Hornet shooters, help me decide please.

[PO2Hammer]

I have everything needed to shoot the .22 Hornet except a suitable rifle.
I have an Encore and a NEF Handi rifle. A CZ bolt action is also a consideration.
The Handi rifle is so simple and handles so nice, but the trigger is less than perfect, and accuracy would probably be less than the other two. Also it would have to be sent in for fitting. The price is right though, probably less than a 100 buckaroos all said and done.
The Encore is the leading choice with MGM as my favorite barrel maker. I could get it drilled and tapped just the way I want it and the Shilen blanks they use are second to none.
The CZ would be nice. I love my two rimfire CZs, plus it would be a repeater.
So I'm asking experienced Hornet shooters to chime in with ideas and things I havn't thought of.
Thanks.

 

[Magnum Wheel Man]

I have 5 - 22 hornet guns... you didn't mention the Ruger M77...

I haven't shot a "Handi"... but my TC's are tack drivers... & my CZ holds it's own with the TC's & has the benifits of being a repeater... I have shot the Ruger, & against a few of them, & my "older" CZ "typically" outshoots them...

 

[24kshooter]

I have 3 Hornets - 2 Handi's and Ruger 77 - I would vote for the handi rifle. You can get a lightweight barrel and a midweight to add to versitility. Both shoot extremely accurate. Boring ragged hole accuracy 33 gr. Speer, 35 grain VMAX or 45 grain REM at 50 to 75 yards w/ scope - under 1 moa at 100-125 with scope. However my handi tifles do not like bullets weights above 50 grains - 55 grains open up to 2 inch so it is not a good choice to burn up fmj 55 grainers.

 

[Byron]

Ruger 77. I like the balance.With Hornady 35 gr V Max,it is very accurate. Byron

 

[Max Velocity]

Have a look at the Savage

I have a Ruger 77/22 Hornet heavy barrel and I like it. But, it took a bit to get it to shoot well. Randy at Connecticut Precision Chambering converted it to K Hornet and did a full tune up. It will consistently shoot in the .6's at a hundred.
But, if I were to buy a new Hornet today I’d probably go for a Savage Model 40. It got a good review on Gunblast.com

Since you have an Encore why not just just get a barrel?

 

[db_tanker]

If you have the Encore then what is the question here?


Get yoruself an Encore 24" and be done with it.

Sweet thing about this setup is that you don't have to worry about bullet seating depth/COL issues. Seat them to just shy of the lands and have fun.

If an off the shelf barrel isn't what you want then go with a Bullberry, MGM or OnTargetTechnologies (www.ottllc.com).

Have fun!
D

 

[ArmedBear]

I used to shoot hornets with steel BBs from an old Daisy. Accurate little gun, at least at close range.

Funny thing: consistently, ants somehow appeared from nowhere to carry off the split carcass of a hornet, sometimes before it stops moving. I don't know how they know there's food to be had.

 

[Lambo119]

I have a Ruger M77. Accurate but kinda picky about ammo though and has the typical Ruger trigger... But still a good gun and I would buy one again.

 

[Lambo119]

Oh and just for fun if you want the ultimate .22 hornet. The Gun List now Gun Digest has a Holland and Holland double rifle in .22 hornet advertised for a petty $60,000.00. lol (no bs)

 

[frank c]

I own 3 hornets Browning,CZ and Ruger VHZ.The browning and CZ are my first choice as far as accurate with the ruger third place.The 22 hornet is a great cal. in populated areas.I would limit my shots to 150-175 yards.

 

[Max Velocity]

Cooper Arms of Montana

Cooper make a really sweet single-shot bolt action 22 Hornet rifle.
Cooper Arms of Montana

Remington is selling the Model 799 in 22 Hornet. It is made by Zastava Arms of Serbia and was previously imported by Charles Daly.

 

[crackerjack]

Hornet

If you desire a repeater and since you have CZ's you will be very pleased with the 527. I'm very pleased and impressed with my CZ hornet it is quite accurate and very well built . If you can live with high lift mauser bolt design I think they are an outstanding value for the $$.