The .22 bolt action rifle has been around for over a century. The ammunition used, .22LR, makes these guns very inexpensive and easy to use. Today, shooters have a choice between bolt action rimfire rifles, lever actions, and semi-automatic .22 rifles. Whatever type you buy; a .22 rifle makes a great weapon to use when teaching new shooters. Shooting targets is a great use of a .22 and beginners can work on honing their firing skills. There are many brands and types of .22 action rifles on the market today. Choosing one depends on the shooter, and for what purpose he or she will use the gun.
Features to Consider
When looking for semi-automatic 22 rifles or other types of .22s, think about the sorts of features you might want. These may include things like accuracy, safety, and price. For varmint and small game shooting you might want a gun with optics, so you have a better chance of hitting your target at longer ranges. Precision shooting can not be undervalued when hunting. .22 rifles are not recommended for big game. Safety is also important. Some .22 bolt actions have extra safeties or ambidextrous ones so both left and right-handed shooters can easily engage them. Everyone usually thinks about the price. If you want a gun to take to the range and shoot occasionally or to hunt varmints during the annual two-week trip to grandma’s farm, you likely don’t need one with all the bells and whistles. Every shooter is different and you may want to consider whether your shooting style is better suited with semi-automatic .22 rifles or with regular single-shot rifles.
The Round
The .22LR found gives you good accuracy out to about 150 years. Since the .22LR is a rimfire cartridge, without a centrally located primer, the rounds will not provide the same degree of certainty a centerfire cartridge offers. The impact energy, related to feet per second out of the barrel, of a .22LR, while adequate for varmint shooting, is substantially less than a regular rifle round. For example, the NATO 5.56 round has almost 14 times the foot-pounds of energy a .22LR round has.
Savage Arms 64 FXP
Exceptionally low prices, this .22 has a detachable box magazine that holds ten rounds. Although not fancy, most find this a great “plinker” gun for backyard target shooting or for teaching someone to shoot a rifle. The 64 FXP comes with an accuracy enhancing scope, great for varmint hunting at longer ranges.
CZ 455 American
The CZ 455 comes with lots of additional features and add-ons. You can purchase one with interchangeable barrels for .22LR or .17 HRM ammunition. Great for hunters, experts consider this one of the highest quality guns of its type on the market. The 455 American has an adjustable trigger with a hammer-forged barrel for greater accuracy. The five-round magazine is slightly less than some .22 bolt actions, but most varmint hunters and target shooters will not find this much of an impediment.
Ruger 10-22 Carbine
The Ruger 10/22 has been one of the most popular .22 bolt action rifle for over 50 years. It has achieved almost legendary status amongst gun owners. The gas blowback system gives the shooter an excellent, rapid pace when taking shots. Of the many models to chose from, if you like to add accessories to your guns, the tactical version comes with a Picatinny rail. Ruger also makes youth models with shorter barrels. All models come with a positive safety.
Browning BL-22
The Browning BL-22, a lever-action rifle, is known for its accuracy. The lever action has a very short throw, allowing the shooter to fire more rapidly than many other brands. This Browning, although it does not come out of the box with a scope, has a grooved receiver to make mounting the scope of your choice easier. Aesthetically, the BL-22 exudes quality. The blued receiver and barrel finish, matched with the dark walnut stock makes it very pleasing to the eye. Although a bit pricey compared to others, the obvious quality and workmanship put into the gun make it a good option for many.
Marlin Model 60
The Marlin Model 60 has been in production for over 50 years, but this long-standing rifle is still known for its signature reliability. The rifle is beautifully simple, meaning it will work as intended for a beginning shooter or the most experienced outdoorsman. The Model 60 is the perfect weapon for hunting small game or varmint. It is a semi-auto rifle that has a 15-round tubular magazine situated beneath the barrel. Fifteen rounds per magazine is plenty for most hunters, enabling you to get off several shots before reloading. Furthermore, this rifle features 16-groove micro rifling making it a very accurate gun. Scopes and sights can also be attached to the railing, so you should have no trouble hitting your intended target. The brass metal composition used for this rifle also lets it weather the elements and stay in functioning condition.
Winchester Wildcat 22
This Winchester model is truly one of a kind. This new rifle represents the cutting edge of what .22 rifles have to offer. Winchester Repeating Arms is one of the most legendary brands in the gun world, so even though this gun is very new you can already rest assured that it is dependable as well as versatile. The Wildcat™ is a rimfire autoloader that possesses a litany of other features. First off, the core of the design is the instantly recognizable Winchester shape but with a sleek modern twist. The gun is also modular with a field removable lower receiver. The Picatinny rail also allows for customized attachments.
