I took a break today from tactical things and did some plinking with my Marlin Model 60 .22 rifle. Fortunately, my gun club has a designated rimfire range with overhead cover so the rain wasn’t as issue. No one else was there so I was able to burn several hundred rounds knocking down the steel reactive targets.
The rain broke for a bit, so I was able to put up a paper target and confirm the zero of my rifle with several different types of ammunition. Different types of .22 ammunition will group differently, so it’s good to know where a particular type of ammo shoots and how well it shoots.
I periodically hear the comment “9mm is the new .22.” Sorry, that’s just not so. The venerable .22 Long Rifle remains the most fun cartridge to shoot and probably always will be. It’s inexpensive, relatively quiet, low recoil, and quite accurate even in the hands of those who aren’t accomplished shooters. It’s accurate for them because the .22 isn’t intimidating to those who are new to shooting.
The Marlin 60 and a scope will run less than 200 dollars. Ammo is back down in the $20-30 range for 500 rounds. Makes for a great afternoon, even when it’s drizzling.
I’ve written two different eBooks for those who are interested in improving their skill with handguns. They provide a roadmap to improving your competency at your own pace and within the resources you have available to you. For less than the price of a box of ammo, you’ll be able to use your time and other resources much more effectively.
For those who carry a concealed firearm, Concealed Carry Skills and Drills, is appropriate for you. The link to the downloadable eBook is here. http://concealedcarryskillsanddrills.com
For those who don’t carry a concealed firearm but keep a handgun for home defense, Indoor Range Practice Sessions, is appropriate for you. The link to the downloadable eBook is here. http://indoorrangepracticesessions.com
If you would just like my Printable Silhouette Target, here is the download. Printable Silhouette
FTC notice: I bought all the guns and gear in this post and the zero target is available for free download from Lucky Gunner. https://www.luckygunner.com/free-targets I receive no compensation for anything I mention.
tacticalprofessor 
It’s not possible on the range pictured, but where there’s a plain dirt berm I like to use saltines as reactive targets. Cheap, challenging, and no cleanup because the birds and bugs eat the pieces left over.
On Sun, Sep 16, 2018 at 8:15 PM tacticalprofessor wrote:
> tacticalprofessor posted: “I took a break today from tactical things and > did some plinking with my Marlin Model 60 .22 rifle. Fortunately, my gun > club has a designated rimfire range with overhead cover so the rain wasn’t > as issue. No one else was there so I was able to burn several” >
Plinking is a highly underrated educational and recreational activity.
Personally, I agree that there’s very little in shooting that’s more fun than an afternoon burning off lots of .22 lr ammo.
However, as an RO at my local public range, I have seen a big change. Very few shooters come to shoot firearms chambered in .22 lr any more; most choose to shoot .223/5.56 or 9 mm.
Now that prices of .22 lr ammo have come down, perhaps things will shift again. But today, .223 or 9mm occupies the space where .22 lr was formerly king.
The rimfire range is the least used area at my gun club. That’s sad for me. As you say, the popularity of .22s has declined greatly.