Okay guys/gals, so I've never hunted before. The only outdoor activity I enjoy doing is fishing. I've decided to change things up abit and try some squirrel/rabbit hunting. I would like to speed no more than $300.00 on a .22 bolt action rifle. If I'm correct, .22's are preferred for hunting small game. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated..Thanks

Get a Savage.

A lot less than your price range.

Or if you wanted a semiauto Marlin model 60 has shot a lot of squirrels, and rabbit.

A Marlin bolt is good to.

JMHO

I've got a Ruger 10/22-my first gun and a Savage MKII BV.The BV is excellent right out of the box.It will shoot any brand of ammo from the cheap stuff to the pricey well to superb.I paid 275 for it back in the summer.Another top bolt action in that price range would be one of he CZ 452's.Good luck!

I have a henery survrival rifle they made it for the airforce so it is very accurate, water proof, durable and light weight and the whole gun comes apart and fits in the stalk, so you can stick it in your pack or somethin. I think it weighs 2 pounds and 4 ounces. It is 150$ brand new, and its is a good quality gun. I would highly reccomend it.

savage. period. best out-of-the-box shooting gun out there and also the most affordable prices. i live by my savage

Scamper,
If this is your first gun I'm gonna have to recommend a good single shot such as the savage Mark I. There is a lot that can be learned for shooting a single shot rifle for a couple seasons. Now, that being said, I personally own a marlin 60 and ruger 10/22 and love them. I know that they are two of the most repeated recommendations when looking for a good 22 but there is a reason for that. They've probably killed more squirrels and rabbits than any other two models. For hunting situations with a 22 at shorter distances a semiauto will offer that quick second shot. So I honestly recommend them as well. Just a lot of gun for not a lot of money.
If you go for a bolt action, I urge you to give the 22 mag or 17 hmr a look. They're slightly more expensive but are far superior at longer ranges that often faced at the end of the year when cover is sparse and squirrels are running on the ground.
Hope it helps bud
Indy

Hey thanks alot for the replies, I've decided to get a Savage, either the Mark II F or Mark II FSS model..I want one that is Heavy Barrel and Free Floating but they dont have the specs on the site..anybody own one of these that could tell me? Thanks

Heres a link to the website...
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/models/

I think what you would need to get started on hunting is a simple single shot, shotgun, if you are not used to shooting a gun that is the way to go, you can find used ones under $100 but if you want a .22 I would go with a 10/22 ruger, you will never find a better gun, savage are a cheaper gun, but when you buy cheap you get cheap, I have 2 savage .22s and though jamming is rare I have had both jam in several cases, my dad grew up with a .22 ruger and I have never heard of one jamming, ever, mine has never jammed his never did, and I have not heard of any others jamming, they are a very dependable rifle and are not that expensive you should be able to find one from $200-$275 for a good used one, but a 10/22 ruger is the best gun for the money and it will last threw almost anything

thanks
Boomer

Gun show this weekend Harrisonburg. Don;t know if you are close but might find a deal there. 6bucks to get in

Stay away from Remingtons M592 and definitely run from Rem's "Speed Master" Its a true Jam o Matic.

That said I have found Ruger's clip's to be exceptional. There auto loader action is good but lots of plastic now a days, VERY light little rifle. They like making carbines, they have lots of variations on the carbine. Lots of "after market" parts for sporterizing them too.
I like the marlins best. no one else has a micro groove rifled barrel and they make a 22" barrel. They are cheap good guns.
Now if your willing to spend a little more, look at marlins lever action rimfire. Its got a 24" barrel and will feed shorts as well as long rifles. also its a tube feed, I like tube feed. You can get more shots with tube feed.
For a bolt action rimfire no body does it like CZ, they have every thing from carbines to 28" barrels.
They cost as much as a good center fire though, but they are worth it.