Martini's are a great choice but if you decide to start compeating some matches require a rifle with a exterior hammer. Iv'e got 2 martini .22's and am looking at a third which will be a bench gun. A martini in good shape with the sights on it is a very accurate rifle. Riflemanuk.org I think is the website name that is a website in the UK and has tons of information about BSA and other makes of martini's

I agree on the Stevens 44. They can usually be had for a reasonable price. Barrels can be lined if not shootable. They are a good starter single shot 22 rifle.

Steven’s 44’s , 1885 lowall, rolling blocks can all be found in original manufacture and modern reproduction with prices from wild to mild.

Thank you ... this is all good. I will keep an eye out for Stevens and Winchester.

watchthewind wrote on Mar 1^st, 2025 at 9:14am:

Most match directors will let you shoot. You just can't win anything.

I have a weak spot for .22's.   

I have 3 Ballards, a multi barrel Stevens 44 (irons and scope), a full size rolling block, 3 low walls, 3 H&A 922's, and probably another half dozen various makes in some stage of being built or restored.   

The absolute best is a Ballard.  Stevens 44 and low wall are about even below that.   

Cheapest to buy/build is a Stevens 44.  Most expensive is probably a Ballard.   

Given equal gunsmith ability building the rifle and equal barrel quality, I think any of the three would be very close to equal, with the best one technically the Ballard, followed by low wall and the Stevens 44 the poorest.  Ballard the best because good action and extractor, low wall gives up a bit because of extractor, Stevens comes in last because of takedown barrel, poor extractor and generally not as well designed/made.

Some of the most accurate 22 target rifles have slip fit barrels Stevens rifles had, and still have a reputation for very accurate barrels. Much has to do with how and by whom they were fit. Headspace can be precisely set with a slip fit barrel, and is critical in building an accurate 22 rifle. That said, Ballard would be my choice in building an accurate target rifle for lots af reasons. And the rifle make is only one facet of the whole picture. The pilot pulling the trigger is another. This too, deciding which action, is part of the fun. Enjoy the decision making process.