Bolt action .22LR?

[fungus]

I'm sure this has been covered PLENTY of times but trying to get a gauge on which model to choose. I'm in the market for an accurate .22 bolt action rifle. From my research I've got it down to three choices (I think).

1. Ruger 77/22
2. Browning T-bolt
3. CZ 455 American

I'll be using it for varmint and small game (mostly neusance control). I'm a classic type guy so walnut stock, blued barrel standard model stuff. Looking for reliability and accuracy. Haven't heard a whole lot on the Browning and the 455 is new to the market this year. From my understanding though I could change out barrels on the 455 for a more potent round if I ever wanted to. The Ruger seems to be a proven commodity. I have no problem spending $500 or so on a GOOD rifle that I plan to use over the next 30+ years. A scope will be mounted once I get ahold of one and make up my mind.

I've bought plenty of used firearms in the past and not opposed to doing that in this case if anyone has any suggestions.

Thanks all!
Fungus

[tonygrz]

Don't dismiss the Charles Daly bolt .22, even though they're made by Zastava. I have over a dozen .22s but none shoot as accurately as the Daly. And I love the trigger. IMHO.

Tony

[fungus]

Thanks Tony. Hadn't looked at that one but I'll take a gander!

[raydcarter]

Mostly, folks are going to tell you about what they have. So I will too. I asked this question last year and came to the conclusion that the 'best bang for the bucks' resided with the Savage MKII. My budget was a bit more modest than yours and I didn't particularly care for the laminated stock, but I got a good deal on a BTVS and I've been quite impressed with how it shoots. Suggest that you at least look at the Savage lineup - if you haven't already.

[gunplumber]

Savage is always a goodd choice and I have found that the CZ 452 Varmint in 22lr are most times highly accurte but the triggers need work.

[bamajoey]

CZ 452 is an excellent choice and gunplumber is right, but trigger can be perfect with a YoDave kit.

[keppler]

CZ or Kimber. I have both and you can't go wrong. Kimber no longer makes the .22 rifles but they've not increased in price that I've noticed at gun shows.

[Old Grump]

Savage man here but you would be well served by any of your 3 choices. the T bolt is a little weird but when you get used to it you would probably make it your first choice. Try them and the one that makes you giggle the most and doesn't make your wallet beg for mercy is your gun.

[gaw]

I have had 2 Savage Mark 2 BVs and am now shooting a CZ 452 varmint. The savages are accurate and have a great trigger. The CZ seems to function much better. I had mag issues w/ the savages. I have had no trouble what so ever w/ the CZ and I have put tens of thousands of rounds through it. And I found a 20 moa scope rail for it to switch it to a weaver rail and get a lot more rang out of my scope.
http://www.rimfiretechnologies.com/P...ductCode=19018

[Big Shrek]

Marlin 980S-CF won't hurt yer pocket.

[fungus]

Thanks for all the input guys! Really helpin' me out. After PLENTY of reading forums and reviews the past couple of days I've got my mind set on the CZ for cost, function, accuracy and overall looks. I've got some issues with it though...

This is mainly going to be a field gun for small game and vermin. I love the iron sights on the 452 lux but am leaning toward the American for the simple fact that I plan to scope it and don't see taking the scope off once it's on and dialed in. Problem is, I learned on a Sears (I think) autoloader I got from my dad's uncle when I was 9 that was bought back in the 40s I bet that had irons. Something about iron sights that has my name written all over it. I've also read that the Lux can be sort of unfriendly to scopes due to the hogsback stock and high scope mount to get around the rear sights. Guess I just need to buy one of each? In all seriousness, what would most of you recommend? I'd like the option for both but am also one to prefer a setup that's dead on and as I get older and sight tends to get shady at lengths leaning toward the American with optics. Also, looks like I can still pickup a 452 American even though they've been phased out in leiu of the 455. Any preference on the 455 American over the 452? CZs website says the 455 has tighter tolerances and better accuracy due to updated technology in manufacturing techniques... Runs about $90 more though. What do ya'll think?

Thanks again for all your input!
Fungus

[fungus]

Alright, one more question! What's the difference with the 453 American "single set trigger" and the 452 or 455 American trigger?

Disregard. Looks like I answered my own question by downloading an owners manual. Push trigger forward to "set" it and lightens the pull to fire. Almost what I would consider a "sniper" trigger or hair trigger. Played with an old German sniper rifle a buddy had once that had 2 triggers. 1st trigger "sets" it, 2nd trigger fires. Is this anywhere close to correct?

[pawn]

CZ is an excellent choice. Get the American if you are scoping, the Trainer or Lux for iron sights. Get both if you can't decide. My advice is to avoid the 455 for now.

I recommend the yodave trigger kit if you want to lighten your pull weight and lessen creep (may not be necessary with your rifle(s))

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...%3DI%26otn%3D1

I highly recommend J & P hex head action screws, striker spring and ghost ring sights (if you are going with irons)

http://actionscrews.com/

Congratulations, you've just bought yourself alot of gun per $ spent.

[mikld]

All the rifles you mentioned are very good for the uses you described. But, as an aside; Ruger rifles are mfg in the US, and Ruger is located in Prescot, AZ. I have started my own "buycott" of Arizona businesses, and have purchased a few bullets, and I like to deal with J&G Sales, also located in Arizona.

[Sandman]

I have the Ruger and have been very happy with it. It is 10 years old now, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.

I have not owned either of the others, but have heard good things about the CZ. I can't offer any input whatsoever on the Browning, other than I have owned lots of other Browning products, and all have been good.

[fungus]

Thanks again for all the help! Excuse the pun but I just "pulled the trigger" on the CZ 453 American w/ rings and 3x9x40 Bushnell Trophy XLT w/ Circle X reticle. Can't wait to get it and start shooting!

Fungus

[pawn]

Originally Posted by fungus

Thanks again for all the help! Excuse the pun but I just "pulled the trigger" on the CZ 453 American w/ rings and 3x9x40 Bushnell. Can't wait to get it and start shooting!

Fungus

Superb. Enjoy your rifle

[Crpdeth]

Welcome to TFF

And come back with a SitRep if you can!





Crpdeth

[fungus]

Originally Posted by Crpdeth

Welcome to TFF

And come back with a SitRep if you can!





Crpdeth

Thanks and will do! Standby for some rimfire "porn" in a couple weeks once I get the paperwork squared away and the weapon picked up & scope mounted!

Appreciate the help ya'll lent in backing up my research and making the decision.

Fungus

BTW love the forum and this is not my 1st .22LR. I've got a great Ruger MKI, & a mint Ruger MKII back in Norcal. Got the one my dad's uncle gave me almost 30 years ago (can't even give you a brand as it's got a stamping from an auto part's store on it!) that's an old school semi-auto rifle that will get passed to my oldest son soon when we move back. The stock was cut down for my great aunt way back when dirt was invented as she was a little gal. Perfect for youngsters and I amazed freinds with my accuracy with that little thing. Looking forward to the adult version and really givin' the vermin a run for it! Haven't bought a weapon in 15 years or so and forgot how exciting it is. I feel like a kid waitin' on Santa!

[mr.t7024]

I like the Savage line up,with their accu trigger and price you can't go wrong. Did I mention how accurate they are. Your choices are good, the Savage is better. I sell them all, I would buy a Savage in a heart beat if I did not own one myself!

[fungus]

Yeah, I took a hard look at them and steered away simply from an asthetic point of veiw. I actually called a local gun shop that had a varmint version of the Mark II on his shelf but he was such an A-hole over the phone I didn't even go look at it and bought the CZ.

[pawn]

Originally Posted by fungus

Yeah, I took a hard look at them and steered away simply from an asthetic point of veiw. I actually called a local gun shop that had a varmint version of the Mark II on his shelf but he was such an A-hole over the phone I didn't even go look at it and bought the CZ.

happy accident then

[fungus]

Originally Posted by pawn

happy accident then

Pretty much. Couldn't believe the attitude I was getting from him when I was asking about the rifle! He must've liked it so much that he didn't really want to sell it. Oh well, I'm sure I'll be overly satisfied with the CZ for the next 30+ years. I am thinking that inevitably, I'm going to HAVE to get a 452 Lux or FS for shooting iron sites. I'll have to wait until my wife warms up to the cash that was spent on this one first...

[fungus]

Got the new Bushnell Trophy XLT 3x9 w/ CZ rings yesterday! Sweet scope w/ Circle X reticle. She'll be nice mounted on the 453 when it gets here! Bummer is the rifle will be here before my 14 day period is up for my long gun permit. I guess I'll just have to dream about it until the 8th... "long gun permit"... Dumbest thing I've ever heard... 'Course they do call this "the people's republic of Hawaii".

[Crpdeth]

It'll be well worth the wait my friend... Looking forward to it with ya though!




Crpdeth