Looking at Buying a .22 Rifle

[Gerowen]

Looking at getting a .22 rifle next payday. I've narrowed it down to two they have at the PX. .22 is a small, cheap, general purpose round for small stuff like crows, squirrels, etc. You can buy a hundred rounds for less than $20, and it's a subsonic round, so it isn't nearly as loud as the other rifles I have like the AR-15 (5.56mm) or the Savage 30-06.

This one they have for $150. The safety is on the rear of the trigger guard which makes it a little odd to get at since my finger naturally rests on the front of the trigger guard until I'm ready to fire. The magazine is a 14 round tube attached to the bottom of the barrel so it doesn't get in the way, and helps keep dirt and dust out of the action. It's semi-automatic.

http://www.marlinfir...fLoading/60.asp

This one is $195. The safety is on the front of the trigger guard right where my finger naturally rests until I'm ready to fire. It comes with a 10 round, removable magazine. The bottom of the weapon is open to allow the insertion of the magazine, which leaves it a little more prone to collecting dirt and dust around the action. It does feel a bit lighter too, and is also semi-automatic.

http://www.ruger.com...ine/models.html

Which one would you guys recommend? I grew up shooting a Marlin .22 and it was a good rifle, so I'm leaning toward it because of the more enclosed action, larger magazine capacity and lower price, but the Ruger did feel like it was well made and of good quality.

[Open Minded]

I have a 10/22 and it is by far, the most fun gun I own. I've never had a problem using any ammo. I would highly recommend the Ruger.

Edit: Traded a dash for a slash.

[LakeRat]

I would also recommend the Ruger 10/22. I have never had any problems with mine. If you opt for the 30 round magazines, get a good brand. The cheap ones have jammed on me.

[DocM]

I have a 10/22 and it is by far, the most fun gun I own. I've never had a problem using any ammo. I would highly recommend

I completely agree - the Ruger 10-22 is about the best .22 out there. I've had mine for ages and it has been a reliable weapon I'd nener trade or sell. It's also very easy to militarize, but even in standard trim can take 50 round banana clips. Accurate as hell too.

[SupportGeek]

You cant go wrong with either one really.

Both perform well out of the box, my understanding is that the Marlin edges the Ruger slightly in out of the box accuracy, but the 10/22 has all the aftermarket parts available you could ever want so improving it is a snap.

Id go with the 10/22 personally, I own one so Im a bit biased. Im not keen on the tube feed of the Marlin because you cannot reload quickly, and I like the vast aftermarket available for the Ruger as well, you can truly make the firearm "yours"

[Nothing Here]

The Ruger 10/22 is the best choice. Excellent and very dependable. Not to mention that it's a great bug-out gun. We have 2 and are planning on one more.

[Desvio]

Another vote for the Ruger. I prefer the clip. I have the Ruger and keep the clips loaded at the house (not for home defense) . My son doesn't know how to insert the clip and I keep it separate from the gun, but even with the two locations, It's quick enough to grab and take care of pests. The tube takes longer to load and get out the door. I was once slightly concerned that leaving the clip loaded might weaken the spring, but one day misplaced the factory clip and didn't find it until 5 years later. It was just fine. Also, because it is a wider rotary magazine, removing can make the gun easier to clean.

That said, I'm sure you won't have an issue with either. They are both fun and accurate.

[John S. Veteran]

10/22 is loads of fun...that was my first firearm growing up. There's also boatloads of accessories for it if you ever choose to go that route.