Searching for a Mag-Fed .22lr

I recently bought my wife a smith and wesson m&P 15-22, that is pretty sweet. Even though it is pink, I like it and would recommend one, in black if pink isn't your color. We ran several mags of federal bulk pack, and remington goldens through it with no problems. Even using some Pro-mag 32 round magazines we didn't have any issues on the first range trip. I only cleaned and lubed it, no fluff and buff work. I have 2 more factory mags and 2 more promags on order for it. The pink one was a little pricier than black when I bought it in October, I think it was around $460 plus tax, maybe a tad more. You might be able to get one for close to that now.

If you like ar style guns, it is almost identical to a standard ar, minus the BCG being different. Also, you can't swap uppers and lowers with regular ar's, but it takes down just like one with two takedown pins. Then everything comes apart like standard issue.

That being said, I also have 2 ruger 10-22's that I inherited, but haven't shot much. When I did shoot it, it was pretty much the first time shooting a rifle, and didn't have anyone to show me the ropes. I wasn't that good with the sights, but it was a fun little rifle. I have a scope to mount on one, just need to do it and sight it in. If you just want cheap fun, get a standard 10-22. If you want a cheaper ar style, the mossberg plinkster should fit the bill, even though I don't have any experience. If you want ar trainer, get the Smith and Wesson. If you have an ar already, if you could get your hands on a 22 upper and magazines you could go that route. But that is getting harder lately, so you might have better luck getting your hands on the Smith.

The Marling 795 is a good, cheap-and-cheerful one if you just want a basic shooter that works. Just don't plan on mods for it. (I happen to have one of these for these for these reasons.)

Remington 597 is a good option for just a little more and there are a few aftermarket parts starting to appear for it.

The 10/22 (and its many clones) are still going to give you the most flexibility. They're good out of the box (if a bit more expensive), you can get many different versions straight from the factory (so there is a good chance you could get one that meets your needs and avoid having to mod), and the parts availability is basically endless (to make it whatever you want it to be). But, they can also be hard to find because of the popularity, even when things aren't nuts. (I have a few of these, and it's probably one of the guns that all gun owners "should" have, just because. )

My advice is to watch your local Academy closely, along with Wal-Mart (if yours does firearms); I've seen all three rifles in both places fairly regularly. (Academy, as usual, probably has a small price edge compared to most places.)

Good luck!