info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles - The Firearms Forum

accident · 03-11-2012, 01:03 PM

I've always wanted an older .22 target rifle but I have not been able to find much info about them except we all know about the Anschutz,Rem mdl5 and Win52"s.What about Mossberg or Savage or other makes?Hopefully you guys can suggest some makes and models I should keep an eye out for that I can record in my notebook for reference.My budget of $100-$450 will likely make my list short.I was at a gun show yesterday and found 2 Mossbergs mdl 44 USD with old scopes and a Savage mdl19 NRA with Lyman style peep sights.Price was $300 on each one.My 2008 price guide shows the Savage in "good" cond. $150.00.Any suggestions of makes and models I should look for would be greatly appreciated.On the other hand some may say just buy a new CZ Varmint or other.Thats ok too. THANKS Joe

gvw3 · 03-11-2012, 01:59 PM

I have an old Revolation 100. I bought it new in a Western Auto Supply in1964. My 1st gun. It is made By Moosberg. I just saw the same gun at a gun shop and my son wanted to buy it. They wanted $190 for it. I think that is way to high.

My son wanted it as I can outshoot him with this and he has a new Savage bolt action Mark 3.

Oneida Steve · 03-11-2012, 02:17 PM

Are you looking for a rifle to be used for target competition, or hunting/plinking?

For hunting/plinking, the older Mossberg target rifles can be an outstanding value. They lack the fine walnut stocks and steel fixtures of the more costly guns, but they shoot great. With a good scope they are squirrel-killing machines. I would recommend a Mossberg.

accident · 03-11-2012, 02:51 PM

Oneida Steve, Not for target competition,just hunting and target shooting for fun.I have several .22"s that are plenty accurate for regular use,but I'd like something capable of one ragged hole @50yds w/target ammo.Even though I'm not usually able to shoot the size of a dime,I'd like the gun to be able to.Doesn't make much sense does it? Thanks Joe

BulletBait · 03-11-2012, 10:01 PM

H&R 5200 I owned one way back when. Close in accuracy to my 52,40x or 37 but the trigger isn't in the same class. If you have a windfall blow your way, look for a Martini International MK II or III
The 5200 is a twin to the Win 52C/D and more than $500 cheaper.
http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=87390

cpttango30 · 03-12-2012, 05:21 AM

Mossberg made the model 44us. That is one of he best shooting rifles I own. My dad has a fe that will hang right with his 513t and win 52.

Shul makes a great older target rifle.

accident · 03-12-2012, 10:08 AM

Thanks guys for the info so far.I hope to get more.BulletBait thanks for the old thread I would not be aware of the H&R 5200 being a re-make of a mdl52 without your telling me.There are probably several makers out there that have made good copies of classic target .22's that I just don't know of.Thats why I need yalls help.cpttango30 says he owns a Mossy 44us like I found at the gun show and that its a good shooter.The 2 I found at the show were not in real good cond.They both were covered in dirt and appeared to not have even been wiped down in decades.The metal showed rust and the stocks were rough.Thats ok to me if the bore and action are ok but I feel the price was too high at $300.00.My price book is 4 yrs old but it gave a $150 value.Maybe my book is showing an unreasonably low price.Thanks for the help.It's given me a few models to keep an eye out for. Joe

cpttango30 · 03-12-2012, 01:08 PM

I will post some pics tonight. She wasa $35 CMP special.. She is very rough overall.

It doesn't have sights on it right now. When I shot it it took the sighs off nothr mossberg to test fire it.

accident · 03-12-2012, 02:20 PM

Looking forward to the pics.I didn't mention it but both Mossy 44's had scopes.They looked original they were the same scope on each rifle not 1" tubes .The mounts screwed to the side of the reciever then curved around to the top so the scope was above the reciever not to the side.I'm wondering if a 1" newer type scope could be mounted in it? I might should have made him an offer of $250 and taken one home.Surely there are others out there to be had. Joe

BulletBait · 03-12-2012, 03:14 PM

The trigger on the old 44US I had for a short time was the deal killer. I would assume the 144 is the same heavy military type trigger. They can be worked over to give a lighter crisp letoff. If you hit pawn or gun shops for an older target/trainer, carry with you some 22 snap caps or fired cases to check the trigger pull without chamber empty dry fire.

accident · 03-12-2012, 04:30 PM

Good advise BulletBait.That suprises me about the trigger.Even my Romanian mdl 69 has an excellent trigger and it's not a target gun, just a military trainer as far as I know...just checked the pull on mdl69 it is set at 16oz. Was just curious.It's a little lighter than i'd prefer for safe using.A good trigger on a target rifle is critical.Thanks for the suggestion. Joe

cpttango30 · 03-12-2012, 06:26 PM

The 44 trigger is much better than the 513T trigger in mine.

cpttango30 · 03-12-2012, 06:57 PM

CJ_56 · 03-12-2012, 08:04 PM

A Stevens 15 series single shot .22 can be a heck of a shooter. Single shot rifles are generally more accurate because they flex less. If you really want a target gun I've seen Suhl 150's for $500. They are essentially an East German version of the Anschutz. They are hard to find especially at that price but I saw 2 of them for that amount just before Christmas 2 years ago. I really wanted to get one but I had already got my Christmas present which I bought from my brother almost unfired, a S&W 629 .44 mag. That's a great pistol but finding a deal like that on a Suhl may be a rare thing. I don't look all the time so I"m not sure. I just know I've seen them at that price and they are supposed to be world class shooters. In fact a guy I know won an ARA national championship with one.

Of course the old Remingtons are great rifles but they generally are priced higher than your budget. If you could find a 40X for that price it would be a steal. But they made other great shooting rifles too.

accident · 03-12-2012, 08:08 PM

Thanks for the pictures and your time answering my questions.The 2 guns I saw at the show had a little better wood but not a whole lot better.(no offence intended).That is probably what I can expect to find given their history but thats ok if I find one complete and in good working order.The triggers I'll just have to evaluate if I find another.The guy did not seem to be too interested in letting me get a closer look, he didn't offer to remove the tie straps holding the bolt closed or offer to remove the cable going through each guns trigger gaurd.This turned me off.I do remember 2 threaded holes an inch or so apart on the left rear of the reciever like something was missing.After looking at your pics I notice the same empty holes on yours and realize now they are probably for a peep sight.One of your pics shows the trigger gaurd off.Do you have two or is it just removed in that photo?Didn't you say you shoot this gun and it is very accurate?You have much more knowledge of this gun than me so I'll ask you this: If I find one that is complete and appears to be in working order,in similar condition,what would be a price range I should try to get it for? THANKS again for the help and I apologize for rambling and so many questions.I will leave you alone now. Joe

cpttango30 · 03-12-2012, 08:49 PM

I got mine at the CMP for $35 it was incomplete only had stock barrel and action and bolt. My dad sent me the trigger guard and 7 shot mag with single shot adapter.

Yes they should have a peep sight on the back. If you want an original get in line. Havlins sells an aftermarket peep that uses the same mounting holes.

You can get better looking stocks at numrich arms.

BulletBait · 03-13-2012, 08:54 AM

That would be a great hobby for you at gun shows or old gun shops to find extra mags for that gun. A little sanding and some Birchwood Casey bluing gel will make that a pretty sweet shooter. Outward appearance has never been a deal killer for me as long as it's a decent shooter. I've bought my share of wall flowers in the past and was rarely disappointed with the end results.

hardluk1 · 03-13-2012, 09:35 AM

You may have a better chance of finding a remington 511, 512 or 513 at prices that are closer to 200 dollars and atleast with my 511P is about as accurate as an old well use rifle can be. Seen a bunch around here that are nice for the age and use and can still out shoot much of whats sold today.

cpttango30 · 03-13-2012, 09:48 AM

the Mossberg I showed is parkerized

I also have a 513T and a 511 X. Love them all.

accident · 03-13-2012, 10:00 AM

BulletBait: I agree! Appearance isn't as important to me as what is under the hood.CJ 56: If I come across a Suhl 150 I'll now know it's a keeper.hardluk: Thats what I was wanting, makes and model #'s of recommended guns I should be on the lookout for at pawn shops and gun shows.Thanks for your help guys. Joe

MSGT-R · 03-13-2012, 10:16 AM

My husband has an OLD Stevens single-shot .22 that was given to him by an Uncle when he was young. It was one of those "catalog" guns, or a freebie gun when you bought furniture in the 50s. He won a turkey shoot with it over a dozen other adults with fancier rifles. You'd be surprized at how "simple" can be effective if it's built right..

CJ_56 · 03-13-2012, 11:33 AM

Quote:

My husband has an OLD Stevens single-shot .22 that was given to him by an Uncle when he was young. It was one of those "catalog" guns, or a freebie gun when you bought furniture in the 50s. He won a turkey shoot with it over a dozen other adults with fancier rifles. You'd be surprized at how "simple" can be effective if it's built right..

That sounds like my old Stevens 15-A. That thing is as accurate as any rifle I own and it has been for 60 years now. They can be bought for under $50 at times. Usually they are more but I've heard of people finding them at auctions and flea markets for almost nothing. Mine has certainly taken more squirrels than any other rifle I own. My brother hunted with it for 15 years and loved it. The only thing bad about that model is there's no way to mount a scope. I suppose a person could have one drilled and tapped for not a lot of cash. I just know that it still works perfectly and probably will for the next 300 years. It only has about 3 moving parts counting the bolt. It's so simple there's nothing to break. Dad gave mine to me so I'll be keeping it until I give it to one of my kids. They don't live in places where they can shoot a lot right now but I did give my daughter the shotgun dad gave me.

MSGT-R · 03-13-2012, 11:50 AM

It probably is a 15-A.. you cock it by pulling back on the plunger at the rear of the bolt. I'm restoring it right now (needed a re-blue and a good stock refinishing).

cpttango30; go grab the sand paper and turn-to!

Curlyjoe_99 · 03-13-2012, 12:48 PM

I know it is late in the thread, but where i'm at in Texas, it seems that there are a lot of older Remington model 44T rifles. picked one up at a gun show a year ago that was in rough shape but had all of its parts. After "cleaning" & polishing the stock and metal, she looks as good as any one that is forty plus years old. I had planned on a full refinishing but decided against it.

she also can shoot a nice grouping out to 50yds with the original iron sights. I haven't tried out to 100 yet as my eyes are very poor for shooting without a scope & a comparitively large target that far out.

But basically what i am getting at is to go ahead and get what you can afford that will do what you want But, clean any beater looking rifle before commiting to a full refinish, you may just have a hidden jewel on your hands.

Just my $.02

CJ_56 · 03-13-2012, 02:42 PM

There were other 15's too including the 15 and the 15-B. They all worked like you described. It should be stamped on the barrel if it's a 15 model. Mine has some minor surface rust but it's looked that way for 30 years. I don't want to mess around and make mine worse but if it did get worse I'd certainly fix it. Hot bluing is the way to go IMO. Nothing else works as well or at least I've never seen anything else work as well.

That cocking mechanism is simplicity in action. Those guns are about as simple as any gun ever could be. That's why I think they'll be around for hundreds of years if people fight the rust off. I've been thinking about re-bluing mine just because but I'm afraid I might make it worse. I just want my kids to be able to keep it as long as I've had it and I've had it about 35 years. Heck a person could use a nail for a firing pin in this rifle if they had to. Not many rifles are made as solid today.

03-11-2012, 01:03 PM	#1
accident V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: middle GA Posts: 364	info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles I've always wanted an older .22 target rifle but I have not been able to find much info about them except we all know about the Anschutz,Rem mdl5 and Win52"s.What about Mossberg or Savage or other makes?Hopefully you guys can suggest some makes and models I should keep an eye out for that I can record in my notebook for reference.My budget of $100-$450 will likely make my list short.I was at a gun show yesterday and found 2 Mossbergs mdl 44 USD with old scopes and a Savage mdl19 NRA with Lyman style peep sights.Price was $300 on each one.My 2008 price guide shows the Savage in "good" cond. $150.00.Any suggestions of makes and models I should look for would be greatly appreciated.On the other hand some may say just buy a new CZ Varmint or other.Thats ok too. THANKS Joe __________________ "The strongest reason for the people to retain the Right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in Government." Thomas Jefferson -->

03-11-2012, 01:59 PM	#2
gvw3 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Chicago IL Area Contributor Posts: 3,306	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles I have an old Revolation 100. I bought it new in a Western Auto Supply in1964. My 1st gun. It is made By Moosberg. I just saw the same gun at a gun shop and my son wanted to buy it. They wanted $190 for it. I think that is way to high. My son wanted it as I can outshoot him with this and he has a new Savage bolt action Mark 3. __________________ Criminals advocate stronger gun laws to foster a safer work environment. This limits their exposure to risk.

03-11-2012, 02:17 PM	#3
Oneida Steve Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 1,028	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles Are you looking for a rifle to be used for target competition, or hunting/plinking? For hunting/plinking, the older Mossberg target rifles can be an outstanding value. They lack the fine walnut stocks and steel fixtures of the more costly guns, but they shoot great. With a good scope they are squirrel-killing machines. I would recommend a Mossberg.

03-11-2012, 02:51 PM	#4
accident V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: middle GA Posts: 364	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles Oneida Steve, Not for target competition,just hunting and target shooting for fun.I have several .22"s that are plenty accurate for regular use,but I'd like something capable of one ragged hole @50yds w/target ammo.Even though I'm not usually able to shoot the size of a dime,I'd like the gun to be able to.Doesn't make much sense does it? Thanks Joe __________________ "The strongest reason for the people to retain the Right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in Government." Thomas Jefferson

03-11-2012, 10:01 PM	#5
BulletBait Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Macho Grande, Ks. Posts: 30	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles H&R 5200 I owned one way back when. Close in accuracy to my 52,40x or 37 but the trigger isn't in the same class. If you have a windfall blow your way, look for a Martini International MK II or III The 5200 is a twin to the Win 52C/D and more than $500 cheaper. http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=87390 Last edited by BulletBait; 03-11-2012 at 10:13 PM..

03-12-2012, 05:21 AM	#6
cpttango30 Former Guest Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Stafford, VA Contributor Posts: 3,071	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles Mossberg made the model 44us. That is one of he best shooting rifles I own. My dad has a fe that will hang right with his 513t and win 52. Shul makes a great older target rifle. Last edited by cpttango30; 03-12-2012 at 05:26 AM..

03-12-2012, 10:08 AM	#7
accident V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: middle GA Posts: 364	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles Thanks guys for the info so far.I hope to get more.BulletBait thanks for the old thread I would not be aware of the H&R 5200 being a re-make of a mdl52 without your telling me.There are probably several makers out there that have made good copies of classic target .22's that I just don't know of.Thats why I need yalls help.cpttango30 says he owns a Mossy 44us like I found at the gun show and that its a good shooter.The 2 I found at the show were not in real good cond.They both were covered in dirt and appeared to not have even been wiped down in decades.The metal showed rust and the stocks were rough.Thats ok to me if the bore and action are ok but I feel the price was too high at $300.00.My price book is 4 yrs old but it gave a $150 value.Maybe my book is showing an unreasonably low price.Thanks for the help.It's given me a few models to keep an eye out for. Joe __________________ "The strongest reason for the people to retain the Right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in Government." Thomas Jefferson

03-12-2012, 01:08 PM	#8
cpttango30 Former Guest Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Stafford, VA Contributor Posts: 3,071	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles I will post some pics tonight. She wasa $35 CMP special.. She is very rough overall. It doesn't have sights on it right now. When I shot it it took the sighs off nothr mossberg to test fire it.

03-12-2012, 02:20 PM	#9
accident V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: middle GA Posts: 364	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles Looking forward to the pics.I didn't mention it but both Mossy 44's had scopes.They looked original they were the same scope on each rifle not 1" tubes .The mounts screwed to the side of the reciever then curved around to the top so the scope was above the reciever not to the side.I'm wondering if a 1" newer type scope could be mounted in it? I might should have made him an offer of $250 and taken one home.Surely there are others out there to be had. Joe __________________ "The strongest reason for the people to retain the Right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in Government." Thomas Jefferson

03-12-2012, 03:14 PM	#10
BulletBait Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Macho Grande, Ks. Posts: 30	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles The trigger on the old 44US I had for a short time was the deal killer. I would assume the 144 is the same heavy military type trigger. They can be worked over to give a lighter crisp letoff. If you hit pawn or gun shops for an older target/trainer, carry with you some 22 snap caps or fired cases to check the trigger pull without chamber empty dry fire.

03-12-2012, 04:30 PM	#11
accident V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: middle GA Posts: 364	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles Good advise BulletBait.That suprises me about the trigger.Even my Romanian mdl 69 has an excellent trigger and it's not a target gun, just a military trainer as far as I know...just checked the pull on mdl69 it is set at 16oz. Was just curious.It's a little lighter than i'd prefer for safe using.A good trigger on a target rifle is critical.Thanks for the suggestion. Joe __________________ "The strongest reason for the people to retain the Right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in Government." Thomas Jefferson

03-12-2012, 06:26 PM	#12
cpttango30 Former Guest Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Stafford, VA Contributor Posts: 3,071	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles The 44 trigger is much better than the 513T trigger in mine.

03-12-2012, 06:57 PM	#13
cpttango30 Former Guest Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Stafford, VA Contributor Posts: 3,071	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles

03-12-2012, 08:04 PM	#14
CJ_56 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: SE Ohio Posts: 391	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles A Stevens 15 series single shot .22 can be a heck of a shooter. Single shot rifles are generally more accurate because they flex less. If you really want a target gun I've seen Suhl 150's for $500. They are essentially an East German version of the Anschutz. They are hard to find especially at that price but I saw 2 of them for that amount just before Christmas 2 years ago. I really wanted to get one but I had already got my Christmas present which I bought from my brother almost unfired, a S&W 629 .44 mag. That's a great pistol but finding a deal like that on a Suhl may be a rare thing. I don't look all the time so I"m not sure. I just know I've seen them at that price and they are supposed to be world class shooters. In fact a guy I know won an ARA national championship with one. Of course the old Remingtons are great rifles but they generally are priced higher than your budget. If you could find a 40X for that price it would be a steal. But they made other great shooting rifles too.

03-12-2012, 08:08 PM	#15
accident V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: middle GA Posts: 364	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles Thanks for the pictures and your time answering my questions.The 2 guns I saw at the show had a little better wood but not a whole lot better.(no offence intended).That is probably what I can expect to find given their history but thats ok if I find one complete and in good working order.The triggers I'll just have to evaluate if I find another.The guy did not seem to be too interested in letting me get a closer look, he didn't offer to remove the tie straps holding the bolt closed or offer to remove the cable going through each guns trigger gaurd.This turned me off.I do remember 2 threaded holes an inch or so apart on the left rear of the reciever like something was missing.After looking at your pics I notice the same empty holes on yours and realize now they are probably for a peep sight.One of your pics shows the trigger gaurd off.Do you have two or is it just removed in that photo?Didn't you say you shoot this gun and it is very accurate?You have much more knowledge of this gun than me so I'll ask you this: If I find one that is complete and appears to be in working order,in similar condition,what would be a price range I should try to get it for? THANKS again for the help and I apologize for rambling and so many questions.I will leave you alone now. Joe __________________ "The strongest reason for the people to retain the Right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in Government." Thomas Jefferson

03-12-2012, 08:49 PM	#16
cpttango30 Former Guest Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Stafford, VA Contributor Posts: 3,071	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles I got mine at the CMP for $35 it was incomplete only had stock barrel and action and bolt. My dad sent me the trigger guard and 7 shot mag with single shot adapter. Yes they should have a peep sight on the back. If you want an original get in line. Havlins sells an aftermarket peep that uses the same mounting holes. You can get better looking stocks at numrich arms.

03-13-2012, 08:54 AM	#17
BulletBait Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Macho Grande, Ks. Posts: 30	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles That would be a great hobby for you at gun shows or old gun shops to find extra mags for that gun. A little sanding and some Birchwood Casey bluing gel will make that a pretty sweet shooter. Outward appearance has never been a deal killer for me as long as it's a decent shooter. I've bought my share of wall flowers in the past and was rarely disappointed with the end results.

03-13-2012, 09:35 AM	#18
hardluk1 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: nc mountains Posts: 293	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles You may have a better chance of finding a remington 511, 512 or 513 at prices that are closer to 200 dollars and atleast with my 511P is about as accurate as an old well use rifle can be. Seen a bunch around here that are nice for the age and use and can still out shoot much of whats sold today.

03-13-2012, 09:48 AM	#19
cpttango30 Former Guest Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Stafford, VA Contributor Posts: 3,071	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles the Mossberg I showed is parkerized I also have a 513T and a 511 X. Love them all.

03-13-2012, 10:00 AM	#20
accident V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: middle GA Posts: 364	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles BulletBait: I agree! Appearance isn't as important to me as what is under the hood.CJ 56: If I come across a Suhl 150 I'll now know it's a keeper.hardluk: Thats what I was wanting, makes and model #'s of recommended guns I should be on the lookout for at pawn shops and gun shows.Thanks for your help guys. Joe __________________ "The strongest reason for the people to retain the Right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in Government." Thomas Jefferson

03-13-2012, 10:16 AM	#21
MSGT-R Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: SoCal Posts: 903	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles My husband has an *OLD* Stevens single-shot .22 that was given to him by an Uncle when he was young. It was one of those "catalog" guns, or a freebie gun when you bought furniture in the 50s. He won a turkey shoot with it over a dozen other adults with fancier rifles. You'd be surprized at how "simple" can be effective if it's built right.. __________________ If you suck, go back to the range.

03-13-2012, 11:50 AM	#23
MSGT-R Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: SoCal Posts: 903	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles It probably is a 15-A.. you cock it by pulling back on the plunger at the rear of the bolt. I'm restoring it right now (needed a re-blue and a good stock refinishing). cpttango30; go grab the sand paper and turn-to! __________________ If you suck, go back to the range.

03-13-2012, 12:48 PM	#24
Curlyjoe_99 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 120	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles I know it is late in the thread, but where i'm at in Texas, it seems that there are a lot of older Remington model 44T rifles. picked one up at a gun show a year ago that was in rough shape but had all of its parts. After "cleaning" & polishing the stock and metal, she looks as good as any one that is forty plus years old. I had planned on a full refinishing but decided against it. she also can shoot a nice grouping out to 50yds with the original iron sights. I haven't tried out to 100 yet as my eyes are very poor for shooting without a scope & a comparitively large target that far out. But basically what i am getting at is to go ahead and get what you can afford that will do what you want But, clean any beater looking rifle before commiting to a full refinish, you may just have a hidden jewel on your hands. Just my $.02

03-13-2012, 02:42 PM	#25
CJ_56 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: SE Ohio Posts: 391	Re: info wanted on older .22lr Target rifles There were other 15's too including the 15 and the 15-B. They all worked like you described. It should be stamped on the barrel if it's a 15 model. Mine has some minor surface rust but it's looked that way for 30 years. I don't want to mess around and make mine worse but if it did get worse I'd certainly fix it. Hot bluing is the way to go IMO. Nothing else works as well or at least I've never seen anything else work as well. That cocking mechanism is simplicity in action. Those guns are about as simple as any gun ever could be. That's why I think they'll be around for hundreds of years if people fight the rust off. I've been thinking about re-bluing mine just because but I'm afraid I might make it worse. I just want my kids to be able to keep it as long as I've had it and I've had it about 35 years. Heck a person could use a nail for a firing pin in this rifle if they had to. Not many rifles are made as solid today.