Rimfire magnum.

[emilianoksa]

I have two CZ 452s in 22lr, and I've been thinking about getting a semiauto.

I like rimfire, and, in any case, centre fire rifle cartridges here are ridiculously expensive.

I like the Marlin Mod 60 and the Ruger 22/10, but after experiencing the accuracy of a bolt gun, I'm no longer sure that a semiauto is the way to go.

So I've been thinking about another bolt gun, but this time a in magnum caliber, to shoot at longer distances - plinking only.

I've been looking at a couple of Marlin bolts: a 22 magnum with wooden stock, and a 17 HMR with bull barrel in a polymer stock.

I really like the look and feel of both of them, and I'd like to have an American rimfire to add to my little collection. However, I've noticed that the Marlin build quality is not up to the CZ, and the difference in price here is not great. European imports are better value than US ones. Anything from the States doubles in price here.

So I have three questions that you may be able to help me with:

Would you buy 22 magnum or 17HMR if you wanted something for longer range target practice?

Is the Marlin trigger an improvement on the stock CZ trigger?

Would you go for the Marlin 17HMR or 22mag, or a CZ varmint 22 mag? The CZ 17 hmr is not available here - only the 22 mag. Both calibres are available in the Marlin.

What I want from the gun is accuracy - very close groups out to 150 yards or beyond.

 

[jlbpa]

Saw a similar thread somewhere recently. The consensus seemed to be the .22 mag is not target shooting accurate but it is just fine for hunting accuracy. Very close groups 150 yards and beyond...probably not within the domain of a .22 mag. The 17 would do better out that far.

 

[Abel]

I would get the CZ in whatever caliber is available...the 22 Mag is a fine round out at 100+ yards & CZ makes a wonderful rifle. I just don't think that Marlin's quality is the same as it was before Remington's parent company took over.

 

[black_powder_Rob]

+1 Abel

 

[Red State]

Agreed. If the prices are somewhat comparable, this is a no brainer: the CZ is a better gun.

For the same price, I would take a CZ in .22mag over a Marlin in .17HMR.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I have the CZ 452 Lux in .22WMR. Fantastic gun, great cartridge. With a scope and benchrest mine will do 1" at 100 yards with CCI 40 grain TMJ or JHP. Never tried it at 150. Never tried the lighter ammo either, I like the 40-50 grain bullets, and so does my rifle. The cheaper ammo shoots well too, Federal 40 grain Champion is very good, and even Fiocchi shoots well.
I shoot without scope most of the time because I like the sights so much, but for a dedicated scope gun the American or Varmint would be the way to go.

 

[emilianoksa]

Thanks very much for your comments.