Semi-auto .22 rifle recommendations

[Jarrett]

I have an old Marlin .22 bolt action which I like just fine, but I've been wanting a semi-auto. It seems like the Ruger 10/22 and Marlin M60 are the 2 most popular rifles. I've read that the Marlin may be a little more accurate right out of the box, but the Ruger can be modified in any way imaginable. Other than adding a scope, I don't intend to do any modifications to it, so I'm leaning more towards the Marlin. I'm mainly going to shop for used, but in the end I may end up buying new. What has been your experience/opinions of these. Don't be affraid to suggest any others also. As a side note, whatever I get will be with a wood stock. For some reason, I don't like synthetic/composite/plastic stocks on rifles & shotguns. Handguns are fine, just not long guns.

 

[nybirdman]

I have owned Ruger 10/22's for thirty years,modified one with a synthetic stock and bull barrel and scope.....true tack driver..just find the ammo that the gun likes.

 

[6dog]

I don't have any experience with the Marlin, but the Ruger is widely available on the used market and has a ton of aftermarket accessories available for it if you chose to do anything more than a scope (and admit it, you will ) I have nothing but good things to say about my 10/22.

 

[Highbeam]

Any marlin you buy will be second best to the ruger 10/22. I bought mine used at a pawn shop 16 years ago and have run several thousand rounds through it with no issue. It is as or more accurate than any of the other semi auto 22s out of the box. Seriously I sight in at 100 yards and make the pop can dance.

Can you get a 30 round clip for the marlin?

The ruger is nicely small.

 

[oldnslo]

As a kid 30 + years ago I used to go through 500 rounds every week end during the summer with my 10/22. never had a misfire and back then it would hit what I could see. Did this for three or four years in row. Still have the rifle and it still shoots good.

No modifications done to it either.

Roy

 

[Rockin RK]

I own 2 10-22's, the're my go to guns for small varmits around the place. I've had both for over 15 years and no trouble out of either of them.

 

[kyspartan]

by all means get the marlin, if you like clearing jammed shells, i have used both rifles alot. get the 10/22 and dont look back. the marlins are great guns, but you need to have a bad case of ocd concerning cleaning and shell choice to keep it running semi smoothly, otherwise it will be jamming constantly. the last marlin semi auto i had got itself wrapped around a red oak and boy did that feel good!

 

[MossRoad]

Any marlin you buy will be second best to the ruger 10/22. I bought mine used at a pawn shop 16 years ago and have run several thousand rounds through it with no issue. It is as or more accurate than any of the other semi auto 22s out of the box. Seriously I sight in at 100 yards and make the pop can dance.

Can you get a 30 round clip for the marlin?

The ruger is nicely small.

I have a 50 round clip for mine. Man, my fingers get sore loading that up!

 

[LMTC]

Another 10/22 vote. Owned many, loved them all. Best out of the box I've ever owned (I know there are some very expensive target 22s available, but I've never owned them :>), and I have consistently taken squirrels at 80-100 yards shooting from a sitting position, or resting against a tree trunk.

 

[thatguy]

Thinking outside of the box.. Dont think of it as just a gun, BUT the 'mr potato head' of the gun world.. I have a 5.56, .22, and a 450 Bushmaster uppers and I use the same Bushmaster lower..

This is a RCS upper which uses a 10/22 16" barrel 1/16 twist - I shot this ground hop at about 80 yds

Brian