10/22 or bolt-action?

[south_ridge]

I own a few guns, several of which are Rugers. But since I haven't done any small game hunting for about 20 years, I am almost ashamed to say that I don't own a .22 rifle. I really want to do some squirrel hunting this fall. This leads me to the following question...should I buy a 10/22 or a bolt action? At times I lean toward the bolt action since the most of my other rifles are bolt-actions, and it would be good to maintain similarity from a practice standpoint. But then sometimes I think I want a 10/22, because, well, everybody should own a 10/22.

What do you think? If I go bolt-action, it will probably be a 77/22 or a T-bolt.

The #1 purpose of this rifle will be small game hunting (mainly squirrels), and I'm sure I will shoot it quite a bit at the range as well.

SR

 

[Rumrunner]

BOTH!
You cant go wrong either way. The 10/22 definitely is the most fun. Accuracy may go to the bolt gun if both are stock, but not always. While the bolt will give that similarity to your centerfires, I think the biggest benefit will come from just doing more shooting, regardless of which action, and by getting out and squirrel hunting.

 

[Anonymous]

A .22 rifle should be fun first, and fun is an autoloader, and you can't beat a 10/22. Consider, too, MSRP on a 77/22 is around three times the base 10/22 price.

With a 10/22, you'll have fast repeat shots if you should happen to miss a fast moving squirrel. Which model depends on your preference, how much wet weather you plan to be in, how much brush you might be pushing through, etc..

I only own one rifle, and it's a 10/22 Sporter. Walnut stock. I went with that model, as I wanted something "traditional".

The main drawback of a 10/22 is the zillion aftermarket stocks, parts and mods that will tempt you to empty your wallet. I have resisted all that, except for some homemade recoil buffers that cost me thirty cents apiece. I even use a homemade nylon web sling.

 

[south_ridge]

Bearcatter,

It's funny that you mention the 10/22 sporter, because that is probably the route I would take if I went with the semi auto.

I've got my fair share of stainless and/or synthetic-stocked guns. Last year the scope mount broke on my synthetic .30-06 right before deer season, so I was "forced" to use one of the wood stocked guns from the safe. As I was sitting there in my deer stand holding on to an honest piece of walnut and blued steel, I thought "this is how deer hunting is supposed to be."

I must be getting old and cranky...

SR