[Shmackey]

How much does one have to (or, rather, how little would I have to) shell out to get an entry-level target .22lr rifle with a proper target stock? It seems like there's not much middle ground between, say, a Ruger or CZ bolt .22 with a hunting stock and a basic Anschutz. Thinking in terms of Bullseye shooting, between a Ruger MkII and a Hammerli, there are Trailsides, Baikals, and such--basically purpose-built models that don't cost an arm and a leg. Is there such a thing in a .22 target rifle? Thanks!

[gino]

Depends on how much of a target rifle you want. Are you talking about the large-stocked rifles that are made to accept a target sling? With really good fully adjustable target peep sights? The type of rifle that is only made as a single shot (no tube or magazine)? The type of 22 with a bull barrel, huge stock, and weights a hundred pounds?

If so, my advice is to look at the used market. Lots of good Anschutz rifles sitting in racks at gun shows. I picked one up for the price of a new Ruger a few years ago. If this is what you want, I don't think that there is much of a market for true olympic event type 22 bolt actions any more. Seems every gun show has one or two, usually for a very reasonable price.

[Gewehr98]

Not quite as expensive as an Anschutz, but still an accurate shooter, either as a single-shot or with the 5-round biathlon kit installed.

[hksw]

Anschütz sells an entry level 1451 target model for $350-$400.

http://www.championshooters.com/1451r.jpg

A step up is their 64 action 64 MSR (repeater) for ~$675-$700. A silhouette model, the stock flat and wide up front but has no rail or any point for attaching a sling in stock form. You certainly can screw in a sling stud easily. Although made for the bench, i have no problem shooting my 54:18 MSR (very similar in configuration to the 64 MSR) off hand. Only problem, though, is it comes with no sights. Base Anschütz sights will run ~$200. There are other peep sights out there that will clamp onto the gun's 11 mm dovetail rail.

http://www.championshooters.com/64-ms.JPG

As mentioned, Marlin makes a pretty good entry level biathalon/target rifle too. I've never had the opportunity to try one out myself, however.