.22 rifle choices

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Rittmeister

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So... I like to have a scoped .22 bolt-action rifle in my safe for shooting holes in small objects at short ranges ;)

Background - I have a Marlin 880SS which I got about 15 years ago. In an effort to shoot ever smaller groups at 25 yards, I've tried several triggers - from polished stock components to Rifle Basix and Jard - but none really worked as advertised. I also free-floated the factory stock after trying one from Boyd's that I really liked... but it didn't allow for bolt removal (the trigger wouldn't move back far enough) so I moved it on. Overall it shoots decently well but has always left me feeling that there's more potential elsewhere, as I feel I've done all I can to improve the trigger in particular.

Anyway, fast-forward to the present. My eldest is nearing the age where I need to start shooting instruction. I'll start with pellet, move to .22, etc. I prefer to go with iron sights at first, which has gotten me to consider removing the scope from the 880, going with the iron sights, and getting a completely new rifle to mount the Nikon on.

I sort of have two in mind - I shot a Savage MkII years ago that had an accutrigger that I thought was really nice. I also have heard good things about the CZ 457 though that seems considerably more spendy and I've never handled one myself.

Anyway - I'm curious what the community might recommend. I have no problem with buying used (I often prefer it actually), and lets pretend that budget is important ;) For the 10/22/Marlin 60 guys, I do NOT want a semi-auto at this point.

Any input appreciated!
 
Rittmeister said:
So... I like to have a scoped .22 bolt-action rifle in my safe for shooting holes in small objects at short ranges ;)

Background - I have a Marlin 880SS which I got about 15 years ago. In an effort to shoot ever smaller groups at 25 yards, I've tried several triggers - from polished stock components to Rifle Basix and Jard - but none really worked as advertised. I also free-floated the factory stock after trying one from Boyd's that I really liked... but it didn't allow for bolt removal (the trigger wouldn't move back far enough) so I moved it on. Overall it shoots decently well but has always left me feeling that there's more potential elsewhere, as I feel I've done all I can to improve the trigger in particular.

Anyway, fast-forward to the present. My eldest is nearing the age where I need to start shooting instruction. I'll start with pellet, move to .22, etc. I prefer to go with iron sights at first, which has gotten me to consider removing the scope from the 880, going with the iron sights, and getting a completely new rifle to mount the Nikon on.

I sort of have two in mind - I shot a Savage MkII years ago that had an accutrigger that I thought was really nice. I also have heard good things about the CZ 457 though that seems considerably more spendy and I've never handled one myself.

Anyway - I'm curious what the community might recommend. I have no problem with buying used (I often prefer it actually), and lets pretend that budget is important ;) For the 10/22/Marlin 60 guys, I do NOT want a semi-auto at this point.

Any input appreciated!
Click to expand...

I'd take a look at the Ruger American 22. It uses 10/22 magazines which are everywhere. Or you could get a Savage 22 ( I forget the model). Both are accurate shooters for the money.
 
Once you do handle the CZ you will know why it is more spendy.

Savage is a fantastic rifle, CZ is a fantastic rifle that also has that "it" that moves it up to a different tier....I can see one day people saying yea my great granddad had that CZ457, still shoots great.

I don't know what it is, not trying to take a single thing away from the savage, they excel in putting a little hole where you want it, it is just that the CZ does that and has that "this thing will last generations" air about it.
 
I recently just had a 457 American combo in .22 and .17 brought in.
I like everything about the rifle. Especially the trigger, Ive got it set to break at 2.5lbs, with minimal over travel and take up. My one of my buddies cant cant detect any movement.
It also has no side to side slop.
We only shot the .17 barrel last weekend, so i dont know how accurate the .22 barrel is. BUT there are some fantastic aftermarket options, so you could simply order a .17 if you wanted one, and get a highend .22 barrel for short range low cost accuracy.
here are the factory targets that came with my rifle....and some other pictures.
IMG_20200516_182148.jpg
IMG_20200519_201557.jpg IMG_20200517_185428.jpg IMG_20200517_185422.jpg IMG_20200517_185403.jpg IMG_20200519_201838.jpg IMG_20200519_201842.jpg IMG_20200519_201554.jpg



A really good airgun might be a better option if your shots are going to be 50yds an in all the time. Ive had little problem producing small groups with my relatively cheap qb78 repeater.
 
The 457 cost me 500, and its a way better deal than the 93r17 I had a few years ago. It actually FEELS like an upscale rifle, the 93 cost me 425ish and felt like a savage rimfire.
Ive shot my buddies RAR in .22mag, and really like that rifle as well.
I considered the RAR target guns when i bought the 457.
What sold me on the 457 was the barrel swap feature, and its an almost perfect duplicate in dimensions and feel of my 527.
IMG_20200519_210221.jpg
 
I’ve had a Savage MkII (22lr) for several years, and used to swear by it for its accuracy. While it is still accurate, I’ve had extraction issues with it lately and just can’t seem to figure it out.

I also have two CZ 452’s that are both fantastic rifles. One is a .17 HMR American, the other a 22 Magnum Lux. The advantage definitely goes to the .17 because it wears a 3-9 power scope while the 22 Mag has sort of chunky sights. Both shoot very well and feed and extract no matter how aggressively or mildly I work the bolt. Someday I will get around to replace my MkII with a CZ 22lr as my rimfire suppressor host.

If these examples I have are a good representation of their brands, I would easily pay double for a CZ and not think twice about. They are far superior in all ways besides price. The Savage MkII is a great value shooter, but is simply outclassed by the CZ’s.
 
The CZ rimfire is really, really great gun, especially with the barrel-caliber swap option.
If the price is a bit much for you, the Ruger American is a more wallet friendly option. My .22 WMR Ruger is a very good shooter, but with the synthetic stock it’s not as nice looking/feeling as the wood stocked and checkered CZ.

My ONLY gripe with the CZ rimfire series (And it’s not a major one) is the protruding magazine. Like on my Rem 521, the CZ box mag seems to sit and poke out right where I like to carry the gun. The smooth-bottoms of other brands (to me) look cleaner and feel better in my paw.

Stay safe this Memorial Day Weekend!
 
Have you checked the LGS used .22 rifle market lately? Some nicer classic .22 bolt actions are selling for pennies on the dollar and finding no takers, victims of bulk estate sales. I recently picked up a nice Winchester 67A with Lyman receiver and globe sights and spare mag for a name-your-own-price deal. Since it was from a friend's father-in-law I paid him $200, but could probably have had it for $100 even.

Winchester67A.jpg
 
My opinion is money spent on a CZ is money well spent. I’m not altogether sure why your Marlin is underperforming for you but I’ve had excellent accuracy from my Marlin. Were it mine I would thoroughly clean the rifle beginning with a good chamber scrubbing using a lead specific product like Montana Cowboy Blend. Follow up with a magnified crown inspection, then a box of Aguila or CCI standard velocity to lubricate the barrel, then another box shot for careful groups.

One more suggestion would involve your scope set up: the Marlin dovetail is a less than ideal attachment means. The solution is a DIP rail to provide secure mounting.

6277C6A0-5EB1-4291-BDC6-BC1981A5CB3D.jpeg


2CC85403-0A95-4686-96E1-6D727629A479.jpeg
 
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Great that you want him to start with open sights. Using them correctly seems to be a vanishing 'life-skill'.

Savage's Accu Trigger put them on the map and its been my experience that any gun of theirs so equipped shoots well above it's price range.

I liked MedWheelers suggestion above to not overlook the lever actions. Nothing like watching a classic western with your son and then going to the range with a lever to bring out his inner cowboy. Since per the OP we're 'pretending' that price does matter, the Henry lever .22's are probably in the price range most likely to be seen as reasonable. I've NEVER seen a Marlin 39A or Win 94/22 for what I consider to be a bargain price on the secondary market.

I bought the RPR .22 below on a whim. I just recently saw a used one on a local website go for $359. Don't remember if it had a scope or not. I've yet to get serious about trying to wring some accuracy out of it. Trigger is adjustable. Seem to remember that initial feedback on the web was mixed about being able to attain tack driving accuracy. Takes Ruger's 10/22 rotary mag (inspired by the Savage 99).

2yhttV5.jpg

This pushes the bounds for what's a reasonable priced bolt gun needed for teaching a kid to shoot....M77/22. Pride of ownership included at no extra charge.

RrtWnO8.jpg

Whatever you get don't forget to put a decent sling on it and instruct him on how to use it correctly. That's almost a forgotten art as well.
 
Great that you want him to start with open sights. Using them correctly seems to be a vanishing 'life-skill'.

Savage's Accu Trigger put them on the map and its been my experience that any gun of theirs so equipped shoots well above it's price range.

I liked MedWheelers suggestion above to not overlook the lever actions. Nothing like watching a classic western with your son and then going to the range with a lever to bring out his inner cowboy. Since per the OP we're 'pretending' that price does matter, the Henry lever .22's are probably in the price range most likely to be seen as reasonable. I've NEVER seen a Marlin 39A or Win 94/22 for what I consider to be a bargain price on the secondary market.

I bought the RPR .22 below on a whim. I just recently saw a used one on a local website go for $359. Don't remember if it had a scope or not. I've yet to get serious about trying to wring some accuracy out of it. Trigger is adjustable. Seem to remember that initial feedback on the web was mixed about being able to attain tack driving accuracy. Takes Ruger's 10/22 rotary mag (inspired by the Savage 99).

2yhttV5.jpg

This pushes the bounds for what's a reasonable priced bolt gun needed for teaching a kid to shoot....M77/22. Pride of ownership included at no extra charge.

RrtWnO8.jpg

Whatever you get don't forget to put a decent sling on it and instruct him on how to use it correctly. That's almost a forgotten art as well.

Dang!...duplicate post : (
 
I've owned a couple of CZ rimfires, though I don't remember the model as it's been a while. Had one in 17HMR and .22LR. Both had stunning Walnut stocks with blued Sporter barrels. Both were also incredibly accurate. But, the .22 wouldn't out shoot my TC Classic and the .17 wouldn't out shoot my $175 Marlin. It's not hard to find a modern .22 that'll shoot 25 yard dime sized groups consistently with the right ammo. Really it comes down to aesthetics you prefer and budget.
 
I had a marlin 880sq heavy barrel bolt action, original match chamber i used for smLl game. It exceled at longer ranges for prairie dogs out to 150 to 175 yards. Find an earlier model with the match chamber & put a quality scope on it.
 
Used CZ 452 in the stock configuration that that you like gets my vote or a CZ 453 if you can find one at a reasonable price.

If your budget can stand it, a Remington 40x will do what you want and look good doing it...lol

20170213_161951-4.jpg
 
Your answer is CZ

And everything else.

I have 453 Varminter with the heavy barrel and single set trigger. It’s shot one hole groups at 50 yards multiple times with Wolf Match extra. My friend’s sons shoot at a 2” steel at 100 yards and hit it about every time with Federal Automatch.

My son in law has a Savage target model. It’s quite accurate, but not as good as my CZ

I’ve come to the conclusion that, to get any more accurate I’d have to go to a 40x Remington or Annie
 
I've had great luck with the Ruger American center fire rifles. But the American 22 bolt rifle was a huge disappointment. It wasn't as accurate as my 10/22's and wouldn't reliably eject empties unless the bolt was pulled back quite vigorously.

My CZ 542 American is pretty darn accurate, but even it can't compete with the Tikka T1x. It shoots cheap bulk ammo better than most rifles shoot match ammo. I don't even shoot it at 50 yards anymore, too easy. It is my 100-200 yard 22 shooter.

https://choose.tikka.fi/global/code/TF17512A138A68

Neither have iron sights, but that isn't something I worry about.
 
I think my favorite and most accurate one is an old Walther single shot. Never really had great luck with my 77/22, installed a great trigger, then after market barrel and it just doesn't shoot with several of the (not stock) 10/22's I have.

I really haven't put the Ruger American or CZ I have through their paces with different ammunition (and that's very important with .22's IME) so I don't want to disparage either but I can't praise them yet.

For a new shooter it would be very hard to beat one of the old Remington 510's. These are the last two I acquired, the bottom one was a $35 estate sale rifle that I sanded and stained the stock, was going to shorten the barrel for a child but it shot too good. Even with my eyes not as good as they used to be, they are my "shop" rifles for when I want to go out back and shoot the 2" targets on the plate rack off hand at 60 yards.

IMG_20141003_223117_547-1.jpg
 
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An old winchester 67 will shoot great for your little one. Or my personal favorite, the Stevens favorite / savage 72, stylish, fun and light- wouldn't sell mine.
For you however , looking for tiny groups I have no recommendation. I'm not a scope guy although I do have some firearms with scopes. Can't speak to the cz rifle, I know they're loved by many but I've never shot one.
My rimfire rifle for making newer, nicer, more expensive rifles look bad is a Frankenstein martini cadet with a Remington barrel and custom stock put together in the 1960's (I'm told)- I can't shoot this rifle to its potential so it's plenty accurate for me, when I got it 10+ years ago it hadn't been removed from its case for 25 years , I attached the rear sight, put 10 rounds into a ragged hole at 50' (max distance of the indoor range I was at) and decided it was a keeper but it's not scope friendly.
20200502_221253.jpg
Good luck.
 
Obturation said:
An old winchester 67 will shoot great for your little one. Or my personal favorite, the Stevens favorite / savage 72, stylish, fun and light- wouldn't sell mine.
For you however , looking for tiny groups I have no recommendation. I'm not a scope guy although I do have some firearms with scopes. Can't speak to the cz rifle, I know they're loved by many but I've never shot one.
My rimfire rifle for making newer, nicer, more expensive rifles look bad is a Frankenstein martini cadet with a Remington barrel and custom stock put together in the 1960's (I'm told)- I can't shoot this rifle to its potential so it's plenty accurate for me, when I got it 10+ years ago it hadn't been removed from its case for 25 years , I attached the rear sight, put 10 rounds into a ragged hole at 50' (max distance of the indoor range I was at) and decided it was a keeper but it's not scope friendly.
View attachment 918398
Good luck.
Click to expand...

I've got an old 67 myself. Bought it when I figured I wouldn't inherit my grandfather's 67. He approved of me buying 5 and keeping the best shooting one of the bunch, even though it has the Western Field hardwood stock instead of the walnut it's supposed to. It's also the most beat up looking one.
I actually thought of sending it to Turnbull for restoration before this Corona crap just because.
 
CZ is worth the price for accuracy. I had a Savage Mark II and sold it; I thought it felt cheap and it was not nearly as accurate as the CZ. The rest of my 22's are nearly all semiautos...10/22, Marlin 795 and 60, S&W MP 15-22, Browning SA. Too bad you've ruled all those out....if you want your son to have fun, you can't beat a S&W 15-22 or a Browning SA.
 
I got a Savage Mark II FV and dropped it in a Boyd's laminate stock. Really classed up the rifle and made it much easier to use for me. Pictured below is my best group thus far from 50 yards.

target_image.jpg
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