[Jeff-Blaney]

So, I'm just new to the forum, and new to the gun world in general. I'm in the market for a .22 to use around the farm for varmint control and some occasional plinking.

I have heard a lot of good things about the Marlin 60 and Ruger 10/22 but I'm not sure if I'm ready for a semi-auto just yet. As I mentioned, I'm just new to the gun world so I'm leaning towards a bolt action, something that is good quality (out of the box), good value, and reliable.

I have been browsing various websites, just seeing whats out there prior to going rifle shopping. I don't want to break the bank either as this is my first rifle, so I've taken notice to the Marlin XT series as well as the Savage Mark II. I'm sure there are plenty of others out there similar to these models however.

Just need some suggestions. Thanks in advance!

[Overkill0084]

Honestly, there is nothing wrong with a semi auto for a first .22 rifle. I think a Bolt action is probably better from a "slow down and make it count" perspective. But I tend to be a bit out of date sometimes.
FWIW, I own nothing but bolt action .22s. IMHO a good bolt action will typically be more accurate, but a well executed 10-22 can be pretty excellent. I find the Savage Mark 2s appealing, YMMV.
If you wanted to look a bit more upmarket, CZs .22s are worth a look.

[BillM]

Savage MkII. I've got a couple of them, both with accu-trigger.

Either one shoots better than I can and they have been 100%
reliable.

[vincent]

Greg makes a good point...If your main use is critter gittin', quick follow up shots can be nice. You won't get that with a bolt...

Marlin, Savage and the Rugers are the most popular brands (among others) but don't let inexperience shy you away from a semi-auto...My SIL handles her 10/22 like a pro and she's purely a novice...

I don't currently own a .22 in bolt action, (yet! ) but I started out as a rifle greenhorn with a 10/22 and never looked back

Welcome to the forum and +1 to you for doing some research!!!

[Olympus]

Unless you're relatively young, nothing wrong with a semi auto for your first gun. My first rifle was a bolt 22, but then again I was only 6 at the time. My second rifle was a 10/22 that I bought with "my own money" when I was 10 years old. Still have it and shoot it today. Nothing to be afraid of with a semi auto 22. They are a lot of fun and eat through the ammo quickly.

Really need a budget to go on here.

For bolt guns, I'd recommend the CZ455. Gives you the option of buying a different barrel and mag and you can use the same gun to shoot 22lr, 22 mag, and 17hmr. All you do is buy a new barrel and mag and swap them out on the gun. One gun with 3 caliber options.

[Jeff-Blaney]

Thanks for the input so far, I really appreciate it.

I haven't totally ruled out a semi-automatic just yet. There is tons of debate over the Marlin 60 and 10/22 so there is a million reviews/opinions on those guns. Just from what I read however, I was leaning towards the Marlin 60. I was just hoping to hear a similar debate regarding economically priced, good quality, reliable bolt actions.

I guess I should have included a price range. At this stage in the game I just can't see myself spending over $400.00

Keep the comments coming, I'd love to hear what you people think!

[AsSeenOnTV]

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[priell3]

I traded a problematic semi-auto Remington 597 for a bolt action Savage Mark II.

No worries, no regrets.

[AsSeenOnTV]

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[robertb6112]

The marlin 795 is a good semi-auto to consider. But I still like my savage MK II better.