COST OF 22 RIFLE

Bamavol

I am moving to the country and will need a good used 22 rifle for small game and garden pest. I am thinking about a bolt action with a tube magazine. I may want to add a scope later. I would like to stay under $100. Suggestions? Cost?

lcdrdanr

I would look at a used Marlin or one of the house brand marlins (Western field, J C Higgins, Glenfield, etc.). There is probably a far greater selection of semi-auto's out there but I would venture to guess a bolt action (either tube or clip magazine fed) would have less rounds through it than a typical used semi-auto simply due to the fact that many are "starter" rifles and the young shooter soon moves up to an auto.

I would take a look at local gunshops and pawn shops in your area so as to eyeball and get a feel for fit before purchasing and if you can't get it for under $100 out the door, just move on to another.

I recently purchased a very nice Marlin 99 for $85.00, a Ruger 10/22 for $115, and a Marlin model 60 for $70 all in the last month from garage sales and pawn shops.

Your mileage may vary, of course

Dan R

11b6r

In addition to the above, you might keep an eye out for the older Mossbergs. The company motto was "More gun for your money". Check thru some of auctions here for a good start on any of the 22s.

Fatstrat

"Under $100." IMO is pretty optimistic if you expect anything in decent (cosmetic) condition.
But alot of good shooting rifles can look pretty beat up on the outside.
I'd suggest doing an auction search for a Marlin Model 81.
Dang good rifle that can often be had in dinged up, but shooting condition for less than $100. And in decent shape for about $100.

beantownshootah

I second the idea of an old Marlin or Mossberg bolt gun. You might find others if you look around, and search the used listings, etc.

I've seen a Remington 582 with bluing wear, a cracked buttplate, and a scratched stock, sold at a gun store for under $100. That's an older model bolt action with a plain wood stock and tubular magazine. It wasn't much to look at, but the gun had a good trigger was was super-accurate, certainly good enough for a functional shooter.

The good thing is, its pretty hard to wear out *any* .22 with normal use. The rounds contain so little powder that the barrels tend to hold up over many thousands of rounds (unless you go nuts and convert them to full-auto type fire).

If you are willing to expand your search to semi-automatic guns, you can find any number of used Marlin Model 60s for $100 or less (in some cases a lot less), and these are accurate and dependable semi-automatics.

Brand new ones can be had for about $150 pretty much anywhere that sells guns, and you can have your choice of stainless steel and synthetic stock if you like.

Cubslover

Keep an eye out for the old trainer rifles as well.

That said, a 10/22 or Model 60 Marlin will fit in your budget and do just what you want.

2brother641

You have got to get the Ruger 10/22. These are one the best guns to own. Modifications are endless and very reliable. For under $200 you can get a brand new one. I've heard the new digital camo pattern 10/22 selling for $150 brand new. IMO, i wouldn't buy marlin, mossberg, savage, or other brand when buying a .22. The Ruger is by far the best for the money. I would also buy new if it was a small price difference. Just my opinion. Good luck.

m.j.ryan

As a gunsmith, I see many .22's new and old. While the 10/22 is by far the most popular modern .22, I would not hesitate to purchase any of the older Marlin, Mossberg, or their store-brand cousins as a general purpose rifle. While you can go new, or shop used online or at gun shows, you can sometimes get great deals just by telling everyone you run into that you are looking for one.

coledigger4

If you weren't so far away I could easily sell you a 22 rifle for cheap. Over the years I have gathered a bunch in all different brands. I still use my very first 22 for the same reason you are wanting one. It is a J. C. Higgins, tube feed, with a 1" tube scope on it and it has never let me down even though it is 50+ years old.