Author Topic: .22 mag rifle opinion Please! (Read 4710 times)

Gene R · « **on:** January 16, 2012, 02:05:59 AM »

Who is making the best bolt action or semi-auto 22mag rifle (to be scoped) for under $500? The intended purpose would be for close range coyote hunting (under 150 yards). I dont want a .223 or any other center fire, I will be shooting flat on the ground, and I'm not interested in a .17 HMR.

Thanks
Gene

STUMPJMPR · « **Reply #1 on:** January 16, 2012, 03:31:08 AM »

I used to have a Marlin 25MN. It was a great gun. I lost it in a flood. I've killed a yote and a hog with it. I would limit it to 100 yard gun though.

hillbill · « **Reply #2 on:** January 16, 2012, 03:43:41 AM »

i recently traded for a 783 marlin bolt rifle. im not happy with it at all so far. ive only had a couple range sessions with it so far. at 100 yrds with cci ammo im gettin 6 to 12" inch groups. ill try a couple more brands of ammo and if it does not line out ill just trade it off.

351 power · « **Reply #3 on:** January 16, 2012, 08:23:43 AM »

i have had a remington model 5 witch is a zastava 5 import for several yrs now. it is a 22lr and it is accurate, reliable with no plastic except the buttplate. i would buy the 22mag with no hesitation

Ladobe · « **Reply #4 on:** January 16, 2012, 10:10:12 AM »

Don't know about any new models, but the best 22MAG bolt rifle I ever owned was a Mossberg 640K Chuckster I got used in the early 70's (with 5 clips). Very reliable, very accurate and despite the opions of some folks about Mossberg's it had a great trigger. They can still be found, usually for $150-$200 or less, although it may be hardre to find extra clips for them now.

Another option would be a TC Contender carbine/rifle that would also be very reliable and accurate.

L.

Graybeard · « **Reply #5 on:** January 16, 2012, 06:02:48 PM »

Ya know Larry that's the rifle I requested for CHRISTmas one year as a teen. What I got was a Marlin instead. At the time I was major disappointed cuz I wanted that Mossberg.

Over time I came to realize I got just as good as it was a really accurate rifle and one I wish I still owned by like so many hundreds of others that have passed thru my hands it's long gone and I don't even know when/where/how.

I won't say it's the best but will say I've owned other Marlin 22 mags since and still own one today. Never had one yet that wouldn't put five in an inch at 100 yards when equipped with a good scope and using the ammo it prefers of course assuming I do my part which admittedly I don't always do. Most times I've found the original load by Winchester of the 40 grain JHP shoots as well as any.

I can't say I've ever missed taking a critter I shot at it cuz of the fact it was a Marlin. That's not to say I've not missed a time or three but no way can I blame it on the rifle or ammo. They both do just fine.

I think you are a bit optimistic tho about coyotes at 150 with the 22 magnum unless you can put it in the brain. That's stretching the limits of the round in my opinion.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #6 on:** January 16, 2012, 06:21:49 PM »

I have two 22mag rifle.
A Marlin 882. nice rifle, great accuracy with the lighter bullets. Had a 4X on it for years that bent when the rifle slid down the wall. For many years it wore a 3-9 Bushnell Banner, I took it off ot mount a new scope and liked the open sights.
Don't over look a handy. I bought one for night time coyote and put a cheap red dot on it. Worked well
I now have a Weaver 4X38 on it and it has worked well as a fast rifle. believe it or not when shooting alot the single shot was faster over 50 rounds then the magazine marlins my friends were using. We were tasked with cleaning out a horse rescue farm of rabbits.
With that said. If I had to buy another. A CZ 452 American would be on the list with a 4 or 6X Weaver or a 3-9X38 Weaver.
Maybe a CZ 452 FS and leave the open sights.

Ladobe · « **Reply #7 on:** January 16, 2012, 10:02:11 PM »

Bill, I think just about any of the bolt 22MAG rifles made back then would be pretty good choices. I've always had a flair for the ones not as commonly seen though. That 640K saw a ton of use during the 20 odd years that I owned it. I started with a new Weaver V-22 scope on it, but upgraded when I found that the rifle was capable of more than the V-22 was. My main use for it was for diggers at far longer ranges than the 22LR's were reliable at.

Never shot coyotes with a 22MAG (but I have with 22LR in close). Have also shot them and fox well beyond 150 yards with my 17HMR's, including my Marlin 17VS I dolled up as soon as they came out with a target trigger, BKL mounts, bedded, lapped and 2 custom shortened clips. It's a tackdriver, and is more than enough firepower for predators as it is capable of very well placed shots well below 1/2 MOA with its two preferred ammo's. Longest bobkitty opportunity I had with the 17VS was only about 85 yards, but it one-shot anchored it as well. And all that from one of the bents who beat the drum the loudest when the 17HMR was coming out that it was not a predator cartridge.

A Mossberg 640K Chuckster 22MAG

My Marlin 17VS 17HMR

Bugflipper · « **Reply #8 on:** January 16, 2012, 10:48:08 PM »

I like cz they tend to be very accurate. http://www.cz-usa.com/products/by-category/rifles/

Those old mossbergs were fine shooters. You can't wear out a rimfire barrel from shooting so as long as the previous owners didn't damage them with cleaning rods they should be in good shape today, if you see one on a shelf somewhere.

ironglow · « **Reply #9 on:** January 16, 2012, 11:27:59 PM »

I have a terrible habit of after having gotten some game with a gun, I pass it on to my son or grand kids. I have had several .22 mags and since friends often ask me to do initial sighting in, I have had experience with others. Probably until now, the best shooters I had in .22 mag were the Anschutz 141M. Back in the 70s the Marlins would put out pretty decent groups also. However, when friends asked me which one to buy, if they couldn't or didn't want to afford the Anschutz's, I suggested the Mossberg 640K, simply because of the ones I had sighted in. The old Mossberg rimfires had a good (and well deserved) reputation for accuracy.
About 3 years ago, I went to a gun show with some of my German cutlery and swapped for a Marlin 982L..the one with the pretty cinnamon laminate stock. I never could get that rifle to print right...lucky to get 5 rounds in side 1.75-2" @ 50 yards, I floated the barrel..tried other scopes & mounts etc still no improvement deided to forget any more .22 mags because accuracy is a "crap shoot" with them. I REALLY missed my Anschutz.

....Swapped the Marlin for a Savage 93, bull barrel .17HMR w/accutrigger...that gun is so accurate, I couldn't help but be impressed.
About a year ago, I was visiting a local gun shop..there sat a new 'bottom of the line', Savage 93F w/accutrigger. One look at the tag..I handed over $179 + tax, and it went home with me. I don't miss my Anschutz any more..this .22 mag will shoot right along with the Anschutz (likes WW & Hornady V-max). I do consider the accutrigger to be a real asset.
My NEF sportster in .22 mag shows some decent groups (best with WW ammo)..and the .17HMR barrel is very good.
Just my experience..yours could differ..
BTW: I had a Marlin 880SQ which I gave to my grandson..the rifle shoots with the BEST of them. I likes CCI standards real well. Remember though; like .22LR, the .22 mag should be tried with a variety of ammos.

Ladobe · « **Reply #10 on:** January 17, 2012, 07:02:54 AM »

Quote from: Bugflipper on January 16, 2012, 10:48:08 PM

...You can't wear out a rimfire barrel from shooting so as long as the previous owners didn't damage them with cleaning rods they should be in good shape today, if you see one on a shelf somewhere.

No doubt more bores are ruined by improper and over cleaning than anything else, whether with rods or snakes, but especially the small bores that are easier to damage and usually are cleaned way too often.

I have "shot out" the barrels on rimfires, not from damage cause by cleaning or other causes, but simply from the 10's, maybe 100's of thousands of rounds fired thru some of them. As a kid born and raised on a ranch, the rimfires saw daily use, and constant use after I left home. Two Winchesters come immediately to mind that were handed down to me in the early mid 50's. They had both been "ranch rifles" used by my family for decades before I got them, but were still fine and accurate shooters. The 1906 (c 1914) I relined twice before it started to spit lead and I had to retire it, the 1890 (c 1901) was on its third liner but still not spitting lead when I sold it. The decades of use before they were given to me probably took their toll, and I just finished off the original bores. But I'm sure I put far more rounds thru them than my family had all the years before they became mine. The liners didn't hold up anywheres near as well as the original bores did.

My Ruger OM Super Bearcat I bought new in 1971 is the one I expected to get shot out next, as its seen many 10's of thousands of rounds fired in it. After I retired and moved to St. George it got shot almost daily, and on more days than not up to a brick or more of ammo. Being bought up old school the 22 rimfires don't get cleaned for months on end, sometimes even years unless they are being semi retired to storage or sold. Can't remember the last time I cleaned the Bearcat, but it was while still living in St. George, and I left there almost 14 years ago. Mainly because it hasn't been shot much since. But it still shot just fine and right where I pointed it the last time I shot it here, so it will be up to somebody else to finish shooting it out.

Rex in OTZ · « **Reply #11 on:** January 21, 2012, 04:15:41 PM »

Only have 2 long guns in .22Mag, neither a boltaction, very pleased with both.
One a Stevens and the other a Taurus, I seen Taurus catches a bad rap, but the #72 Carbine has been a solid performer thats not given me any grief at all, sofar it performs very well in below zero temps of NW Arctic Alaska.

If I had $400 burning a hole in my pocket to purchase another .22mag, I think I'd go looking at used guns.
I know Marlin makes a really good boltaction and lever rifle's and so did Mossburg, and some the other .22mag rimfires out there, Its just I kinda like somthing diffrent, if its a Pump its gotta be a Carbine if its a semi, its gotta be a clever design out of europe.
or if its to be worked hard and perform (Hunting gun) get a Browning or Winchester
Winchester 9422 .22mag, Browning BL.22Mag or BP.22mag
Ruger 96/22 leveraction, Ruger 10/22mag
BRNO CZ 611, H&K300, fellow up at Noatak AK has very high opinion of this rifle.

Ron 1 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 23, 2012, 01:27:53 AM »

i gotta vote for the marlin 25 mn 22 mag with a 3x9 40mm scope
rw

Drilling Man · « **Reply #13 on:** January 25, 2012, 04:55:50 AM »

Best semi auto 22WMR i've owned to date is my Rem. 597M. It's been totally reliable and quite accurate over the several years i've now owned it.

If needed, i'd buy another in a heart beat.

DM

ironglow · « **Reply #14 on:** January 25, 2012, 06:36:31 AM »

Quote from: Drilling Man on January 25, 2012, 04:55:50 AM

Best semi auto 22WMR i've owned to date is my Rem. 597M. It's been totally reliable and quite accurate over the several years i've now owned it.

If needed, i'd buy another in a heart beat.

DM

..............................................................................................
I don'y believe you can buy a new 597 in .22 mag. As with the Ruger 10/22M and many attempted .22 mag autos which have been tried, there must be a reason..

Drilling Man · « **Reply #15 on:** January 25, 2012, 07:04:00 AM »

Quote from: ironglow on January 25, 2012, 06:36:31 AM

Quote from: Drilling Man on January 25, 2012, 04:55:50 AM
Best semi auto 22WMR i've owned to date is my Rem. 597M. It's been totally reliable and quite accurate over the several years i've now owned it.

If needed, i'd buy another in a heart beat.

DM
..............................................................................................
I don'y believe you can buy a new 597 in .22 mag. As with the Ruger 10/22M and many attempted .22 mag autos which have been tried, there must be a reason..

The Rugers had problems and were pulled from the market, not so with the Remingtons. Perhaps they weren't selling enough to keep them cataloged though? I have no idea if they are still available.

DM

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #16 on:** January 25, 2012, 08:00:09 AM »

Quote from: Drilling Man on January 25, 2012, 07:04:00 AM

Quote from: ironglow on January 25, 2012, 06:36:31 AM
Quote from: Drilling Man on January 25, 2012, 04:55:50 AM
Best semi auto 22WMR i've owned to date is my Rem. 597M. It's been totally reliable and quite accurate over the several years i've now owned it.

If needed, i'd buy another in a heart beat.

DM
..............................................................................................
I don'y believe you can buy a new 597 in .22 mag. As with the Ruger 10/22M and many attempted .22 mag autos which have been tried, there must be a reason..

The Rugers had problems and were pulled from the market, not so with the Remingtons. Perhaps they weren't selling enough to keep them cataloged though? I have no idea if they are still available.

DM

I remember H&K making a semi auto 22 mag. I thik it was reliable with the 40 grain bullets but the price was huge at the time. I think it was $250 at a time wehn the 10/22 was $66 in the early to mid 80's
When I got home today I looked up the H&K in the Blue book. It is a model 300 and Holly mole is it expensive!

LanceR · « **Reply #17 on:** January 25, 2012, 11:58:20 AM »

If I were to buy one today it would be a Savage BRJ.

Lance

ironglow · « **Reply #18 on:** January 25, 2012, 04:20:40 PM »

Quote from: LanceR on January 25, 2012, 11:58:20 AM

If I were to buy one today it would be a Savage BRJ.

Lance

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The Savage is an excellent choice...but here's another possibility:
http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/CZ-455-Varmint/

Drilling Man · « **Reply #19 on:** January 26, 2012, 04:18:15 AM »

I also have an Henry lever in 22WMR that i like, but i haven't scoped it to see just how accurate it really is. It feeds and fires very nicely, and seems pretty accurate from the informal shooting that i've done with it.

DM

ldgorby · « **Reply #20 on:** January 26, 2012, 06:48:14 AM »

I have a savage model 93 FVSS heavy barrrel/accutrigger with a nikon 3x9x40 BDC on top. The ammo it like is the win. supreme 34 gn hp. Deadly on small game and tight groups at 100 yds. The BDC reticle works fantastic and is as advertised.

chefjeff · « **Reply #21 on:** January 26, 2012, 07:38:48 AM »

Cz 512 and 455

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #22 on:** January 26, 2012, 07:50:00 AM »

A Ruger M77-22mag is a very nice rifle , The one I shot was a tack driver . It was SS 26 inch bbl with a laminated stock. Used it was around 400 dollars. Its like shooting a full sized gun.

Keith L · « **Reply #23 on:** January 26, 2012, 12:58:48 PM »

Quote from: SHOOTALL on January 26, 2012, 07:50:00 AM

A Ruger M77-22mag is a very nice rifle , The one I shot was a tack driver . It was SS 26 inch bbl with a laminated stock. Used it was around 400 dollars. Its like shooting a full sized gun.

Most of them could use a trigger job, but are good rifles.

bkraft · « **Reply #24 on:** January 26, 2012, 01:49:04 PM »

Not to hijack anything, but has anyone tried the Henry Punp? That looks interesting.

Drilling Man · « **Reply #25 on:** January 26, 2012, 02:10:31 PM »

Quote from: bkraft on January 26, 2012, 01:49:04 PM

Not to hijack anything, but has anyone tried the Henry Punp? That looks interesting.

I tried one in 22WMR, it had serious problems and i ended up sending it back to Henry. It kept misfireing, and when it did fire it locked up the action, what a POS! Henry really didn't want to replace it, saying they would MUCH rather i'd take a lever in mag., and so i did. The lever is a GREAT rifle, that works perfectly.

I hear the LR models are much better...

Last i heard, Henry was makeing some internal chaqnges to their pump guns.

DM

ironglow · « **Reply #26 on:** January 26, 2012, 04:34:57 PM »

Includes spiral grooved bull barrel & accutrigger free.. MSRP ..$478

jcn59 · « **Reply #27 on:** January 26, 2012, 07:46:42 PM »

I had a low-end Savage .22 mag. that shot really well. I now have a semi auto H&R 700 that I have shot some sub-minute groups with. It's a full sized all steel rifle that always functions perfectly. I also have a 597M that shot a couple sub-minute groups & it always shoots perfectly. When the game hunting seasons close, I like to carry the 597 for the occasional coyote, it's light and easy to load.

Best rimfire group (3 shot) I ever shot was with a $250. Henry and good ammo. Under 1/8" at 50 yards. 1X.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #28 on:** January 27, 2012, 01:01:25 AM »

Quote from: ironglow on January 26, 2012, 04:34:57 PM

Includes spiral grooved bull barrel & accutrigger free.. MSRP ..$478

The hammer fordging process leaves the sprial on the bbl so in reality leaving it that way should save cost. BUT most charge for it MARKETING .............

ironglow · « **Reply #29 on:** January 28, 2012, 01:53:16 PM »

Quote from: SHOOTALL on January 27, 2012, 01:01:25 AM

Quote from: ironglow on January 26, 2012, 04:34:57 PM
Includes spiral grooved bull barrel & accutrigger free.. MSRP ..$478

The hammer fordging process leaves the sprial on the bbl so in reality leaving it that way should save cost. BUT most charge for it MARKETING .............

...................................................................................................
I don't believe those are grooves from hammer forging. Hammer forging is done over a rifled mandrill. This note, taken from the Savage website says their rimfires are "button rifled", which of course means drawing a "button' through the bore.
If you look closely at the photo, you will see the grooves are not all the same..looks more like the equally spaced grooving done on aftermarket barrels for the 10/22.