Bolt Action 22LR Advice

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JP23

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Hi everyone,

Been looking to move up from my 795 to a bolt action 22LR, was wondering what guns you guys would recommend. I intend to use it for small game hunting and have future plans on joining a club to get involved with target/competition shooting.

I've heard on this forum that it may be better to pony up for an Anschutz to start vs. working through the Savages and CZs. I know this may sound crazy but I'm looking to get one really good lifetime 22LR bolt action, preferably with a wood/laminate stock. I'm not particularly fussed whether it is a single shot or repeater.

I've been looking at Trade Ex and noted a couple of the Anschutz rifles listed, especially the Match 54 ones. Is it crazy to take one of these match/target rifles out for hunting? I believe they could be in excess of 10 lbs?

Thanks, looking forward to your opinions.

Cheers.
 
Not trying for a shameless plug but I have the perfect rifle for you in the EE. A Walther kkj-t sporter. Lightweight single shot and very accurate. The action on these are comparable to the 54 anschutz. I've had numerous Czs and this is a much nicer rifle. The trigger is adjustable for target use to under 1lb or a quick adjustment to 3lbs for hunting. They also come with swivels so you can add a sling and carry it.
Pm me for anymore details.
 
My savage mark II is far more accurate than I will ever be. Light weight and perfect for hunting. the only problems ive encountered with mine are that if you drop the mags hard enough they will explode (the mags not the ammo lol). but mags are cheap enough @ 25$ per mag. Also their accurtrigger is very easy to adjust. takes about 15 minutes.
 
Why have only one .22 bolt? For your field gun, the Savage MKIIF or G with tapered barrel are accurate enough, very reasonably priced and downright cheap on the the EE. You don't need to buy new.

Buy the one Anschutz of your choice, if that is your desire. I'd rather have two or three CZs for the price of an Annie, just me being cheap. Don't see the need to spend three times the money to have the most accurate 22. I've had a Annie 1416D (double set trigger) ca. 1980s, and I prefer the feel of my CZ452s.
 
JP23 said:
Hi everyone,

Been looking to move up from my 795 to a bolt action 22LR, was wondering what guns you guys would recommend. I intend to use it for small game hunting and have future plans on joining a club to get involved with target/competition shooting.

I've heard on this forum that it may be better to pony up for an Anschutz to start vs. working through the Savages and CZs. I know this may sound crazy but I'm looking to get one really good lifetime 22LR bolt action, preferably with a wood/laminate stock. I'm not particularly fussed whether it is a single shot or repeater.

I've been looking at Trade Ex and noted a couple of the Anschutz rifles listed, especially the Match 54 ones. Is it crazy to take one of these match/target rifles out for hunting? I believe they could be in excess of 10 lbs?

Thanks, looking forward to your opinions.

Cheers.
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It's not easy to find a rifle that will be good for hunting and also good for competition shooting. You may have to compromise and look for one that can do a bit of both. First of all, the Trade Ex Match 54's are not good hunting rifles. They are heavy and single shot. Any of these would need a scope with a lower magnification range for hunting. Diopters are suitable for target shooting only, while off the bench a scope with higher magnification than used for hunting would be desirable.

A lightweight target rifle like the Walther KKJ-T referred to above might do the trick. It's very accurate, has a trigger than can be used at about 3 pounds for hunting and it can be quickly and easily set to ounces for target shooting. It usually comes with diopters and can be scoped. I have one and like it a great deal. It's a single shot.

Alternatives include a CZ 452 Varmint, still available new, which is an excellent choice for a CZ as a compromise for both hunting and target shooting with a scope. The CZ 455 Varmint is also a candidate, although I am not a fan of the 455 model line as I've found both the 452's I've had to be much more accurate out of the box.

The best alternative is an Anschutz, which has the drawback of a higher price tag. Nordic Marksman has had the 1416 on sale and it would likely be more accurate out of the box than any CZ. There are other Anschutz models which can bridge the hunting/target shooting compromise as well as can be expected. Take a look at Nordic's website.
 
How deep are your pockets? If the budget allows, you should set your sights on a 54 action Anschutz. Been there, done that. Pulled the trigger on a 1710 DKL when Nordic had a sale. Last bolt gun I'll ever need.
 
grauhanen said:
It's not easy to find a rifle that will be good for hunting and also good for competition shooting. You may have to compromise and look for one that can do a bit of both. First of all, the Trade Ex Match 54's are not good hunting rifles. They are heavy and single shot. Any of these would need a scope with a lower magnification range for hunting. Diopters are suitable for target shooting only, while off the bench a scope with higher magnification than used for hunting would be desirable.

A lightweight target rifle like the Walther KKJ-T referred to above might do the trick. It's very accurate, has a trigger than can be used at about 3 pounds for hunting and it can be quickly and easily set to ounces for target shooting. It usually comes with diopters and can be scoped. I have one and like it a great deal. It's a single shot.

Alternatives include a CZ 452 Varmint, still available new, which is an excellent choice for a CZ as a compromise for both hunting and target shooting with a scope. The CZ 455 Varmint is also a candidate, although I am not a fan of the 455 model line as I've found both the 452's I've had to be much more accurate out of the box.

The best alternative is an Anschutz, which has the drawback of a higher price tag. Nordic Marksman has had the 1416 on sale and it would likely be more accurate out of the box than any CZ. There are other Anschutz models which can bridge the hunting/target shooting compromise as well as can be expected. Take a look at Nordic's website.
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Yes, I've been looking into the Walther Savagecanuck recommended above. Issue is potential lack of support and difficulty in sourcing parts.

Did my research on the CZ line of 452s and 455s. And you are in the majority to state the 452s are better than the 455 line. Lowest price I found for the 452 Varmint is $670 from Frontier Firearms.

Given the Walther KKJ has a comparable action to the Anschutz 54, the 1416 sports a 64 action which most folks deem it to be less superior to the 54. Do you think the price difference of more than $1K for a 54 would justify the better support Anschutz has and availability of parts?
 
easyrider604 said:
Why have only one .22 bolt? For your field gun, the Savage MKIIF or G with tapered barrel are accurate enough, very reasonably priced and downright cheap on the the EE. You don't need to buy new.

Buy the one Anschutz of your choice, if that is your desire. I'd rather have two or three CZs for the price of an Annie, just me being cheap. Don't see the need to spend three times the money to have the most accurate 22. I've had a Annie 1416D (double set trigger) ca. 1980s, and I prefer the feel of my CZ452s.
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I am keen on training with a rifle that I plan to use on the field, plus I have limited space to store firearms :(
 
metalbender said:
How deep are your pockets? If the budget allows, you should set your sights on a 54 action Anschutz. Been there, done that. Pulled the trigger on a 1710 DKL when Nordic had a sale. Last bolt gun I'll ever need.
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Out of curiosity, how much did you pay for your 1710? I'd rather buy once and cry once.
 
I love trying to spend other people's money. :) OK~here goes..

I think first-off, budget is the big question..talking rifle alone, not rings/optics/spare mags, etc. If you want to be in say...the new Savage line B22, you'd be around $450 after tax here in Ontario. CZ452 Varmint? About $675 after tax if you found a good price. Anschutz? Close to about $1,100 at the lower end, then the sky is the limit from there. If you don't have any constraints there, then I'd maybe suggest focussing on the Anschutz line and Nordic's site~as mentioned already. Brad is a first-class guy, he'll steer you straight. However, based on your thread starter...you've sort of lumped Savage/CZ into the same category when in reality, there is no real comparison between them. A CZ IS a rifle of a lifetime, with an ounce of care...your grandchildren will be passing it onto their kids. I'm also of the opinion that CZs (452s) will deliver accuracy, will live-up to your expectations for a gun costing almost $700...the Savage might not "feel" like a good investment at nearly $500. For the record, I've had maybe 4-5 Savage rimfires...2 CZ 452 Varmints and a BRNO 2E (older CZ) I've seen a recent thread here where someone was getting outstanding accuracy from their Savage and I will also admit that I sort of dig the looks of the new Savage B22 rifles. However, budget aside for a moment...I can't imagine many shooters would pick a Savage anything over a CZ given the choice, and seeing them side-by-side. In fact, I'd urge you to have a look AT both side-by-side, but educate yourself on the differences between CZ452s (discontinued, but still a few around) and the newer 455s. I love CZs, but the only ones of interest to me are the 452s. Savage? I think most will shoot as well/better than your Marlin 795...quite possibly WAY better. Not trying to slam them, I just think Savage QC isn't (or hasn't) been keeping pace with the asking prices. If you're approaching "CZ" prices, you're better off WITH a CZ is what I guess I'm taking too long to say.

I think to be totally happy you'd probably be better-off with 2 rifles but decide on how you think you'll use ONE gun most...and go from there. So the quick answers~Savage if your budget is around $500 CZ if your budget is around $700. Anschutz if it's $1,100+ Assuming mid-range, CZ452 "American" (Standard barrel weight) for walking/hiking/hunting CZ452 Varmint for target shooting, shooting prone, etc.
 
1727, 1710, 1416. Pick whichever suits your budget. I went for a Cooper 57M, which would likely be outshot by the Anschutz rifles, but it was exactly what I wanted for my "forever" hunting rimfire, and I don't regret it for a second.
 
JP23 said:
Do you think the price difference of more than $1K for a 54 would justify the better support Anschutz has and availability of parts?
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Not when you start off by asking about Savage...

You likely won't regret buying any current Anschutz, while I love the 54 AND 64 actions, the profile and contour of the Annie stocks fit my large hands very poorly, CZ stocks are far more comfortable for me.... I have both.... you should handle them before buying.
 
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vstar650ca said:
I have a $200 Norinco JW-15 with a cheap Simmons scope and the darn thing is more accurate then it should be
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My Toz78 purchased new with 4 magazines for around $150 taxed and shipped back when they were being sold is a frikin laser beam..... :)

OP, might as well get a nice handling repeater first and then if you get into competition later you can get another rifle if your first is holding you back.
 
Without a doubt the one rifle that I'd "grab and go" if I had to evacuate my house would be my CZ 452 Varmint. Why? Because it shoots Eley ammo only slightly better than CCI and for my needs I can shoot what I need to shoot using 40gr Velocitor ammo. After all, why grab the expensive Anschutz setup when CZ 452 can do the job almost as well (for my needs).

Get a 452 Varmint. You'll be happy you did.
 
IMHO, I wouldn't be comfortable taking a super pricey .22 rifle into the woods and risk it getting scruffed up. I'd start off with a cheaper rifle for hunting and try some competition shooting with it. If you don't find the competitive shooting is for you then you haven't spent $1000+. If it is, then bring out the big guns and buy the Annie etc. I think a CZ452 American or Varmint would be a good start. Or an NS522 if you can find one.
 
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