what is a good .22 rifle for target shooting and varmits?

Answer 1

That fact that you used the word 'varmints' (and spelled it wrong)makes me think you shouldn't be handling guns of any type.

Answer 2

I have a Ruger 10/22 LR and I am still setting it up. I can tell you that it is without a doubt the most customizable rifle out there in rimfire. Everything is available from a stock Ruger for about $150 to a Volquartsen custom for upwards of $3500. It depends on what you are wanting to do with it. If you want to be able to stack your shots all day long for target/competition shooting I would suggest switching to a bolt action Savage and possibly consider going to a .17 HMR. If you are just looking for a decent all-around gun then the Ruger is pretty good. I will tell you that due to the automatic action combined with the inherent filth of .22 ammo, I would suggest some CCI ammo such as the Minimag HP or Velocitor rounds. It is worth buying good ammo as the cheaper stuff causes the rifle to not cycle properly which gets irritating real quick. Check local pawn shops and gun shops. The Ruger is pretty tough and easily repaired so save money by shopping around. Good luck and have fun!

Answer 3

It depends on what you're looking for.
Semi-auto I'd say Ruger 10/22 if you want to customize or Marlin Model 60 for great accuracy out of the box.
Bolt action, any of the Marlin models are hard to beat. From the older 781 and 881 with 17 shot in .22 LR to the newer 981T that holds 17 LR or 25 .22 Shorts. The tubular magazines are easy to load too. You can usually find a nice used one for a decent price.
Pump guns, I hear a lot of problems with the newer Taurus models. The Remington 572 is a nice model if you can find one.
Lever actions are usually priced so high that most people don't consider them. For example, the Marlin Model 60 semi-auto cheapest model is around $150, the 981T bolt action is around $170, and the Marlin 39A lever action is $470. The Henry lever action sells around $240 to compare.
Ohari1 (answer above) means Remington Nylon 66, not Marlin. I had one in Apache Black back in the mid 70's. They also made the Nylon 77 semi-auto that had a clip instead of feeding the shells through the butt of the stock. Mine wouldn't hold a scope worth anything. I tried 3 different scopes and sets of rings. I sold it and got my first 10/22 then.
For the best in accuracy it's hard to beat a Thompson Center Contender single shot. Buy the rifle version and you can convert to different calibers when you want by switching barrels or change it to a single shot pistol. VERY accurate in any caliber I've tried mine in.

Answer 4

Anschutz 64MP or Cooper Arms (several variants--you'll have to pick according to your specific needs) are very accurate. My favorite hunting/plinking 22 is a Winchester model 63, generally considered the best semi-auto ever made, but it hasn't been made in fifty years, though Taurus makes a copy. It's not a good target rifle, though. The Ruger 10/22 can be accurized into a nice piece, and I suspect the same could be done with a Remington model 5.

Answer 5

You can't beat a Ruger 10/22 for an all purpose .22 rifle. I've had one for over 15 years and never had a problem with it. PMC Sidewinder ammo shoots great in mine at ranges up to 100 yards, but if you head shoot squirrels the solid point bullet might poke a hole through its head but not kill it. This happened to me once and I had to beat the squirrel to death with a stick because I put down the rifle to pick up the squirrel I thought was dead. The bullet entered at the base of its ear and went through the head without hitting its little brain, and when i tries to pick it up it tried to bite me. Now I don't lay down my rifle to pick up a squirrel. Next time I'll slam it's head with the butt of my Ruger 10/22.
You can also buy big clips for the 10/22. I have some that hold 50 rounds each, a whole box of .22 bullets in one clip...
Plinking power, and varmints beware... !

Answer 6

Ruger 10/22 carbine or rifle, Savage makes a good inexpensive rifle, Mossburg's .22, Marlin model 60. Blued or stainless are available. The others are not worth their high prices.

Answer 7

The best .22 would be the one you are most comfortable with. I have a Ruger 10/22 I like very much, but I can tell you from experience, what is most comfortable for me, may not be right for you. Go to a good gun shop with a good selection and do some hands on shopping. Check which rifle fits you best and what feels most natural to you. That'll be your best choice.

Answer 8

Well what size Varmints are you talking about ?
Ruger's 10/22 is a good choice for a semi-auto, in the single shot I'd look into a Thompson Center Contender.
(77)

Answer 9

(puts flame suit on and prepares to crash the party) mossberg plinkster....just as reliable and much cheaper then the 10/22. can be had at walmart for 90-100 bucks. mine came accurate out of the box. and i use it to hunt squirrels. with a scope, mine is accurate to "minute of squirrels head" at 50 yrds, and i also have a bipod mounted on it. while i like the 10/22 gun itself, i hate the mag design, they dont feed well, jam and the mag release sucks. other that that the 10/22 is a great rifle. im jus not a huge ruger fan as ive had bad luck w/ several rugers (10/22 and mini-14)

Answer 10

22 for Varmints.
If we are talking 22 rim fire I for one prefer a good bolt action over the semi auto.
Far better accuracy for extended range.
But a good quality semi auto will also do well, I shoot both, if I it’s a real serious day a field I take out the bolt action.

If were talking 22 center fire I would say cheap to shoot is the 223 and again would opt for a bolt action over a semi auto.
For the inherent accuracy found in the bolt action.
If you really wont top accuracy go for a varmint barrel which is heaver then a standard barrels or for the full bull barrel which is the very best for extended range.
I shoot 3 styles of the 223.
Ruger M77 bolt action heavy Varmint barrel.
Ruger Mini 14 semi auto standard barrel.
TC Encore Full Bull barrel.
The semi auto is more home defense and play I keep it’s shoot under 250 yards for varmints.
The M77 bolt action is for predators and varmints I will shoot on dog towns 500 yards.
The TC Encore Full Bull barrel is again predators and varmints I shoot to on dog towns when the wind is right to 700 + yards.
Ranges beyond that or dealing with too much wind I opt for a 25-06 or 308 in bolt or Encore style actions.

Answer 11

A Remington field master pump is a crack shot .22 and is great for varmits.