In the quest for a super accurate .22

[Gary W. Strange]

Over the course of a lifetime shooting, hunting and collecting, I have seen marlin bolt action .22s that would shoot a dime size group, and expensive.22s that would pattern like a shotgun. I think a lot of people get overtaken with the accuracy thing. A good .22 that will shoot an inch or under at 50 yards, will probably shoot better than what most are capable of, including me. I have everything from pre A model 52s, to CZs. The model 52 is capable of far more than I am. I still love to shoot it though. I shoot a model 75 just as well. My favorite of all, is an older Kimber model 82. It is accurate enough for squirrel and such. It’s sure pretty to look at though. I think one should buy and shoot pretty much the .22 of their choice. You will figure out if it’s a shooter or a dud. Most good .22s will shoot better than the owners can and will do everything they need it to. One thing with the CZs, if you get a bad shooter, barrels can be switched, and Timmey makes a fine drop in trigger for them. Barrels and triggers are the two main components for accurate shooting.

 

[Jim Watson]

Best, good, and good enough are not the same thing.

Back in the day of Winchester Model 52s, the occasional Remington 37 or 40X, some BSAs, Anschutz just breaking into the NRA market, a friend described watching a couple of experienced shooters practicing for Camp Perry at the local range. He said they got upset at pulling one out of the X ring and a 9 was just catastrophic.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Yep, 75 years later Rem 37's still shoot pretty good.

 

[Walkalong]

I also wouldn't buy a Bergara thinking it was a step up. I'd buy it because I wanted a rimfire with the Remington 700 footprint but didn't want to pay for a Vudoo

That’s what I did, and why

 

[velocette]

Best, good, and good enough are not the same thing.

Back in the day of Winchester Model 52s, the occasional Remington 37 or 40X, some BSAs, Anschutz just breaking into the NRA market, a friend described watching a couple of experienced shooters practicing for Camp Perry at the local range. He said they got upset at pulling one out of the X ring and a 9 was just catastrophic.

Jim speaks the truth.

 

[d2wing]

I have a 453 Varminter. Single Set trigger. VX-3 4-14 scope. Shoots Wolf Match Extra extremely well. 1/2” @ 50 inch off a good rest on a calm day has been done multiple times.

I’ve tried other more expensive match ammo. Didn’t do well at all, but I found out later that the barrel needed breaking in, and I probably was wasting my time and money

I saw the CZ MTR and wondered (a) would it do any better? It’s +/- $750 IIRC, so quite realistic price wise. But, would it do any better than what I already have? And (b), if one did step up, what would it take to show improvement?

I wonder about that too.

 

[d2wing]

Part of the Olympic team and the USAMU team practiced at my club. Not a Vudoo, Bergara or CZ to be seen, ammo used for practice was the high end RWS or Eley Black box.
Anschutz Bleiker, and Walther were the rifles. Not a one of them under $3500.00 and then you add the sights, another minimum of $1000.00 and usually a lot more.
The group I shoot smallbore prone with all use Anschutz 54 rifles with 2 stage 2 ounce triggers, none with overtravel stops.
As far as accuracy is concerned, with match ammo, 1" ten shot groups at 100 yards are not uncommon. No rest, bipod bags etc. Just a sling, jacket and practice.

Yeah, that's a whole bunch above what us peasants are talking about. Back when I was getting training to be a shooting sports instructor I got to shoot an Olympic training rifle. Offhand hits at 50 meters routine on Olympic targets. I watched a little Olympic shooting. That's a very exclusive and expensive game. $1000 rifles and untrained shooters can only watch in awe.

 

[velocette]

D2wing, You ain't said nothing! The Olympic hopefuls were awesome. 18 ~ 23 year old women shooting offhand (standing) That rifles muzzle didn't waver, wobble one tiny bit.
All the ones I spoke with were very pleasant cheerful nice people. A real pleasure to support them with my club's facilities.

 

[d2wing]

I do have a 540XR that shoots extremely well. But a guy with a 40X showed me what accuracy is. Oddly enough I have not shot my CZ'S against my 540XR head to head at the same time. I am in the process of tinkering with both and with my injuries I haven't taken them to the range at the same times. I believe that the 540XR is more accurate. It's not legal for the matches I shoot.

 

[ford8nr]

I've always pondered the better rifle / better shooter quandary.
Except for recent times, I usually observed people moving into better equipment as their skills evolved. So yes, better equipment shot better with better SHOOTERS.
Recently I've seen average shooters dump big $$$ in good equipment. Do they gain anything ? Sure just not the gain the gun is capable of.
As far as brand, I shot with a gentleman that shot in the Pan Am games and tried to qualify for the Olympics back in the 70's. After the Pan Am games Mr Anschutz (believe first name was Augie) offered him a hand selected rifle as an upgrade. So high comp guns are not the ones WE are buying.
That being said I own Remington, Winchester, Kimber and Anchutz target rifles. I also own a CZ 452 Varmint which will run with some but not all. Just bought the Anschutz as an upgrade ... We'll see.

 

[steven58]

Took the Vudoo out today for some informal shooting at 300 yds. Shot some 3” 5 shot groups with SK Long Range Match. I know the rifle can do better, it’s just a matter of more practice on my part. View attachment 1017686View attachment 1017686

 

[Walkalong]

I’d like to have a Vudoo, but no one has any in stock.

 

[steven58]

I’d like to have a Vudoo, but no one has any in stock.

The best way is to order direct from Vudoo on line at https://vudoogunworks.com
They have a variety of standard rifles and a vast selection of choices regarding stocks, triggers, barrels, MOA bases, and colors. It takes from 4-6 months from order to delivery to your FFL. A long wait but well worth it in my opinion.
I’m at best an average shot. I have little training, don’t compete and my eyes ain’t what they used to be! This rifle makes even me look good. At 100 yards my worst groups are 1” 5 shot groups. When the breeze settles down and I pay attention, things get interesting!