I really like my Ruger American... bolt action with Ruger 10/22 magazine. Mine is accurate with bulk ammo. I can keep 9 out of 10 shots within an inch square at 50 yds... always seem to have one flyer.

I'd get a Savage bolt gun before I'd consider a Ruger.

My dream .22 would be a Winchester 1885 low wall.

I've had one of those, and it was a great shooter...just was a little short in the consistency department. Always wished I had run up on a 541 THB before I found that one. I still always hated having (1) a plastic magazine that (2) protruded from the stock. It ruined the otherwise pleasing lines of the rifle. All water under the bridge now, though...got a gorgeous Miroku-made 52 and it will shoot. Me keep.

Another idea could be, if you dig the rotary mag is the Ruger 77/22. I think you can go wood or synthetic.

Magnum Research Lite .22 insanely accurate right out of the box and super light to tote around in the woods.

I've seen 77/22s that would shoot!

77/22s are nice guns, but what's the point of a $700 .22?

The point of 22s is to shoot cheap. That's why a 597, model 60 or 10-22 are great. I guess I've never really understood the point of a 77/22...maybe some folks just aren't as cheap as me and will buy anything.

There are cheap .22s and ammo, and there are better. Just depends on how you see it all, I guess. Some take rim fire rifles and handguns more seriously than others.

the point of a $700 .22 is you have a fine .22

it's not the caliber but the quality of mechanical contraptions that make it go boom

I've got a Savage FVSR .22LR bolt gun and it's definitely a shooter. The stock sucks and has been replaced. But I understand the Ruger American is using CHF barrels. Don't know if that includes the .22LR. Their other Americans are accurate rifles from what I have read. If I come across one in a 6.5 Creed, I'll buy it.

Isn't that true with most things? Both a Toyota Yaris and a Bugatti Veyron will get you from point A to point B but the pricing and what they are capable of are quite different. A Marlin X7 and a M24A1 military sniper rifle will both shoot a .308 but what they are capable of is quite different.

I had a 597, and great is not a descriptive term I would use for it.

My first choice is a 10/22, get in cheap and mod it to suit you through the years. For a bolt gun, a CZ is hard to beat, and usually good shooters. A beautiful Win 52 is always a good thing, but I'm conflicted about taking a truly beautiful gun like my Win 52 to the woods, especially since I have a stable of very worthy 10/22's.

Never owned a 597 but word on the streets has it, they are jam-o-matics. I love rimfire's, but honestly have just as much fun shooting my $50.00 Sears single shot vs my hubby's Winchester M9422.

They are hammer forged. I like mine a lot. Accuracy is plenty good for my use.

Never shot a 597. My 10-22 has been every bit of "great".

Sure, but there are a thousand rifles for $700 that will do an equally good job as the 77/22, but don't have the limitations of being chambered in .22. That's my point. Not "What's the point of a $700 rifle?", but rather "What's the point of a $700 .22?"

The point is, there are rimfire rifles that will put each shot *right there.* Whether or not you appreciate that is your gig, but lots of folks enjoy shooting five and ten-shot groups through one ragged hole at 50 yards. With that kind of accuracy you can shoot flies and grasshoppers and it's a lot of fun. It's just good practice too.

For squirrels and rabbits and to shoot what ammo is available I would find a Winchester M61 or Remington M121 just to have something a tad different.

With infinite upgrades too.

I don't know why but I had to buy this.

I think those take down models are pretty cool. Wouldn't mind having one myself.