A cash-strapped, right-thinking politician appealed to TTAG for some friendly firearms advice. As that happens about as often as an Israeli supermodel drops by casa Farago to borrow a cup of sugar (and ask why no link love), I thought I’d put it to you, our Armed Intelligentsia.
“Hello, I am 55 years old, and live in Mars (Pa), in fact in addition to my full time job, I am also Mayor of Mars, a town of about 2000 located 25 miles north of Pittsburgh. I used to shoot quite a bit, then life, kids, college, family, work all took a toll. I recently purchased a used 1911 Taurus, and when I picked it up yesterday, I saw several Military style .22 rifles. I hope to get back into shooting more. As far as hunting, the only hunting I do is archery with a crossbow, and I very much enjoy that . . .
Back to the .22s, I saw four: a Ruger based on the 10-22 for about $340, a S&W M&P for $559, a Mossberg (I was not interested) and a Beretta. I would like to buy one of these, the appeal is cheap shooting, and in a pinch possibly a home defensive weapon (although some may disagree).
Which if these is the best value/quiality? I asked an older gent who worked at the shop “if it was your money, which would you buy”, and he said the Ruger.
Do you have any opinion on these? the S&W seemed to have more plastic, a little heavier duty, but the Ruger seemed nice too. My choice would be between the Ruger and the S&W.
Next question, if I select the Ruger, can or could I accessorize the gun with same components used on the full size 10-22?
Reason I ask, is if there are more an better components for the regular 10-22, I may just get a regular 10-22.. I like the short carbine, collapsable stock, of the mil, the rugged design, so the Mil style would probably be my first choice.
Thanks
Terry Onufer
Mars, Pa