I don't get why some people have it in for the .22HP. I guess they never gave it a fair trial or are put off by the challenge it represents in creating good ammo for it. My old man had the only one I had seen up to that point, which triggered a curiosity that is ongoing. I learned a long time ago to filter the advise the old timers passed down and accept only that which had a soup�on of sagacity.
Personally, I have had a running love affair with .22 centerfires all my shooting life, which is darn near my entire life. That I'm sure is what caused my admiration of Savage lever guns to coalesce with the only one (pre-mil) to be chambered with a .22 bore. What's not to like? Low recoil, plenty of power to kill deer-sized game at wood's ranges, and accurate.
Then there is the added panache of replying to the "Whatcha got there" questions posed by strangers in the woods, that results in a universal look of bewilderment on their uneducated faces. Truth be told, that counts for a lot too.
As for the OP's discovery discussed above, my sentiments reflect those of the others: it's a bit overpriced for the condition it's in. Keep looking.
