best rim fire bolt action rifle advice

JonJonM

JonJonM

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Hey there,

I am thinking of getting a bolt action .22LR. I want to get something fairly accurate and use it with a scope. I have been looking at a few options and wondering what would be the best value (I am thinking around $400-800 price range). I do not currently own a scope so I would also need to factor that in for pricing. What do you think is the best option? and what would be a decent scope and price range?
On Cabelas Canada website I have been looking at these models:

Savage BGTVXP rifle. This is a Cabelas exclusive. It comes with a Bushnell 3-9x40mm scope, blued heavy barrel and is priced at $580. I really like the look of the thumbholes stock it comes with and it includes a scope which is needed. So far this is my favourite option and the most likely choice, but I am not sure if I end up wanting to get a new scope than it may not be worth it.

Savage BTVS rifle. Does not include a scope but is a stainless model. Still has the nice thumbhole stock (although not as nice a colour in my opinion) I would need to purchase a scope as well so I need to factor that in. It's $600 How much more do you think it would be with a decent scope? Is the stainless worth it? Also aware of a BTVSS model.

I also have been thinking of these models if my wallet allows it at the time:

CZ 455

and Savage BSEV (I know looks aren't everything but damn i love the look of this rifle) Worth the price?

Thanks for any advice

Jon
 
A CZ bolt will serve you well. The 452 is no longer manufactured and could be a bit more difficult to find than a 455. There is a strong love for the 452 here at CGN, you'll hear a lot of people tell you to pick one up if you find one (I would too). I have a 455 in 17hmr and can make 1.5-2" groups at 200m with it regularly, in decent conditions.
 
For a real decent scope to put on a rimfire, go to amazon.ca for Mueller APV 4.5 to 14 power - has Adjustable Objective which is important for rimfire range. $180 with their free shipping. They have APT with tall turrets for $70 more. I have three of the APV. Full size scopes, but work as well as my Leupold rimfire 3-9 scopes, at about 1/3 or less the price.
 
If you plan to do any target shooting you'll probably wish to have a scope with an adjustable objective (AO) or side focus, which will allow the scope to focus clearly on the target. The Cabela's combo scope does not do that. Some good scopes with AO can be found on the EE, or you can consider scopes like the Muellers referred to above. They get a lot of nods on RFC (Rimfire Central).

As far the rifle itself, go with CZ if you can. It might be worthwhile to buy used on the EE. From time to time, however, some CZ 452 rifles still seem to become available new, and 455's are widely available. Buy once, cry once.

I see there's a CZ 452 Varmint on the EE for $650, no taxes (I'm not connected to it in any way).
 
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I went through a lot of .22's looking for one that had excellent accuracy, but to be used primarily as a hunting gun. I found the ruger american rimfire to be very very accurate. I bought a CZ Standard at the same time. It was good, but with open sites only, the ruger was superior. I have since put a nice little weaver 2 x7 on the CZ, and resting it on the back of my truck, at 25 yards, it is extremely accurate. Very close to single hole's for five shots. Not the same when I hold it free hand though, it bounces around a lot, more than the ruger.

If you can find someone who has some of these guns, it's always nice to try before you buy.
 
What kind of shooting are you mainly doing? The Savage rifles you list aren't really suited to field carry, and the 9x scope is a total mismatch for target shooting. I'd pass on the combo, buy a scope that really suits your needs. I had a BTVS for several years, my first decently accurate bolt rifle, good on the bench. I paid around $550 for it after tax, Cabela's price seems high. Al Simmons in Hamilton carries Savage, I'd give them a call for availability and price, save a few bucks, seen that BSEV on their shelf too. I'd be looking at a 6-18X scope, likely to cost you around $300 for something entry level, but unlike that 3-9x combo, you'll get years of use out of the better scope before you think about upgrading.
 
Thanks for the opinions. Suppose I should have included a bit more info. I plan to just shoot paper. I will just be using it for target shooting. Probably bringing it to the range/buddies to rest and shoot. I don't plan on using it in the field, hunting or anything like that. I want to use it to become a better shot. Trying to get good groups at 50, 100 yards and beyond. So seems like the cabellas scope combo is not worth it. Thinking I will end up looking for a CZ (probably order a new boyds stock for it). I will look into those scopes thanks for the advice. I am still drawn to that Savage BSEV (just looks eye-catching) but not sure if it will fall into my price range including a decent scope. Any other scope suggestions for that use?

Thanks for all the info,
Jon
 
Between your two choices I'd pick a CZ. I don't own either but have handled and shot my buddies CZ455 Varmint with a Leupold 2-7 rimfire scope. The combo may be more than what you want to spend but it's quality stuff.

There's a few Savages (Mark ii's) that catches my eye but they just don't feel like a CZ IMO. Handle the thumbhole models before you buy. I personally don't like them. Puts my wrist in a weird position.

I have a couple scoped bolt-action rimfires but my favourite is a single shot with diopter sights.

Good luck with your search......
 
All I can say is grab that new cz 452 varmint on the equipment exchange right now! Whoevers selling it must have another or they don't know what their selling! Lol. Seriously I've owned all the nicest rimfires all the way up to the cooper lvt and the Anschutz 1727 and sold them all not cuz they aren't nice or good enough,I just didn't need them.. but I kept my cz 452 because it's hands down the nicest rifle under 1000$ I ever owned and it shoots lights out with cci blazer ammo! I've had the savage rimfires too and wouldn't even think twice about the decision. I'd gladly even take a cz 455 over any savage or marlin bolt gun! I hope the info helps. Not trying to confuse you in your decision :)
 
If you got $800 to spend on a 22 rifle/scope combo, I'd agree with those who said CZ. Reliable Gun has CZ455s starting at $549.00, or lurk around the Rimfire EE for a 452 American or Varmint. Pick from Reliable Gun's different Nikon Prostaff Rimfire scopes with and w/o Adjustable Objective for around $200-250.

Ok, so $800 isnt enough, but add a few bucks and you got a quality Rifle and Scope. Not dissing Savage, I got a MK2F and Bushnell Sportview 3-9x32AO that has done MOA at 100 yds a few times, so Savages can be accurate just like the CZs. But I prefer the quality, fit and finish of CZ. Also remember that CZ452/455 can be dryfired without damaging the firing pin or the breechface. That feature alone tilted the choice in CZ's favor, back when I opted to go CZ rather than any other brand.
 
@easyrider. All these years of owning my cz 452 and I didn't know I could dry fire my rifle without damaging the barrel?! Wow haha well I'm glad to hear that :)
 
I second grabbing the 452 Varmint on the exchange. They're not that easy to come by but scopes are so get the rifle then research the the scope and mounts. I have 2 Americans and my buddy has the Varmint. You'll not regret it.
 
JonJonM said:
Thanks for the opinions. Suppose I should have included a bit more info. I plan to just shoot paper. I will just be using it for target shooting. Probably bringing it to the range/buddies to rest and shoot. I don't plan on using it in the field, hunting or anything like that. I want to use it to become a better shot. Trying to get good groups at 50, 100 yards and beyond. So seems like the cabellas scope combo is not worth it. Thinking I will end up looking for a CZ (probably order a new boyds stock for it). I will look into those scopes thanks for the advice. I am still drawn to that Savage BSEV (just looks eye-catching) but not sure if it will fall into my price range including a decent scope. Any other scope suggestions for that use?

Thanks for all the info,
Jon
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After you have decided which rifle to buy don't over look the fact you will need some decent target ammo,don't waist your money on bulk junk
Good bang for the buck when learning or practice is CCI SV ,Aguila SV,SK std Plus
allow some decent coin on a quality optic.Muellers are hit and miss I had one APV junk out of the box my 8-32 target worked awsome.
 
My top five most accurate rim fire rifles for under $600;
5) CZ 544 in .22 bolt repeater, bought used for $500
4) Savage BSEV in 17 hmr bolt repeater, used $450
3) BSA Martini Cadet falling block .22, used $380
2) Anschutz 84 sillouette repeater .22, used $350
1) Marlin 2000 micro grove repeater .22, used $450

Mostly use open sights but I have had a Bushnell dusk to dawn 3x9x40 $100 scope on every rifle except the BSA for hunting and a Bushnell 4x16x50 $240 scope on the same rifles for target work. The Marlin and Anschutz will run target and cheap bulk ammo best best because of their competition bull barrels. All of the above rifles have been purchased within the last 3 years. Hope this helps.
 
Garaldtao said:
My top five most accurate rim fire rifles for under $600;
5) CZ 544 in .22 bolt repeater, bought used for $500
4) Savage BSEV in 17 hmr bolt repeater, used $450
3) BSA Martini Cadet falling block .22, used $380
2) Anschutz 84 sillouette repeater .22, used $350
1) Marlin 2000 micro grove repeater .22, used $450

Mostly use open sights but I have had a Bushnell dusk to dawn 3x9x40 $100 scope on every rifle except the BSA for hunting and a Bushnell 4x16x50 $240 scope on the same rifles for target work. The Marlin and Anschutz will run target and cheap bulk ammo best best because of their competition bull barrels. All of the above rifles have been purchased within the last 3 years. Hope this helps.
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I would think that the Annie would be the most accurate of the lot but the OP shouldn't expect to get one for that price ($350 would be a smoking deal), nor the BSA for that matter.
 
A CZ 452 Varmint .22 LR can be found on the used market for $500. Forget the Boyd's stock, it is completely unnecessary as the CZ stock is excellent, mount the Mueller APV and for under $700 you have an excellent and accurate rig... if you can't learn to shoot well with that, an Anschutz probably won't help you either.
 
Engineer said:
I would think that the Annie would be the most accurate of the lot but the OP shouldn't expect to get one for that price ($350 would be a smoking deal), nor the BSA for that matter.
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I guess the point is that, they are out there for those prices. Just have to do the research so you know what you are looking for or at for that matter. Last night I did the impulse buy thing and purchased an Anschutz 1416 .22 repeater with Lyman sights in good to very good condition from one of the site sponsors for $200. Last month I picked up an CIL 111 in very good condition to excellent for $120. If the OP wants to contact me to see what I am will to sell... and yes the 1416 will be on the market for much more than the $200 I bought it for.lol
 
Garaldtao said:
I guess the point is that, they are out there for those prices. Just have to do the research so you know what you are looking for or at for that matter. Last night I did the impulse buy thing and purchased an Anschutz 1416 .22 repeater with Lyman sights in good to very good condition from one of the site sponsors for $200. Last month I picked up an CIL 111 in very good condition to excellent for $120. If the OP wants to contact me to see what I am will to sell... and yes the 1416 will be on the market for much more than the $200 I bought it for.lol
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What moron sold a 1416 for $200???
 
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