I'm looking for some guidance on choosing a .22LR rifle. It'll just be for plinking and range use. I haven't had a .22 rifle since I was a kid and my eyesight was a lot better. I don't really care if it's a bolt action, semi-auto or lever action but I'm looking for one with good iron sights, although I may end up mounting a scope at some point. I'd also prefer a gun that's not child-sized. Other than that, I don't have any preferences. I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

Best value these days is the CZ455. I like the varmint models, as they have heavy barrels, but no sights. They have other models with sights. Quality rifles, made like their heavier caliber brothers, but in .22 caliber

Try the triggers whenever you get the chance, CZ are good/very good right from the factory. Also, the CZ .22’s are OK to dry fire.

Ruger 10/22 TD is my choice. Be prepared to "Barbie" up the rifle.

The CZ's are a great choice if you want a bolt action rifle. All around if you only have one 22lr it's pretty hard to beat a Ruger 10/22, nearly infinitely customizable, reasonably priced, and commonly available.

There are a number of excellent 22 rifles. Many of them fit specific purposes and niches. I'd still argue for a 10/22 as the best all around.

quote:

Originally posted by bobandmikako:
I'm looking for some guidance on choosing a .22LR rifle. It'll just be for plinking and range use. I haven't had a .22 rifle since I was a kid and my eyesight was a lot better. I don't really care if it's a bolt action, semi-auto or lever action but I'm looking for one with good iron sights, although I may end up mounting a scope at some point. I'd also prefer a gun that's not child-sized. Other than that, I don't have any preferences. I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

CZ 455 Trainer, or 452 Lux if you can find one New Old Stock.

Most of the sights on rimfires these days are junk.

I can take the factory tangent sights on my 452 out to 200 yards on milk jugs with no problems. And shoot squirrels in the head out to 50 yards.

CZs are also built with the quality of a centerfire, whereas many rimfires feel like toys.

I have numerous 22 rifles and the CZ is leaps and bounds better than the rest.

If you are looking for a fun plinker, look into the S&W 15-22. I have yet to have someone shoot one of mine and not fall in love with it.

Henry, marlin 39a, cz trainer, cz 512.

I love my 10/22.

quote:

Originally posted by Factor8:
If you are looking for a fun plinker, look into the S&W 15-22. I have yet to have someone shoot one of mine and not fall in love with it.

I have had multiple people borrow mine and say that they were heading straight to the gun store to buy one. At least one I saw again later and they DID go and buy one. The S&W 15/22 is a first choice for anyone with AR-15's and wanting less expensive practice rifles. I still think "all-around" the 10/22 is the best for hunting etc etc etc. But good point about the S&W 15/22 maybe being the most FUN 22lr around!

Ruger 10/22, American Rimfire, or CZ455 series

A Marlin 60 and a Ruger 10/22

I'll add to the CZ crowd. I have an American in 22lr, a precision trainer in 22lr, a scout in 22lr, a varmint in 17hmr and a 452 in 22mag

For a bolt action, I’d go CZ of some type. I really like my CZ 455 Varmit, but’s its a 17HMR with no open sights.

For a semi, it’s a toss up for me between a Ruger 10/22 and the M&P 15-22. The Ruger is a little more traditional, it’s nice to have the ten round mags tucked up into the stock and that helps when shooting from a rest. The 15-22 works great and is more user friendly with the mag release and such.

Both can be modified, both can have 10 to 25rd magazines. My Ruger has a full Volquartsen kit and I added an ALG trigger to the 15-22.

Get a CZ 455 if you want a fancier, high quality tack driver.

Get a Ruger 10/22 if you want something that you can customize the hell out of, and that can fill any role.

Get a S&W M&P 15-22 if you want a fun plinker that will put a grin on the face of anyone who shoots it, and that can be set up like your defensive rifle for cheap training.

Marlin 60. Best bang for the bucks.

Don’t have much to add that everyone hasn’t said already.

Bolt - CZ455. You can get ridiculous accuracy from this rifle with some mods

Semi auto - Ruger 10/22. 10/22 has been around forever and there are too many parts available for it. If you want rock solid reliability (after some minor tweaks), this is it.

Thanks everyone for all of the suggestions! I'll start looking around at what's available on Monday. I'm thinking of getting a basic 10/22 for plinking and if I end up wanting to do more target shooting, then I'll look to a CZ. From what I can tell on Ruger's website, the 10/22 has a gold bead front sight and those usually work pretty well for me.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bobandmikako,

How about a Browning BL-22 Lever action and put a Skinner rear peep on? Certainly a more expensive option, but those things are slick and the rear peep makes them unbelievably fun to shoot. -- who doesn't like working a lever action?

I love my CZ452 very much.

10/22 is great for customizing.

I watched some Biathlon yesterday and now I really want an Anshutz.

Of all the .22 rifles I have, my favorites are:
Henry lever action Frontier Octagon 20" H001T model. Super smooth action, very accurate, buckhorn rear and gold bead front sights. Beautiful little lever gun.
Ruger 10-22, one has wood stock and iron sights, the other has a Hogue stock bull barrel and scope. Both have custom triggers. Both are just FUN rifles.
I picked up a mint Remington 581 magazine fed bolt action like I had years ago. Mounted an old Weaver scope on it and walk the woods with it shooting squirrels and plinking. My sons have similar rifles we found and it's made for some great memories.