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My apologies for the delay in posting the Rimfire For Rudolph edition of TFB’s 12 Days Of Christmas. A little eggnog, the Grinch playing on TV, a roaring fire and visions of sugarplums were soon dancing in my head. Besides, I thought that our intelligent but dedicated readers had better things to do on a mid December’s eve than sit at home and read about my personal rimfire gun recommendations for yourself or as gifts for that special someone.
The .22LR cartridge is often overlooked by serious shooters. Many would rather pick up a sixth GLOCK than consider a rimfire bolt gun as a trainer, target rifle or a fun plinking machine. But, as you are probably sick of hearing me say it, rimfire is life. With almost zero recoil, the ability to carry 500 rounds in a coat pocket and (mostly) affordable pricing, these guns should be a staple in any shooters lineup. I’m nothing if not predictable: Nearly all of my suggestions have threaded barrels for suppressor use.
I picked products that TFB has handled in 2018 and span budget levels and features. See something that should have made our list? Let me know in the comments section below.
TFB’s 12 Days Of Christmas: Rimfire For Rudolph
Ruger Precision Rimfire
Choosing a rimfire rifle for training and competition just got a whole lot easier, thanks to the introduction of the Ruger Precision Rimfire rifle. This new gun offers a wide range of uses, filling the role of plinking rifle for the casual shooter, an entry-level competition gun for the exploding precision-rimfire shooting circuit or as a training option for owners of the Ruger Precision Rifle.
The Ruger Precision Rimfire rifle is constructed on a single-piece chassis made from glass-filled nylon and uses an accurate cold-hammer-forged target barrel designed for precision use. An anodized-aluminum Picatinny rail on top of the receiver allows for a secure sight-mounting surface, while a 15-inch M-LOK handguard enables easy accessory attachments.
Tactical Solutions X-Ring MOB
For a small-game rifle that’s easily stored and carried into the woods, the Tactical Solutions X-Ring MOB rifle is one of the more-solid options on the market, thanks to its use of a number of highly popular products available from the industry.
For one, each Tactical Solutions X-Ring MOB rifle is equipped with Magpul’s popular Backpacker stock, enabling fast, easy takedown into two compact components without losing zero. The rifle is also finished with Mossy Oak’s popular Bottomland camo, making it a perfect companion for your hunting grounds.
- Barrel length: 16.5 inches
- Chambered in .22 LR
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
- Overall length: 35 inches
Each Tactical Solutions X-Ring MOB rifle features a threaded barrel ready to accept a suppressor and ships with a custom rifle pack for transport.
CZ 455 Varmit Precision Rifle Trainer
The 455 Precision Trainer was designed to provide the same look and feel as a full-size tactical rifle while allowing for more economical training. Using a Manners Composite T4 stock to provide a rock-solid platform, the Precision Trainer wears a new camouflage paint scheme this year. The stock itself has multiple layers of carbon fiber and fiberglass hand-laid in high temperature epoxy resins, then placed in a vacuum and heat-cured to create the perfect resin-to-fabric ratio. Combined with the 455’s .866” cylindrical heavy barrel, that makes the Precision Trainer a surgical paper-puncher
Ruger Mark IV Tactical
Ruger’s Mark IV Standard features a simple, one-button takedown for quick and easy field-stripping and proper chamber to muzzle cleaning. A recessed button in the back of the frame allows the upper receiver to tilt up and off of the grip frame without the use of tools. The one-piece, precision CNC-machined grip frame has a smoothly contoured, grip with natural pointing grip angle with replaceable, checkered grip panels for a non-slip hold. Its internal cylindrical bolt construction ensures permanent sight to barrel alignment and higher accuracy potential than conventional moving slide designs. The contoured ejection port and easy-to-grasp bolt ears allow for durable and reliable operation. Its sighting system features fixed sights and is drilled and tapped receiver for Weaver or Picatinny-style rail for easy mounting of optics. The Mark IV Standard also features a push-button magazine release on the left side of the frame, ambidextrous manual safety, and two 10-round magazines. This Tactical model has a 4.4″ threaded barrel and comes with a top and bottom Picatinny rails.
Smith & Wesson 15-22
The M&P15-22 SPORT features a 10-inch M&P slim handguard that incorporates the popular Magpul M-LOK™ system. The M-LOK system allows rifle owners to easily customize their M&P15-22 SPORT by adding accessories without removing the handguard. M&P15-22 SPORT owners have the option of easily mounting numerous M-LOK-compatible accessories or any number of Picatinny-style rail sections designed to accommodate other accessories. Smith & Wesson includes a 2-inch M-LOK rail panel with each rifle. The M&P15-22 SPORT comes standard with one of the most popular folding sights systems available for MSRs. The removable Magpul MBUS® front and rear folding sights are lightweight and durable, further enhancing the performance and value of the new M&P15-22 SPORT
Smith & Wesson Victory
The SW22 VICTORY® is constructed on a single-action, enclosed hammer-fired, blowback semi-automatic design. Chambered in .22 LR, the SW22 Victory comes highly featured with innovative design qualities that include a match-grade, interchangeable barrel for superb accuracy on the range or in the field along with a simple one-screw takedown design.
GSG Firefly
For those in need of a rimfire handgun for plinking or range training, the ATI GSG Firefly is purpose-built to provide a solid shooting option, particularly for fans of SIG Sauer handguns.
The design of the ATI GSG Firefly will appeal to SIG fans because the gun’s design mimics that of the popular SIG P226. The pistol is built on an alloy frame complete with Picatinny accessory rail, giving users room to mount lights and lasers for range training. A simple blowback operating system provides easy shooting.
- Barrel length: 4 inches
- Weight: 1.53 pounds
- Ships with one 10-round magazines
Other features of the ATI GSG Firefly include an internal locking device and an ambidextrous safety mounted on top of the slide.
Savage Arms Rascal
Rascal series rifles are safe, accurate, and easy to use for beginning and younger shooters. This series features an 11.25″ pull, adjustable peep sights, and a single-shot magazine with a feed ramp. Rascals also feature Savage’s AccuTrigger which provides crisp release with no creep and allows trigger to be adjusted without the need for a gunsmith. One-piece synthetic stocks are available in many bright matte color options and the hardwood option has a lovely satin finish.
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