Which bolt action .22 LR rifle would you recommend for accuracy from a bench or in the field?

[Pat Riot]

The title pretty much sums things up. You can choose 2.

Explanation:
In January I joined a Gun Club and the first question I was asked by two members was “Do you or have you ever shot .22 rifles in competition?”
My answer was “No.”
They told me a little about their weekend competitions and it sounded like fun, but I really didn’t think any more about it until 2 weeks ago when I met a guy at the range that was shooting targets 200 and 300 yards out with his .22 rifle.
One thing led to another and he let me try his gun out.
The rifle is a CZ 457 Varmint AT-ONE. He had a big scope on it. It was a variable and I think it was a 6-24 power. I shot a steel plate at 100 yards 3 times and all three rounds made a cute little shamrock on the plate.
I am hooked!

I am looking for a .22 rifle that I can shoot in these FUN competitions and for fun. “Fun” is the key word here. I want a factory gun, not a “build”. I want to put my new Viridian 6-24x50 scope on it (Thanks @LiveLife ) and shoot it the next day. I have had my fill of building / modifying guns for various competitions. I am done with all that.
I am looking to spend a maximum of $700 for the gun itself. (Remember the word “Fun”?
I don’t “have” to spend $700. I would definitely prefer to spend less if there’s a gun that costs less and is an accurate model.
I am not buying the gun right away. Probably in a few weeks.

I really liked that CZ that I shot, but I am not locked into having a CZ, but everything I read about the various accurate .22lr guns it seems that the CZ 457 is definitely a favorite.
This gun will mostly be shot from a bench but I do plan to use it squirrel and rabbit hunting.

What .22 LR rifle would you recommend or which gun do you have that you really appreciate because it’s accurate?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I'd also consider the CZ 457 MTR

 

[Pat Riot]

I just realized I didn’t say anything about variants within the models of guns, like; the CZ 457 Varmint MTR.
Please put them in your posts, if you care to post.
Thanks @ColtPythonElite

 

[jmr40]

I really like my Tikka. I have a 4.5-14X42 Burris FF-II scope on it. It's not too heavy for hunting, but plenty accurate for the bench.

6 hits out of 8 shots at 250 yards. The bigger hit was from a 223 fired earlier. I'm out of elevation adjustment and have a mild wind blowing left to right. The last visible chain on the left was my aiming point.



5 shots at 50 yards




I'm a little high, but that's a sub 2" group at 200 yards. I just taped over bullet holes on a target someone else left up so it's not a fresh target.

 

[troy fairweather]

All 3 of the ruger American 22s I've had shot 10 shots into a dime at 50 yards and well under moa at 100 yards, 2 22" and a 18" the 17 was very good to. as much as I like the cz guns there 22s haven't been as accurate as they should or used to be. A $100 rossi will out shoot most of the 457s I've seen. Is your club a cmp affiliate those savage single shot 22s you can get cheap are very accurate, wish my club was I'd buy a few.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Have you considered a Savage Mk1 or 2? Mine is competitive with my much more expensive .22s if you find a brand/ batch of ammo it likes.

The safety could be little smoother, but for the $$, it punches well above it's class.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Agreed that savage mark series needs to be on that list. In terms of accuracy they punch way above their price point.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Buds has the Mk2 BTV in stock for about half your total budget, leaving a nice amount for a bipod, rings, spare mags, sling, good ammo, etc.

Buy Savage Arms Mark II BTV 22 Long Rifle Bolt Action Rifle Online

Mark II rimfire rifles add more fun to shooting than almost anything else for the money. From casual plinking to serious hunting, this versatile rifle can handle it all w

www.budsgunshop.com

 

[Howland937]

CZ is all the rage these days, and I'd say they've earned the praise. But I try to avoid mainstream and crowds so I'd likely try everything else first. Not sure on all those rifles, but I'd be looking for something with adjustable trigger than can be turned down to 2# minimum but preferably in the several oz to 1# range.
The SA 2020 in the higher grade walnut would be intriguing...but the "1 inch at 50 yards" guarantee isn't.

The safety could be little smoother

Lots of things could be smoother on those rifles...but for the price, I understand why they're not.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Other

Savage MKII

 

[troy fairweather]

.22 Target Commercial Rifles - Civilian Marksmanship Program

The CMP offers affiliated clubs the opportunity to order air rifles and .22 cal. smallbore rifles for target training and competition.

thecmp.org

Shipped for $321, they used to be $200 bucks but have the usual Brandon tax now. Those mk-1 are fun and shoot amazing,

 

[Hookeye]

Field use for me means sporter.
So my vote is 457 American.

Feels better to me than my Savage MKII TR (even as a target rig, it feels clunky).

 

[rdnktrkr]

I have shot a CZ457 in a chassis, I don't know what the model is, also shot a Tika in a chassis. both shot very well as a bench or NRL gun but not a hunting rig in my opinion. I have a Bergara B14R but it is a little out of your price range unless you can find a used one. I would look for something with a bigger diameter barrel around 20-22" and both guns above have threaded barrels with something on the end. Look at aftermarket options for triggers and stock accessories, I know the CZs have a few, not sure about the Tikka. If you shop around and find someone upgrading, you might find something with a Rem 700 footprint for a little more money. I ordered a Savage before I found the Bergara and am glad I upgraded. I have not heard good things about the SA 2020, but that is all hearsay. I know of a couple of the Ruger Precision, shot one out to 200yrds, I liked it and I almost bought one but preferred the Bergara.

With a $700 hard ceiling I like the CZ and Tikka options over the others, If you decide to get a Savage I feel you will need to do a little work to get it to perform as well as the others BUT with the lower price you can afford to buy accessories and upgrades and stay under your cap.
When you get your Riffle then starts the fun of figuring out which ammo it likes

 

[MarshallDodge]

I have been very happy with my CZ 457 MTR and Bergara B14R. The B14R feels a lot like the real thing, and is based on the Remington 700 which allows you to use the same stocks, triggers, scope mounts, etc.

 

[d2wing]

I am a CZ fan, I shoot 452's in matches, but I have shot some 457s MTR and At-One. Both shot great. I have a 457 Lux but it needs a little testing and tuning. Some guys do well with a Tikka. Careful about buying a CZ. Thye tend to multiply if you are not careful. I have a Ruger American than shoots well. Bergera is a decent rifle too. But for my money, in that price range it's a CZ.

 

[Pat Riot]

All 3 of the ruger American 22s I've had shot 10 shots into a dime at 50 yards and well under moa at 100 yards, 2 22" and a 18" the 17 was very good to. as much as I like the cz guns there 22s haven't been as accurate as they should or used to be. A $100 rossi will out shoot most of the 457s I've seen. Is your club a cmp affiliate those savage single shot 22s you can get cheap are very accurate, wish my club was I'd buy a few.

Unfortunately this is not a CMP club. It’s not really that organized.

Agreed that savage mark series needs to be on that list. In terms of accuracy they punch way above their price point.

Buds has the Mk2 BTV in stock for about half your total budget, leaving a nice amount for a bipod, rings, spare mags, sling, good ammo, etc.

Buy Savage Arms Mark II BTV 22 Long Rifle Bolt Action Rifle Online

Mark II rimfire rifles add more fun to shooting than almost anything else for the money. From casual plinking to serious hunting, this versatile rifle can handle it all w

www.budsgunshop.com

View attachment 1206516

Thanks very much. One of the reasons I created this poll and thread was to learn as well as gather recommendations.
That is an intriguing idea @NIGHTLORD40K I wasn’t even aware of these Savages…a little kid inside me thought that last line to be very humorous.
Not sure I can add to a poll….

EDIT: I was able to add the Savage Mk2

 

[PistoleroWadcutterGANG]

Bergara B14R

 

[d2wing]

Any individual rifle in any mass produced brand can exceed your expectations or disappoint. Some more than others. A poll of experienced shooters is a good idea. Also you might want to be on equal footing with the guys you shoot with. Another reason to go CZ.

 

[troy fairweather]

Used kimber target 22s were going for about $500 last I seen, they shoot very well to.

 

[PO2Hammer]

CZ 452 Scout is my lightest and most accurate rimfire so everything else went away.
From the bench it out shot my Lux, Trainer, a very expensive Kimber H-S, 10/22, plus it handles like a wand in the field.
A Leupold 4x RF Special fits nicely on the tiny rifle and is enough to shoot <2” groups at 100 with CCI SV or SK Target+.

 

[V-fib]

my Savage MK II is crazy accurate either targets or small game.

 

[2ndtimer]

You might also consider a used CZ 455. I have a standard and an American and both shoot very well. There is a reason why they are so popular for club matches.

 

[mus]

My vote would go to the Tikka and any Anschutz. But I've seen great results with CZs too.

Good luck with your choice, and have heaps of fun with whatever rifle you get!

 

[jmorris]

Theses are all under your budget.

Side by side, Ruger 77/22, American, CZ 455 and Savage 22B

I was going to attempt a more comprehensive test but I didn’t get the hay put up until late and the rain came early. I gathered the 4 out and did a little testing at 50 yards before I had to put up. Using CCI blazer I shot 3 fowlers the proceeded with 3, 5 shot groups, round robin style vs...

www.thehighroad.org

That said, “fun” for me, in competition, is winning. So, I’d probably show up with an Anschutz or Walther, myself.

 

[CraigC]

With the long range game, accuracy and match ammo are everything. CZ's are very good but the diehard fans are aggravating. My 457 American doesn't do anything other rifles don't, except wear a nice walnut stock.



The Bergara's are also very good. Mine is the most accurate .22Mag I've ever owned and they're not too heavy for field use.



I heartily agree that the Savage MKII punches way above its pay grade. Both of mine shoot sub-MOA. This is a plain $260 FV-SR model in a Boyd's tacticool stock. They're ridiculously good rifles for their price point. I like their heavy barrels because they add some much needed weight and stability without being too heavy for field use.