Over the last six years or so, I have purchased three bolt action .22 rifles from three different manufacturers (Ruger, Marlin, and Savage), ranging in price from $180 to $400. All three of these rifles have come from the factory with either having the sights canted, or the holes for mounting a scope being drilled off center, with the Marlin being the worst offender with extremely canted sights, and off centered holes. At the same time, I own a Marlin model 60 from the 70s, and a Ruger 10/22 from around a decade ago, that have perfect, laser straight sights (the 10/22 also has centered holes, the Model 60 isn't drilled and tapped). I don't personally own any "vintage" bolt action .22s, but I have shot many through friends and family, and I don't ever remember having problems with canted sights or off centered mounting holes.
I understand that these brands could be considered "entry level" or "budget" .22s, but that does not excuse it, when this has never been a widespread issue in the past. It also doesn't seem like just a "fluke" or that I got unlucky, when three rifles, from three different manufactures have the same problem. We all know Marlin has had terrible quality control for years now, but what's with Savage and Ruger? I was actually shocked that my Ruger .22 had mounting holes drilled off center. I have never had any problems with the half a dozen other Ruger firearms I own.
So is this just the norm now, in regards to American .22 rifles? Are there any American companies that still have decent quality control for their .22s, or is that a thing of the past? It seems like you can't buy an entry level .22 rifle that doesn't have problems from the factory anymore.
I understand that these brands could be considered "entry level" or "budget" .22s, but that does not excuse it, when this has never been a widespread issue in the past. It also doesn't seem like just a "fluke" or that I got unlucky, when three rifles, from three different manufactures have the same problem. We all know Marlin has had terrible quality control for years now, but what's with Savage and Ruger? I was actually shocked that my Ruger .22 had mounting holes drilled off center. I have never had any problems with the half a dozen other Ruger firearms I own.
So is this just the norm now, in regards to American .22 rifles? Are there any American companies that still have decent quality control for their .22s, or is that a thing of the past? It seems like you can't buy an entry level .22 rifle that doesn't have problems from the factory anymore.
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