[hunter44]

O.K. folks, most of the advice on a starter/training gun for a youngster point to a .22lr rifle. Anybody familiar with the Romanian Military Target Training Rifle advertised by Southern Ohio Gurns? What about your view on the CZ 452 Scout Youth Rifle? Thanks all.

[gun-fucious]

the little CZ is a gem
its really a tiny mauser and there are lots of accessories

the Romanian Trainers are a great value at 50-90 bucks
theres a ton of posts about them on TFL:
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=71095

you may have issues with some worn parts and the mags are not always available.

[Tropical Z]

I wouldnt get a Romanian.Both of mine came in with issues and were soon gone.Id get a bolt action Savage at Wal-Mart for $100.00.They also have a single shot for about the same price.Cant remember if its a Savage or not though.

[Kaylee]

I had a Romanian trainer and loved it.... until I got a CZ and realized what I was missing. I played with every .22 bolt I could find in the <$300 price range... and there was absolutely NO COMPARISON for the money spent.

CZ! :D

-K

[Dave R]

Never tired the CZ. I must be missin' something.

I just bought my 2nd $60 Romy. Bought the first one for my son. I kept "borrowing" it. Decided I'd better wear out my own.

Yes, one had a problem feeding from the magazine. There was a burr on the ejector/firing pin track. 5 mins with a points file and all was well. 2nd one was fine from the box.

These things are _accurate_. And I like the feel.

How accurate are the CZ's? I can't imagine any .22 being much more accurate than a good Romy. It'd have to be one-hole groups.

[JB3rd]

Never tried the Czech or Romanian trainers, but have the CZ 452 Scout. It is sswwweeeeet.. Fit and finish are great, all steel and walnut, except the magazine, and all-metal magazines are available, too. Little gun is extremely accurate and is sized quite nicely for youngsters. A dummy magazine is supplied to make the rifle function as a single-shot, and, as proficiency and safe handling skills develop, the 5 or 10-round magazines can be used to make it a repeater.

I was quite pleased with the one I shot and taught my son to shoot with, and at $175 out the door last year, the price wasn't bad either, considering the quality.

FWIW, I highly recommend the Scout as a youth trainer...

[9mmepiphany]

i've bought a couple of the romo 69s but i keep losing them because friends keep begging to buy them from me after handling them.

the cz 452 is a great rifle with better finish and wood, but it isn't worth the price difference between it and the romo...especially for a starter rifle. my romo feels great coming up to the shoulder and the sights are great too. if i can keep one long enough, i'd even consider having a custom stock done up for it.

not that i don't like fluff...my other favorite .22lr is a weatherby mark XXII