Originally Posted by
mudgripz
Have owned or tested about 100 sporter 22s of most makes/models, and bench tested most at 50m with range of ammos. Had 5-6 ruger 10/22s and on average they were the least accurate make. Best of them averaged 1.04" over four consecutive 5 shot groups at 50m, but most 1.25 - 2". Occasional sub 1" groups but single groups never tell a rifle's story. Main problems I found were poor rifling, loose barrel pinning, or loose chambers.
Marlin semis a real surprise - basic rifles with very good barrels. Have had maybe a dozen and all but 2 (model 70s) shot under 0.5" at 50m at best, and averaged just above that. Most accurate standard barrel sporter 22s tested off the bench at 50m were both Marlin model 60s. Real shock for me. One averaged 0.29" over four 5 shot groups at 50m, and the other was a recent marlin 60 DLX - lovely wee rifle which averaged 0.39". Real sharpshooters. Love all things CCI. Most accurate at 100m was Norinco Em332 with 0.6" four group average at 100.
Occasional more accurate 10/22s around - esp earlier models when apparently Ruger outsourced barrels and fitted some good ones from Shilen etc, but stock the 10/22 accuracy is poor. One excellent ruger 22 is the model 96/22 - a lever action rifle much like the 10/22 and with similar flat fitting mags. Perfect learner 22 for young fellas and alot more accurate than the semi with a 0.7" 50m average. Model 96/22 ruger one of the best wee hunter 22s we've had.
Some buy the rugers to squirt ammo with multiple mag clips etc, but sooner or later most hunters start to prize accuracy. In this regard the stock marlin 60/75/795/990 etc semis are a class or two above the rugers off the bench and in the field for precision 100m bunny shooting. If you're into modding rimfires the 10/22 is the one to have - but - it'll cost you heaps and you won't get that money back when you sell it.