New small game rifle?????

bigsky_songdogs

New member
So I've been thinking about getting a new small game rifle and would like some suggestions on what works for you. I am considering a 22mag but have very little experience with that round. I want either a bolt action or lever action. Birds, hares, the occasional porky or beaver

For the last 15 years my Savage MKII has filled this role but I'm tired of the feeding issues due to crappy mags, plus I want something new

The only auto loader I'm considering is the 10/22 take down. I think it would work good in the boat, on a snow machine, under the truck seat, in my pack etc

Considering
Henry frontier
Cz 455 or 452
BL22

Any other suggestions? Pics always welcomed
 
I always shot small game with my .22 rifle. Mostly because we never had much, so I didn't get into a lot of different rifles like some were able to. Stingers and CCI Mini Mags will take any small game within fifty yards easily, and even farther.

I also have a .22 Mag, which is great for longer distances.

After being on this forum, and reading what others have to say, I'm seriously thinking about getting a rifle in .17 HMR in the near future. It looks and sounds like a great caliber. I know that there are plenty of people on here that can tell you good things about the 22-250, the 1022 and others. I'll be looking for what they have to say, too.
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I'd go with the 455, it's got interchangeable barrels. I also really like CZ. Great quality and performance. I don't think you'd be disappointed.
 
That's easy,,, Cooper Jackson Squirrel.
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No secret that I love my Henry Frontier, but it's not really what I'd call compact. "Fairly" light weight and very handy, but Henry's standard model's barrel is 2" shorter and it weighs almost a pound less. Course it's got a couple plastic parts, but most folks nowadays aren't as opposed to plastic on their knives and guns as I am so that may not matter. It's just a barrel band and sight hood and I'm pretty sure there's metal replacement parts for em, but it's an additional expense.

They're not for everyone, but for a real compact piece, how about an older Contender? (Just a thought.)

FWIW,,,, I like CZ's (allot) but the 452 that I had refused to feed HP's. Plastic tips were fine, but none of the HP's I tried worked. I did the fix that's stickied over on RFC (bent that stupid spring every imaginable way possible) and even went so far as ordering a new magazine. Same thing.
I know others will be along and tell ya how theirs feed em fine and I'm sure they do, but that was my experience. Obviously I'm not the only one either or there wouldn't be a sticky on the problem.

So, of the choices listed I think I'd go lever action myself. Or look elsewhere like the TC carbine or maybe even the new semi auto CZ came out with (although it's about half plastic too from what I've heard
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), but definatly get the 22Mag. It's a real over achiever and just plain fun in lever form.
Luck

PS,,, that Browning's allot of gun if you can find and afford one, but I doubt it'll be more accurate than a Henry.
 
Take a look at Marlin. They have detachable magazine or tube fed bolt action models if that makes a difference to ya, personally I like detachable magazines. They also have stainless steel models as well. My 882 is very accurate with the Remington Accutip or the Winchester Super X.

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CZ 455 22 WMR, mine shoots great with Hornady ammo, and I have had no feed issues with anything that I have tried.
 

Of the ones you listed for consideration, I would choose the CZ 452 American.
I have one in a .17 HMR. It's wonderfully accurate and a nice little rifle.
Shop around and find one that has some nice wood and you will have a little
classic in your hands.

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As to a .22 magnum, personally I think that's a bit much for squirrels, but if you go after
larger game, then the mag would be nice. Take a look at the Ruger 77/22 magnum. It's a really
nice rifle in my opinion, but a bit expensive. I'm sure the CZ in .22 mag would be nice too.


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Even though I love my 22 mag, it does not sound like you really need one to kill said critters, unless you just want to reach out further. I'd go bolt action if that is the case. I have a heavy barreled savage 93FVSS(?) that is wonderfully accurate with 40gr and 50gr Federal ammo. Not so accurate with others, particularly mini-mags. The trigger on it stinks, and I have been meaning to replace it with a Rifle Basics for some time, but I am used to it. It has placed 3 shots touching @ 100yds on a number of occasions with the 50gr Fed JHP loads.

For a plinker, a .22LR levergun would be cool. I like Marlin 39s and Winchester 9422s best. What I use now is an old JC Higgins(High Standard) semi-auto with an old Bushnell 4X40 on it. It will only cycle certain types of ammo. Most HPs won't feed reliably. It is plenty accurate and lots of fun for what you describe. The old Bushnell has better glass in it than the ones they make today IMO, and the edge to edge clarity is surprisingly good.

One rifle is a rapid firing, fast handling "carry gun", and the other better for longer range precision shooting where rapid fire is not necessarily needed. Decide what you want/need most and purchase accordingly........
 
3 shots....Nah show us a 10 or 15 round group at 100 yds for the 17hmr or 22mag...nothing less eh!
I like the Rugers & CZs myself, but you cant pass up on the Marlin or Savages as they all shoot great.
 
I have a Ruger 77/22 mag like 6mm06 recommended. That Ruger 22 mag is one of my favorite rifles. Worth every penny. I bet I have taken more game with that rifle than any other, including many squirrels. When hunting squirrels with a 22 mag you may want to go for the head shot, if you want to eat them.
The Marlin, Savage, and CZ are also good. CZ makes a heavy barreled 22 mag that is quite nice. The Savage and the Marlin would save money.
 
I have a savage 9317 BRJ. It is sub MOA at 100 with CCI VMax ammo. It is a great rifle, but a bit heavy for walking. I have a Rem 591M in 5mm Rem mag. Wonderfully accurate, and the 5mm packs a punch. Ammo selection is limited to 2 loads (new production) or very expensive old stock Rem ammo. But this is a non-issue for me, personally. The 452s seem like great rifles, and I would love one in 22 WMR.
 
Let's see..... You want a small game gun and don't have a 10/22? Something needs fixed there. Honestly, everyone needs a 10/22. Plenty accurate enough for small game hunting (never missed a bunny or squirrel due to the fault of the gun) and more fun than should be aloud to have. The .22m is a niche round, the .17hmr a varmint round, save the boring as all get out bolt actions for centerfires. Get the takedown (or any other 10/22).


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Originally Posted By: Chris_BriceLet's see..... You want a small game gun and don't have a 10/22? Something needs fixed there. Honestly, everyone needs a 10/22. Plenty accurate enough for small game hunting (never missed a bunny or squirrel due to the fault of the gun) and more fun than should be aloud to have. The .22m is a niche round, the .17hmr a varmint round, save the boring as all get out bolt actions for centerfires. Get the takedown (or any other 10/22).


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I have 3 10/22's
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