mossberg .22 lr

[waoutdoorsman]

so does anyone on here have the mossberg 702 plinkster, or have shot it? im curious about it, but at the same time a little weary, as a semi auto at that low of price seems like it might be a headache... the videos of it on youtube look good, and from what ive read its 50/50, some love it, and others dont
just looking for a reasonable priced .22 for plinking and wondering if any of yall have any experience with this rifle.

thanks,

[Bscman]

I'd spend a few bucks more for something better.

My buddy has one that he got from Joes (Employee discount + gift card from boss = $20 out of pocket). Even at that, he wishes he wouldn't have bought it. BTW, they're on sale for $99 right now at Joes.

Overall, it's been very reliable...I can't think of a single malfuction (and I've put over 1,000rnds through it) but the accuracy isn't great. My model 60 will outshoot it with any ammo we've tried... It doesn't have a problem HP's or Solids, but prefers high velocity. The stock is cheap and flexy. The internals are rough and cheaply machined. You can definitely tell just by looking at it that it is a "cheap" rifle. I'm not sure about the long-term life of this rifle. He's having a hard time locating spare magazines (locally).

I bought a savage 64F for $99 a year or so ago as a plinker. It's in about the same class as the plinkster, but it's a little more comfortable. It's also been very reliable for me. Again, cheap/flexy synthetic stock! It's got over 5,000 rounds through it so far and is still doing well--no problems. I wouldn't buy it again, though...
Spare magazines are common, and most walmarts carry them.

For $50 more you can get a Ruger 10/22 that'll hold it's value better, and is better made. Tons of aftermarket parts available to modify them to suit your needs.
Tons of factory and aftermarket hi-cap magazines--found EVERYWHERE.

The remington 597 is decent...but needs a "fluff and buff" to be reliable--very simple though.. They can be had as low as $129ish (new) if you look around. Accuracy is on par with the 10/22.
Spare magazines are easy to find...just make sure you get the latest generation. The originals STINK.

The model 60 is another good option for about $150 and is known as one of the most accurate of the low/mid range autoloading rifles (thanks to marlin's good, microgroove barrels). The older model 60's from the late 80's and earlier had different feed throats and aren't as reliable...so opt for a newer one. Mine is a '94 and has been the most reliable auto-loading rimfire rifle I've owned/used.
Tube fed, no magazines. They do have a "clip" fed model, though.

[CP]

I'd spend a few bucks more for something better.


For $50 more you can get a Ruger 10/22 that'll hold it's value better, and is better made. Tons of aftermarket parts available to modify them to suit your needs.
Tons of factory and aftermarket hi-cap magazines--found EVERYWHERE.

+1 on the Ruger.  After about a brick and half breakin mine has operated perfectly.  Accurate too.

[uncoolperson]

I got the wife a plinkster (in pink!), seems to like to jam a little... go with a 10/22

[waoutdoorsman]

Thanks guys, yall probably just saved me from a headache, i didnt get a 10/22  i really would have liked to get one but it was just out of my budget. I ended up getting a Rem 597 from sportsmans warehouse. Out of the choices this was the one that fit the best. I think i will be happy with it, it fits good, hopefully it will shoot well too. im taking my girlfriend down to the range sunday-i think she will have a blast with it

thanks again
Appreciate the input.

[jackelope]

you can check these guys out for some 597 stuff...there's not much, but there is some.
i have 3 10/22's and one is getting built custom...the other 2 are original right now. you got a good gun either way.
http://www.hawktecharms.com/remington/597.htm

[Bscman]

The bolt on the 597 rides on a pair of guide rods...improperly adjusted (like they usually are from the factory) will cause short strokes, stovepipes, and other malfuctions.

There are two screws at the rear of the receiver. Loosen them  off just a smidge and allow the guide rods to lightly *float.* A light polish with some 600-1000 grit wet/dry will help, too. 99% of the time this is all it takes to cure jamming in the 597.

They also seem to prefer a "dry" lube...so if you're an oil fan, oil very lightly.

Also, if you shoot a lot of different length ammo  take the time to clean the chamber from time to time. 597's are one of the most common rifles to experience out-of-battery discharges. They aren't entirely common with the 22lr, but can be all but eliminated if you keep the chamber clean.
If you're not sure what I mean, compare the brass on a CB long, to a standard or high velocity case, as well as a hyper velocity round such as a Stinger. You'll notice each of the tree have different length cases. Firing a longer case after many rounds of shorter cases will cause a ring of carbon to develope in the chamber, which *may* keep a longer round from fully seating.
End result, possible Out-of-Batter discharge.

Also, most aftermarket mags SUCK for the 597.
If you buy some, take the time to disassemble them and remove the casting lines along the insides (left from the molding process). This should illeviate most problems.

Most of all, enjoy it. If you treat it well it will return the favor.
(Like I said, I'm a rimfire junky!)

[waoutdoorsman]

Awesome, thanks for the tips Bscman! I really aprecciate it! I am new to these rimfires