Semi-Auto Plinker

[BytorJr]

Just curious to know what kind of plinkers folks have? Something relatively accurate but obviously not bolt gun accurate. I've toyed with perhaps a Browning SA-22 or a Remington 552. The 552 handles all 22 (short, long, long rifle) and best I recall is front-heavy which makes it pretty stable and probably evens out with a decent scope. I'm sure there are others out there, but these two come to my mind from childhood having shot both at one time or another. I've never shot a 10/22, but not a huge Ruger fan - but could be convinced. Others?

This would be more of a plinker for off-hand shooting at cans or even smaller steel targets at say 50-75 yards. As much as it would be for me, I have a few folks I know who are just getting into firearms late in life so I thought it'd be a good "starter" for some of them at the range.

Thanks.

 

[huntsman22]

My TC Classic Silver Lynx is the most accurate semi auto I've ever had.....

 

[huntsman22]

but then the classy, svelte little SA22 is no slouch....

 

[BytorJr]

Is that the Browning scope mount? Isn't there some "trick" to mounting a scope on the SA-22? I've always like the look of this rifle, just looks so "Browning" like . Oh...because it is...an original JMB design.

 

[huntsman22]

That is the Leupold SA mount

 

[huntsman22]

It now has offset DD rings and a better scope.....

 

[BytorJr]

What’s the accuracy of that setup?

 

[huntsman22]

hunting accurate......

the fun factor of the 15-22 deserves a thunk, too...

 

[Colorado S14]

Stay away from a Ruger 10/22 for a plinker, there are too many mods and before you know it you will have a $1,000 custom rifle with all the bells and whistles. Kidding, of course. Have a couple and they are great.

In all honesty, I have a great time with a pawn shop Marlin Model 60 that I snagged for $90. I picked up a better condition factory stock off of eBay and added about $100 of Williams sights (brass bead up front with a target peep in the rear). It is very reliable and is accurate enough to be very fun to plink with.

I also have a Henry Golden Boy, which is lever action, but should be in everyone's gun safe. It is 100% the gun that I use for a first time shooter when I have them to the range. Something so satisfying about a beautiful, classic, lever action; add in 0 recoil and it is a joy to shoot.

 

[SHAPS]

I like the full size feel of the Rem 552 and dig the "big game" sights. I painted the diamond on the rear sight and the front dot. The history,svelte-ness and all steel construction of the SA-22 is nice too. Picked up a used marlin 60 with the best features (bolt hold open and full length mag tube) and though the sights are a little hard to see shoots just great as well. Had to paint the diamond on the rear and front sight on that one as well. Also have a CZ-455FS with tangeant sights, Marlin Mountie and S&W M&P15-22 round out my plinkers.

 

[BytorJr]

I've not seen the "big game" sights, just the original sight that had the small BB-like piece. If I can get to Sportsman's Warehouse, maybe I'll get to look at these.

AR plinker could be cool, but for some reason the tranditionalist in me wants wood stocks - call me crazy. That said...a 22 AR would be great for close quarters training for the sheer ammo cost alone.

 

[Colorado S14]

I like the full size feel of the Rem 552 and dig the "big game" sights. I painted the diamond on the rear sight and the front dot. The history,svelte-ness and all steel construction of the SA-22 is nice too. Picked up a used marlin 60 with the best features (bolt hold open and full length mag tube) and though the sights are a little hard to see shoots just great as well. Had to paint the diamond on the rear and front sight on that one as well. Also have a CZ-455FS with tangeant sights, Marlin Mountie and S&W M&P15-22 round out my plinkers.

The Williams peep sights transform the Marlin, I got the one with the target knobs which is more expensive but easy to adjust on the fly.

Williams FP-GR Receiver Peep Sight Target Knobs Air Guns, 22 Rifles

Williams FP Receiver Sights have an internal micrometer for a click-at-a-time adjustment and are made from rust-free aluminum. The large knurled target...

ads.midwayusa.com

They also have the normal one:

Williams WGRS-54 Guide Receiver Peep Sight Savage-Anschutz 54, 141,

These compact low profile Williams Guide Receiver Peep Sights are lightweight, strong and rustproof with positive windage and elevation adjustment...

ads.midwayusa.com

You can then buy a new front sight base which has a dovetail and use the insert of your choice. I have really liked mine with a small brass bead.

 

[SHAPS]

I also have an older 572 pump with the standard sights. I think it's aa "A" model. The "B" models would have the better big game sights. Colorado, oh yeah I'm familiar with the Williams, good sights. I shoot silhouette and use them on my Marlin 39. But I do like to keep some rifles with standard sights, peep sights, scopes and red dots just for variety.