Wetherby XXII semi auto .22lr info

[Lone wolf]

Hi guys

I have a slot for a semi auto .22lr and I have seen the above rifle, seems very well made and feels nice.

One thing that intrigues me is the single shot function which there is a selector switch for.



I've trawled the internet but cant seem to find how it functions

In my mind it would be that upon firing the bolt stays forward, and then you pull the bolt back extracting the fired round and let go to load the next round to fire.

Or is it that the round is fired and then ejected but the bolt stays held open to the rear and then in your own leisure release the bolt forward to chamber the next round......if this is the case I think it's a pointless feature as surely once the round is fired and the action extracts the case it may as well go forward and load the next round because in my mind having a single shot feature would be to inherit the better accuracy that a bolt gun offers if that makes sense

Here you can see the selector switch behind the bolt.

I would love it if in single shot mode it fired and the bolt stayed forward and you had to manually cycle the bolt for further single shots

Has anyone got any idea how these work please

 

[cjm1066]

They were made in Italy, I believe by Beretta

 

[Lone wolf]

They were made in Italy, I believe by Beretta

Yep it looks like that, I've also just learned that some were then made in Japan later on, this one looks to be a early Italian Beretta one

 

[Kiwiguy]

Once the lever is placed in the Manual mode the breech block remains open after the round is fired. The shooter has to consciously move the lever forward to chamber the next round.

This function has nothing to do with the accuracy of the rifle and the Weatherby XXII was known as an accurate semi auto 22 LR rifle.

The Unique X 51 bis has a similar single shot feature and this was built into both rifles as a safety feature designed primarily for younger and inexperienced shooters. Rather than the rifle being in semi auto mode and the possibility of the trigger being pulled with the muzzle pointed in an unsafe direction by an inexperienced shooter it gave the person supervising the shooting event a little bit more control of proceedings.

 

[Lone wolf]

Once the lever is placed in the Manual mode the breech block remains open after the round is fired. The shooter has to consciously move the lever forward to chamber the next round.

This function has nothing to do with the accuracy of the rifle and the Weatherby XXII was known as an accurate semi auto 22 LR rifle.

The Unique X 51 bis has a similar single shot feature and this was built into both rifles as a safety feature designed primarily for younger and inexperienced shooters. Rather than the rifle being in semi auto mode and the possibility of the trigger being pulled with the muzzle pointed in an unsafe direction by an inexperienced shooter it gave the person supervising the shooting event a little bit more control of proceedings.

Thanks kiwiguy for confirming how it operates thats exactly what I wanted to know, unfortunately it's not as I would have hoped for and offers no real advantage over a standard 10/22 or a Remington 597 as I would never use that feature, I was hoping to gain better accuracy from a closed bolt on single shot but have to option of semi auto there.

 

[Smellydog]

And what would be the advantage?
Accuracy?
You could always just hold onto the charging handle. Or fit something behind it.
That'll keep it shut.

Some autos do have a feature to lock the bolt up while firing a single shot.
It's handy for loading low powered ammunition.

 

[Kiwiguy]

Thanks kiwiguy for confirming how it operates thats exactly what I wanted to know, unfortunately it's not as I would have hoped for and offers no real advantage over a standard 10/22 or a Remington 597 as I would never use that feature, I was hoping to gain better accuracy from a closed bolt on single shot but have to option of semi auto there.

Although I have never owned the Weatherby XXII everything I have read about them suggests that they are one of the most accurate semi auto 22 LR rifles made. Spare parts availability would be the major downfall for the Weatherby as they haven't been made for many years.

Accuracy wise my experience with Ruger 10/22 rifles hasn't been something I would write home about.

 

[Lone wolf]

Although I have never owned the Weatherby XXII everything I have read about them suggests that they are one of the most accurate semi auto 22 LR rifles made. Spare parts availability would be the major downfall for the Weatherby as they haven't been made for many years.

Accuracy wise my experience with Ruger 10/22 rifles hasn't been something I would write home about.

Oh man this really throws a spanner in the works accuracy is always going to be a consideration in a semi auto for me so knowing the weatherby is known for its build quality and accuracy makes me lean towards it more than the ruger or the Remington........spare parts is a good call, maybe I just roll the dice and see how it fairs

Equally I'm not to fussed about aftermarket parts like 25 round magazines or custom stocks ect as it's going to be a rabbiting rifle and not a cabinet queen

 

[Kiwiguy]

If you are planning on using subsonic ammo it might pay to confirm that the Weatherby will cycle through it reliably.

 

[Smellydog]

I've owned a few autos over the years. Rugers, a 597, and a Marlin 60 variant.
They never stay long!
I've had way better accuracy and fast shooting from a lever action or pump action 22.

 

[Lone wolf]

If you are planning on using subsonic ammo it might pay to confirm that the Weatherby will cycle through it reliably.

Cheers buddy will do some digging

 

[Lone wolf]

I've owned a few autos over the years. Rugers, a 597, and a Marlin 60 variant.
They never stay long!
I've had way better accuracy and fast shooting from a lever action or pump action 22.

Oh man that's not inspiring to hear especially when my variation came back it's for a semi auto .22lr

I'm not wanting to achieve anything other than a inch group at 50yrds as thats the sort of range I will be shooting it at so hopefully the weatherby will give me that

Out of interest what sort of groups did your Remington and Ruger give you?

 

[Smellydog]

Oh man that's not inspiring to hear especially when my variation came back it's for a semi auto .22lr

I'm not wanting to achieve anything other than a inch group at 50yrds as thats the sort of range I will be shooting it at so hopefully the weatherby will give me that

Out of interest what sort of groups did your Remington and Ruger give you?

How come your license says semi auto, that's not right!

50yds and more it'll be fine.
Might feed sub sonics.

The Remington was very accurate actually but the magazine design is or was prone to jamming and the trigger needs work. I also struggled to get it to run on subsonic ammunition. Loved HV and was the only rifle to shoot CCI stingers I ever had!
My first Ruger shot very very well after I did the trigger. Some one could not believe how good the trigger was and offered me stupid money at the time.
I've never been able to match that 1022 trigger and my last 1022 was nothing compared so I sold that also.

 

[zerovarm]

A Marlin 995 or 795 should also be a consideration, the 795 has LSHO. I cut the barrel on my 795 to 13", fitted a Mcarbo trigger spring kit and the DIP trigger/trigger guard. Superbly accurate little rifle at 50m for a semi auto. Parts and mags all readily available.

 

[Stover Rover]

Only accurate and reliable semi auto, that also consumes subsonics without a fuss. CZ512 in a wooden stock.

 

[MAH]

Has anyone got any idea how these work please

The is a chap on here from Weatherby.
Do a search and send him a link.
He'll probably know, or find out for you.

M