Bolt or Semi .22 Rifle

snuzzo29 · December 29, 2012, 04:32 PM

I cannot decide between a semi or bolt .22 rifle. I plan on using it for small game and some target/plinking. Any suggestions on which to get?

Erno86 · December 29, 2012, 05:08 PM

May I suggest a semi auto Ruger 10/22. For a bolt gun, a CZ is good enough. The best are Cooper's. I have a match grade chambered Kimber Classic...but sadly --- Kimber --- located in Yonkers, New York, removed it from production. Why not get both?

4EVERM-14 · December 29, 2012, 05:26 PM

Both types are great . If you are more interested in accuracy the bolt gun would be a good choice. Slower operation might mean less bullets consumed. The semi is a fun gun but sometimes you tend to shoot more without focusing on marksmanship. Be bold- Get both.

solocam72 · December 29, 2012, 08:20 PM

I'm a bolt gun fan myself, I have owned a few ruger 10/22s and they were great little reliable guns also, I just recently bought a heavy barrel model 93 savage .22 mag with thumbhole stock and I really like it, kinda depends on how much you want to spend, you can go all out these days on some very high end .22 target rifles

snuzzo29 · December 29, 2012, 10:08 PM

I really wish I could get both but I can't afford to get both. I am trying to keep in around or under $200.

solocam72 · December 29, 2012, 10:39 PM

Something in the lines of a marlin bolt, maybe a stock ruger 10/22 but not sure how much they are these days?

baddarryl · December 29, 2012, 11:59 PM

I have really come to appreciate my Marlin 981T Bolt action. Absolute tack driver. Only reason I can personally see to get a 10/22 is for something like an appleseed event or comp shooting.

Pilot · December 30, 2012, 12:03 AM

I really like my Ruger 10/22 because I was able to turn it into a tack driver by simply replacing A LOT of parts. I think all that is left is the receiver and bolt, but it was a fun project, and it does shoot really well.

DnPRK · December 30, 2012, 12:09 AM

A 10/22 and pockets full of Mini Mags is a great way to spend a morning.

chris in va · December 30, 2012, 01:26 AM

CZ makes a nifty bolt gun called the Farmer that has great ergos. I really enjoy my Henry but wouldn't mind picking one up anyway. Price was about $225 last time I checked.

SteelChickenShooter · December 30, 2012, 01:07 PM

A good bolt or lever instead of a semi-auto can give you more and perhaps better options for ammo & accuracy. Subsonic and shorts probably don't feed well or operate the action. They can be more accurate and quieter. Semi-autos often work best with certain brands of high velocity. These rifles using high velocity ammo, may or may not be dialed in well enough depending on your needs. I can make a single ragged hole with my Henry and Eley Sub-Sonic Hollow points, and I can do the same with my $200 Charles Daly Zastava import, but I can't be as good with my Ruger 10-22 and high velocity ammo.

PetahW · December 30, 2012, 02:36 PM

I've found that, for hunting small game, it depends..........

If YOUR small game hunting consists of mostly Squill sniping, while a BA is just fine, and accurate too, I find that a semi-auto to be an advantage in closer Squill groves, where the motions of cycling a bolt is enough to drive the game into hiding for another half-hour or more. (With a semi, only your trigger finger moves

)

I've used both 10/22's and BA .22's out to 75+ yards, so it might be a option to buy one of each USED, so your hands-on experiences can help you.

Of course, if you're like most of us, it'll be no help at all

- since you'll most likely use one gun for one type of hunt, and the other for another type and/or plinking.

.

osbornk · December 31, 2012, 11:21 AM

For what you want to use it for, a Marlin 60 would be hard to beat. Cheap. accurate and dependable. 11,000,000+ have been sold so they have been proven over time.

cecILL · December 31, 2012, 11:27 AM

Both are nice. Just one? Go for the auto. For plinking and small game? Go for the bolt. As SteelChickenShooter mentioned, you'll have a larger ammo selection.

SteelChickenShooter · December 31, 2012, 11:29 AM

Actually why try to decide at all?
22's can be very inexpensive, so get one of each.
You might like the semi-auto for plinking and a bolt action for hunting.
I have a lever, bolt, and semi-auto just to suit whatever I happen to be doing. I guess for me there really isn't one single type that is "best". I like to plink, target shoot, competition shoot, as well as hunt. I have found one of each type covers my interests just fine.

boattale · December 31, 2012, 05:24 PM

Here's a vote for you to get a bolt action .22. You'll be a bit of a dinosaur but one with class.

Buzzcook · December 31, 2012, 08:41 PM

If this is your first .22 rifle, go with a bolt gun.

Haunt the used gun stores till you find one that fits well.

SonOfLiberty · December 31, 2012, 09:18 PM

My vote is for the 10/22. Lots of options, modifications, and adventures to be had. But in the end, I think you will be happy with any of the above suggested options. A good 22 is a staple, and something you'll likely own and enjoy for a long time.

mike7.62 · January 1, 2013, 01:24 PM

I have both, I bougth the Ruger 10/22 first then bought the CZ 452 American later. I like both rifles But If I had to do It over again I'd get the CZ first.

Yung.gunr · January 1, 2013, 01:38 PM

I'm much happier with my Savage MKII than a 10/22. If you do decide on a semi, Savage makes a nice budget one of those too.

sholling · January 1, 2013, 01:52 PM

It's hard beat a semiauto like a 10/22 for plinking fun but right out of the box a good bolt action like a CZ455 or a CZ453 is generally (unless you get a lemon) far more accurate. Either will work fine for hunting. The 10/22 will allow follow up shots while the CZ455 can be ordered in a single caliber or with interchangeable barrels in 22LR, 22MWMR, and 17HMR. The best choice is the one that fits your needs.

FWIW a 10/22 can be modified to be just as accurate as a CZ but it takes time, money, and work.

L_Killkenny · January 1, 2013, 01:58 PM

Hunting only? Either. But toss in a sort of range time and bolt action rimfires are boring as hell. Another vote for the 10/22.

scottycoyote · January 2, 2013, 04:17 AM

usually your bolts tend to be more accurate. The marlin 60 is a great gun but the trigger is crap and its hard to do a trigger job on it if you arent pretty mechanically inclined (ton of pieces in the trigger group). Marlin 25 is a great cheap bolt action, and your savage mk2 can be had under 200$ as well, with the accutrigger no less.

Zen Archery · January 2, 2013, 07:12 AM

Bolts are more accurate but the 10/22 is called Every Man's gun for a reason.

Doyle · January 2, 2013, 09:41 AM

I've got both but actually prefer the bolt. One reason is that I can shoot CB cap shorts out of the bolt. Those things are only as loud as a pellet gun and are deadly on tree rats out to about 20 yds (i.e. they are perfect for culling the excess population in my back yard).

December 29, 2012, 04:32 PM	#1
snuzzo29 Member Join Date: May 11, 2012 Location: Illinois/Wisconsin Posts: 20	Bolt or Semi .22 Rifle I cannot decide between a semi or bolt .22 rifle. I plan on using it for small game and some target/plinking. Any suggestions on which to get?

December 29, 2012, 05:26 PM	#3
4EVERM-14 Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2006 Location: Pennsy Posts: 505	Both types are great . If you are more interested in accuracy the bolt gun would be a good choice. Slower operation might mean less bullets consumed. The semi is a fun gun but sometimes you tend to shoot more without focusing on marksmanship. Be bold- Get both. __________________ David NRA Benefactor Member Distinguished Rifleman #731 Presidents 100

December 30, 2012, 12:03 AM	#8
Pilot Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2000 Posts: 3,158	I really like my Ruger 10/22 because I was able to turn it into a tack driver by simply replacing A LOT of parts. I think all that is left is the receiver and bolt, but it was a fun project, and it does shoot really well. __________________ Pilot

December 31, 2012, 05:24 PM	#16
boattale Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2012 Posts: 118	Here's a vote for you to get a bolt action .22. You'll be a bit of a dinosaur but one with class. __________________ Its all downhill from here. Except the parts that are uphill.

January 1, 2013, 01:52 PM	#21
sholling Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 1999 Location: Hemet (middle of nowhere) California Posts: 4,253	It's hard beat a semiauto like a 10/22 for plinking fun but right out of the box a good bolt action like a CZ455 or a CZ453 is generally (unless you get a lemon) far more accurate. Either will work fine for hunting. The 10/22 will allow follow up shots while the CZ455 can be ordered in a single caliber or with interchangeable barrels in 22LR, 22MWMR, and 17HMR. The best choice is the one that fits your needs. FWIW a 10/22 can be modified to be just as accurate as a CZ but it takes time, money, and work. __________________ Proud Life Member: National Rifle Association, California Rifle & Pistol Association, and the Second Amendment Foundation. Annual Member: Revolutionary War Veterans Association (Project Appleseed) and the Madison Society.

December 29, 2012, 05:08 PM	#2
Erno86 Senior Member Join Date: September 22, 2012 Location: Marriottsville, Maryland Posts: 228	May I suggest a semi auto Ruger 10/22. For a bolt gun, a CZ is good enough. The best are Cooper's. I have a match grade chambered Kimber Classic...but sadly --- Kimber --- located in Yonkers, New York, removed it from production. Why not get both?

December 29, 2012, 08:20 PM	#4
solocam72 Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 221	I'm a bolt gun fan myself, I have owned a few ruger 10/22s and they were great little reliable guns also, I just recently bought a heavy barrel model 93 savage .22 mag with thumbhole stock and I really like it, kinda depends on how much you want to spend, you can go all out these days on some very high end .22 target rifles

December 29, 2012, 10:08 PM	#5
snuzzo29 Member Join Date: May 11, 2012 Location: Illinois/Wisconsin Posts: 20	I really wish I could get both but I can't afford to get both. I am trying to keep in around or under $200.

December 29, 2012, 10:39 PM	#6
solocam72 Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 221	Something in the lines of a marlin bolt, maybe a stock ruger 10/22 but not sure how much they are these days?

December 29, 2012, 11:59 PM	#7
baddarryl Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2011 Posts: 610	I have really come to appreciate my Marlin 981T Bolt action. Absolute tack driver. Only reason I can personally see to get a 10/22 is for something like an appleseed event or comp shooting.

December 30, 2012, 12:09 AM	#9
DnPRK Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2001 Location: LC, Ca Posts: 1,723	A 10/22 and pockets full of Mini Mags is a great way to spend a morning.

December 30, 2012, 01:26 AM	#10
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 11,718	CZ makes a nifty bolt gun called the Farmer that has great ergos. I really enjoy my Henry but wouldn't mind picking one up anyway. Price was about $225 last time I checked.

December 30, 2012, 01:07 PM	#11
SteelChickenShooter Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Posts: 587	A good bolt or lever instead of a semi-auto can give you more and perhaps better options for ammo & accuracy. Subsonic and shorts probably don't feed well or operate the action. They can be more accurate and quieter. Semi-autos often work best with certain brands of high velocity. These rifles using high velocity ammo, may or may not be dialed in well enough depending on your needs. I can make a single ragged hole with my Henry and Eley Sub-Sonic Hollow points, and I can do the same with my $200 Charles Daly Zastava import, but I can't be as good with my Ruger 10-22 and high velocity ammo.

December 30, 2012, 02:36 PM	#12
PetahW Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 3,285	I've found that, for hunting small game, it depends.......... If YOUR small game hunting consists of mostly Squill sniping, while a BA is just fine, and accurate too, I find that a semi-auto to be an advantage in closer Squill groves, where the motions of cycling a bolt is enough to drive the game into hiding for another half-hour or more. (With a semi, only your trigger finger moves ) I've used both 10/22's and BA .22's out to 75+ yards, so it might be a option to buy one of each USED, so your hands-on experiences can help you. Of course, if you're like most of us, it'll be no help at all - since you'll most likely use one gun for one type of hunt, and the other for another type and/or plinking. .

December 31, 2012, 11:21 AM	#13
osbornk Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2012 Location: Marion, Va Posts: 112	For what you want to use it for, a Marlin 60 would be hard to beat. Cheap. accurate and dependable. 11,000,000+ have been sold so they have been proven over time.

December 31, 2012, 11:27 AM	#14
cecILL Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2001 Location: central IL Posts: 363	Both are nice. Just one? Go for the auto. For plinking and small game? Go for the bolt. As SteelChickenShooter mentioned, you'll have a larger ammo selection.

December 31, 2012, 11:29 AM	#15
SteelChickenShooter Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Posts: 587	Actually why try to decide at all? 22's can be very inexpensive, so get one of each. You might like the semi-auto for plinking and a bolt action for hunting. I have a lever, bolt, and semi-auto just to suit whatever I happen to be doing. I guess for me there really isn't one single type that is "best". I like to plink, target shoot, competition shoot, as well as hunt. I have found one of each type covers my interests just fine.

December 31, 2012, 08:41 PM	#17
Buzzcook Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2007 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 5,200	If this is your first .22 rifle, go with a bolt gun. Haunt the used gun stores till you find one that fits well.

December 31, 2012, 09:18 PM	#18
SonOfLiberty Member Join Date: March 31, 2006 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 55	My vote is for the 10/22. Lots of options, modifications, and adventures to be had. But in the end, I think you will be happy with any of the above suggested options. A good 22 is a staple, and something you'll likely own and enjoy for a long time.

January 1, 2013, 01:24 PM	#19
mike7.62 Member Join Date: May 25, 2012 Location: Down South Posts: 71	I have both, I bougth the Ruger 10/22 first then bought the CZ 452 American later. I like both rifles But If I had to do It over again I'd get the CZ first.

January 1, 2013, 01:38 PM	#20
Yung.gunr Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2010 Location: Phoenix area Posts: 1,181	I'm much happier with my Savage MKII than a 10/22. If you do decide on a semi, Savage makes a nice budget one of those too.

January 1, 2013, 01:58 PM	#22
L_Killkenny Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,556	Hunting only? Either. But toss in a sort of range time and bolt action rimfires are boring as hell. Another vote for the 10/22.

January 2, 2013, 04:17 AM	#23
scottycoyote Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2005 Location: southwestern va Posts: 627	usually your bolts tend to be more accurate. The marlin 60 is a great gun but the trigger is crap and its hard to do a trigger job on it if you arent pretty mechanically inclined (ton of pieces in the trigger group). Marlin 25 is a great cheap bolt action, and your savage mk2 can be had under 200$ as well, with the accutrigger no less. __________________ "i got the most powerful gun in the world........an .88 magnum. It shoots thru schools......"

January 2, 2013, 07:12 AM	#24
Zen Archery Member Join Date: January 30, 2005 Posts: 94	Bolts are more accurate but the 10/22 is called Every Man's gun for a reason. __________________ Video Hunting Library

January 2, 2013, 09:41 AM	#25
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Bradenton, Fl Posts: 4,128	I've got both but actually prefer the bolt. One reason is that I can shoot CB cap shorts out of the bolt. Those things are only as loud as a pellet gun and are deadly on tree rats out to about 20 yds (i.e. they are perfect for culling the excess population in my back yard).