Oh and inspector thanks for the links, ill check it out. Beautiful guns by the way.  I'll keep the trigger upgrade in mind when i change stocks. Also were you able to change the stock yourself, never tried something like that before

Changing stocks involves two screws. Very easy. BUT, There is some play with the new stock and if you push the action forward in the new stock or tighten the screws too tight the action may bind. Move the action back in the stock and use a torque wrench to tighten the two screws and there won't be any problems. If you have any problems or questions just PM me.

I like that thumbhole stock, Inspector!  Pretty similar to the one I've got on my 10/22; got it as a present in high school, but it was the same thing I think you're talking about where the factory only rough tools it out and you do all the finish sanding, staining, and varnishing yourself.  Took me fooooorever!  (Or at least it felt like it to an antsy fifteen year old!  )  Pops also sprang for a stainless bull barrel with target crown in the same package, I love that rifle.  Too bad it lives in Dad's safe back home.     Thinking about buying another one and leaving it more or less stock, so I won't worry about it getting beat up/stolen/broken when I fly or move off the island at some point.   

I like that thumbhole stock, Inspector!  Pretty similar to the one I've got on my 10/22; got it as a present in high school, but it was the same thing I think you're talking about where the factory only rough tools it out and you do all the finish sanding, staining, and varnishing yourself.  Took me fooooorever!  (Or at least it felt like it to an antsy fifteen year old!  )  Pops also sprang for a stainless bull barrel with target crown in the same package, I love that rifle.  Too bad it lives in Dad's safe back home.     Thinking about buying another one and leaving it more or less stock, so I won't worry about it getting beat up/stolen/broken when I fly or move off the island at some point.   

If you can talk your dad into it I would love to see a pic of your rifle!

The Marlin in my safe has moved with me at least a dozen times in its lifetime including the move from the mainland to the BI and from the BI to here. But I put the stock and other mods on it just last year. I am afraid of dinging it up too. But since I had to hand sand it and finish it myself I figure if it gets beat up I can just sand it down again and re-finish it! For me it felt like it took forever but in actuality it was only a couple of hours of sanding and an hour or to for finishing. The new Boyd's stocks come already finished.

The most fun I have ever had with a gun was with my .22's. 

if you  still have not made your decision  the marlin 795  probably the best buy

Pros
 more intuiative controls
last shot hold open and manual bolt hold open
 accurate and reliable with cheap ammo Blazer bulk 40gr

cons
no reliable higher cap mag
10 round mags are like 15-18 $
no real aftermarket

I have two 795s that i paid 99$ each for last year i got prolly 8+ thousand rounds through each of them
get the 795 and a decent variable power scope some extra mags and a baby uplula mag loader
and you are set 

Thanks for that feedback, ghost_medic. Yes I am comparing costs right now and the Marlin seems to be the more accurate rifle for the price. Yes I liked that hold open feature on the Marlin.

I'll be going to Sports Authority this week to handle both the Marlin and the Ruger and compare.

I thought the Marlin 70PSS Papoose actually looked pretty interesting also.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firearms/selfloading/70pss.asp

I know the discussion is on a auto loaders, However, I'll drop my 2 cents. 
 
The Savage MKII .22lr bolt gun is a very accurate rifle and value priced as well. 
There are some options to be had for these.

Here is an example of what I did.
 
Dime sized groups with a scope at 50yards are the norm with good ammo and a good shooter, and will shoot MOA or under at 100 under the same condition. 

Scoped...



Irons....

I've never tried, but people online have been saying that the Marlin 795 can shoot single rounds without rhe clip in.  Dunno if that's important to you or not. It's not to me and I still picked one up.

I've never tried, but people online have been saying that the Marlin 795 can shoot single rounds without rhe clip in.  Dunno if that's important to you or not. It's not to me and I still picked one up.

795 has a magazine disconnect so in theory it cant fire

in reality with some un orthodox finger placement you can fire that one round

with my scoped 795 i filled the buttstock with bbs  to make it a little heavier (really tames that heavy recoil)

Another member of the Marlin camp here.  I have a Glenfield Model 60 that belonged to my mom's dad.  With a 4-power scope and decent ammo, I can generate nickle-sized groups at 50 yards all day long.  Easy to walk down the rail at the silhouette range knockin' off targets ping ping ping! 

Now, the 60 is a tube-feeder, but don't let that throw you.  Pick up a Spee-D-Loader, and I guarantee you can perform reloads almost as quickly, and with MUCH less effort, than any detachable box magazine gun.

Another member of the Marlin camp here.  I have a Glenfield Model 60 that belonged to my mom's dad.  With a 4-power scope and decent ammo, I can generate nickle-sized groups at 50 yards all day long.  Easy to walk down the rail at the silhouette range knockin' off targets ping ping ping! 

Now, the 60 is a tube-feeder, but don't let that throw you.  Pick up a Spee-D-Loader, and I guarantee you can perform reloads almost as quickly, and with MUCH less effort, than any detachable box magazine gun.

That is what I have. The old Marlin/Glenfield Model 60 with a 17 round tube feed. I have been looking at that Spee-d-loader for a long time and I have not bought it yet. Just something else I can drool over while I direct my limited funds towards reloading components. Even with the time it takes to load up the tube I get a lot of satisfaction hitting all the small targets at the silhouette range. But with the Spee-D-Loader I imagine I can shoot more in less time? Guess I better order one or two for my next range session. 

I have been looking at that Spee-d-loader for a long time and I have not bought it yet.

Hands down, the best $20 I have ever spent.  EVER.

I'm posting cause I feel left out and theres 50 responses...

I know there's a lot of what I'm about to say that's already said... Cheap and fun.....just a suggestion, Ruger 10/22, SKS or AK

Ok, now I don't feel left out....

That's a cool 22, Heavies.  Looks like it might be fun to shoot at the 100 yard line, just to sharpen your wind reading skills. 

use a torque wrench to tighten the two screws and there won't be any problems.

What do you tighten to? I cracked my trigger assy overtighteneng. Waiting on parts from Numrich. 

Quote from: Inspector on January 13, 2012, 10:11:43 PM

use a torque wrench to tighten the two screws and there won't be any problems.

What do you tighten to? I cracked my trigger assy overtighteneng. Waiting on parts from Numrich. 

I read on the rimfire central forum that most people were using 20-22 in. lbs. I stay around 15-18 and if it loosens I can always increase it. So far it has not loosened. My Anschutz is supposed to go to 25 in. lbs. I have gone up to 22 and it has not loosened. I am always afraid to over tighten things so I start a little less than recommended and work my way up if necessary.

With that said, a trigger assembly is a little different animal. The aluminum or plastic guards are always prone to cracking if over tightened or if one side is tightened before the other side is sufficiently tightened. In the case of trigger guards I usually torque each side to 5 in. lbs. and then apply the maximum recommended torque. I used 15-18 on my new trigger guard. If it comes loose then I'll up the torque.

I hope this helps!