Another 22 semi automatic!

[ianm]

Over the years I have tried a few 22 semi autos. Two ruger 10/22s and two Anschutz 525s. Neither of the rugers where reliable and neither of the Anschutz were accurate. I briefly tried a cz 511 but the trigger was horrible and I couldn’t do much with it. So I gave up on the idea of a semi auto. That was until last week when I spotted an interesting rifle in my mates RFD shop. It was tucked away in a corner and I asked about it. Turned out to belong to the family of someone that had passed away and he was about to tell them it wouldn’t sell and should he send it to auction. I asked if it cycled subs and he said he didn’t know but here is a couple of boxes, try it. So armed with a box of lapua and a box of RWS I tried it down the passage way in the shop that has some old sleepers at the end specifically for this purpose. Well it cycled all the lapua but had two misfires with the RWS. I liked the rifle and decided to give it a chance so gave him £80 for it complete with a scope and a parker hale moderator. The rifle is a Remington speedmaster 552 which when I looked up the serial numbers was made in February 1977. I don’t think it has ever been stripped and cleaned for years so that is what I did first. I then coated all the moving parts in graphite powder and rubbed it in. I have now shot over 300 rounds without a problem and the trigger is usable and predictable. I like these old American rifles, it has proven to be very accurate with CCI ammunition as well.

 

[Sellars]

My one of these is from November 1976. It still works fine but needs to be kept clean or it jams. Still with only two pins to remove and no special tools required it is very easy to clean.

 

[Smellydog]

They have a good reputation mate. I had the pump version many years ago and that was good also.

The old sleepers down the alley way....don't they mind being shot at?

 

[User00053]

Over the years I have tried a few 22 semi autos. Two ruger 10/22s and two Anschutz 525s. Neither of the rugers where reliable and neither of the Anschutz were accurate. I briefly tried a cz 511 but the trigger was horrible and I couldn’t do much with it. So I gave up on the idea of a semi auto. That was until last week when I spotted an interesting rifle in my mates RFD shop. It was tucked away in a corner and I asked about it. Turned out to belong to the family of someone that had passed away and he was about to tell them it wouldn’t sell and should he send it to auction. I asked if it cycled subs and he said he didn’t know but here is a couple of boxes, try it. So armed with a box of lapua and a box of RWS I tried it down the passage way in the shop that has some old sleepers at the end specifically for this purpose. Well it cycled all the lapua but had two misfires with the RWS. I liked the rifle and decided to give it a chance so gave him £80 for it complete with a scope and a parker hale moderator. The rifle is a Remington speedmaster 552 which when I looked up the serial numbers was made in February 1977. I don’t think it has ever been stripped and cleaned for years so that is what I did first. I then coated all the moving parts in graphite powder and rubbed it in. I have now shot over 300 rounds without a problem and the trigger is usable and predictable. I like these old American rifles, it has proven to be very accurate with CCI ammunition as well.

Had same models as yourself found ruger pants from the get go and did not last long and tried various ammo, the 525s x2 as I think with most were great till they got worn then wheels fell off a tad.
Never used a speedmaster but know highly regarded, my dad had a Remington nylon 66 which he liked but did not shoot volume I went back to the bolt action and stuck with the anschutz though had use of a nice mauser at one point, think most semi auto great fun for plinking but not that reliable for volume or people like me who do not strip and clean often.

 

[Squirrelbasher]

Absolute bargain Ian

 

[HistoricBore]

Also think about an early Browning made in Belgium - great trigger and reliable.

HB

 

[ianm]

Well after persevering with the little 4x40 scope that came with the rifle I decided an upgrade was on the cards. After trying a Hawke 17 hmr scope on my RPR 17 I thought I would have the 22 version for the speedmaster. Being able to see what you are shooting at definitely has its advantages. These are quite good scopes for the money. After zeroing another rifle with a thermal scope on, I called at the caravan park where the rabbits are making a come back. I thought I would take a few off the front field where the owner doesn’t like them to be. I didn’t overdo it taking just four. I would rather leave them for the autumn but if he spots too many he will be on the phone to me.

 

[Squirrelbasher]

Not bad scopes for the money as you say Ian. The little semi auto is giving you its moneys worth already, well done

 

[Smellydog]

I'm jealous .