Lightweight .22 rifle recommendations.

[Lt Choate]

Thought I would toss this out for comments.....

I really enjoy target shooting with my .22's and have plenty to choose from my Winchester model 52 on down. However, I have started carrying my rifles into the woods more just to shoot and all of my target rifles are a bit to heavy to carry and shoot off-hand. They are wonderful on the bench but are like a telephone pole after a longer walk (I ain't as young as I used to be, ha).

I know this forum is dedicated to the Ruger line and that the model 10/22 will pop up but just wanted to hear some recommendations from the group of a good, lightweight, accurate .22 for carrying through the woods whether it be Ruger or not.

Thanks

 

[Rat76]

I'd suggest a lever action. Looks like the options are Chiappa, Rossi or Henry.

https://www.rkguns.com/rifles/lever-action.html

 

[hittman]

Nylon 66

 

[sledman]

If you can find one, a TC R22 (10-22 clone) is hard to beat.

 

[RC44Mag]

You want lightweight here’s one for you.
https://www.henryusa.com/rifles/us-survival-rifle/

 

[Watertender]

They are great! Not a fine target rifle but perfect for walking in the woods and they can be carried in a backpack. They have room for 3 magazines in the stock with 1 in the receiver and 2 in slots in the stock. The magazines are 8 rounds so you have 24 rounds at hand.

 

[Johnnu2]

Browning .22Auto.........
I have a Norinco knock-off that I bought for $99 before they banned Chinese (?) imports... (did I get that correct?).
Anyway, either the Browning's or Norinco's are so light, you won't know you are carrying them... and my Norico is VERY accurate.
Here's one of many on GunBroker: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1028764067
J.

 

[BULL'S-EYE]

As an incurable 22-aholic, I pretty much love them all. But, if light weight is specifically what you're after, the Winchester Wildcat comes in at a scant 4 pounds. I bought one when they first came out and last year picked up a wood stock Sporter SR version at 4 ounces more, both are great shooter's.

 

[Mauser9]

Think you would like the Ruger American compact. Nice and light for carry plus the 18 inch barrel makes for a great varmint woods gun. Happy with mine in 22 magnum. Plus the Vortex scope is very clear.

 

[MHtractorguy]

Browning BL22

Mine is a Micro Midas (16.5") with a full size stock on it. Light, accurate and reliable.

 

[Watertender]

Browning BL22

Mine is a Micro Midas (16.5") with a full size stock on it. Light, accurate and reliable.

Excellent little carbine. The Henry Classic Lever Action .22 Carbine is another good choice. It weighs 4.5 lbs with a 16.125" barrel and large loop lever.

 

[Lt Choate]

I knew y'all would be a wealth of suggestions on this topic. I first thought about an old Marlin model 60 tube fed. My dad had one back in the sixties.
Gonna be hitting the pawn shops and gun shows for sure.

 

[Watertender]

You want lightweight here's one for you.
https://www.henryusa.com/rifles/us-survival-rifle/

A picture is worth a thousand words

 

[arfmel]

Do those Henry Survival Rifles work well? I have one of the originals made by Armalite and it's never worked worth a cup of lukewarm mule tinkle. It won’t go through a magazine full without at least one misfeed.

My vote for a reliable semiautomatic lightweight .22 is the Nylon 66, as was suggested earlier.

 

[sharpblade7777]

Here's a few options.

 

[sharpblade7777]

My first choice would be the ruger backpacker at 4.2 pound. Next would be the henry youth model lever action at 4.5 pound.

 

[Mauser9]

Nice sharpblade!! Like to see the take down in 22 mag.

 

[Mobuck]

A Ruger American compact(?) is an easy carrying bolt action if you prefer that type. 10-22 is the all time favorite if you like a semi-auto.

 

[Mauser9]

Yeah always liked a handy lighter weight rifle in a rimfire. The shorter 18-20 inch barrels are ideal. Only one I miss is the Marlin 783 with nice walnut but it was stolen way back. Spent the $20 for the standard stock module on my Ruger for better L.O.P. Often find myself thinking of that Marlin 1894M when it comes to levers though. Good money if ya can find one.

 

[Lt Choate]

Update......
I went to a large pawn shop today and found a few that were of interest but I ended up getting an old classic. The Remington model 512P Sportsmaster. This particular one was made in 1946 and while not considered a target gun, was/is known for it's accuracy. They made these from 1940 through 1962 and are bolt action and tube fed. Here's a photo:

I may continue my search and pick up something else as well. Thanks for all of the input.

 

[BULL'S-EYE]

Nice find! I have the 511 Scoremaster my Grandpa bought brand new in 1939...You could easily fill the bed of a tri-axle dump truck with all the small game it has taken since it was purchased...

 

[AzShooter1]

Get a Ruger 10-22 with the standard barrel, it's 16 inches and tapers down making it very light and easy to carry.

Everyone's got to have a 10-22.

 

[hedrok]

For me, It's hard to choose between my CZ 452 Scout and Nylon 66 Apache…but, with the sling, the CZ wins out for accuracy. The 66 is more fun, tho.

 

[gunzo]

Congrats! The 512 Remington is a definite win in my book. It crossed my mind originally in your query but I knew there were lighter guns out there.
The peep sight model(not as often seen) is a plus in my book, should be very effective. I have a standard model & the 25 inch barrel helps with the aiming, the peep is likely to one up on that.

Color me jealous.

 

[Mobuck]

I wouldn't call a full sized Rem 5xx 'lightweight' especially compared to the other options offered.

 

[WAYNO]

I've owned 'em all. There are many decent choices.

The 10/22 and its variants and Ruger American Rimfire are the only ones I have that still get used regularly. Parts and service are always easily available, and mine always work, and work well.

 

[Chief]

I wouldn't call a full sized Rem 5xx 'lightweight' especially compared to the other options offered.

Me thinks our OP is a wood and steel man. The 510,511 and 512 rifles may be a bit long but I wouldn’t call them heavy. Nice, classic .22 suitable for most needs. Sling would be a nice addition though.

 

[Lt Choate]

Me thinks our OP is a wood and steel man. The 510,511 and 512 rifles may be a bit long but I wouldn't call them heavy. Nice, classic .22 suitable for most needs. Sling would be a nice addition though.

You're exactly right. I don't "dislike" the synthetics, but just prefer the older traditional construction.
Oh, and I know I could have gotten a lighter rifle but my goal was not the "lightest" on the market but just something lighter than those bull-barreled target behemoths I had been carrying.

thanks

 

[timnc]

Have a 512 w/grooved receiver from the early 60's. Cut barrel to 19". With basic Tasco 4x scope it will shoot under 2" @ 100 yards off the bench with W-W Power Points all day long. It originally belonged to my grandfather and now belongs to my grandson.

 

[Hvymax]

What exactly do any of these guns do that a 10-22 can't? A lightweight stock, carbon fiber barrel and a red dot would make a handy, accurate and lightweight package. Maybe you should consider a 22 pistol with an optic?