Best .22 for less than $150-200?

You're definitely on the right track considering the Ruger.

I have 2, a standard that I have had for 20+ years. It has had a lot of rounds through it and still works like a champ. It was accurate out of the box and remains so to this day. They are about as simple and reliable a design that you are likely to find. As far as cleaning goes it just takes a few minutes to strip it completely down for a thorough swabbing.

I also have a 10/22T, Ruger's answer to a target .22. It has a bull barrel and laminated stock from the factory. With standard ammunition it is just slightly more accurate than the standard. When loaded with premium ammo like Eley or CCI Green Tags it shines. 1 hole groups at 50 yards. They are a little above your specified price though.

In short, if you buy a 10/22, you won't be disappointed.

The model 60 marlin and ruger 10/22 are the most popular choices as the semi autos go, I think marlin made a model 70 semi auto with a clip years ago. I know you can get a new marlin bolt action 22 mag for under $200 and a new marlin bolt action 17HMR for under $220.

I have had a 10/22 since I was 13 and have had a marlin 60ss for about 10 years now and I only like the 10/22 better because I don't really like the tube magazines

As far as value goes you can't beat the Ruger 10/22 , but then I have a feeling you already knew that..

Good sites to check out new/used firearms

http://www.gunbroker.com/

http://www.gunsamerica.com/

"Dick's Sporting Goods" has some awesome sales on firearms, they have the Ruger 10/22 for $169.98 sometimes - http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/ 1-877-846-9997 if you have one in your area they might even beat out Wal-Mart prices..

If you do buy one from a Wal Mart(or the like) do yourself a big favor and take someone knowledgeable in firearms with you when you make the buy>someone who knows what they are looking at when it comes to>Fit,finish,function!

You'll also want to pick up some hi cap mags for your 10/22 - there are two that I really like, the Mitchell 50rd and Eagle 30rd. . The Eagle 30rd is a great little mag and much the better value "now" I purchased my Mitchell's many years ago...On Gunbroker you can buy the Eagle 30rd mags for $7.99 each>a guy in Springfield Mo has 34 of them for that price...

Look no further, the Ruger 10/22 is it, & the bonus is that there is a plethora of aftermarket accessories available for this sweet shooting little jewel!

Go for a Marlin bolt-action. ACCURATE! Mine is a Model 880 SQ (Squirrel rifle) with synthetic stock and heavy barrel. They have since moved to the 900 series due to the change in trigger groups. The new one should be a Model 980 SQ. I love my 917. Same thing chambered for the .17 Mach 2. What an accurate squirrel rifle! Keeps shots in a dime size at 100 yards with a solid rest.

The Ruger 10/22 is a very good choice, you can pick one up at Wally World for about $190, and they have one of the largest after market equipment forums available. Good weapon.

ruger 10/22

Marlin Model 60 is the "best bang for the buck"?

I wonder what planet that fellow is from?

Buy the Ruger and stop asking questions you already know the answer to.

ruger 10-22, best quality, many accesories

I hate to be an echo, but you really should spend a little more money and get a "keeper" rifle like a CZ-452ZKM2E standard (erroneously referred to a trainer by boneheads). It a high quality bolt gun made to ighpower rifle standards and mine was $289 plus tax. I would have paid up to $300 for it considering that it would go for over $600 if made by an American company. Stay away from "Mart Brothers" automatics. They have no integrity unless they are customized (more money).