entry level target .22 rifles- where to start.

[Kookla]

Have been thinking about saving for a .22 target rifle, guess the kind that people use for 3 position. What would folks here recommend to get for someone who is on a budget? I've been looking at the Savage MK I-FVT- doesn't have the target stock, but the rest seems good. Anything else I should look into?

Thanks.

 

[bullzeye8]

For a less expensive rifle for position shooting the best you can do is an old savage-anschutz. They were made by anschutz and imported by savage but since they are labeled savage-anschutz the price for them is much less. They will probably run around $500-$600 ish.

This is just the first example I came across after a quick search and it is all set up for position shooting and looks very good condition for only $500 but search a bit more yourself.
http://www.gunbroker.com/item/569460855

 

[HB]

This isn't a great forum for target shooting. Not sure how they are doing but targettalk used to be great when I wasn't into it.

Honestly I'd pony up and buy a used anschutz. You will "outgrow" the lesser guns quickly if you practice on a regular basis, then be out the money for the lower end gun + accessories THEN the new set up.

If you shoot mostly prone you can probably get away with an older/less adjustable/less expensive gun.

HB

 

[ford8nr]

Our club has some Savage MK II FVT rifles for new or junior shooters. These guns shoot really good for the price. Not sure your level of experience is but it would get you started. A used rifle would be another good choice. Winchester 75's can be found cheaper then 52's. Remington had several target models. While most of these guns are 30+ years old they still shoot great. I shoot with several smallbore 'master class' shooters that still use their 1970's Anshutz's
Probably the best deal going that you missed, was when the CMP ran the last of the Kimber 82G's couple years ago.

 

[bannockburn]

Kookla

You might also want to check out rimfirecentral.com for more information on specific target rifles.

 

[farmerboy78]

Russian vostok Ural or cm2, remington 540 & 541, anschutz 64, h&r m12... I have 2 of the cm2 rifles, both shoot REALLY well. One will shoot just over 1/4" @ 50 yds with eley edge if I 100% do my part... the other is getting a tuner as soon as I get it in the mail and put more than a 10x scope on it... but, it would easily hit a 3x6" steel target @ 300yds yesterday. The Russians have the dovetail on the side of the action, so I fabbed a mount for my first rifle and my recent purchased had a picatinny mount that a machinist fabbed and sold a few years ago.

 

[stoky]

(old) Winchester Model 75
The target version actually goes for less than the sporter version. They're not as high zoot as a 52, but they are every bit as accurate.
WWII era training versions can be particularly good deals.

 

[Poper]

You might also want to check out rimfirecentral.com for more information on specific target rifles.

Absolutely.
I shoot smallbore metallic silhouette matches and I can tell you that every bit as important the rifle is, is the ammunition. Good, accurate match quality ammunition will not come cheap. And, the only way to find out what shoots best is to shoot many different match grade ammos from several different manufacturers. My Sako P04 silhouette rifle likes Eley Target at about $7.00 a box of 50 and will shoot 5 round groups at 100 meters less than 1" center-to-center on a calm day. I get by quite a bit cheaper than my shooting buddy. His rifle likes Lapua Center x at $11.95 per box of 50! It could be worse, Eley Tenex is $20 a box! Ammo prices will vary from site to site and store to store. But here is a site for comparison purposes: http://www.creedmoorsports.com/category/22_LR_Ammunition

I think you will find a budget target rifle will probably shoot as well as most shooters can and will be limited more by the ammo than by the rifle. Not even an Anchutz will shoot lousy ammo well.

I hope this helps.

 

[tallpaul]

Kimber surplus rifles can still be found almost as released. Cost a bit more than a few years back but they can be found and are decent.

 

[Olympus]

Kimber 82G with a Weaver 36x target scope. You'll be shooting bug holes at 50 yards.

 

[Scooter22]

Definitely check out Rimfire Central. Thats probably the best site for RF info anywhere. Mossberg made some very good target riles in their 44US and 144 line that would be fine to get started without breaking the bank. Good luck.

 

[J-Bar]

I shot a Remington 513T in high school on the '60s; it shot better than I could hold it. I was jealous of those who could afford a Winchester 52, but I won my share of matches.

 

[toivo]

I have a Savage MK-I FVT, and it's not bad. The stock is a bit of a bummer, though -- too much drop. I'll probably eventually add one of these:



An alternative would be to replace the plastic stock with an aftermarket. Boyd makes some affordable ones, but theirs would have to be relieved a bit on the left side to accommodate the rear sight. Their Savage stocks aren't intended for the aperture sight models.

The Kimber 82G is a great recommendation too, if you want to step up a bit and don't mind paying for the privilege.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I would start here http://cz-usa.com/product-category/rifles/rimfire/

 

[CraigC]

You'd be hard pressed to beat the Savage without spending a lot more money. You'd spend more on a CZ, then have to add aperture sights and it won't be any more accurate. On average, new rifles are going to be more accurate than old ones. I'd put a good MKII up against any old Remington, Winchester (except the 52) or Mossberg target rifles. The synthetic stock is a bit too flimsy but there are some excellent laminates available.

 

[Reloadron]

For a less expensive rifle for position shooting the best you can do is an old savage-anschutz. They were made by anschutz and imported by savage but since they are labeled savage-anschutz the price for them is much less. They will probably run around $500-$600 ish.

This is just the first example I came across after a quick search and it is all set up for position shooting and looks very good condition for only $500 but search a bit more yourself.
http://www.gunbroker.com/item/569460855

I have one of them and if you find one I have to agree it is a great target rifle.

Also, while not quite classified as "Target Rifle" the CZ 452 is a sweet shooting .22 LR and I believe is now the CZ 455. Along these lines I would also consider some of the older .22s available on the used market like the Winchester 52 or as mentioned a Remington 513T.

Ron

 

[9mmepiphany]

Here is the first thing that popped into mind and a quick search turned this up.

More function than looks, but ones belonging to friends shot great

 

[d2wing]

I have a Remington 540XR that shoots very well. They are around $400-600 and made for competition. Nothing in that price range in new rifles will shoot with a CZ 452 or 455. They shoot much better than a Savage although Savage is good for the money and a good starter. You can check on Rimfire Central and rimfire competition forums.

The CM2 linked above is a good buy.

 

[bikemutt]

If you don't mind a semi-auto, Ruger 10/22 rifles are pretty cheap. You can then buy a real nice target barrel from any number of sources for a reasonable price, and you can change the barrel yourself. Upgrades for the 10/22 abound from stocks to triggers to suit just about any taste.

My 10/22 was bought used at a pawnshop for $300. I added an F.J. Federson bull barrel that was on sale at Brownells for less than $200. The thing is a tack driver, almost as good as my Kimber 82.

The only downside to a 10/22 is there are so many upgrades out there, it's not hard to turn a $300 rifle into a $1300 rifle

Here's one that claims to already have a threaded "target barrel": http://www.galleryofguns.com/RugerStore/ItemDetail.aspx?item=21117

When I drill into gun genie, there are local sellers willing to sell me one for $400.

 

[farmerboy78]

This is my latest cm2 that someone did a little modifying to. It shoots eley pistol match in one hole slightly bigger than one hole

 

[ford8nr]

Here's one that claims to already have a threaded "target barrel": http://www.galleryofguns.com/RugerSt...spx?item=21117

Threaded on the wrong end
That one is threaded at the muzzle for brakes and suppressors not at the reciever.

 

[BCRider]

If you're after a target gun with peep sights instead of a scope and if you should happen across a BSA Martini rifle of any vintage that is in decent shape I would give it some consideration.

For new with peep sights and on a budget I doubt if you'll do better than the FVT from Savage in either the single shot MkI or repeating MkII versions. Any other option will be north of that price.

 

[farmerboy78]

Well I shot a benchrest competition with this rifle today! I shot a 247-7x @ 50yds, a 245-10x @ 50yds, and a 447-26x @ 100yds. I use rws r50 ammo, and I 100% assure you that anything not inside the 10 is completely my fault.

 

[Nwflycaster]

As mentioned in a previous response, I would follow the for sale section in TargetTalk. There are good older used Anschutz rifles coming up frequently. If you purchase something that isn't adjustable enough to grow with your experience you will wish you had waited. You don't need the top of the line aluminum stock 5k rifle, I purchased my first Anschutz rifle for 4 position shooting roughly 40 years ago, and I'm still shooting the same rifle today and will continue to shoot it for as long as I physically can stay in the sport.

Bite the bullet, buy once and buy right. It's cheaper in the long run. My $600 spent way back then is the best money I ever spent on a firearm.

 

[mshootnit]

A 22 lr without a lifetime supply of ammo on hand in todays crazy 22 market, is just a steel rod in the closet. Oh sure you say, you can get ammo today, but we have seen that at the drop of a hat it can all be gone or insanely expensive. Therefore I have given up hope of ever really shooting my 22s much.

I would discourage anyone from buying a 22 rifle unless you already have on hand, almost all the ammo you think you will need for at least a 5 year period.