be dirty when you're done, if you can keep from shooting crappy dirty soft lead bullets your gun should be a bit more accurate than it otherwise would be by Sunday afternoon. Walmart's about $10 / 100. $60 in ammo isnt bad if it will go bang everytime and keep your gun in decent shape during the event. Appleseeds rock. Every red-blooded American should attend one!

hoarder | 01-06-2010 07:53 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? If you want an accurate, scoped rugged rifle get a CZ 452. Mine is the most accurate rifle I have ever shot. The barrel is threaded to a steel receiver and is machined to accept scope rings without the "base" which requires tiny screws. This rifle will hold it's zero as long as the scope does not get bent. Get steel rings for it. Downside is availability of good rings that fit the CZ grooves. I ended up with $50 Leopold rings after trying two other kinds. I prefer the feel and handling of the Marlin 60 over the Ruger 10/22. Both have non- threaded barrels pressed into aluminum receivers. The 10/22 requires a "base" for scope mounting. Both are worth the price but not very suitable for mounting scopes as they are not designed to hold their zero. The Ruger has the disadvantage of a fat stock but the advantage of aftermarket parts availability, which is important since both have sub-par triggers. There is nothing wrong with the Ruger Single Six revolvers. I got rid of mine because I lost interest in single actions but sometimes I regret it. They are accurate and TOUGH. They hold their value and are excellent starter guns. They come with target sights and are fun to shoot and quieter than the Mark 2/3, although the trigger is not as good as the latter.

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ONG | 01-07-2010 01:19 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? The people that brag on the CZ 452 accuracy are not exaggerating. When you are at rimfirecentral.com go to the Black Death challenge. More BDC have been accomplished with a 452 than all other rifles put together. Remember the quote “One shot one kill.” Not sure how that changes things for an Appleseed shoot but I am sure that Fred would certainly agree.

____hoot____ | 01-07-2010 05:23 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? I'm an old fart, so my guns are old one's too. Both my 22s were probabally made in the 60s and bought used by me. I have a Ithica X15 semiauto 10 shot rifle that will shoot 1.5" ten shot 100 yard groups with the copper plated premium Winchesters it likes. I have a H&R Model 922 9 shot revolver[their cheapest one]all steel with a four inch barrel weighs 20 ounces, will group into 2" at 25 yards. Paid $60 for the revolver in a pawn shop, forgot on the rifle; but it was probabally about the same price again from a pawn shop[I'm cheap]. Both guns were very well made in the USA and will long outlive me; pity the companys that made them went under.

Lamentations | 01-07-2010 08:09 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? CZ 452 FS http://www.czub.cz/upload/cz-big/CZ_452-2E_ZKM_FS.png

Hellsbane | 01-07-2010 10:49 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? I prefer the " Squirrel Nut Zipper " 22 rifle. I don't know who makes it but it has a squirrel eating a nut carved into the grip. I love those rifles. Reasonable in price. Easy to maintain. Sturdy. Well, just an all round nice rifle.

J in AZ | 01-07-2010 11:30 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Quote:
Originally Posted by Lamentations (Post 2114164) CZ 452 FS http://www.czub.cz/upload/cz-big/CZ_452-2E_ZKM_FS.png
The CZ 452 can be ordered with beautiful wood!! There are threads over at rimfirecentral.com where owners post photos of their figured 452's, some are absolutely gorgeous. My CZ452 is a "trainer" model (a Lux with a plain beech stock), the hogback style stock on the trainers and the Lux (as pictured above) is perfect for use with their excellent iron sights.

ToBeSelfEvident | 01-08-2010 11:08 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? OK, I finally went rifle shopping. I liked the Marlin 39a, but at $550 it was more than I wanted to spend. It also had a long barrel that felt a little awkward, IMO. The M&P15-22 was just too hokey - it looked and felt like a kid's toy. Most of the bolt-actions in my price range seemed pretty clunky (note: the dealer did not have a CZ in .22). I looked at a lot of different Ruger 10/22 variations. Again, the black plastic & camo models just turned me off, but there was a very nice wooden stock/silver barrel 10/22. I probably should have bought it, but a couple things held me back - the need for a scope, might be picky about ammo, and from comments here and on the rimfire forum, the feeling that it wouldn't be quite right unless I put more money and effort into customizing it. I was hoping for something that felt complete right out of the box. I also felt that the gas-cycled action would require more cleaning and maint than a bolt or lever action. Really, the only thing that felt right was the Henry Golden Boy, but like the Marlin, it was out of my price range. Size, weight, sighting, balance, etc. all felt perfect. I liked that it wasn't fussy about ammo and can use shorts, longs, or LR. The lever action was smooth as silk, much better than any of the bolts and even better than the Marlin. The heavy barrel felt easy to keep on target. I could live without the "golden" brass geegaws, especially if TSHTF, but it sure looked purty. I looked at the standard Henry lever-action for $250, but you could see where they'd cut corners - not just the bluing vs. brass, but it had a plastic barrel band and I didn't like the sights at all. It also had a thinner, lighter barrel. So I was back to thinking about the Ruger 10/22 + scope, but then I spotted another Henry with the fat octagonal barrel of the Golden Boy, and at $350 it was in my price range. It also had the sights I really liked, metal barrel band, and beautiful wood. It's the Octagon Frontier Model H001T. The salesman told me they are 100% American-built (in Brooklyn, NY!), lifetime warranty, and great customer service - the President himself answers the phone and customer email. Cool. OK, I was sold. Everything I liked about the Golden Boy, at the right price, and minus the gay name. I found out the receiver is painted alloy, not blued steel, which kinda sucks, but I'm told it doesn't affect the (excellent) reliability. I certainly do not mind the tube magazine (holds 16 LR, 21 shorts), because I'm more of a "one-shot" type of shooter anyway (all my pellet guns are single-shot). And for $20 you can get a speedloader thing that lets you dump in 8 tubes of ammo quickly. I dunno if it's suitable for Appleseed, but I bought it for a lifetime, not for one weekend. It's no battle rifle, but is any .22? I think if/when I go heavier, it'll be to an M1 Garand. Or maybe I'll catch "Henry fever" and get one of their "Big Boy" rifles in .44 or .357 Magnum, to match my wheel gun ammo. Anyway, this should be good for starters, and it's something my wife and grandson will want to shoot. Thanks again for all the advice, even though I ended up following my own path. Does it seem like I gave too much importance to look and feel? A lot of rifles seemed a little soulless, but not this one, and it felt so good in my hands. That counts for a lot - a good tool should fit my hand. When I bring something into my home, I want to feel like it belongs there, and this does. Only one glitch - I didn't get to carry it home - the Federales wanted to do "further research" on the background check, and didn't approve it. I'm pretty sure it's because I got a new driver's license that same day. Or was it something I posted on GIM? Anyway, I'll have to check back middle of next week.

MetalMoney | 01-09-2010 12:29 AM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Glad you found a rifle you like. A quick tip for the Appleseed and a tube-fed 22.... Get a handful of the really thick straws from McDonalds or maybe Jack in the box. If you tape / staple one end, then make a quick way to reload when you're 'on the firing line' and trying to operate that long tube feed while everyone else is swapping out mags.

Big Country | 01-09-2010 08:13 AM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Glad you found a rifle you like! I must say that a .22 is my favorite gun. I LOVE shooting my .22's and everytime I look at getting a new gun I always look at .22's for some reason. I just can't get enough of them! I like the henry's and I think you got a nice rifle.. and as for the selling point about 100% USA made, Rugers are too. My next .22 purchase it going to be a Feather USA rifle I think, they just look too nifty to pass up. And at 3lbs and collapsible looks like the perfect rifle to backpacking/bugging out... http://www.guns-rifles-firearms.com/...es/Page389.htm

GoldWampum | 01-09-2010 11:01 AM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Quote:
Originally Posted by tyusclan (Post 2110568) Don't have any experience with the M&P15-22, but in a lower priced gun either a Ruger 10/22 or a Marlin model 60 would be a good choice. I have one of each, and I like the detachable magazine of the 10/22 (the Marlin is tube feed), but I actually like the way the Marlin handles and shoots better.
The 10/22 responds real well to stock bedding. It's easy and if you do it, it will outperform the marlin. I like both of those 22's myself, but do prefer the detachable clip. Large clips are available too.

GoldWampum | 01-09-2010 11:04 AM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Henry is always a good choice. I prefer semi in 22 however.

Ag_man | 01-09-2010 11:34 AM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Quote:
Originally Posted by GoldWampum (Post 2117074) Henry is always a good choice. I prefer semi in 22 however.
I really like the feel of the Golden Boy rifles, but never have shot one. My buddy had a pair of them for sale last year, one in .22 and a .22 Mag. Didn't buy them, as he wanted to sell both as a package and the price was too high, IMO. ! just bought a second 10/22 today, blued with synthetic stock. I think I'm going to leave this as factory stock, no mods. Plan to use it as a hunter. My other one in stainless, I've pimped up a bit, Volks trigger and extractor, folding stock, etc. More of a fun gun.

mk3hunter | 01-10-2010 01:17 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Hey glad you found your first love!! I dont have much faith in your ability to have just one .22!!!:bull-smile: long live the .22!!!

ToBeSelfEvident | 02-05-2010 10:46 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Update on the Henry H001T: http://www.impactguns.com/store/media/henry_h001t.jpg I've had the rifle for a few weeks, but a couple of health issues kept me off the range. I ended up getting the Henry for $315; the dealer took off 10% because there was a small scratch on the underside by the serial #. Today I took a variety of ammo to the range: bulk Federal, CCI CB Shorts, CCI Mini Mags, and some Remington shorts from Wally World. I put about 350 rounds through the Henry. The thick barrel heats up slowly but it stayed hot for quite a while and was still pretty warm when I got home and cleaned it. All the ammo worked without a hitch, but the Remington shorts were so dirty and stinky that I'm really glad they're gone. The CB Shorts were a lot of fun; with ear protection I could barely hear the report. The Mini Mags were excellent, but the bulk Federal worked just as well, very accurate and reliable. I'm very happy that this cheap ammo works so well in the Henry. I liked the smooth lever action. It was easier to cycle than a bolt-action and I was able to stay on target while working the lever. The trigger felt pretty good, a little stiff but should smooth out. The tube magazine was fine - 16 rounds goes quickly when blasting away, but with carefully aimed shots it lasts a good while. On the way out, I picked up some more bulk Federal and a box of Colibris (not the 500-fps Super Colibris, the 325-fps regular Colibri). I shot some in my garage at about 7 yards, into a steel-target pellet trap. Sweet! They are quieter than my .22 air rifle. They're supposed to be for handguns only, but work fine in the Henry. Only issue for Appleseed is, where do I attach a sling? I thought I'd just carry the rifle one-handed, but I didn't realize that the sling was not for carrying, but for aiming! :banghead:

FreeMyLand | 02-05-2010 11:03 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Sounds like your first range trip was a lot of fun. I love my Henrys, and I am constantly surprised at how well they shoot considering their low cost for a lever action 22. I feel your pain on the sling. I love lever guns - but many (excluding Marlin) do not come with a way to attach a sling. Cabelas makes a sling that might be worth a try. I haven't used one, but I am always planning on getting around to ordering one. If it doesn't work then you can always return it. The sling is here: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...823&hasJS=true http://images.cabelas.com/is/image/c...1?$main-Large$ The other method of carrying a lever would be a shotgun scabbard similar to this one: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MOLLE250-1.html http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd_i.../MOLLE-250.jpg If you end up getting the sling from Cabelas, let us know how it works.

ohioarmedneutrality | 02-05-2010 11:44 PM
Re: First .22 for an adult? I've got a Mossberg 702 Plinkster. It's a good, economical .22 and I was fortunate to buy a bunch of extra magazines extra cheap when my local Wally-world stopped selling them and put them on clearance. I recently bought a used Marlin Model 60, which is sweet rifle, but it is tube-fed, so as others have previously mentioned, probably not the best for an Appleseed shoot. The 10-22's seem nice and they certainly have plenty of accessories. You probably can't go wrong with a 10-22. And yes, buy plenty of ammo. You will go through it quickly!

nickelless | 02-06-2010 01:40 AM
Re: First .22 for an adult? Glad I noticed this thread. A .22LR is near the top of my want-list at the moment. Been buying boxes of .22LR ammo even though I don't have a long gun or a .22 revolver...yet. I was really impressed by the Taurus M94 revolver I saw at a gun show recently. I think it's a 9-shot.

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