What are the best 22LR rifles

[Tool]

I think I really like the looks of the HK MP5 22LR and Smith and Wesson M&P 15–22.

What are your recommendations?

[9x19]

I'm not a huge fan of Umarex made guns like their licensed copy of the HK MP5. Not the type of build quality I prefer.

I do have a pair of the S&W 15-22s and their best feature for me is their light weight.

Tippmann enjoys a pretty good reputation with their AR style .22s and if you prefer a metal upper/lower they are hard to beat.

The CMMG pattern bolts/barrels are used by a number of smaller builders to create .22 uppers which can be used on any standard lower. Right to Bear is one of those.

[bamaranger]

Since we're in the semi forum, I'll try and stay with those actions, but I may digress a bit. Somebody is bound to ask, "best at what?" and "what is the intended use?"

Pedestrian and Fudd-like (that's me) the tried and true Ruger 10-22 has become iconic in the .22 world. The base model carbine has sold a zillion units, has a stellar reputation for reliability, and is relatively affordable considering prices these days. It can be customized to look like a space gun, or you can keep it plain vanilla. There is a world of high quality aftermarket parts to milk the best possible accuracy from the platform. A wide variety of models (9) is available from the manufacturer, to include take-downs. No, it is not tacticool or resemble an AR or an MP5, but I'm willing to bet my next check that one will shoot circles and run rings around either of the above.

The Browning .22 (SA-22) has a cult like following and is a noted step up in class and appearance......and price. Blue steel and walnut, it is Fudd-like as well, but remains popular . It was introduced in 1914 and is still in production. I've never owned one.....but craved same since I knew what they were.

[tangolima]

My best semi auto .22lr is Mossberg 151mb. Bolt is marlin 81.

-TL

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[rc]

The catch phrase, "best 22 rifle" is a loaded question. Best 22 for what?

If you want a best value that is different from the best semi auto or the most accurate 22? How about the best pump? It is really hard to beat the classic Ruger 10/22 for "best semi auto". The AR15 style 22s have over sized magazine and actions and are more like best trainers than best 22s. Best overall is probably an Anschutz but CZs are pretty well respected.

[Tool]

Originally Posted by 9x19

I'm not a huge fan of Umarex made guns like their licensed copy of the HK MP5. Not the type of build quality I prefer.

I do have a pair of the S&W 15-22s and their best feature for me is their light weight.

Tippmann enjoys a pretty good reputation with their AR style .22s and if you prefer a metal upper/lower they are hard to beat.

The CMMG pattern bolts/barrels are used by a number of smaller builders to create .22 uppers which can be used on any standard lower. Right to Bear is one of those.

Many thanks for all the replies.

The Tippmann M4-22 looks very cool. So that is an all-metal rifle? I like the Smith Wesson M&P 15-22, but do not appreciate the polymer components.

The HK 416 also looks very nice, although it does not have a functional bolt catch. 416 is also an all metal rifle?

[9x19]

For Tippmann, I believe the Pro models have a synthetic handguard while the Elite models are aluminum.

[jmr40]

I had a Smith M&P 22. It's a good choice if you want to shoot an AR rifle cheaper than 223/5.56. But accuracy was only mediocre.

I'm not a fan of the basic Ruger 10/22 but Ruger has made over 100 different configurations of that rifle over the years. The Sporter versions are simply not that much more expensive than the standard carbine and are a much better rifle. You may have to work to find one, but it's worth the effort.

https://ruger.com/products/1022Carbi...ets/31173.html
https://ruger.com/products/1022Sport...ets/31167.html

I have one each of these. The stock actually fits an adult. The medium weight 20" barrel points and balances much better yet weight is reasonable. About 7 lbs scoped.

Both of mine will keep 5 shots inside 1/2" at 50 yards and 1" at 100 yards.

[44caliberkid]

My Henry .22 is my favorite 22 rifle, but since we’re in the semi auto category, I have an unmodified Ruger 10/22. My wife and kids shoot it, but lots of malfunctions and not very accurate at over 50 yards. I also have a Belgian made Browning 22 semiauto, love that gun. Small, lightweight, bottom ejection, take down capable, very accurate at all ranges. I still use the iron sights on it. Used ones bring $900 - $1000 now, even the Chinese copies are $600 or more. We used to have a Marlin Model 60. I would like to own another sometime.
But if I was buying new I’d go with a Rossi RS22. I have the 22 Magnum version and it works flawlessly and is a 1 MOA or less at 100 yards. The reviews of the 22 LR version echo my experience with the magnum. They are great little rifles for less than $300.

[Dred]

My favorite: My SA22 - just a fine example of JMB's genius - elegant, simple, packable, lightweight and accurate.

My most accurate: bolt - Marlin 88SQ; auto - Marlin 7000T

My most shot: a frankensteined Marlin Papoose that takes a beating and shoots lights out.

I'd call Best as JMB's SA22.

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[FITASC]

Of all of the semi 22s, sorry, but hard to beat a stock Marlin 60 with that long barrel and a decent optic

[georgehwbush]

tangolima yeah i'd vote mossburg in the simi's and win-62 pump. now those were shooters. (personal favorite)

[The Happy kaboomer]

My old Browning SA .22 auto. My Winchester 9422.........Best for me.

[Hawg]

It looks like you're only interested in tactical type rifles so I'm guessing accuracy isn't high on your list. The S&W seems to be reliable.

[surveyor]

"Best" covers a whole lot of territory, and uses.

I'd rather call a "honorable mention"
In that style rifle
Look at a rock island or armscor mig 22 as well.
With sk standard or wolf match target in 5 shot groups i see1/2" at 50 yds. Cci std about 5/8" ,bulk ammo more flyers and groups open up

Otherwise as others have said above.

[Pumpkin]

My son’s M&P 15-22 has been great. It’s one of the original ones that doesn’t have a flash hider, very reliable and very accurate with an old shotgun scope.
The H&K looks nice but I would go with the Smith.
I have a plain Jane 10-22 with a Williams receiver sight. I really like this little rifle, it reminds me of a M1 Carbine.
My Dad’s old Stevens 87B has taken everything from wild turkeys on down. Kinda funny how slow it cycles (crack, shuck, shuck, crack….. ) but it’s a cool old rifle.
I know it’s not a semiauto but my Golden 39A will shoot sub 1/2” 5 shot groups at 50 yards with a Williams 5D receiver sight. They have always been pricey, almost $200 in the late 70’s. For reference, my M94 30-30 was just over $100 bought a couple of years earlier.

[snoeproe]

We have only one semi auto 2 rifle. It’s a Marlin 70HC. It’s basically a Marlin 60 with a detachable magazine. No tube magazine like the 60 has. With a 3x9 weaver scope, it’s crazy accurate. It gets finicky after firing a couple hundred rounds. It will start to jam if not cleaned. Cleaning is fast and easy.

[Skans]

My favorite .22 is the old Marlin 60 tube fed 22. Accurate. Reliable. Easy to load. Decent capacity. Older ones hold 17 rounds! Metal and wood. Great 22's.

[Scorpion8]

Skans ^ has it. The Marlin Model 60 is a true jem and joy, fun to shoot, easy to reload (even your young'uns) and just runs and runs. I love them, and one is a standby with me all the time. There are many, many accurate 22LRs (its not hard just a quality barrel needed).