Strange Desire - Mark XXII

[ArmedBear]

Yup, it's a new Weatherby: in .22LR!

It's silly expensive, but for some reason I'm really intrigued. A training rifle for my big game gun, that costs more than I paid for the centerfire version? I guess I'd save money on ammo and barrels...

http://www.weatherby.com/products/guns.asp?prd=Rifles&prd_sub_type=14&prod_code=DXT17HMR3O

 

[Jim Watson]

I have READ that this is an Anschutz 64 in a Weatherby stock. If so, it should be a fine little rifle.

I always say that your .22 should be the best rifle you own, you can shoot it more for less expense and it will last for your grandchildren.

I have an old Weatherby XXII automatic and it is not a bad rifle itself.

 

[hksw]

The action certainly is an Anschütz 64. The trigger guard looks like it was pulled from 54 action 1700 series sporters.

 

[rangerruck]

yep it's an anny pretty much. also they made this rifle long ago as an italian made wetherby. If you find a used example, jump all over it.

 

[TimboKhan]

It's purty, but how much is it? I think a .22 rifle should be accurate and pleasant to shoot, but I balk at spending wheelbarrows full of money on one. Paying $900.00 for a gun that shoots ammunition that costs 10 bucks for 500 rounds sort of takes the "inexpensive" factor out of the equation... Still, at least it's a handsome rifle.

 

[Danny Creasy]

I think it would be money well spent to purchase the Weatherby Mark XXII. Most 64s will put five shots in a quarter inch at 50 yards with good ammo (probably not $10 a brick stuff). For just casual shooting, it would keep even the cheap bulk stuff (CCI Blazer, Federal Champion, Aguila Std or High Velocity, etc) well under an inch. If you take good care of it, you can get more than you paid for it after a year or two. Even if Weatherby discontinues the model, you could get 64 parts and service from Anschutz for decades.

You could probably scratch the same itch with a CZ American for under $400:



25 yard USBR target shot with this box stock factory American:

 

[pbhome71]

I agree with the comment about CZ.

However, if you can afford the Mk XXII, I say go for it. If you get somethingelse, you will always wondering what it will be like to get the one that you really want.

-Pat

 

[Bob41081]

I handled one yesterday at Collectors Firearms in Houston. It was nice to say the least. While I'm looking at new .22's a bolt is in the equation right now. I want a Browning Auto in SS.

Bob

 

[TimboKhan]

My opinions on guns are always shaded by my economic outlook, but the CZ looks to me like just as attractive a gun with more accuracy than you could use, for a better price (at least in theory since I still don't know what the Weatherby costs...). That said, who am I to tell you what to buy? If you can afford it, then godspeed.

 

[Danny Creasy]

MSRP = $899.00

http://www.weatherby.com/products/guns.asp?prd=Rifles&prd_sub_type=14&prod_code=DXT17HMR3O

 

[Danny Creasy]

CZ vs Anschutz shootout

Last year I actually benched the CZ 452 American shown above against my pride and joy, an Anschutz (I purchased it new in the early 90s) 1710 sporter. Both had Swift 6-18X44 glass on them and the range fired at was 50 yards. It was a little windier (I had three Caldwell flags out) than I hoped. I think the conditions kept the groups from running tighter but I still think the volume of shooting I did that morning made for some valid comparisons.

The rifles:



The fired test target (one inch orange dots):



I would give the race to the Annie by a nose (well, maybe a head - more one hole groups).

Notes:

1) I did not clean the rifles between ammo changes - just fired the fouler group each time.
The ammo shifts were not near as big a deal as some people make over as far as grouping goes.

2) I used the same zero throughout. Man, those POIs really shifted didn't they?