I ahve 2 marlin rimfires. A model 882 in .22Mag and a 917V in .17 HMR. Both are accurate. I dont know how accurate you are looking for but the .22 Mag stays right around 3/4in and 100 yards and the .17 HMR stays right at 1/2in. I just got the .17 HMR but i never had a problem with the .22 Mag in the year ive had it. It prob has 5,000 rounds through it and i never had a misfire. I always used the Winchester Supreme ammo in it and only clean the barrel every 400 to 500 rounds (sometimes more). I would recomend a Marlin anyday but i know there are other brands that are as good if not better but for right around $200 its a great gun. As for if you shoudl get .17 or.22 thats more of what you want to do with the gun.