Squirrel hunter...which is better?

[EagleScout]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for a economical squirrel hunter/plinker and can't decide between the Ruger American Rimfire or the 10/22

I've handled both at the fun..er..gun shop and both feel good in my hand

RAR:
Pros: better trigger, bolt action, easier to clean
Cons: little more pricey, no proven longevity as far as the fit and finish goes

10/22:
Pros: little less expensive, faster followup shots, enduring popularity
Cons: not as easy to clean/maintain, lesser trigger

I prefer the feel of bolt action, but I'm not opposed to semiauto.

Most likely not going to modify either one, so aftermarket options aren't a factor

Did I miss anything? Mainly wondering which would be better as far as hunting goes

Thanks.

 

[eveled]

You can't go wrong either way.

 

[JFB]

as for the 1022 trigger for $35 plus shipping Brimstone (http://brimstonegunsmithing.com/products/tier-3-basic-ruger-1022-trigger-work) can fix that.

as for cleaning, what's that! I heard a pull through works.

another 1022 con for me is the "new" scope rail. I like the older, non picianny better.
and a 1022 pro, you might be able to get one used for a good price

I don't have a RAR to comment on.

 

[Rumrunner]

I have both but 10/22 is favorite. It is much lighter than my compact American.

 

[hittman]

Speaker of "lighter" you may want to try a Remington Nylon 66!

Of the two you mentioned, 10/22 would be my choice.

Edit to add:

Was just on CDNNs web site. They have the 10/22 synthetic stock with Lasermax for $199.00! How on earth can you beat a $200.00 brand new 10/22? Think they charge a whopping $20.00 shipping to your FFL.

 

[9x19]

I have both and could recommend either, but my American has proven more accurate than any box-stock 10/22 I've owned.

Ruger really has produced an excellent rifle in the American, and I like it better than any of its competitors (Savage or Marlin). The magazines, the trigger design, the stock design (liked it so much I bought two of the same design 10/22 stocks for my guns), the barrel length (I'm a fan of the 18" for field use). I liked the .22LR so much, I now own one in each chambering they offer.

Good luck.

 

[EagleScout]

I have both and could recommend either, but my American has proven more accurate than any box-stock 10/22 I've owned.

Ruger really has produced an excellent rifle in the American, and I like it better than any of its competitors (Savage or Marlin). The magazines, the trigger design, the stock design (liked it so much I bought two of the same design 10/22 stocks for my guns), the barrel length (I'm a fan of the 18" for field use)

I've noticed the same thing in handling other bolt guns. The only thing that was close was the CZ I looked at (before looking at the price tag :shock: )

How is the 18" better? I haven't had a chance to handle one, only the 22".

Thanks for all the valuable input. If I don't get a 10/22 now, I will get one in the future

 

[EagleScout]

Also, I've noticed the bolt handle rubs against metal when it locks up. Is there any way around that (without angering the warranty gods) or is that just part of the price of admission?

Some have said that it rubs off the bluing, and that's never a good thing

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

You can't go wrong either way.

+1,, :wink:

 

[9x19]

I simply prefer the shorter barrel for a woods gun, but either length will be fine.

The metal against metal is a build necessity for all bolt guns.

 

[EagleScout]

Ok thank you. It just seemed like it was a little close for comfort IMO

 

[JFB]

are you concern where the bolt locking lug engages into the reciever?

where pointed to is what prevents the bolt from being blasted back into your face. these surfaces should have as much metal to metal contact and smooth as posible. the fact that this area was blued may be unfortunate as it will eventailly become bright.

 

[medicdave]

Real partial to a little cz 452 with a plum 2-7 leupold rimfire scope on it. By far the most accurate sporting rimfire I've had. Keep an eye on the used racks, think I picked that one up at gander mountain for less than $400 with the scope. Only thing I wasn't real keen on was the reversed safety movement.

On the other hand this keeps things a bit more interesting.

 

[EagleScout]

I know that. It just seems like it's a little rough locking in, like the measurement is off by a fraction. I've never seen/felt that on any other of the bolt rimfires I looked at.

 

[Quattroclick]

I prefer wood stocked guns, so I would choose a wood stocked 10/22, preferably an international.

 

[Rocdoc]

I prefer wood stocked guns, so I would choose a wood stocked 10/22, preferably an international.

Agree, Love the RSI versions

 

[AGE Ranger]

I perfer my H&R Topper 158 in .410; just in casr a quail or pheasant pops up.

But last two years been using my 77/22.

 

[TCGuy]

Ask these guys. They seem to have a pretty good handle on squirrel guns.

 

[OVERLOADDED]

Ask these guys. They seem to have a pretty good handle on squirrel guns.

Always hunt as team when chasing the monster/trophy tree rats. Overloadded

 

[Varminterror]

I know that. It just seems like it's a little rough locking in, like the measurement is off by a fraction. I've never seen/felt that on any other of the bolt rimfires I looked at.

Is it "rough locking in" when it's empty AND when loaded, or only when loading a live round?

If it's only "rough locking in" when loaded, then it's nothing to do with the bolt locking lug engagement face, it's a headspace issue.

If it's just generally tight fitting or rough feeling in the locking groove, then one trick to consider - rub that rearward area on the locking face of the bolt handle with a magic marker (or dykem if you have it), let it dry, then lock it into the receiver. Pull it out, and examine the witness marks left on the bolt handle. Ideally, the entire surface (or as much as possible) would be wiped clean. If you're getting a narrow streak, then your lock up quality is poor, so you'll feel a lot more pressure than you should when closing and opening the bolt, and often feel some "grit" to it as well. Midwayusa.com sells a lapping compound kit with 220, 400, and 600grit lapping compound, if you're getting poor lug contact, you might consider lapping it in to improve that feeling.