I'm thinking of buying a .22LR Rifle. My primary use would be for fun shooting sessions at the range while leaving the option open for small game (varmint) hunting.

 

1.) I always liked the look of the lever action models... but if you use one to hunt with, wouldn't working the lever create too much noise? I mean wouldn't you scare off your game? I guess this question would also apply to pump action as well.

 

2.) I've read that you must not let the hammer fall on an empty chamber while using a rimfire rifle (or pistol) because you will damage the firing pin. How do you keep from firing on an empty chamber? What if you lose count of the rounds you've shot? Do any rimfire rifles have a safety feature that keeps you from firing on an empty chamber when you run out of ammo?

 

3.) Most .22 rifles I've seen so far look really small/short (they look about the same size as a bb gun). Is size an issue? If so, do they make them in different lengths?

 

 

4.) Is .17HMR a better choice than .22LR?

I'm thinking of buying a .22LR Rifle. My primary use would be for fun shooting sessions at the range while leaving the option open for small game (varmint) hunting.

 

1.) I always liked the look of the lever action models... but if you use one to hunt with, wouldn't working the lever create too much noise? I mean wouldn't you scare off your game? I guess this question would also apply to pump action as well.

 

For the most part, you can only use a .22lr on private property in NJ, in case you didn't already know. Also, when hunting, you should be making your first shot count, and not relying on a backup. With that being said, reloading with a pump, lever, bolt, etc, will be plenty fast enough that the creature will not be able to run away in time.

 

2.) I've read that you must not let the hammer fall on an empty chamber while using a rimfire rifle (or pistol) because you will damage the firing pin. How do you keep from firing on an empty chamber? What if you lose count of the rounds you've shot? Do any rimfire rifles have a safety feature that keeps you from firing on an empty chamber when you run out of ammo?

 

The damage comes from the firing pin striking the edge of the barrel, and it can only do damage after lots and lots of dry-firing. The occasional dry-fire isn't going to hurt any modern rifle.

 

3.) Most .22 rifles I've seen so far look really small/short (they look about the same size as a bb gun). Is size an issue? If so, do they make them in different lengths?

 

.22 rifles come in all shapes and sizes. I have some tiny ones, and ones that have the exact same size as centerfire rifles.

 

4.) Is .17HMR a better choice than .22LR?

 

It shoots way flatter, faster, slightly more noise, but a lot more expensive(as far as rimfire ammo is concerned). The same can be said about .22wmr. I like having both .22wmr and .22lr in my collection.

I have both a 17hmr and 22lr rifles and I have to say I like shooting both. The 17hmr as Jon said is flatter, faster and more expensive. The cost of 50 rounds is inline with the cost of a box of 9mm. The 22lr is as cheap as it gets. If we were at Ft Dix blowing up pumpkin's and soda can's, I would prefer the 17hmr as it hits faster and has a blow up feeling.

 

I really like Ruger 10/22's Great classic rifle. I also like the Savage Thumbhole stock version. The savage is bolt action though.

 

I really like Ruger 10/22's Great classic rifle.

 

I would second this. I have three .22 caliber rifles, a Ruger 10/22 carbine, a S&W 15-22, and a GSG-522. They are all lots of fun to shoot (and really cheap!), but I think the Ruger is still my favorite, despite the 10 round mags.

I have a Ruger 10/22, 15-22 and sold a GSG. I like the Ruger but it is more difficult to disasemble than the 15-22 so I give my vote to the 15-22 because it is as accurate as the 10/22 and the easiest gun I have owned to clean.

Everything I can think of has been covered but I wouldn't overlook a Marlin 795, a little over a hundred dollar rifle and I think Marlin is still offering a 25 dollar rebate until the end of the year. As far as lever action, I prefer my Marlins being I grew up shooting them but Henry also makes good ones.

 

Harry

Depending what you like, I have 2 older( in great shape) Rem 514 and Win 67a single shots I can sell, as well as toying with selling a non traditional lever action (marlin 56 levermatic). If you are interested let me know.

For the most part, you can only use a .22lr on private property in NJ, in case you didn't already know.

 

Can you tell me more about this? I'm all pretty new to guns, etc. Why can you use a .22LR in NJ except on private property? What does that really mean?

If we were at Ft Dix blowing up pumpkin's and soda can's, I would prefer the 17hmr as it hits faster and has a blow up feeling.

 

Actually I found that the faster rounds zipped right through. 7.62x54R blasted right through 'em, while .22 blew off big chunks.

Can you tell me more about this? I'm all pretty new to guns, etc. Why can you use a .22LR in NJ except on private property? What does that really mean?

Pertaining to hunting with a .22 in N.J., it's all spelled out in the Digest. 2011 N.J. FGW Digest Just search ".22" in the PDF document.

 

Some excerpts -

You can use a .22 on WMA lands when pursuing possum or raccoon at night with hounds (.22 Short only.)

You can use a .22 on WMA lands to dispatch larger game only if you are trapping (.22 Short only.)

You must be 18 to hunt with a .22 or centerfire rifle.

You must be is possession of a valid N.J. hunting license and a Rifle Permit.

Thanks.

Actually I found that the faster rounds zipped right through. 7.62x54R blasted right through 'em, while .22 blew off big chunks.

 

Since we are on the subject.

 

This is the pumpkin I shot last Friday at Fort Dix.

 

Pumpkin placed at 200 yards. Shot with 168gr .308, and a couple shots o 62gr 5.56 from my AR.

 

The smaller holes are from the .308. The larger holes are from the 5.56

 

Front

Back had much larger holes...