Thread: .22lr rifles when did it become ok that they were all just crap?

Originally Posted by gundoc

Based on your requirements, and on my 50 years of gunsmithing experience, I would suggest the following in bolt action: CZ 452, Ruger M77/22, and possibly Ruger American. In semi-auto there is only one rifle that will give a lifetime of trouble-free service (subject to normal maintenance) and that is the Ruger 10/22. I must also state that none of these rifles will give you what you want 'out of the box'. All of them will require some relatively minor tuning (well under $100) but the result will be a thoroughly reliable rifle with accuracy of at least 1/2" at 50 metres. The Sako Quad gives the appearance of quality manufacture but it is not a good design and is grossly overpriced in relation to rifles that will out perform it. The rifles I suggested will not need the attention of a gunsmith in your lifetime apart from the initial tune. They are all well designed and of quality materials, but just need a minor tweak to bring out their best. Most other rifles will eventually need repairs and/or replacement parts. Some people spend big bucks on buying after-market barrels, triggers, etc (especially with the 10/22) but the reality is that the original parts are perfectly good with some skilled attention, and are quite capable of the requirements you seek. The Ruger rotary magazine is miles ahead of any other magazine for reliability. Back in the 1920's to 1950's there was no shortage of skilled workmen in the firearms industry, but today that situation is reversed. Not only are there almost no skilled workmen in the industry, but the majority of them are, at best, process workers. That is why virtually all modern firearms require some precision handwork to bring out their best.

The Ruger is in general rubbish and has been outsold by the Marlin semi action worldwide by somewhere between 1:2 and 1:3 times. The Ruger magazine is a good design but not the best when teamed up with a semi auto as it is renowned for clogging up with blow back gases. To get Rugers shooting OK will cost you a lot more than $100 with todays gunsmithing rates.

If you want a nice semi look out for a Marlin 60 DLX. @sneeze has a very nice example and they do not cost the earth.