Thread: .22lr rifles when did it become ok that they were all just crap?

Been looking for a new .22lr preferably a semi.
Happy to pay a bit of coin but not extreme amounts.

But when did it become ok that all of the general models on the market were just rubbish?
Ruger 10/22 - Rubbish trigger as per normal, sloppy fit and finish. Shouldn't be as expensive as they are if you want something more than plastic blue.
CZ 512 - Absolutely horrible and worse than the 10/22 foreend rattled when shook creepy heavy trigger (the 10/22 was better) an that magazine is awful. WTF CZ! Absolutely huge disappointment for a ~$800 .22lr (and i''d be happy paying more for a .22lr).
Marlin's all look, feel and function like cheap rubbish, I know their reputation for accuracy but I don't care - another pile of crap.
CZ's bolt actions don't deserve the praise they get fit and finish is average, wood is crap quality and are over priced in my opinion for what they are.
Other bolt actions are barely worth mentioning, savage may as well use sand for lubricant feels the same, ditto marlin bolts.

I am not prepared to pay the asking price for what amounts to rubbish standards and quality just because the rifles are .22lr and not a centerfire.

The worse thing is I was hopeful reading reviews online about several models and the reviewers say they are good, I say the are dropping their standards to accept rubbish because it is a rimfire and not a centerfire. I use my .22lr more than any other rifle, I expect the same performance, finish, and standard of fit that I expect out of my centerfires.

Are there options for someone that actually gives a shit about .22lr quality? Most of all I want value for my dollar which I don't see in the $1200+ .22lr bolt actions and certainly not for the absolute crap below that price point. I liked the feel of the Sako Finnfire but seriously it is not a $1800 rifle, upgrade an average action with a nice stock and better finish doesn't amount to charging twice as much as your competition.
Maybe I am picky but you should be I think.

Some options based on first hand experience

Mauser 201 - I have got one in 22WMR and it is pretty nice and super accurate
Weihrauch HW60 - reasonable quality/price
Anschutz - pricey if you want one off their decent ones
CZ452 American - what I have in 22LR. As accurate as anything else available and can be got reasonably priced 2nd hand. Wood can be crap or awesome - mine is OK

Generally I would have to agree with you though - most of what is available is pretty rubbish even the pricey ones.

Yup would love to have a look at the Weihrauch .22lrs but haven't seen one around here, need to see and feel before ordering. Also not interested in open sights and hog back stocks.
Ditto for Mauser.
Anshchutz is over priced again I considered their action disappointingly flimsy feeling.

Volquartsen ? if you can get one that is, I couldn't even get a reply to my emails from the NZ distributer.

The 512 in my safe has a nice trigger (for a 22,certanly miles better than a 10/22) doesn't rattle and has nice wood, not so keen on the plastic but what are ya gonna do.

Sako quad?

Didn't notice that you were looking for semi-auto - I don't have any useful recommendations for that ...

I quick;y realised I would probably end up with a bolt even though me preference for a semi as they are just not up to standard.

Can't even find a Volquartsen or get a hold of anyone that has one to look at.

Sako quad, again not worth the 1700 for a plastic fantastic based around a platform of changing barrels which is a pointless endeavor for rimfires I reckon, especially how you have to sight in for every change or get their special scope.

You either got a good 512 or I handled a dog, no prejudice just absolutely a pile of shit and had just handled a 10/22, have owned a CZ and used many more was extremely disappointed as I would of brought one otherwise.

It must have been a 430 Friday 512 if you can compare to a 10/22 , disappointing quality control there...

Sako quad is where it's at! Aye @7mmsaum

Mate of mines selling a really nice ruger 10/22 that has had work done on the trigger, full over barrel carbon suppressor. Accurate which is rare. I got mine the same time and mines shit. He wants $850 it's been used twice. Just an option for you.

I was looking at a CZ 512 but did not like the trigger...
The Marlin 795's are only $149 in the US. i thought that was fine...
I have a CZ452 and a Savage, both bolt action and i like them, i find the quality of the CZ to be great.

Has anyone tried the new Lithgow 22LR cross over, they look cool, and are not cheap if that helps.
LA101


...whoops, not semi...

Grant

I lost all interest @"military grade barrel" why would you advertise the fact you have shit barrels?

I have a mint Magnum Research .22LR I would sell if you're interested? Ticks all your 'want' boxes.
@Makros

First .22 I owned was an Anschutz 520 semi auto, prolly quite hard to get today.....should tick your boxes if you can find one.

Wood blue Sako quad is nice. You don't have to get the whole quad set up, keep an eye on TM.

B

Personally I'd recommend a Remington 597, but have been told I must have gotten a freak good one. Mine's never missed a beat and only has the extremely occasional misfire, which I more or less solved by feeding it only CCI.

Originally Posted by Proudkiwi

I have a mint Magnum Research .22LR I would sell if you're interested? Ticks all your 'want' boxes.
@Makros

Would mind seeing some pics and what you're after for it.
Also what sort of trigger group does it have in it? I believe they used Ruger standard trigger groups in at least a few models if so not really interested.