I have an old (80s) stainless Rossi 62 SA imported by Interarms that's pretty neat (takes down into 2 parts using a knob on the side). It's basically a copy of the Winchester model 62.

I think Taurus took over and started making them later on. Can't speak for the later/current models but mine works flawlessly

I've been told the Winchesters are amazing as well, but as they're no longer made they're expensive these days...

 

I have what I think is the older version in nickel plate, lots of fun, shoots great.
When I got mine they were going pretty reasonable.
Was probably about six years ago, paid 100 bu

 

There always seemed to be one or two old Winchesters in the Used gun rack at my favorite local gun shop. I always admired them, but at $1k+ that was out of the question for a plinker.

I've been considering the new Model that Henry has out.

 

Unless a barrel was damaged by improper cleaning or being allowed to rust, you should never find a shot out barrel in a .22 rimfire rifle. Gunbroker.com has lots of listings if there are not enough here on RimfireCentral. And these old high quality rifles will hold value with inflation much better than your dollar bills. Treat yourself.

 

You can tell from the condition of the gun whether it has been taken care of or not (generally speaking). I picked up an excellent ++ 62A a few years ago and it is as smooth as butter with beautiful wood. Thought maybe I had paid too much, but it just keeps going up in value. If/when I have to bail, I will make my money back and then some. As has already been stated... treat yourself...

 

I picked up a Remington 572 BDL about four years ago. It's a pretty rifle with a slick action. I've mostly just used it as a plinker. It's a ball of fun with the tube loaded up with CCI CB shorts.

 

I miss being able to find them used in the local shops. I'll have to keep an eye out next time I have some extra $ in the bank.

 

Yeah, looking at some of the modern shops can be depressing, but it's not the shop's fault as they sell what people want.

 

Having recently had a similar itch, I scratched it with the purchase of a really nice (97% condition) Winchester 62A, made in 1957. Guns like this are simply not made any more, and the old workmanship and materials are a pleasure to behold. Shoots great, too. While I have purchased a number of guns through Gunbroker, I bought this one through Guns.com--one thing I like about Guns.com is the contact info for the seller, so you can give them a call to discuss the gun in question. Cost with shipping was about $1400, and not a shred of regret on my part.

 

Thank you, for the heads up. I will keep that in mind.

 

Here's my Henry.

 

Now that is nice. I really like the peep sight.

 

I have never understood why the Winchester 62A brings a higher price than the Remington Model 12. The 12 has a much smoother action than the 62 and is just as accurate and durable. I'm in the minority I suppose but I will choose the 12 over the 62 any day of the week.

Many years ago I used to buy old beater 22 rifles, fix them up. and sell them for a few bucks profit. I have never seen a 22 rimfire with a shot out barrel but quite a few ruined by the hand of man. The worst I ever saw had 6 bulges in the barrel and the rifling for around 6 inches at the muzzle was seriously damaged, likely by someone removing the stuck bullets that caused the bulges. I bought it for almost nothing, relined the barrel, and gave it to a grandson.

 

I don't dislike any of my Winchester, Remington, Savage, or Stevens pump action rifles. Like you, I buy old rifles and repair them for my own use and to pass along to my family or friends as a pastime.

My favorite is the last of the Remington model 12 family, a 1950 vintage model 121. It has slightly smoother action by design than my Winchester 1906, 62, and 61. I have Stevens, Savage, and Norinco models too. They all shoot better than I can - and you can't go wrong buying any of them in good working order. If you're like me and enjoy buying project or gunsmith specials, there are still plenty of them for sale on Gunbroker or Guns International and parts for most of them are still available from Numrich, Jack First, Homestead, Wisners, and etc.

 

I love the old Winchester 1890s, 1906s and 62s, so I'd go that route.

 

I think the 62A/Model 12 price difference is largely derived from the fact that the old Winchesters are hammer guns, and thus have more nostalgic appeal to us old-timers. At the time they were introduced, the hammerless guns such as the Remington 12 or the Winchester 61 were touted as being modern, advanced, sleek, etc., while the 1953 Winchester catalog refers to the 62A as an "old-timer" design. What once was old is "new" again, and the nostalgic value of the hammer guns is strong.

 

I love my 572.
A friend had a Browning, that was fantastic.

 

Making a recommendation is a little difficult as you do not indicate whether price is a major factor or mention a preference in sights or ability to mount a scope. But, all this aside, I will give my opinions based on years of experience in collecting, shooting, and working on/repairing various slide action rimfires and taking durability, smoothness of operaiton, and overall appeal into consideration.

Winchester 61 - due to a combination of durability, smoothness of operation, and appeal this one is my first choice. But be prepared to pay more than what most of the rest will cost.
Winchester 62 - ditto what I said about the 61, but has the exposed hammer if that is a preference. Most of this also applies to the Model 1890 and 1906 Winchesters, but these are older guns and may be more likely to have age issues.
Browning Trombone - one of the best slide actions ever built - right there with the two above Winchesters; durable, slick, and nice. But also costly.
Remington Model 121 - Smooth action and handles well, but has some of the same relatively minor downsides as the Model 12. In my opinion both (especially the Model 12) are a bit overly complicated mechanically as compared to the previously mentioned guns and consequently more prone to certain types of mechanical failures.
Savage Model 29/29A - These guns are generally underappreciated as they are good reliable guns. The 29A can handle high speed cartridges. Often can be had at very reasonable prices.
Reminton 572 - These are nice guns if in good condition but do not quiet meet the mechanical quality (Remington cut some corners on them as compared to the Model 121 for example) of some of the other guns listed here.
Remington Model 12 - When in good shape these are reliable and fun to shoot, but they suffer from certain design features that, like the later 121, makes them prone to certain types of mechanical problems as they wear. Also be sure to check the bore as many have poor bores due to poor care and/or shooting corrosive ammo. Except for the latest versions, you should not shoot high speed ammo in them.
Marlin - Marlin made some good slide actions and some that aren't quiet as good. Closely examine the bore as many will have poor bores due to corrosive ammo or poor care over time. Many of these were not designed to handle high speed ammo.

And there are others that are less well known. Decide on what you are willing to pay, do your research, and carefully examine any prospective purchase. If it is an older gun (20's - 30's for example) carefully examine the bore. If you find one you like, post back on RFC and ask for feedback on that particular rifle - there is just to much relevant information on all these guns to post here. And, as previously stated, buying a qaulity rifle (like the Winchester 61 or 62) may cost more initially, but it is not like you are pouring money down a stump hole. Assuming the gun is well taken care of, you have the potential to realize a good return on your money should you sell it.

You have lots of choices....

James

 

I have a great example of a Marlin 20A but be aware simply do not shoot with anything but subsonic ammunition to be safe.

 

Thank you, James for your very thorough post.

 

I am a big fan of the Rossi / Taurus 62. I even have a scoped one with a scope mount that replaces the rear sight.

 

Also have an early Rossi 62 rifle [no safety on the bolt] except mine is nickel plated with blond wood, very handsome rifle. Also have a 572 Remington pump. Swell rifle.

 

ill second looking for a winchester 1890 or 1906 , ic=ve not got the newer versions but im sure they would be nice too ,

 

Keep looking, I found my 1890 at a small gun show. It was built in 1927 and has wood that is quite fancy for a standard .22. I wasn't even looking for an 1890, but at $700 I simply couldn't walk away from it~!!!!

 

I think I am a little partial to the models with a hammer. That just looks right to me.

 

Thank you pump.22s for your post. I'm sure it will help a lot for any future pump action seekers and JohnHensley. I have a couple of 62A's and one Rossi and owned a 572 many years ago. I put the 62A's far ahead of the Remington. The Rossi is utility grade quality, but totally functional. One Winchester choice is the Model 270. I sold them back in the day but never shot one, thus have no opinion of them other than we never had issues with any we sold. To the original l poster I would just say the internet is your friend and I'll wager you can find Youtube reviews most if not all the rifles on pump.22s's posting.

 

I too failed initially to see the big deal about the Winchesters and consequently owned a lot of Remingtons and so on. My brother kept telling me that I needed to try a few, and eventually I did. That changed my mind about the Winchesters. Not only are they attractive due to the mystique that seems to surround them, they have earned their place in terms of durability, quality, and performance. The 61 is simpler in design than the the Model 12 and consequently less likely to encounter mechanical issues as it ages and wears. I recall one Winchester 61 that I repaired for my brother and that was a simple cheap part. On the other hand I have worked on a number of Model 12s with issues with extractors, firing pins, lifters, cartridge cutoffs, etc. They are good rifles, but not in the same league as the Win 61/62/, etc.

 

Definitely correct The Remington 12s are pretty complicated but if they run they run very well, the Winchesters are easy
to fix and I find them smoother than the Remington's with the exception of the 121 mine is so smooth better than the Winchester 62A. I like them all,

 

Another vote for the Rossi 62. I have both a Win62 and the Rossi; the Rossi was my first gun, so most likely has well over 20k rounds through it. It is exceedingly smooth and actually has a much better trigger than the 1940-mfg. Win 62. My father had the Win for goodness knows how many decades before he passed; I know of no issues he ever had with it. My Rossi did eventually fracture its ctg. lifter (the little 'flipper that regulates S/L/LR), a local gunsmith copied the part in a misc. piece of steel plate.

I have a definite nostalgia thing, as the exposed hammer Win 62's were /the/ 22 rifle in the AK bush growing up. My vote is for either, but someone not wanting to pay the 'Winchester premium' should be able to purchase a very serviceable Rossi 62 instead.

 

Winchester 61. There is no equal in the realm of slide action rimfires.

 

I saw a post from a guy with the name “Pump 22s” and wanted to ask a question but can’t figure out how to PM.
This question is for him and anyone else with knowledge:

What good pump 22s out there are reliable and decently accurate Out of the ones you’ve shot?

Ive only used pump shotguns and centerfire (Remington). I’ve never even handled a pump 22. I love the idea but always read mixed reviews with a lot of negative experience, but online reports are difficult to qualify.

The Henry ones might be of interest to me.

For you pump 22 guys who have used a few, what is your experience and which models would be decent quality for the outdoors?

-Thanks to all in advance

 

I saw a post from a guy with the name “Pump 22s” and wanted to ask a question but can’t figure out how to PM.
This question is for him and anyone else with knowledge:

What good pump 22s out there are reliable and decently accurate Out of the ones you’ve shot?

Ive only used pump shotguns and centerfire (Remington). I’ve never even handled a pump 22. I love the idea but always read mixed reviews with a lot of negative experience, but online reports are difficult to qualify.

The Henry ones might be of interest to me.

For you pump 22 guys who have used a few, what is your experience and which models would be decent quality for the outdoors?

-Thanks to all in advance

For a look at what is currently available do a search on-line for 22 pump rifle. Also take a look at the auction site G@@broker
Pumps are my favorite. I do believe Henry is the only outfit currently manufacturing them. I have three; a Winchester 62a from 1946, a Rossi SAC from 1999 and a Winchester 06 from 1913.

 

I’ve got both the Remington and the Henry. The Remmie feels like a grownup gun with grownup irons. I just put a Shinner sight on the Henry (peep barrel mount) easy but I haven’t been able to test it out. Remmie is my first choice

 

@pump .22s, here's a question for you.

 

Remington 121 for me