Best cheap semi-auto for offhand shooting?

[heronblue7]

I’m looking at a SW M&P 15-22, ruger 10-22, ruger 10-22 charger, or a marlin.

This is for offhand shooting at paper and steel from 50-200 yards.

I owned a m&p-15 22 before and liked it but it felt like a toy.

SHTF small game hunting would be a secondary consideration for this purchase.

 

[Alabusa]

Ruger 10/22 hands down. You can do anything with one you can dream up because of aftermarket support.

 

[theLBC]

2nd the 10/22. cheap, reliable and ultimately customizable nowadays so it is a good place to start.
admittedly biased having shot one for so many years, although i only have a take-down model these days.

 

[oldfatguy]

Had a 10/22 Charger and sold it. Could be me, but not accurate. Rifle works better.

OFG

 

[ZY100]

10/22 hands down. Reliable, pretty accurate, parts available everywhere and you can customize to hearts content; from bolt handles to drop in Kidd trigger packs.

I do suggest you consider the takedown model; it is just too convenient.

ZY

 

[heronblue7]

How is the accuracy of the 10/22?

Is the takedown less accurate?

Will is run CCI SV?

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

Good but better with a 9 twist barrel from Pike Arms. The take downs have been less accurate for me to date. Yes it will run CCI SV w/o issue

 

[theLBC]

accuracy depends on you, the rifle and barrel chosen. (there are match and bull versions).

the takedown can be just as accurate, but since it comes apart, this may depend on how well you adjust the lockup.

it should run most anything.

 

[Downtown]

There is a company that sells an adapter to install a AR reciever extension (buffer tube) on a Ruger Charger, allowing a "arm brace" to be installed. Makes a neat little .22 "handgun" that can be shouldered. Even make one that folds.

 

[beetroot]

If you don't plan on spending a fortune customising this rifle I really like the Remington 597.
The ergonomics and features are better than the 10/22 in factory form and the stock and trigger are far nicer.

Ive owned mine for 14 years and 1000s of rounds and it's great.
It jammed like crazy when I first bought it, but I replaced the extractor with a aftermarket volquartsen one and it's run flawless ever since.