22LR Youth Rifle for NRA smallbore

[Michael Courtney]

I'm looking for a 22LR Youth Rifle for training my kids with an eye toward NRA smallbore competition. I might start with a scope, but I need the capability to add high-end aperature sights later on.

My kids have been shooting with a 22LR match barrel (16.5") in a TC Contender carbine configuration. Accuracy is outstanding with scores as high as 197/200 on the NRA smallbore target at 50 yards. However, the stock is sub-optimal and there is no provision for mounting aperature sights. In addition, the match barrel is so tight that the kids can't push the cartridge in or extract the case without my help.

The Anshutz 1451 looked like a great choice, but it has been discontinued. CZ-USA has a youth rifle, but I am unsure of accuracy and the ability to mount aperature sights.

What do y'all suggest?

Michael Courtney

 

[lycanthrope]

CZ's shoot very tight. My Lux shoots under 1 moa at 50 yards easily with Wolf MT.

I'm not sure how you mount "high end" aperature sights so I can't help you there.

 

[Michael Courtney]

If the accuracy is there I suppose we can always pay for the gunsmithing when the time comes to mount the aperature sights.

THanks,

Michael

 

[cgv69]

CZ-USA has a youth rifle, but I am unsure of accuracy and the ability to mount aperature sights.

I assume you are talking about the CZ 452 Scout?

I seriously looked into one of these for my son. Basically it's just like any other CZ 452 but with a shorter barrel and stock. Accuracy and quality are reported to be very high (all steel construction, hammer forged barrels, etc.), especially for the price. As your son grows, it would be an easy matter to get a full size stock for it which would make it a nice adult size hunting carbine if that interests you\him?

As far as sights go, the CZ uses a European 11mm dovetail groove so any aperture type sight designed for 11mm dovetail should work? That's what most Air rifles use so it shouldn't be hard to find

 

[lycanthrope]

If you go the CZ route, don't forget the trigger kit from Brookies at www.cz452.com

Light, crisp adjustable pulls for $14.

 

[winmagbill]

Check out Gun-Test.com, sample articles. They reviewed 3 .22s for accuracy and target use. The CZ heavy barrel was recommended.

 

[wanderinwalker]

There are older Marlins and Winchesters floating around in smallbore trim, some of which have been shortened. Not sure on the model numbers in all honesty, but I know there are some, having used them myself. I'm sure you could modify a Remmy 541 also, but the barrel is going to be a little long and heavy with a short stock, and the triggers aren't always kiddie-friendly.

Once they get big enough, check out something like this little jem:





Walther KK100. I don't know the current status of manufacture. At the current US dollar/Euro exchange rate, I can tell you the equivalent now would be around $1000 US. The Walthers come with sights, and get all kinds of grief from the Anschutz crowd. For me it is just a trainer rifle between Highpower matches, but it worked well for my brother as his competition piece for 3-4 years.

Good luck and good shooting.

 

[ocabj]

http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/caliber22.htm

Any of these interest you?

I've always wanted to get one of the Kimber Model 82s myself...

 

[Tacoma]

Two that I would recommend would be the Marlin 2000 and the IZH Cm-2 youth. Both have 3 position target style stocks with accessory rails , adjustable butt plates, (usable_)aperature sights, are very accurate and weigh in at less than 8#. The Marlin isn't made any longer but can be had in the $350-$500 range. It also has an adjustable length of pull and an oversized bolt. The Izh cost similar but can be had new. ( BTW, there is one of each for sale right now over at rimfirecentral.com) I've got the MArlin 2000L ( laminated stock)myself, not quite as accurate as my Anshutz 1903 but allot of target rifle for the $350 I paid for it. ( Yes, the trigger is acceptabl and around 2.5# on mine)

hth

BTW, nice to see kids shoot with iron sights and a bolt gun . Way to teach them!