Thread: Best value bolt .22 besides Norinco....

A simple question..... What is the best value, accurate "budget knock about" .22r bolt-action besides the Nrinco JW15? I'm looking for a bolt action to use for spotlighting. I have been tempted to get a JW15 but it seems so hit and miss as to whether you get a good one or not! I haven't got the DIY skills to re-crown barrels etc. And if I pay someone to do it I may as well have invested the money into a rifle that shoots well off the shelf.

I don't want to be spending $700+ or a 22 that will get banged about a bit. I don't care what it looks like really, just a good reliable "knock about" shooter. I do have a 10/22 bit prefer a bolt action when solo spotlighting as it's one less thing to worry about. Oh; I have thought about the Marlin XT-22

Or; is there something I should look for to get a good Norinco? Thanks :-)

friend just bough a rossi (Brasil made) 22 bolt for $300 new. says it works good and very light to carry. he normally only shoots possums so unsure of grouping sizes etc

Oh; I had looked at this deal as it seems the wood stocked Norincos are the best. /but is it still a crap shoot whether it's a good one?

https://broncos.co.nz/hunting/firear...2lr-bare-rifle

luck of the draw, some jw15's shoot amazingly well others group like a shotgun. i had one in 22 mag at one stage and it shot really well, i shot another one in 22lr and it was terrible.

@gonetropo That's what I'm afraid of.....

The Zastavas seem quite nice and can often be found pretty cheap.

Otherwise Savage, Marlin, Ruger American etc.

The best deals are usually second hand ones of course.

I'd have to put my plug in for the Mighty Marlin. Cheap and cheerful. The kids Norinco JW15 is the only rimfire we have that out shoots it.

@gadgetman Thanks; I always seem to come back to the Marlin XT-22... I have considered the Savage B22 package. It is dearer but actually comes with a decent Bushnell or Weaver scope

https://broncos.co.nz/hunting/firear...x40-suppressor

I had a good run with one of these.

Originally Posted by bumblefoot

@gadgetman Thanks; I always seem to come back to the Marlin XT-22... I have considered the Savage B22 package. It is dearer but actually comes with a decent Bushnell or Weaver scope

https://broncos.co.nz/hunting/firear...x40-suppressor

Don't limit yourself to new. Get some fantastic deals in second hand. 22lr really don't wear out. The older Marlins have a better reputation.

Get one with a good trigger

[QUOTE=Max Headroom;I had a good run with one of these.[/QUOTE]

My first .22 was a Stirling!

Originally Posted by bumblefoot

My first .22 was a Stirling!

Is it time to circle back?

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

Get one with a good trigger

As standard the Savage trigger is head and shoulders above the other options IMO. But mods to lighten the others are pretty common.

I like my marlin XT-22, but it had some QC issues and had to go back. All good now with a minor change and a new (old style) bolt. Shoots very well.

So I like it now but I guess I can't recommend it.