22 rifle question

[troglodyte]

I'm looking for a used .22 that will handle S (specifically CBs) and LR. I have a single shot Remington from the early '30s that is a dream to shoot but I'd like something with a magazine. (I understand that I will likely have to manually cycle the smaller rounds).

I ran across a Remington 552 speedmaster today w/a scope for $229. I figure this is a little overpriced knowing the shop but not that bad.

Anyone have any experience, whether personal or incidental, with the 552? My other Remington's do fine. I found the left side bolt handle seemingly convienent for cycling the smaller rounds.

I'm looking for an all-around 22 that will take skunks at night without worrying the neighbors (or waking the kids) to pinking to small game. I also don't care to buy a new rifle, no need if a good used one can be found.

[flb_78]

I'd recommend a Henry Lever action .22

It'll shoot .22 short, long, and long rifle.

Actually, I think any .22 lever action not chambered in .22mag will shoot all 3 of the smaller 22's.

[G.A. Heath]

Any tube fed .22LR rifle should chamber the .22S and the .22L. I myself prefer my old Mossberg 146b as it holds 19 or 20 LRs and an ungodly amount of .22 shorts. It is also amazingly accurate, so much so many people do not believe until they see it shot or shoot it themselves.

EDIT TO ADD: Do not try to shoot .22LR, L, or S through a .22magnum chambered firearm as the diameter of the base, rim, and even case diameter are different. I had a friend try this, and getting the fire formed case out was a nightmare.

[ddurkof]

The Browning BL22 will handle shorts, longs and LR. It was my first gun and I still have it 40 years later. They are accurate too.

[Rex B]

As G.A. said, any tubular-magazine rifle is your best bet.
I also enjoy shooting CB caps. My two favorites are an older Stevens bolt gun and a Marlin 39A levergun.
Both have 20" - 22" barrels and will hold 25 CB shorts. They are accurate enough, and make much less noise than a springer air rifle.
I tend to prefer the bolt action because I can cycle it with the gun at my shoulder. Harder to do that with a lever action. Besides, there is just something satisfying about working a bolt action.

Most current production .22s have shorter barrels, which shortens the magazine and makes the report a little louder.
The Henry .22 is nice gun for the price. Hard to go wrong with that one. To get a longer barrel I think you have to move up to the higher-priced models

[FlynJay]

I have a Remington 597 that I amwilling to part with. PM me if interested.

[Tireshred]

The newer Taurus Model 62 pump will not shoot anything but LR, I bought one and found out the hard way. I bought a carrier from a Winchester 62A off Gunbroker and am in the process of fitting it so it will shoot shorts (the Taurus is a replica of the Winchester and some parts are interchangable, but the carrier needs a bit of milling). Why Taurus did that is beyond me.

[Reloader]

I use a Remington 572A and a marlin 39M..Both work flawlessly with CB caps.

[Texas10X]

The Henry .22 lever action rifle is available brand new from Academy for $259, and there is one of those stores in Amarillo.