Best Bolt Action 22 under $500

I make my own CZ shims out of brass tubing from the hardware store or an old radio antenna. I get springs from Ace. I have done at least two dozen CZ trigger jobs.

Dunno about the trigger kit thing. My 453 Varminter has the single set. Regular trigger is better than many other factory rifles. Set it can be as low as a few ounces. No creep

I don't hunt much with a .22 other than prairie dogs. Everything is off a rest. Shoots sub .4's with Wolf Match Extra

For me, accuracy trumps all. If I can get a rifle that's cheap but not accurate, I have zero interest

I could be wrong (probably am) but I dont think CZ offers the set trigger on their rimfires anymore

CZ

I am going to be the odd man out here but, for something in current production, I sure have loved the Ruger Americans. Both synthetic and wood stocks are available and I think they sit around $300 or so.

Now, my personal favorite is the old Mossberg 26b. I don't think they have been in production since the late 40's though. I think a lot of responses here (Like mine) are going to simply be based on what we are most familiar with. I have found that most guys tend to permanently love the first rifle they get their first rabbit or squirrel with.

Savage mk2 fv-sr.
Ruger American 22.
Winchester model 69.
Cz 452 scout.
My preferences in order of accuracy.

Lets see.....how about CZ.....does anyone see a common thread here.

Or you could get a $200 10/22 and dump about $1000 into it and get it to shoot almost as well as the CZ, and jam about 4 times as much....but those guys will never admit that......in their fan boi minds the 10/22 will shoot better.

The Volquartsen 10/22's shoot mighty fine but will surely be over the $500 cap.

Savage Mark II fits the bill.

Winchester Wildcat Varmit (if you can find them) have been some sweet shooters too.

Anything that says "CZ" on it has done great for me so far, rimfire or centerfire. I have 7 rifles and 2 pistols made by CZ and none have let me down yet.

If i was looking for another benchrest 22lr it would be an Anchutz, CZ, or Savage. Prob would get another CZ.

fpgt72 said:

Lets see.....how about CZ.....does anyone see a common thread here.

Or you could get a $200 10/22 and dump about $1000 into it and get it to shoot almost as well as the CZ, and jam about 4 times as much....but those guys will never admit that......in their fan boi minds the 10/22 will shoot better.

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My thoughts exactly.

Yup, can't go wrong with a CZ. For the build quality, price, and performance CZ can't be beat. I have a model 455 military trainer and can't speak highly enough about it. I was originally going to get a savage, but after comparing it and a marlin side by side with the cz, the cz got to take the ride home with me instead. Much higher build quality and overall a better rifle, in my opinion. All the guns I have from cz have been spectacular.

ColtPythonElite said:

CZ

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This.

I handled one of their training rifles at Cabelas the other day and nearly walked out of the store with it. I could not believe the quality of that rifle for the price.

I have a CZ 452 in Trainer, FS, and Ultra Lux....the Trainer is probably my favorite.

I like that Savages can keep up with the CZs for about half the price.

I would personally rather spend the extra $100 and get an heirloom quality rifle that will last many generations.

Yep, some CZs ain't too bad to look at.

That is a nice rifle. But one or two hundred is a lot to some. Is a Nylon sixty six less of an heirloom for the nylon? Mine is red.

The OP asked about sub $500 rifles. Nearly every CZ rimfire is under 500 bucks.

What .22's cost more than $500? Unless competing, there's no reason to ever spend more than about $350 on a .22lr.

Theres no reason to own several guns either.

It all depends on the person spending the money how many rifles they buy, how many variations of the same cartridge, or how much they see fit to spend on a .22lr.

I dont compete much but $800- $1,000 or even $1,500 for a Weatherby mark xxii bolt action or Remington 541s custom sporter or Anchutz is just part of the chase for person thats into em.

big-ugly said:

I would personally rather spend the extra $100 and get an heirloom quality rifle that will last many generations.

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I agree, and I'm a Savage guy.

I meant the difference between prices. I personally don't spend double for the same accuracy. And yes most humans would prefer a beautiful rifle, but I would be much too nervous to bring that rifle out for the Bunny Busters Tournament, @ColtPythonElite.
Many bench rifles are gorgeous, some are built for a specific purpose, looks not withstanding.
When I hunt the pines I bring an accurate, but synthetic rifle. Don't get me wrong, I'm a carpenter and cabinet maker, I like wood, especially the figured and burled kind. But any extra hundred notes for something I may fall through the swamp ice with is not in me.
Of course bench rifles probably won't be near a swamp, but I usually think bench hunting, instead of bench competition. Opinions and experiences may vary.


Man, that is some nice wood.

Jackal said:

Unless competing, there's no reason to ever spend more than about $350 on a .22lr.

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I'd spend $1,500 on a .22 that was more accurate than my CZ. But the CZ stacks bullets at 50 yards.

Demi-human said:

That is a nice rifle. But one or two hundred is a lot to some. Is a Nylon sixty six less of an heirloom for the nylon? Mine is red.

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You never know what is going to be worth something down the road. Are Marlin model 60's from the same vintage as the 66 commanding the same kind of status?....nope. I just bought two 60's that are so old they have no SN#'s on them...and they shoot everybit as good as my nylon.

I think the OP is talking about new rifles.....I don't know if CZ rimfires will go nutz like the Nylon rifle....I am sure some will, just try to find a CZ 453...but all of them...I don't thik so.

"Currently manufacturing" suggests you want a brand new rifle. The above comments have answered your question. If you would consider used rifles, the old Remington 500 series had wonderful triggers. I used a Remington 513-T on my high school rifle team, wish I still had it.

My CZ 455 Trainer (24.8" barrel) with an adjustable objective 3-9x32mm scope (bipod now removed). Shoots under 2 MOA at 100 yds (target squares 1"x1", bench with front sand bag rest, single shot adapter, Remington Thunderbolt 40 gr LRN ammo, wind L to R, scope zeroed at 25 yds).