Good first Lever /Bolt action

[GummyMonster]

Good evening,
So my son, who’s almost 15, wants to buy his own.22 rifle. We went through the safe and he tried handling the different types. Pretty much narrowed it down to a lever or bolt action. I suggested against a semi automatic, simply because of the upcoming persecution of semi auto firearms here in Canada.
He wants the rifle for plinking/informal target shooting, and hunting. He is not brand new to firearms, but has mostly shot air guns in our basement.
So, I’m after suggestions for him.
Say around $500 max (I will kick in a little extra if needed).
Bolt actions?
Lever actions?
He really likes the look of the Marlin 39a, but a used one in really good shape is terribly pricey up here. The Chiappa LA 332 is an option up here, but I don’t know about their quality.
Any and all suggestions welcome and appreciated.
Thanks,
Ken

[Dweb]

For that price range

Lever - Henry
Bolt - CZ

[6.5 shooter]

Originally Posted by Dweb

For that price range

Lever - Henry
Bolt - CZ

I agree.

[mattthegorby]

Originally Posted by Dweb

For that price range

Lever - Henry
Bolt - CZ

My CZ 452 Lux was $520 2.5 years ago. Love it, was shooting it today. I lost count of total rounds fired after about 500, cannot remember if it has ever jammed.

[Pioneer2]

I have a BRNO #5 very accurate.

[Bushleague]

I went through this earlier in the year, but shopping for myself. I wanted a quality .22 bolt rifle with iron sights. I had almost settled on a CZ, simply because it seemed like about the only option I could find, when a neighbor let me try an old Remington 511 "Scoremaster" he was selling. It feels and handles like a real gun (unlike my old Savage mk11, which feels like a toy) and is very accurate, for a couple hundred bucks I consider it a true bargain.

IMO, if one wants a quality rimfire that wont break the bank, there are currently far more good options on the used market than can be found new.

[Zuludog]

Cz is always a sure bet.
The new Tikka is good too.
Lots of quality used ones too. Nice Winchester 69a for example.

I like the Browning BL22 in a rimfire lever gun.

[huntwat]

I would go with a used BL22.

[bsmitty27]

I wish my first rifle was a cz!
There was a cz on gun nuts for 300.00 I think it was cut down. But for 300.00 it would be a good deal

[curtz]

Yup if he's thinking a lever you can't go wrong with a Henry, I love mine and it's very accurate. Think there around $ 400.00

[bulletman]

CZ are good, maybe the new Tikka might be worth a try.

[waldedw]

If he decides on a bolt, you can't beat the CZ, I have 2 and have put thousands of rounds through them without so much a a glitch.

As for lever's go with the browning BL22, I have one of those that was purchased in the early 90's, both my kids shot it and now my grandkids shoot it, that is if grandma lets them as she has laid claim to it, it will last him a life time if he takes care of it.

[Big Sky]

There's a couple of cz455's at P&D for less than 500.

[roper1]

Used pre-Rem Marlin bolt. Real wood, real steel, detachable mag.

[GummyMonster]

Thanks for all the input. Lots of good choices.
Ken

[vic1]

If is for hunting I would strongly suggest that you get something with a removable magazine.

[pittman]

BL22 is a great gun. Accurate and lots of fun to shoot. Holds it's value well too.

[Trochu]

Originally Posted by huntwat

I would go with a used BL22.

As would I.

It would exceed the budget, but I'm also interested in the CZ At-One. Might not be the best plinking rifle however...

[Flight01]

Henry 22

[Morris400]

I went with a Savage Mk2 .22LR bolt action. I bought it feom a buddy and recently had it out for a day for firing. Fired 520+ rounds of federal and had zero issues other then the scope mounting rails came loose...even with the rails loose i maintained a 1in group at 50m which im happy with.

Overall, the Savage mk2 is a pretty solid rifle.

[bsmitty27]

I have a mk 1 and plink the 6" going at 150 steady. You can reach out there with the .22 for some fun.
Enjoy!

[Bushleague]

Originally Posted by Morris400

I went with a Savage Mk2 .22LR bolt action. I bought it feom a buddy and recently had it out for a day for firing. Fired 520+ rounds of federal and had zero issues other then the scope mounting rails came loose...even with the rails loose i maintained a 1in group at 50m which im happy with.

Overall, the Savage mk2 is a pretty solid rifle.

For what they cost, the Savage Mk2 is a pretty good deal. I've owned mine for 15 years and have put over 5000 rounds through it. Its starting to get worn out, but as I said, for the money I don't feel that rifle owes me anything at this point..

That said, for the same or less money my Remington 511 is a far better rifle. There are plenty of vintage options on the used market that offer alot more bang for your buck, at least in the bolt gun market.

[obsessed1]

We have 2 mkll savages 1 stainless and one blued heavy barrel. Both are set up as target style and the stainless has s hot out to 400 yds( my rifle) the heavy barrel is more accurate( my 10 year old sons rifle) he is just developing his skills but can easily shoot 5 shot touching groups at 50 yards. I have shot many one hole 5 shot groups with his gun. My favorite 22 is my marlin 39 golden A . I have shot a sample of all makes of lever 22s and wouldn't trade my 39 for any of them with cash on top. Only brand that comes close would be Henry but it's still not in the same class IMO

[bobtodrick]

We have a couple Marlin XT-22's in the family and a Savage 93FVSS (heavy barrel WMR).
Both good bolts and very accurate with the right ammo...the Savage will do a fairly consistent 1.25MOA at 100m with the right ammo.
But for the most fun...just an afternoon out plinking with a something like this https://www.cabelas.com/product/home....uts?slotId=10 you just can't beat a Henry lever.

[Just4hugh]

I got a marlin 795 as a starter rifle. Accurate enough to start out with.