While the cost of a bolt-action rifle in one of the magnum calibers may be around $20-$25 higher than that of a comparable 22 LR, this is not the case for autoloaders. For example, the retail cost of a Ruger 10/22 Carbine semiautomatic may be around $160, but the cost of the rifles in magnum rimfire calibers is as much as $150 higher. The reason for this is that in the 22 LR caliber, the receiver can be made from cast aluminum. Because of the much higher power of the magnum calibers, the receiver must be made of steel, and the bolt assembly must be more massive to handle the stresses that occur during blow back of the action. Although they are similar in appearance and model numbers, the auto-loading magnum rifles and those in 22 LR are essentially different rifles. A similar situation exists for the Remington 597 autoloader in 22 LR compared to the magnum calibers.
Not only is the cost of the firearm important, but also the cost of ammunition must be considered. I just finished reading an article in which the author described his use of a 17 Mach 2 on “barnyard pests like sparrows and starlings.” There is nothing wrong with such a practice, but it is massive overkill (not to mention expense) when an air rifle would work well on such species. With 17 Mach 2 ammunition selling for about $6 to $7 per box (about the same as 22 WMR), this is not my idea of rifle for use on sparrows and starlings. Occasionally, I see someone describe a rifle chambered for the 17 HMR as a “rifle for small game and plinking.” Plinking to most people means shooting pine cones, pop cans, and an occasional starling. With the ammunition selling for $8 to $11 per box, I do not intend to use my 17 HMR for plinking when some promotional types of 22 LR can be found for as low as $1 per box! It is possible to buy 500 rounds of inexpensive 22 LR for about the same price as a box containing 50 rounds of 17 HMR. However, I do not intend to use the very inexpensive 22 LR ammunition for prairie dog shooting (unless it performs very well in my rifle).
Introduced in 2004, the Ruger 10/22 Rifle has a longer barrel and slimmer stock than the Carbine, but it has the same outstanding features.
The Remington 597 offers good performance at a reasonable price.
As in the case of selecting an automobile, when it comes to selecting a firearm, personal preference plays an important role including with this author. I know one individual who used to stoutly proclaim, “I would rather walk than ride in a Ford!” In retrospect, I should have responded with, “Get out of my car!” I know another who insists, “Chevrolets are junk!” Well, we all have our preferences. The truth is that within the parameters of size, weight, and price most firearms are likely to prove satisfactory, and that is why many models have been produced by the millions. Even some inexpensive models have been passed down for a couple of generations and continue to function well.
Youth Rifles
Throughout the history of the 22 rimfire, it has been the caliber most often selected for the first firearm for youthful shooters. Single-shot rifles of smaller proportions became known as the “boys rifles” which were popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Although they were made in a variety of types, perhaps the most familiar was the falling block. This type of action has a lever located behind the trigger guard or as an extension of the trigger guard. When the lever is pulled downward, a block located behind the breech moves downward exposing the chamber into which a single cartridge is loaded. These rifles have a visible hammer with a safety notch but no other safety. One rifle of this type is the Stevens Favorite, which was one of the most popular models.
Recognizing the need for rifles appropriately scaled for boys and girls, so-called youth models are still being produced. One such model is the reintroduced Stevens Favorite Model 30G. It has a falling block action, and its 21-inch barrel can be obtained in 22 LR, 22 WMR, and 17 HMR calibers. Most of the youth models available today are single-shot boltaction rifles that measure approximately 32 to 34 inches in length, have a length of pull of about 12 inches, and weigh 3.5 to 4.5 pounds. Historically a leader in the production of youth rifles, Savage has what is perhaps the most extensive line currently available. The Cub is a bolt-action single-shot that is 33 inches long, has a 16 1/8-inch barrel, and weighs 3.3 pounds. With a suggested price of $152, it has a hardwood stock and is sold with a rear peep sight. Savage also offers the Mark I as a full size rifle in several variations. The suggested price is approximately $180. The youth version, known as the Savage Mark I-G, measures 39.5 inches in length, has a 20.75-inch barrel, weighs 5.5 pounds, and has a suggested price of $147. A smooth bore version is available for shooting shot cartridges.
Marlin produces two youth rifles known as the Models 915 Y and 915 YS. These rifles are 33.5 inches in length, have 16.5-inch barrels, and weigh 4.25 pounds. The YS version has a stainless steel barrel and action. The CZ Scout is the youth rifle from the famous Czech manufacturer. It measures 32.8 inches in length, has a 16.2-inch barrel, and weighs 4.0 pounds. The Scout is furnished with an adapter that replaces the magazine and makes the rifle a single-shot. However, the Scout will also accept the standard magazine used in the full-size rifle to convert it into a repeater when the shooter has progressed to that point. Another choice in the youth rifle line is the Henry Mini Bolt, which has a suggested price of $199.95, but it retails for less. This is a bolt-action single-shot made of stainless steel with a synthetic stock. On this rifle and some others of this general type, opening and closing the bolt does not cock the rifle. There is a knurled cocking piece at the rear of the bolt which must be drawn back to cock the rifle. Separate loading and cocking operations make shooting such a rifle a slow, deliberate process compatible with safe shooting. The overall length of the Henry Mini Bolt is only 30.25 inches and the barrel is 16.25 inches in length. Open sights on the Mini Bolt are made by Williams Gun Sight Company and feature fiber optic inserts (green on the rear sight and red on the front). Because the top of the receiver is split to allow clearance for the bolt handle, a scope can not be mounted on the little Henry.
With over 4 million produced, the Marlin Model 60 is extremely popular. Several versions are available, and performance is excellent.
For many years, the Marlin bolt-action in 22 WMR has been a highly regarded rifle for the varmint hunter on a budget. In 17 HMR caliber, it is well known for its accuracy.
Savage bolt-action rifles such as the Model 93 in 22 WMR and 17 HMR calibers are excellent choices for the varmint hunter.
One of the oldest and simplest designs in rimfire rifles is the Stevens Favorite.
The single-shot bolt-action youth rifle is well represented by this Savage Cub which comes with a peep sight.
One of the most interesting series of youth rifles is the Chipmunk series from Rogue Rifle Company. No less than 11 versions are available most of which differ in the barrel weight (sporter or target) and colors of the laminated stocks. Most of the versions are available in 22 LR, 22 WMR, and 17 HMR calibers. Four of the versions feature walnut stocks, two checkered and two plain. Models with heavy weight barrels have no sights installed while the standard weight barrels have sights attached with the rear sight being a peep sight. There is also a target model with adjustable length of pull and target style stock and sights. Almost any configuration of the little Chipmunk is available. All of the rifles are cocked manually by drawing back