# Help me choose a .22 rifle. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 16, 2009, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597 "2009-01-16T15:00:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Cluricaun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bb73d2/32.png) [@Cluricaun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cluricaun)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2009, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597/41 "2009-01-17T04:25:07Z")
> [@Martini\_Enfield](#): > > Keep an eye out for military Training Rifles- most of the major militaries of WWI and WWII had .22 calibre versions of their service rifles (or something near enough) for teaching new recruits and cadets how to shoot. > > Generally, they’re single-shot affairs, but they’re usually very accurate, solidly built, and, of course, many of them look like a full-size military rifle (because they were converted from same). > > Not sure how common they are in the US, though… One of the things that I have and really dig is a Chinese made air rifle in .177 caliber that is an exact replica of an SKS. As the story goes the Chinese didn’t want to pay for ammo to train soldiers so they got them these air rifles instead. 1000 fps at .177 for $50 at a gun show is pretty sweet. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2009, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597/42 "2009-01-17T19:10:34Z")
> [@Cluricaun](#): > > You must have missed the post about the saving for an engagement ring. 😃 If she really loved you, she’d want you to have the gun! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Hockey\_Monkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a183cd/32.png) [@Hockey\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hockey_Monkey)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2009, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597/43 "2009-01-17T19:40:10Z")
Another vote for the Ruger 10/22. I’ve owned two of them through the years and wish I still had one. One was sold to raise funds when I was young, and one was sold to raise funds when I was leaving my ex-husband. My current apartment complex does not allow firearms on the property. I’ve used one both with and without a scope and with the standard 10 round clip and a 30 round clip. For target shooting and more fun time (rather than round loading time), I’d get a larger magazine for it. As noted, it’s easy to go through a whole lot of ammo with this gun. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597/44 "2009-01-18T06:10:46Z")
Damn this thread! It got me looking at .22 rifles. I couldn’t resist a new-in-box-with-papers (‘The first time out of the box was to take these pictures’) Winchester 9422. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 6:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597/45 "2009-01-18T06:55:04Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > Damn this thread! > > It got me looking at .22 rifles. I couldn’t resist a new-in-box-with-papers (‘The first time out of the box was to take these pictures’) Winchester 9422. Oooh, nice! I’ve been after one of those for a while, but they cost insane amounts of money here, unfortunately. Let us know how it shoots! ---
**Author:** ![Cluricaun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bb73d2/32.png) [@Cluricaun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cluricaun)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 7:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597/46 "2009-01-18T07:07:11Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > Damn this thread! > > It got me looking at .22 rifles. I couldn’t resist a new-in-box-with-papers (‘The first time out of the box was to take these pictures’) Winchester 9422. Sweet gun, same stock angle and pistol grip as the one that I was coveting but in a lever gun, those are just a ton of fun. Gun threads on the Dope will do that to you though. I can think of at least three guns I’ve just had to aquire based on posts here so far and my credit cards shake a little every time I open another one. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597/47 "2009-01-18T07:12:39Z")
> [@Martini\_Enfield](#): > > Oooh, nice! I’ve been after one of those for a while, but they cost insane amounts of money here, unfortunately. Let us know how it shoots! Tell me about it! But they went out of production in 2005, and the factory closed in 2006. (No more .30-30 Model 94s either.) Since they’re extremely popular and now have limited availability, if you want one you’re better get one soon. I don’t know if it would be less expensive to get one from the auction site and import it, or to find one already there. And thanks; it is nice! 🆒 (Checkered stock, BTW.) I wanted to buy one years ago, but never did. You know I like the Black Rifles, but darn it! Twenty-twos are just so much fun! ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597/48 "2009-01-18T07:14:55Z")
> [@Cluricaun](#): > > I can think of at least three guns I’ve just had to aquire based on posts here so far… As a precautionary measure, I’ve deleted the Ruger 10/22 International (the one with the Mannlicher stock) from my watch list. ---
**Author:** ![Cluricaun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bb73d2/32.png) [@Cluricaun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cluricaun)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 7:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597/49 "2009-01-18T07:27:58Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > As a precautionary measure, I’ve deleted the Ruger 10/22 International (the one with the Mannlicher stock) from my watch list. I need another 10/22 like I need a hole in the head, but that one got added to the list albiet back burner style. I’ll have an eye open at gun shows from now on in case I see one of those stocks available because a different 10/22 is cool, but that one is a throwback instead of some quasi olympic thumbhole cheek piece outrage or another boring Zytel folder from the future. That just has style to it and will get the good looks from the old guys at the range. Now anyone starting a thread about Smith & Wesson .38 Model 642 Airweights is really going to screw me into having to buy another pistol, so please don’t. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597/50 "2009-01-18T07:36:17Z")
Thanks to the link you posted earlier, I’ve signed up to be notified when the International stocks are available. Of course, as I said my 10/22 is the stainless one with the longer barrel. So after I get the stock I’ll have to get another 10/22 (blue, standard barrel). Fortunately, they’re cheap. ---
**Author:** ![Cluricaun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bb73d2/32.png) [@Cluricaun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cluricaun)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597/51 "2009-01-18T07:40:07Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > Thanks to the link you posted earlier, I’ve signed up to be notified when the International stocks are available. Of course, as I said my 10/22 is the stainless one with the longer barrel. So after I get the stock I’ll have to get another 10/22 (blue, standard barrel). Fortunately, they’re cheap. And plentiful. There’s a Gander Mountain down the road from here where you can pick up a used one that has the barrel blown out for less than $100. For another $200 you can build a sweet shooter that could, in theory, be sold for a greater sum that the parts. I swear that I’m one FFL fee away from quitting my job. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 8:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597/52 "2009-01-18T08:05:21Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > Tell me about it! But they went out of production in 2005, and the factory closed in 2006. (No more .30-30 Model 94s either.) Since they’re extremely popular and now have limited availability, if you want one you’re better get one soon. I don’t know if it would be less expensive to get one from the auction site and import it, or to find one already there. They’re available here, but they cost a lot more than I’m likely to be able to afford anytime soon. FWIW, I used to have a Model 94 .30-30 and it was crap. So inaccurate I might as well have run up to the target and hit it with the butt, it kicked like a mule, and it was painful to fire. I have, however, heard very good things about the Marlin 336 and they feel comfortable when I’ve played with them in gunshops. If I get another .30-30, I’ll probably go with the Marlin over another Winchester, but unless the job and finances situation improves that’s still likely to be a long, long time away yet. ---
**Author:** ![Amp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Amp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amp)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597/53 "2009-01-18T11:52:55Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > And thanks; it is nice! 🆒 (Checkered stock, BTW.) I wanted to buy one years ago, but never did. You know I like the Black Rifles, but darn it! Twenty-twos are just so much fun! Why choose between the two? I haven’t personally handled one but I hear nothing but rave reviews about the [GSG 5](http://demigodllc.com/articles/gsg-5-mp5-in-22-lr/). > [@Cluricaun](#): > > Now anyone starting a thread about Smith & Wesson .38 Model 642 Airweights is really going to screw me into having to buy another pistol, so please don’t. 🆒 Well, I wont start a thread about it but I did pick up one back in November. It has become my main carry gun. So small it just slides in your pocket, so light you barely feel it. The only drawback is that after 20 to 30 rounds your hand really starts to feel it so it isn’t really something you want to take to the range for fun. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597/54 "2009-01-18T16:08:45Z")
My dealer is going TDY on the 25th; so he can receive the rifle (I’m not sure how that works – maybe his wife is an ‘employee’?) but he won’t be there to transfer it to me for four weeks. I’ve emailed another dealer, and there are others in the area. **Amp** : Yes, that one’s been on the list for a little while. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![wsbenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b38774/32.png) [@wsbenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wsbenge)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597/55 "2009-01-18T16:47:38Z")
About any gun will kill hogs. Just get one you are comfortable with. I currently have a Ruger semi auto .22. A pistol will do the job, but it is easy to get careless. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597/56 "2009-01-18T17:23:33Z")
One thing to remember about Ruger .22 semi-automatic pistols: They can be finicky about ammo. After experiencing some feed problems three years ago with my Ruger Mk.II and Remington ammunition, I called Ruger. Ruger said that their Mk.II pistols all have ‘target chambering’, which has tighter tolerances than the ‘sport chambering’ they use in their rifles. I haven’t run out of Remington yet, so I haven’t tried the ammo they recommended. (And I’ve forgotten what it was. Had an ‘X’ in it.) As I mentioned before, a handgun is probably OK for killing hogs (unless you need the extra energy from the longer barrel). But if I were to choose a Mk.II to do the job, I’d be very sure I was using the brand of ammo it likes. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597/57 "2009-01-18T22:03:37Z")
[Here](http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/67/l_2b18142c4b34d44cc7b66d3627c9d50a.jpg) is a pic of my 10/22. ---
**Author:** ![Unregistered\_Bull](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/3da27b/32.png) [@Unregistered\_Bull](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unregistered_Bull)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2009, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597/58 "2009-01-19T00:45:05Z")
10/22 if you have to have a semi. Marlin or Savage both make good cheap bolt guns. May I suggest [Rimfirecentral.com](http://Rimfirecentral.com) for your perusal? ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2009, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597/59 "2009-01-19T00:49:42Z")
I just want to make it clear that I have had ZERO feed issues with the 10/22. It’s the pistol with the tight chamber. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2009, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597/60 "2009-01-19T01:38:44Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > One thing to remember about Ruger .22 semi-automatic pistols: They can be finicky about ammo. After experiencing some feed problems three years ago with my Ruger Mk.II and Remington ammunition, I called Ruger. Ruger said that their Mk.II pistols all have ‘target chambering’, which has tighter tolerances than the ‘sport chambering’ they use in their rifles. I haven’t run out of Remington yet, so I haven’t tried the ammo they recommended. (And I’ve forgotten what it was. Had an ‘X’ in it.) > > As I mentioned before, a handgun is probably OK for killing hogs (unless you need the extra energy from the longer barrel). But if I were to choose a Mk.II to do the job, I’d be very sure I was using the brand of ammo it likes. The shooting club I’m a Range Officer at uses Ruger 22/45s and Ruger Mk II .22 pistols as “Club Guns” for members to use, and have found them to be surprisingly tolerant of different ammunition. The only real problems we have with them is lead fouling (and the guns wearing out from over-use, of course). Fun Fact: The Ruger Mk II and 22/45 handguns are based on the Japanese [Nambu service pistol](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nambu_pistol) Also, the ammunition you’re thinking of might be Winchester Super-X. I tend to use CCI “Stinger” .22 or Winchester “Bushman” ammo for most of my .22 shooting, FWIW. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-choose-a-22-rifle/481597.md?page=4)