Non-Ruger rimfire for Steel Challenge?

[22lr]

My kiddo joined a steel challenge team and we need a rimfire rifle. We already have a 15-22 but they are banned from the league. I have never been a fan of the 10/22 design (heresy, I know) so I am curious of what other good options there are out there. Right now I am eying the Tippmann lineup or maybe even just an AR conversion kit. Thoughts? 

[BigK]

If my grandson (9yrs old) wanted to get into any kind of rimfire competition and he tightened up his groups with his Rossi Bravo and my 15-22 to the point a better rifle was needed, I'd go straight for a CZ 457. I've been wanting one for years, but I can't outshoot my existing rifles, so I haven't bothered.

[Protongunner]

13 minutes ago, BigK said:

...I'd go straight for a CZ 457...

This is the way for bolt action work

[Garufa]

Why are 15-22’s banned?

 

[Snaveba]

Marlin Model 60 is a fine shooter for semi-auto. 

[Garufa]

35 minutes ago, Snaveba said:

Marlin Model 60 is a fine shooter for semi-auto. 

Or Remington Speedmaster if you like a sense of style.

Edited November 13 by Garufa

[Snaveba]

Or go really classic with an old pump action gallery gun. 

[22lr]

2 hours ago, Garufa said:

Why are 15-22’s banned?

 

It is a bit of a mystery from what I was told, but folks have their theories.

[22lr]

52 minutes ago, Snaveba said:

Or go really classic with an old pump action gallery gun. 

Cool, but would be too slow.

[22lr]

1 hour ago, Garufa said:

Or Remington Speedmaster if you like a sense of style.

Not sure how the tube mags would be received or if they are even allowed. You have to shoot 5 times back to back so the slow reloads might be an issue. Good idea though 

[deerslayer]

A ban on 15-22s stinks and is probably based on some silly rationale.  Ruger 10/22 would be the obvious alternative, and there is a big aftermarket for them.  I’m seen some pretty souped-up 10/22s at Steel matches.  10-22s and 15-22s dominate Steel Challenge.  Bergara makes a 10/22-ish clone that is worth looking at.  The only other mag fed auto I would consider would be one of the Savages.  A friend has one and it shoots well (I forget which model).  Aftermarket and ability to mount dots, etc may be slim (not sure what division your kid will shoot).  Not sure about mag capacity, either.  You don’t really want less than 10 in the gun when the timer goes off.  If money is no object, get a Volquartsen or a Kidd. 

Edited November 13 by deerslayer

[10-Ring]

There was a run of 15-22s several years ago that had a defect that allowed them to discharge when out of battery. The ban is likely connected to that. Appleseed banned them for that reason. 

Edited November 13 by 10-Ring

[Snaveba]

can you just build a 22lr on the AR platform?  or do the rules require the rifle to a "manufactured" 22lr?

[22lr]

30 minutes ago, Snaveba said:

can you just build a 22lr on the AR platform?  or do the rules require the rifle to a "manufactured" 22lr?

You can build. Basically anything that does not say S&W on it 

[gary_boom]

A good cheap 22 would be a Winchester Wildcat. They have 10 22 type mag but the chamber stays open on the last round. They would be accurate enough for what you need.

[BigK]

2 hours ago, 22lr said:

You can build. Basically anything that does not say S&W on it 

I'm glad to hear it's just that model instead of some stupid ban on AR-style rifles.

[deerslayer]

4 hours ago, 10-Ring said:

There was a run of 15-22s several years ago that had a defect that allowed them to discharge when out of battery. The ban is likely connected to that. Appleseed banned them for that reason. 

News to me, but good to know. 

[Hozzie]

What’s your budget?  Huge difference in recommendations.   You should plan to spend as much on the scope as the gun.    
 

For middle of the road a CZ (453, 452, 457) in that order or a Tikka T1X.   I am not a fan of 10/22 style rifles for kids and competition either.  
 

Edited November 13 by Hozzie

[deerslayer]

4 hours ago, Hozzie said:

What’s your budget?  Huge difference in recommendations.   You should plan to spend as much on the scope as the gun.    
 

For middle of the road a CZ (453, 452, 457) in that order or a Tikka T1X.   I am not a fan of 10/22 style rifles for kids and competition either.  
 

For Steel Challenge, it needs to be a semi-auto with a detachable magazine.  

[Hozzie]

Good to know.  I am not (obviously) into steel challenge.   I always default to bolt actions as I am into BR.   As much as I don’t like them I would probably just go with a 10/22 of some flavor. There is no more customizable option out there.   For steel challenge I would imagine they are plenty accurate.   

[Snaveba]

I’m not site how many rounds you want/need in a magazine. The savage 64 is kind of a magazine fed Marlin model 60ish rifle. 

Edited November 14 by Snaveba

[deerslayer]

This might work well if he runs a red dot:

https://savagearms.com/firearms/model/64-fv-sr

Edited November 15 by deerslayer