[Toast13]

I am just starting to get into target shooting and hunting and I wanted to buy my own gun. I wanted to get a bolt-action 22 that uses long rifle amunition but I don't know what kind to get. I want something that is fairly accurate and well balanced and will last me a long time in the $300 - $800 range.

[Harry Paget Flashman]

Given that price range, buy a Glock 17 and a .22 rifle.:)

[Molon Labe]

Can't go wrong with a Ruger 10/22.

[.45man]

Sir,

For that kind of money, I would consider something rugged yet accurate. A suggestion which comes to mind based on my first hand ownership would be a Ruger 77/22. You would have enough money left over to buy a nice Leupold scope, base, and rings.

My $0.02

[doggscube]

Can't go wrong with a Ruger 10/22.

... with enough left over for a good semi-auto or revolver.

Even .22LR in the handgun if you want to keep it simple/cheap to start out with. Some .22 handguns are well-suited to hunting, as well.

-Jeff

[PWK]

I'd recommend the Browning Buckmark for your pistol.

[eastwood44mag]

I'd recommend the Browning Buckmark for your pistol.

+1

About the only ones you can find anymore with a metal frame, it seems

[Scoupe]

Hmm, I didn't see the original post mention a handgun. I miss something?

I would suggest a CZ 452 as a great .22 bolt action rifle. You can find them at and below your stated price range. We've got the "American" and its predecessor, the Brno Model 1, and they're both extremely accurate shooters and well built.

[the 22 junkie]

Marlin 925 for a rifle or a Ruger MkII for a pistol, but if you can find one, Smith & Wesson Mod. 63/34 are very nice in the way of revolvers.

[MatthewVanitas]

Both Savage and Marlin make bolt-action, American-made .22 LR ("long rifle") rifles in the sub-$200 range.

The overwhelming consensus on THR seems to be that the CZ 452 is an incredible buy for the money. It's Czech made, thus high quality at low price. There are also aftermarket triggers and sights available for the 452, which comes in several variants. The basic "Training Rifle" starts around $250.

Since nobody else has said it yet, I'll put in a vote for sticking with iron sights when first getting into target shooting. Most cheap scopes aren't worth the money, and good scopes and mounting will cost you close to what an inexpensive rifle costs. Shoot with the iron sights for a while to learn the basics, and you might find out that you actually prefer iron sights to scope.

Just run a "Search" on THR on the subject of CZ 452 to read past reviews of this rifle, almost all extremely positive.

-MV

[Stiletto Null]

Ghost ring slip-on rear sights for $10! Linky (http://www.cz452.com)

[only1asterisk]

The CZ 452 is a fine choice. If you really want a gun that your family will be using for generations and limit your choices to new guns, it's a no brainer. You could shop around for a classic American .22, but to my thinking this is better put off until you know a good bit more and you have developed your own taste.


David

[Stiletto Null]

$800, he could get a CZ 452 and a Marlin 39.

[Lobotomy Boy]

The CZ is one of the finest .22 bolt-action guns I have ever shot.For $800 you could buy the gun, along with unlimited ammo and range time, and before you know it, you'll be a competition-caliber shooter.

[neoimpaler]

i would get the ruger 77/22. the heavy barrel target model.

i own one, very accurate. extremely accurate.


sometimes it can get heavy if your out hunting but the extra weight is definitely worth the accuracy. not to mention, the target model is stainless steel,but it has a greyish lookin finish on it.

very sharp rifle

editing for the following:
i forgot too, with that much money youll have money left over for a very good scope. new Rugers come with base and rings that are also greyed like the barrel and action. so a good matte finish scope on that gun is tough. from my experience, its one of the best guns ive ever shot.

[BozemanMT]

The CZ is one of the finest .22 bolt-action guns I have ever shot.For $800 you could buy the gun, along with unlimited ammo and range time, and before you know it, you'll be a competition-caliber shooter.
__________________

completey agree. The CZ is an amazing value. 452/453, depending on the style you like.

Ok, everyone recommending 10/22's, go read his original post asking for BOLT ACTION recomendations.

[BigFatKen]

It was not until post # 4 that someone recommended a bolt action rifle. With a new user and his first post, we should keep jokes down and advice up. Here is a 99% Anschutz Match 54 for $725.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976698918.htm

You did not say if beauty is an issue. A used rifle with a big mark on the stock may sell for the regular price minus the price of a new stock, maybe less. Remember to use match ammo for targets and keep it sub sonic (standard velocity)

You may also want to look at a used Kimber. Here is everything rimfire. Plenty for sale.
http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=37

[chakup]

ruger 10/22, huge aftermarket, and soooo much fun.

[TheEgg]

In your stated area (bolt action, price range) there is really only one choice, the CZ 452/453 series.

This is a classic gun, almost a 'Mini-Mauser', that is finely built and will be not only a great shooter, but will become a family heirloom.

There are a number of different models available for you to choose from. If you want to read a great deal about these models, go to the www.rimfirecentral.com web site and go to the CZ forum.

[akodo]

i feel compelled to note that while various users have mentioned the ruger 10/22 it does NOT meet your specifications, as it is a semi-auto.

[david1000]

I would highly recommend the ruger 77/22 as well. If you are a new shooter you need instruction as well so take some of the left over money and find a teacher that will school you in the basics like site picture, trigger discipline and the 5 points of contact. Fundamentals of shooting make all of the difference and no battery powered device will compensate for them. Also, if you plan on hunting, most states that I know of will not allow you to hunt with a 22LR so you may want to just start with something in the .223 or .308 range. The remington 700 is a great way to start. Good luck and have fun.

[BigFatKen]

Wiscomsin and Alabama allow hunting with a .22LR for small game. Check your State rules. All States I know of require a center fire for big game.

[starplayer]

get a kimber 1911

[depicts]

Don't get a 10/22 if you want a bolt gun.

I think you're right on looking for a good quality bolt action. Th CZ and the Ruger 77/22 both fit as does the Kimber and some others.

In my local gunshop today I saw a nice Ruger 77/22 with laminated stock and Leopold Scope used for $550, and it looked like new.

While I like open sights, especially to learn with, and on a first gun, there are some great bargians out there in the used gun catagory.

Check the rimfire forums, and the .22 forums to get other points of view, and don't worry about pistols and revolvers yet. You can learn so much and get so good with a bolt action rifle that there isn't anything better to start with.

I still shoot mine all the time after 50 years, single shot, open sights, and I love it.

[aguyindallas]

I am also going to vote for a Glock 17 and a 10/22. They are both great guns, cheap to shoot, and will last a lifetime.

Whatever you do, be safe!

[BigFatKen]

aguyindallas
Senior Member

Posts: 924 I am also going to vote for a Glock 17 and a 10/22. They are both great guns, cheap to shoot, and will last a lifetime.

Whatever you do, be safe!

C'mom members. He did not ask what YOU would do with $800. He may buy this and get laughed out of the 10.5 pound class .22 shoot.

These are not bolt guns.

[azflyman]

I have a CZ 452 and it is a tack driver. Me loves me some CZ 452:D

az