I bought a Ruger RSI in .308 Win. last year and am looking for a Ruger Rimfire .22 LR bolt-action to accompany this fine rifle. Did Ruger ever make an International bolt-action .22LR? If not, I'm considering the Ruger American Target model. I want to practice with the bolt-action .22 LR to save on ammo/cost. I would prefer a wood stock, but can deal with the laminate stock on the Target model.
Ruger rimfire choices
- Thread starter WRC
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recumbent
Buckeye
I have the Ruger American standard model, it shoots very well and is accurate once you find the ammo it likes.
A 77-22 would probably fit the bill.
Not sure about finding one but I see them for sale periodically.
As noted above, American rimfires shoot good, too.
Not sure about finding one but I see them for sale periodically.
As noted above, American rimfires shoot good, too.
contender
Ruger Guru
I'm not a Ruger rifle expert,, but I do not recall an international model in 22 LR that's a bolt action gun.
As noted,, the 77/22 was made with a wood stock.
The American,, I'm not sure if they offer wood stocks on any of them. But that line has a good accuracy track record.
As noted,, the 77/22 was made with a wood stock.
The American,, I'm not sure if they offer wood stocks on any of them. But that line has a good accuracy track record.
Don't know about international, but I would highly recommend the American .22/250 bolt action. That being said, they make that model in a .22LR as well- VERY nice. That being said, I have to admit that I prefer the less popular Savage B22 .22LR over even the most popular Ruger 10/22. Mostly because of the Savage Accutrigger. The 10/20 is easier to customize, but less aftermarket work is needed for the B22. JMHO, YMMV.
I'll offer this: The material/construction of the stock has no influence or advantage for the use described. The American rimfire is somewhat rough and 'hitchy' in feeding but may loosen up with use. Either way, it will not feel/feed as smoothly as a 77/22 at any time. There is no advantage to the RSI type stock for a 'practice rifle' but there is something to be gained by having the same/similar shape of buttstock and optic height/eye relief.
I use a 77/22 as a practice rifle. It has no similarity to my hunting rifle other than safety position, length of pull, scope height, and eye relief.
I use a 77/22 as a practice rifle. It has no similarity to my hunting rifle other than safety position, length of pull, scope height, and eye relief.
This is such a great place to come and discuss gun things with you folks. My wife and dogs just don't understand. Buying a gun is a process, and I'm working through this one and thank you folks for helping me on this journey. This is where I'm at right now...I'm going to get a Ruger 77/22 22LR (not the RSI Mannlicher stock). This is my next step/question in this process - I'm not a target shooter, but I really like a heavy barrel. When I shoot .22's, I go through hundreds of rounds at a time. Is there enough of a difference in accuracy between the regular barrel and the heavy barrel? Life is too short to own/shoot anything but the most accurate rifles available...I want super precision, even during extended periods of shooting. In other words, I'm considering Ruger's American Target model with the laminated stock. Any thoughts or information on this idea would be appreciated. TIA
contender
Ruger Guru
Well, XUSNORDIE has proved me wrong. I didn't remember that Ruger had produced a Mannlicher stocked .22 bolt gun.
But I understand your search for accuracy. AND,, the desire to have a gun that matches your preferred mate.
We do try to help folks here when we can. And heck,,, even offer advice on products outside the perimeters of the searching!!
I have a 77/22 and a buddy of mine had one. Both guns are accurate. Mine has a scope only sight system. His had open sights as well. I have used his 77/22 to win turkey shoot matches several times.
The American .22,, I can't directly attest to it's accuracy,, but from all I've heard they are quite accurate.
Heavy barrels vs regular barrels. One of the factors that makes a heavy barrel preferred is it absorbs heat & doesn't shift it's accuracy better than a regular barrel when a lot of ammo is being fired & heating up things. And,, a heavy barrel is often preferred to allow steadier shooting.
But if I were to wanting to use a .22 to practice with to allow me to shoot a larger calibered cousin,, I'd look at a regular barrel type,, to match the other gun.
Lastly,, each & every gun is a machine unto itself. You have to match the ammo to the gun to get the best accuracy. Plus,, quality guns do cost more in general. And since you mentioned "super accurate" as a criteria,, a lot of thought should go into your choice.
One of the absolutely top level accurate .22 bolt guns I've found,, AND at a very reasonable price (comparatively) might surprise you. If you can find one,,, a French made MAS 45 .22 Mauser bolt gun. It has a 5 shot magazine & was designed as a training rifle to reduce the ammo expenses for their military. Many were imported 30-40 years ago,, in crates. They are heavy & plain looking. Parkerized barrels & actions. A good sturdy Mauser action, and gosh awful accurate. Peep sights only,, unless you modify one.
Harder to find nowadays,, but I've had the privilege of owning one,, and shooting several of them. ALL were match grade accurate.
A buddy of mine & I were just discussing them the other day. He laments the loss of the (2) he used to own. And we both had extensive experience with them. I guess between us, we've sampled over 20 of them. All were pin-head accurate.
But I understand your search for accuracy. AND,, the desire to have a gun that matches your preferred mate.
We do try to help folks here when we can. And heck,,, even offer advice on products outside the perimeters of the searching!!
I have a 77/22 and a buddy of mine had one. Both guns are accurate. Mine has a scope only sight system. His had open sights as well. I have used his 77/22 to win turkey shoot matches several times.
The American .22,, I can't directly attest to it's accuracy,, but from all I've heard they are quite accurate.
Heavy barrels vs regular barrels. One of the factors that makes a heavy barrel preferred is it absorbs heat & doesn't shift it's accuracy better than a regular barrel when a lot of ammo is being fired & heating up things. And,, a heavy barrel is often preferred to allow steadier shooting.
But if I were to wanting to use a .22 to practice with to allow me to shoot a larger calibered cousin,, I'd look at a regular barrel type,, to match the other gun.
Lastly,, each & every gun is a machine unto itself. You have to match the ammo to the gun to get the best accuracy. Plus,, quality guns do cost more in general. And since you mentioned "super accurate" as a criteria,, a lot of thought should go into your choice.
One of the absolutely top level accurate .22 bolt guns I've found,, AND at a very reasonable price (comparatively) might surprise you. If you can find one,,, a French made MAS 45 .22 Mauser bolt gun. It has a 5 shot magazine & was designed as a training rifle to reduce the ammo expenses for their military. Many were imported 30-40 years ago,, in crates. They are heavy & plain looking. Parkerized barrels & actions. A good sturdy Mauser action, and gosh awful accurate. Peep sights only,, unless you modify one.
Harder to find nowadays,, but I've had the privilege of owning one,, and shooting several of them. ALL were match grade accurate.
A buddy of mine & I were just discussing them the other day. He laments the loss of the (2) he used to own. And we both had extensive experience with them. I guess between us, we've sampled over 20 of them. All were pin-head accurate.
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contender
Ruger Guru
Well, I just did a Gunbroker search for the French MAS 45 .22 cal training rifles. WOW,, was I a bit surprised. The lowest I saw was $720.00 & the highest was $1500. Most were in the $700-$900 range. I didn't realize they were that expensive now.
You want most accurate and super precision in .22lr. I did and shot Walther and Anschutz match rifles. Look at what's used in Olympic matches. Ammo also is really important. Doubt you will be willing to spend that much to practice.
The Ruger American target model is a beginner level accurate/super precision rifle that likely will work for you. If you get bored with that, put in a trigger that has a pull in ounces not pounds and shoot Eley Tenex ammo.
50 yds laying on my belly, using a sling. 10 shots Tenex ammo, Walther match rifle, with iron sights. On a no wind morning. I suppose shooting from a bench rest it could be better. If that rifle you buy won't do this from a bench it's not an accurate/ super precision .22lr rifle.
The Ruger American target model is a beginner level accurate/super precision rifle that likely will work for you. If you get bored with that, put in a trigger that has a pull in ounces not pounds and shoot Eley Tenex ammo.
50 yds laying on my belly, using a sling. 10 shots Tenex ammo, Walther match rifle, with iron sights. On a no wind morning. I suppose shooting from a bench rest it could be better. If that rifle you buy won't do this from a bench it's not an accurate/ super precision .22lr rifle.
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I have this Ruger American rimfire that I really like.
Certainly not my intention Sir! I just remember wanting one...when Ruger had a more robust catalog with many options for each line.
My CZ457 Varmint holds it's own pretty dang well on ARA Factory cards......using various SK and Eley. Even CCI SV isn't too shabby.
contender
Ruger Guru
NO problem XUSNORDIE,, I just didn't remember it because they are not my focus of enjoyment.
Eley was the best 20 years ago. They have slid in prominance. I think there was a merger or buyout. I only shoot SK in my CZ 457's. I shoot CCISV in most of my other rimfires but it doesn't do that great in my CZ's.
first year 77/22 that is superbly accurate: got it when it was new
i really like the mannlicher style and this 22 anschutz is also very accurate:
i really like the mannlicher style and this 22 anschutz is also very accurate:
Hertervillian
Saluki
I followed this line of reasoning when I bought the Tikka T1X to match my T3 . It’s pretty much designed to be a rimfire match for the centerfire, and is promoted as such.
kevray
Bearcat
I have an American, 18" threaded barrel, green synthetic stock, adjustable rear/fiber optic front sights, and put on a Millett red dot for use around the house for varmits (have a Silencerco suppressor on it to keep the neighbors unaware 
). I like it just fine, shoots where I aim, nice trigger, nice smooth bolt, accepts all the 10/22 magazines, and is just fun to shoot. I also use it to demo suppressors for customers who want to learn about making their rifle quiet for around their property if needed.
). I like it just fine, shoots where I aim, nice trigger, nice smooth bolt, accepts all the 10/22 magazines, and is just fun to shoot. I also use it to demo suppressors for customers who want to learn about making their rifle quiet for around their property if needed.
My scoped 77/22 doesn't exactly match any centerfire rifles I have, but it is a full size rifle & is just fine for practice along with being enjoyable.
There are some 77/22 RSI's showing up for sale from time to time, but sadly, asking prices are astronomical. Rare!, Collectable! Very few made! all the buzz words that mean high prices. Well, IMO, is $2600 big money for a Ruger 22? It dang sure is to me. An American should fill the bill or as mentioned, the CZ 457 is a winner. Great barrels & sometimes some really nice wood.
Personally, I won't fool with the top of the line Ely or Lapua ammo as I don't compete in formal competition. Top of the line Ely & Lapua's next best is ~$22 a box. Lapua's best is about $33, & may or may not help an average barrel shoot a bit better.
What ever you get, enjoy!
There are some 77/22 RSI's showing up for sale from time to time, but sadly, asking prices are astronomical. Rare!, Collectable! Very few made! all the buzz words that mean high prices. Well, IMO, is $2600 big money for a Ruger 22? It dang sure is to me. An American should fill the bill or as mentioned, the CZ 457 is a winner. Great barrels & sometimes some really nice wood.
Personally, I won't fool with the top of the line Ely or Lapua ammo as I don't compete in formal competition. Top of the line Ely & Lapua's next best is ~$22 a box. Lapua's best is about $33, & may or may not help an average barrel shoot a bit better.
What ever you get, enjoy!
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