[MidnightExpress]

In that price range you could pick up a Browning Buckmark rifle, or one of their 22lr leveraction rifles.

CZ also has the 512 (semi-auto 22) out now. It's closer to $400 than the Browning models. It also appears the 512 will be available in 22Magnum.

If you want an accurate 22 under $200 the Marlin 60 is the way to go, if you want something to build the 10/22 has a lot of option out there. The 60 has some after market support too, but not to the extent of the Ruger.

[JPGunworks]

Accidentally double posted. Disregard this.

[JPGunworks]

I picked up a Ruger 10/22 at walmart for around $200 (I've seen them on sale at $175), and it came with a bolt on picatinny rail and predrilled mounting holes. There are many aftermarket stock options, to include a 10/22 Tommy Gun kit for the Thompson enthusiast, but I went with a TAPCO tactical stock for around $89. I threw on a cheap red dot sight and a high quality bipod that I had from my days in the Marine Corps, and I've been using the thing to take head shots on moving squirrels (no wasted shoulder meat that way).

My favorites about the Ruger 10/22 is that there is such a large selection of aftermarket accessories, that often don't require any gunsmithing. Retrieving the weapon from the stock is a matter of removing one bolt if I remember correctly. They also have a nice selection of magazines. In addition to the nine round box magazine, ruger now makes a 25 round bannana clip magazine, and I have seen some neat looking 50 round drums. Aftermarket mags can be good, but I would reccomend only buying the magazines with steel feed lips.

[Hawg]

If you want something inexpensive and accurate get a Marlin model 60. If you want something to spend money on to make it as accurate as a Marlin 60 get a Ruger.

[TLuker]

The 10/22's are fun and I have one, but if you're after serious accuracy I would go with the Savage Mark II BTVS. I've got one in .22 mag and love it. My buddy just got one in .22lr and I'll know for certain how accurate it is next week, but if it's half as accurate as the reviews it will be a winner.

[ArmyGuy]

It seems like most everyone would recommend either the ruger 10/22 or the marlin 60. I like both of these because I like the look of a traditional looking rifle. Now that the rifle decision has been narrowed down what about ammo. Have you guys noticed any brand or type that is better and more accurate than others? Again thank you for any and all advice you're willing to give.

[axxe55]

Originally Posted by ArmyGuy

It seems like most everyone would recommend either the ruger 10/22 or the marlin 60. I like both of these because I like the look of a traditional looking rifle. Now that the rifle decision has been narrowed down what about ammo. Have you guys noticed any brand or type that is better and more accurate than others? Again thank you for any and all advice you're willing to give.

after you make a choice on which rifle, you are going to have to do the same as the rest of us, just try out different ammo until you find one the rifke is most accurate with. it could be the cheapest ammo or the more expensive, every rifle is different. buy small batches first, then the fun starts, go out and do some target shooting.

[downsouth]

Both of those rifles should be able to eat any 22lr shells you get. CCI Stingers are a good hot round. If your like most shooters the majority of the plinking will be done out a box of 500 or so.

[big shrek]

Originally Posted by Hawg

If you want something inexpensive and accurate get a Marlin model 60. If you want something to spend money on to make it as accurate as a Marlin 60 get a Ruger.

Truer words were never spoken

[big shrek]

Originally Posted by downsouth

Both of those rifles should be able to eat any 22lr shells you get. CCI Stingers are a good hot round. If your like most shooters the majority of the plinking will be done out a box of 500 or so.

Avoid Remington Golden Bullet bulk...factory Thirds...they are so inconsistant the ONLY thing you can use 'em for is plinking ammo.
I won't even use 'em in rifles anymore...too many squibs and I HATE having to poke stuck bullets out of a barrel.