Re: help decide which 22 rifle to choose
Rifle: I have owned a couple of those. Ruger 10/22 and Savage MK II TR. I currently own a Marlin Model 60, not sure how that relates to a 795, except that the 795 has a removable mag, and the 60 has a tube fed.
What I don't remember hearing, other than simply doing better at 100, is the main purpose of the rifle. So, I can give you my experience based solely on what I do. I target shoot, hunt small critters, and dispatch skunks, raccoons and dogs when they get in my chickens. Yes, I shoot the dogs that get into my chickens. It's against the law, and I am full within my right (that should stop a lot of, " Dear GOD, you shoot POODLES?!?!?!?!).
So, that said, raccoons shot in semi darkness don't ALWAYS go down in one shot, sometimes I need a quick follow up. My vote goes for SEMIAUTO for this scenario. Dogs are the same, although I try not to take a wounding shot at a very hungry and potentially PISSY rotweiller.
Skunks, same. Small vermin (Squeaks, rock chucks, marmots, grouse, other targets of opportunity) all same. Semiautomatic.
Now, paper punching and ONLY PAPER PUNCHING for score, against the best of the best, can be won most easily with a bolt rifle. A bolt gun is simply more accurate, and here my vote goes to the Savage. They are far more accurate than their price tag eludes to.
So, for 98% of what I do, I use a semiautomatic. That is what I based my collection on. I just sold my Savage MKII TR to a gentleman on this board, and he should be taking ownership of it in the next day or two. (CA laws are weird)
Also, don't rule out CZ and Remington rifles (not 40X, thems are expensive). Excellent rifles. Really and truly.
So, for my 98% rifle, I upgraded my 10/22 with a KIDD barrel, Boyds Tacticool stock, a little two-part epoxy and achieved this:
I am into the rifle (after upgrades in barrel, stock, and scope mount ONLY) under $550. Shoots dang good too.
Now, onto the scope. I understand you wanting to keep your scope, but I will throw this out there too (as a few others have), glass makes a difference. I have $275 in my scope. It is a Sightron SII 4-16. I have had BSA and a few other "inexpensive" models, and they give you what you pay for. They are not consistent, repeatable, and the quality is lacking on the reticle.
I would recommend at the very least borrowing another scope just to see if the glass is holding you back. You can pick up some dang good scopes for under $400, heck, even under $300. Super Sniper and Vortex Viper (not PST) come to mind. If you borrow one, you are out nothing.
If you already have a Savage, I would really like to see some other glass on it with some good match ammo. Try Wolf Extra Match. Shot superb in my Savage, producing .2" groups at 50 yards, under .55" at 100 yards (wind permitting).
If I had to go out and start shooting my grub (not including big game, but would not rule out a very close shot), I would grab my 10/22 or my Marlin 60. Like I said, 98% these are more than enough rifle. If all I ever did was punch paper at 50 Yards hoping for smaller and smaller groups, Savage would still be in my herd.
(After reading my post, 2 things stick out that you <span style="font-style: italic">should</span> look into. Ammo and glass. The rifle should do the job for you. You are out nothing with the purchase of ammo and borrowing a good scope. My humble opinion.)
