The only other option I would look at in the CZ price range is the Savage MKII FVT. It gives you a fairly decent aperture sight with a few front globe inserts. It is a little different style shooting than regular open iron sights but it still can be a ton of fun. If you want the standard notch style iron sights I don't think you can go wrong with a CZ trainer or lux. If you are real lucky you will find a super lux and get it.
Better Value Than CZ .22lr Rifle For Accurate Plinking?
- Thread starter Phydeaux642
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Danny Creasy
Member
Thanks for clarifying elmer. Yes, I too have noticed that the low end scopes can be hit and miss. I tell you one that did work out quite well is the BSA 36X44 that Midway puts on sale occasionally at $69.95. At that price, I felt like I simply had to try this big fixed power scope out. I purchased it last winter and as you can see from our match results, I mounted it on my new Kimber for a while. Couldn't help but wonder if it was costing me a few points. So, I changed to the proven Weaver T-36 (a darling of the BR shooters) and low and behold, for my purposes, the BSA fixed power was doing about as well. Sure the Weaver is clearer and the tracking is far more precise. But, I think a shooter could plop down about 80 bucks (shipping and handling included) on this BSA model, mount it securely on his Savage MK II or CZ, do some righteous ammo testing, and come win or place high in our match. By the way, we are not a sanctioned USBR club. But, we follow that organization's match rules right down to the letter except for our two fun classes - Cheap Ammo Class and Semi-Auto Class.
What did I do with the displaced BSA? Well I put it on my pretty CZ 452 FS and sighted it in with a cartridge type from the Cheap Ammo Class approved list and enjoyed yet another class in our local match. Here is a pic of that combo. It looks like a Black Forest hunting rifle on steroids.
We shot a 213-2X in August on its first outing. I believe I could squeeze a few more points out of it with some more ammo testing. The ammo used in that outing was Eley Sport that we purchased from the CMP at Camp Perry.
I formed a Cheap Ammo committee and here is the list they came up with:
Aguila SE, 40, SV, SP
Aguila SE, 40, HV, SP
Aguila CMP White Box, 40, SP
Aguila Subonic, 40, SP
CCI Blazer, 40, HV, SP
Eley Sport, 40, SV, SP
Federal American Eagle. AE5022, 40, HV, SP
Federal,Bulk Pack. 730, 36, HV, HP
Federal Value Pack, #750, 36 gr HP, HV
(contains 550 rounds in a carton)
Federal Champion. 510, 40, HV, SP
Federal Champion Target, 714, 40, SV, SP
Federal Auto Match, 40, HV, SP
Remington Golden Bullet. 1522/1500+, 40, HV, SP
Remington Golden Bullet. 1622/1600+, 36, HV, HP
Remington Target. 6122/6100+,40, SV, SP
Remington Thunderbolts. TB22A, 40, HV,SP
Winchester Value Pack. W22LRB, 40, SV, HP
Winchester Wildcat. WW22LR, 40, HV, SP
Winchester Xpert, XPERT22,36, HV, HP
Winchester Dynapoints, HP
Russian Green Label Black Chicken (Junior), 40, SP
We tried to go with the 2 Buck A Box rule that many clubs have used in the past. But, the prices starting escalating and we simply had to go to an approved list format instead.
What did I do with the displaced BSA? Well I put it on my pretty CZ 452 FS and sighted it in with a cartridge type from the Cheap Ammo Class approved list and enjoyed yet another class in our local match. Here is a pic of that combo. It looks like a Black Forest hunting rifle on steroids.
We shot a 213-2X in August on its first outing. I believe I could squeeze a few more points out of it with some more ammo testing. The ammo used in that outing was Eley Sport that we purchased from the CMP at Camp Perry.
I formed a Cheap Ammo committee and here is the list they came up with:
Aguila SE, 40, SV, SP
Aguila SE, 40, HV, SP
Aguila CMP White Box, 40, SP
Aguila Subonic, 40, SP
CCI Blazer, 40, HV, SP
Eley Sport, 40, SV, SP
Federal American Eagle. AE5022, 40, HV, SP
Federal,Bulk Pack. 730, 36, HV, HP
Federal Value Pack, #750, 36 gr HP, HV
(contains 550 rounds in a carton)
Federal Champion. 510, 40, HV, SP
Federal Champion Target, 714, 40, SV, SP
Federal Auto Match, 40, HV, SP
Remington Golden Bullet. 1522/1500+, 40, HV, SP
Remington Golden Bullet. 1622/1600+, 36, HV, HP
Remington Target. 6122/6100+,40, SV, SP
Remington Thunderbolts. TB22A, 40, HV,SP
Winchester Value Pack. W22LRB, 40, SV, HP
Winchester Wildcat. WW22LR, 40, HV, SP
Winchester Xpert, XPERT22,36, HV, HP
Winchester Dynapoints, HP
Russian Green Label Black Chicken (Junior), 40, SP
We tried to go with the 2 Buck A Box rule that many clubs have used in the past. But, the prices starting escalating and we simply had to go to an approved list format instead.
Last edited:
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
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OK, I will 2nd (3rd, 4th?) that the Savage can hang in the value (price-performance ratio) category, almost anyway, with the CZ. For that matter, so can a Marlin. 
Sheffield, your pic and post there made me suddenly come up wit the idea that I want a matching set of CZ Mannlicher stock rifles: (a) 452, (b) 527, and (c, d) a pair of 550s - one in 6.5x55 and one in 9.3x62. I have one of the four..hmmm, gears turning...
Sheffield, your pic and post there made me suddenly come up wit the idea that I want a matching set of CZ Mannlicher stock rifles: (a) 452, (b) 527, and (c, d) a pair of 550s - one in 6.5x55 and one in 9.3x62. I have one of the four..hmmm, gears turning...
22-rimfire
Member
Accurate is in the eyes of the beholder. The term plinking does not suggest that you will likely buy target ammo.
I would go with the CZ 452 Lux or Savage Mark II with open sights.
I would go with the CZ 452 Lux or Savage Mark II with open sights.
What's your definition of plinking?
I have CZs, Savages, Old Winchester Pumps, Browning Autos and Levers, a Kimber, and a couple of 10/22s.
At 25 yards, iron sights, for the most fun, you just can't beat the 10/22. Yeah the trigger ain't the best, but really, shoot 3-4 bricks through it and it gets better. It's an autoloader, aim and fire. The little rifle sells so well beacuse it's cheap, but also because it's a quality firearm.
If you're going to shoot competitively and don't want to modify a rifle, yeah, it's hard ro beat CZs. For iron sight shooting, their tangent sighton the Lux, Ultra, Training, and FS is really, really cool. I have several Savages but they all wear optics. They are reasonably priced tackdrivers. I haven't shot their irons yet, I've been looking at the one with peep, but I can't see their accuracy being any different than their "scope only" rifles.
Of these 3 makes, Ruger is of course the least expensive (and a fun auto) but if you shop around, you can find any of these less than $350.
Oh, what I consider plinking . . . 1.5" steel swingers at 25 and 50 yards off hand. Trash shooting is fun plinking, too. The indoor range guys might not like that, though.
I have CZs, Savages, Old Winchester Pumps, Browning Autos and Levers, a Kimber, and a couple of 10/22s.
At 25 yards, iron sights, for the most fun, you just can't beat the 10/22. Yeah the trigger ain't the best, but really, shoot 3-4 bricks through it and it gets better. It's an autoloader, aim and fire. The little rifle sells so well beacuse it's cheap, but also because it's a quality firearm.
If you're going to shoot competitively and don't want to modify a rifle, yeah, it's hard ro beat CZs. For iron sight shooting, their tangent sighton the Lux, Ultra, Training, and FS is really, really cool. I have several Savages but they all wear optics. They are reasonably priced tackdrivers. I haven't shot their irons yet, I've been looking at the one with peep, but I can't see their accuracy being any different than their "scope only" rifles.
Of these 3 makes, Ruger is of course the least expensive (and a fun auto) but if you shop around, you can find any of these less than $350.
Oh, what I consider plinking . . . 1.5" steel swingers at 25 and 50 yards off hand. Trash shooting is fun plinking, too. The indoor range guys might not like that, though.
Premium, my buddy has 5 full stock CZs . . . 22lr, 22mag, 17hmr, 223, and 308. He's always the talk of the range when he brings the "family". The wood on the 17, 223, and 308 is gorgeous. He's never regretted buying a single one of them (even though I outshoot him with my Lux).
If you are going to use the iron sights, definitely go with the CZ. I have a Lux and the open sight setup is the best I have ever had on any gun.
Plus most others I looked at, including the 10/22 - the stock is set up for a scope and it makes shooting open sights extremely awkward.
Plus most others I looked at, including the 10/22 - the stock is set up for a scope and it makes shooting open sights extremely awkward.
Phydeaux642
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You are correct. Somewhere in the future, maybe, but right now the less expensive stuff.
At the range I shoot at I am limited to some sort of paper target out to twenty-five yards. They also have a rifle tube that goes out to one hundred yards, but it is usually busy.
zip made a very good comment on the stock. I've personally not had any problems with the 10/22, but the hogback on the CZ Lux and FS was made for irons. Plus with the Schnobel on the Lux, it just looks nice (svelt).
If you're limited to paper and like me, you want to see the pretty little groups on said paper. Out of the box, the CZ is the way to go. You just won't regret the purchase. Accurate, well made (it feels like a quality gun), and the iron sights are great. Stick with the 452, not the 513. It doesn't have the premium sights. They do not list them on the US site, but on the European Site, CZ lists the Lux as available in 453. Add $100 but also add a really nice set trigger. Also, you've got to have better luck finding the 453 Lux than I have.
Again, it's hard to beat CZ for quailty at a reasonable price.
If you're limited to paper and like me, you want to see the pretty little groups on said paper. Out of the box, the CZ is the way to go. You just won't regret the purchase. Accurate, well made (it feels like a quality gun), and the iron sights are great. Stick with the 452, not the 513. It doesn't have the premium sights. They do not list them on the US site, but on the European Site, CZ lists the Lux as available in 453. Add $100 but also add a really nice set trigger. Also, you've got to have better luck finding the 453 Lux than I have.
Again, it's hard to beat CZ for quailty at a reasonable price.
JImbothefiveth
Member
It depends on how accurate you are.
I like my 10/22 with a scope for plinking, but I can't yet outshoot it. (then again, I shoot almost only offhand, very rarely prone or sitting.)
I would look in to the 10/22, marlin 795, and marlin 60. Just be sure not to spray and pray, make every shot count.
I like my 10/22 with a scope for plinking, but I can't yet outshoot it. (then again, I shoot almost only offhand, very rarely prone or sitting.)
I would look in to the 10/22, marlin 795, and marlin 60. Just be sure not to spray and pray, make every shot count.
chris in va
Member
Might want to have a look at the TOZ 78. Not the prettiest girl on the block but I've heard they're quite accurate. Can be had for ~$200 or less.
That being said, my next 22 rifle will probably be a Henry lever action.
That being said, my next 22 rifle will probably be a Henry lever action.
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
member
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'Swhat I'm talkin about. He's my hero.
jaytex1969
Member
My $80 pawn shop Remington 597 with my $20 Barska will manage dime sized groups at 25 yards and, if I lay off the coffee, quarter sized groups on the 50 yard line. That's with Centurion ammo.
Not quite Olympic grade, but I'm happy with it.
Not quite Olympic grade, but I'm happy with it.
Phydeaux642
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I guess I will have to start saving my pennies to get the 452 Lux, that is if I can quit buying revolvers (I found a S&W 13-3 with 3" bbl today for $275 and put money down on it). I wanted to actually hold one in my hands before I bought one but I can't find any where I live. Oh well, they sure do look purty in the pictures.
bdg146
Member
So I have a question about a CZ 452. I've recently become interested in purchasing a .22lr. Has to be bolt action, and the CZ is about the max I want to spend. I've been wanting to get a CZ something for a while now, so I figure this is a good opportunity to get a CZ.
With all the talk about how great the iron sights are on a 452, is it foolish to get it with the plans of mounting a scope? I know they used to make scope mounts that would allow you to use the irons underneath the scope... do they still do that? Is it even worth doing that or is that more of a "you can do both but you can't do both as well as if you could only do one" type situation?
Thanks!
With all the talk about how great the iron sights are on a 452, is it foolish to get it with the plans of mounting a scope? I know they used to make scope mounts that would allow you to use the irons underneath the scope... do they still do that? Is it even worth doing that or is that more of a "you can do both but you can't do both as well as if you could only do one" type situation?
Thanks!
toivo
Member
Just my opinion here. You need to decide whether you'll be shooting it mostly scoped or mostly irons. If the answer is "scoped," skip the irons and get the American or Varmint. Sure, the iron sights are great on the Lux, etc., but if you're primarily a scope shooter, the stock configuration on the American or Varmint will work better for you. If you really think you want to shoot the irons sometimes (not just have them and never use them), then get a Lux or Trainer and scope it with see-through rings. There are plenty of happy owners of scoped Luxes and Trainers out there. I'm just saying that the American has a slight edge as a scoped rifle, and there's no point in getting irons that you're not going to use just because they're really great.
Will you hunt with this rifle? That comes into play as well, since you might want irons as backup when you're in the field. Target shoot only? Then you'll probably never use the irons. Plink? Could go both ways, but irons are more fun for plinking, IMHO.
Will you hunt with this rifle? That comes into play as well, since you might want irons as backup when you're in the field. Target shoot only? Then you'll probably never use the irons. Plink? Could go both ways, but irons are more fun for plinking, IMHO.
Danny Creasy
Member
Not foolish but ..........................
if you are going to mount a scope immediatly and prefer scope shooting, then I would get a CZ American. They are stocked for scope shooting and after buying two Americans, one FS, one Special, and a 513 Basic, I believe the Americans are inherently more accurate. The American has a two action screw design and a free floated barrel. The FS, Special, Lux, etc have a single action screw and a barrel lug screw.
American with scope:
Special with scope:
Throw the Amercan up to your shoulder and cheek and the eye will line right up with the scope. Do the same with the Special and your eye will be slightly below center and you will have to raise you head slightly to get centered. The see through rings will make it fit even worse. You will have the worst of both worlds - an obstructed open sight view and a scope that is so high you will have to take a chin weld instead of a cheek weld.
if you are going to mount a scope immediatly and prefer scope shooting, then I would get a CZ American. They are stocked for scope shooting and after buying two Americans, one FS, one Special, and a 513 Basic, I believe the Americans are inherently more accurate. The American has a two action screw design and a free floated barrel. The FS, Special, Lux, etc have a single action screw and a barrel lug screw.
American with scope:
Special with scope:
Throw the Amercan up to your shoulder and cheek and the eye will line right up with the scope. Do the same with the Special and your eye will be slightly below center and you will have to raise you head slightly to get centered. The see through rings will make it fit even worse. You will have the worst of both worlds - an obstructed open sight view and a scope that is so high you will have to take a chin weld instead of a cheek weld.
bdg146
Member
Sorry, I guess I violated the #1 rule when it comes to asking questions on here... "what is the intended purpose?"
It will be used for hunting, but not a whole lot. Mostly squirrels here and there. That's the reason it needs to be a bolt action. Semis are a no-no in PA.
That being said, my major motivation is just to get back into shooting 22s again. I used to be much better with my deer rifle, and I think that is in large part due to the fact that I used to do a lot of squirrel hunting when I was younger. I can't shoot 15 rounds through my deer rifle annually and expect to be as good of a shot as I want to be.
Reading through this thread makes me kinda want to get into competition shooting too ... anyone know of anything going on in Central PA??
Anyway, a scoped American seems like the way to go for me. Thanks for the help!
It will be used for hunting, but not a whole lot. Mostly squirrels here and there. That's the reason it needs to be a bolt action. Semis are a no-no in PA.
That being said, my major motivation is just to get back into shooting 22s again. I used to be much better with my deer rifle, and I think that is in large part due to the fact that I used to do a lot of squirrel hunting when I was younger. I can't shoot 15 rounds through my deer rifle annually and expect to be as good of a shot as I want to be.
Reading through this thread makes me kinda want to get into competition shooting too ... anyone know of anything going on in Central PA??
Anyway, a scoped American seems like the way to go for me. Thanks for the help!
bdg146
Member
Double Post!
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