Budget rimfire 22 for small game hunting.

[Blr243]

Own a 22 mag. Haven’t owned a 22 long rifle for decades. Just did my pta for a 22. It’s bolt action. Looking at the Rossi 8122 standard. It comes with two detatacable mags and weaver bases already fitted. 300 bucks. If u know anything about these or other recommendations fire awsy. I’ll probably ph and put deposit on a rifle within 24 hrs

[GQshayne]

How about the Sako??

You used the word "budget", so I figured if you put "big" in front of that then you would be rockin'!!!

[Blr243]

That’s very decent of you mate. Drop a couple of grand in my account and we can consider this purchase a team effort

[Shootermick]

Ruger American is a bit dearer, but hard to beat for their price, in my opinion anyway. I’ve got 3, a .22, 22mag and a 243. Biggest downside is the stocks are cheap and flimsy feeling, and I don’t like the skinny forend on them either. But they all shoot well and get the job done.
I’ve actually just purchased an Oryx stock for the 243, see how that goes when it turns up.

[Die Judicii]

Hey Mate,,,, I bought a Ruger American .22lr a few months ago,, and have only just started using it (after a trigger job and one other essential mod)
First time in decades using a 22rf for hunting (alongside the Sako 308) and my biggest issue at the moment is coming to grips with the seemingly lack of power.
It seems puny, but after using the 375 H+H Mag,,, the 308's and 22/250,, it may take a while to get used to again.
I use it with subs to ping pesky things like rabbits, hares, and foxes without scaring off my main objectives,,,, being dogs.

It gets the job done with little fuss and I love the small compact size of it.

[Blr243]

Same reason. Summertime on a dam , quiet 22 for a fox or cat . And a bigger rifle handy if boars turn up . All my life I thought that animals drink at dusk , feed all night , and then come back for a drink at dawn and then sleep . A few yrs back when I started hunting with thermal I realised that pigs cats and foxes are coming and going to drink at all times of night esp In summer . So I just getting prepped to tackle the little ones quietly

[Shootermick]

Hey Mate,,,, I bought a Ruger American .22lr a few months ago,, and have only just started using it (after a trigger job and one other essential mod)
First time in decades using a 22rf for hunting (alongside the Sako 308) and my biggest issue at the moment is coming to grips with the seemingly lack of power.
It seems puny, but after using the 375 H+H Mag,,, the 308's and 22/250,, it may take a while to get used to again.
I use it with subs to ping pesky things like rabbits, hares, and foxes without scaring off my main objectives,,,, being dogs.

It gets the job done with little fuss and I love the small compact size of it.

Mine are all compact models too, even the 243 has just an 18” barrel.

[Blr243]

The ruger was on my mind too but I figured it won’t be used a great deal so I could not justify the extra bucks . And while we are on the subject of small game , regarding piglets that come in for a drink by themselves , I tend to leave them alone. Is there anyone else that does this. ? I should probably look after Australia and shoot them but I just don’t like shooting baby anything

[Blr243]

I must confess the tiny ones are amazing in a camp oven with roast onions carrots and potatoes

[GQshayne]

I don't bother with little ones either, if it is my decision.

Given your intended purpose, how about a Savage Mod 24 or a new 42? Gives you two options then. I have looked at one for the same situation.

[Larry]

I dont know much about the Rossi but as far as budget rifles go the Savage A22 is also in that 300-5 range and for that money is a good rifle. I can say that from owning one. The mags are really its only downfall being hard to load.

[Blr243]

Bought the rossi online last night. Just gotta wait for the pta

[Numleg]

Another vote for the Ruger American, far more accurate than the price tag would suggest and very reliable.

[Gun-nut]

I'd also vote for the ruger. Had mine for countless years now and hasn't skipped a beat. Easily the best .22 for the money there is. Accurate and rugged for dragging through the bush. I have the full 22" barrel however, but the extra velocity helps when I take the .22lr to 100+ meters.

[bladeracer]

I'd also vote for the ruger. Had mine for countless years now and hasn't skipped a beat. Easily the best .22 for the money there is. Accurate and rugged for dragging through the bush. I have the full 22" barrel however, but the extra velocity helps when I take the .22lr to 100+ meters.

I'm also a Ruger fan, they're good value (especially the Standard and Compact models which come with sights) but they're not the cheapest rifles - I think they're around $800 now. When somebody wants a cheap shooter I suggest the Norinco JW15, but Norinco no longer seems to be available new. Otherwise look for an older rifle, a repeater from the 1950's or so. My BSA Sportsman 5 is a shooter and they're still cheap. The Remington 500-series are good, and early Lithgow's. The only drawback is most of these older rifles have no provision for scopes.

Have you actually chronographed yours? Your best bet with .22LR is to use whichever ammo is the most accurate to allow you to drop the bullet right into the brain rather than relying on velocity.

[Blr243]

I had a very accurate norrinco jw donkeys yrs ago. When they were timber stocks I think they were copies of Brno from memory

[bladeracer]

I had a very accurate norrinco jw donkeys yrs ago. When they were timber stocks I think they were copies of Brno from memory

Yep, copies of the CZ452 action.

[Blr243]

I loaned it to my father But he sold it to someone without telling me. When I asked him about it he said he couldn’t remember…… hence my purchase now

[Oldbloke]

Have you considered used?

[Blr243]

Good idea ob. I tend not to buy second hand because I don’t know what’s been thru the barrrl but that matters less on a 22 long rifle. I have actually paid in full for the Rossi Just waiting for the pta. And I’m lazy about working at the moment too so I have plenty of time to drive up to cleavers and grab the rifle

[Oldbloke]

What is the rossi?

[Blr243]

It’s a bolt action. Mod 8122 Pink lady. I would not normally buy a pink rifle but it’s cheap new comes with 2 / ten shot mags and pre fitted weaver bases. I prefer that over Dodgy dovetail s

[Humperdinkel]

Just bought a Winchester Xpert from Cleavers in Brisbane. $499 (on special) is a top price for a quality bit of kit

[darklazor]

I have had no experience with Rossi, but I heard nothing good about their rimfires.
Ruger American rimfire would be my pick, I would go second-hand and try and save a little more for a more premium rifle like a Tikka or a Lithgow some good deals can be found on SSAA gun sales or oz gun sales. Best of luck with your Rossi mate hope all goes well.

[Humperdinkel]

Recently bought a Winchester Xpert, bloody cracking little rifle & currently on sale at Cleavers (if you live in Brissy).... And the Browning T-bolt pic rail is a perfect fit, Saves waiting for the Winchester branded one to arrive.

[Shootermick]

Ruger American is a bit dearer, but hard to beat for their price, in my opinion anyway. I’ve got 3, a .22, 22mag and a 243. Biggest downside is the stocks are cheap and flimsy feeling, and I don’t like the skinny forend on them either. But they all shoot well and get the job done.
I’ve actually just purchased an Oryx stock for the 243, see how that goes when it turns up.

Actually, now I’ve got 4….a Ruger American Ranch in 5.56/223 in a Magpul stock has been added to the stable.

[Billo]

I just picked up a budget 22lr before Xmas, an early 80's Ruger 77/22. Paid $600 with rings and it shoots like stink with RWS & ELEY Subs.

Probably shoulda had one in the safe years ago. 10 shot rotary mag and a crisp 1lb trigger just icing on the cake.

[Lazarus]

https://www.shootingillustrated.com/con ... under-200/

[Lazarus]

After reading the article I posted above, and knowing from experience hiw good their centrefires are:

https://theoutpostarms.com.au/howa-m110 ... ire-rifle/

[Oldbloke]

https://www.shootingillustrated.com/content/10-budget-priced-22-rifles-under-200/

I can't get over how cheap firearms are in US.