Dedicated irons sight rifle which one.

What would your rifle of choice be to get a dedicated Quality iron sight 22LR trainer in a full size rifle mainly to be used shooting unsupported at 25 yards shooting paper.

I have a few scoped 22lr rifles. But want something to really practice shrinking my iron sight groupings.

Something $1500 or under. Logic dictates a 457 lux, premium or jaguar (which of the three) as I had a few other 457s. But I wouldn’t mind something else either.
I originally noted the 54 auctioned 1807at Reliable but it is not as well suited for 25 yards offhand as the 190 ( 64 action) C.I.L.or even the 180 would be as it is a U.I.T. rifke designed for 50 meter 3cat position match shooting .
The 190 is a lighter gun as is the 180, both would be better suited for a 25 yard trainer IMO and far more affordable
Cat
 
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For OP, if you do go with one of the single shot target rifles, make yourself a cartridge block like this to keep track of shot strings on each target. I made this from a piece of scrap 2x4 as a test and will eventually make one from a piece of fancy hardwood. The holes were drilled with a 1/4" Forstner bit so they are clean edged and flat bottomed.

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Mark
 
For OP, if you do go with one of the single shot target rifles, make yourself a cartridge block like this to keep track of shot strings on each target. I made this from a piece of scrap 2x4 as a test and will eventually make one from a piece of fancy hardwood. The holes were drilled with a 1/4" Forstner bit so they are clean edged and flat bottomed.

4QOVevs.jpeg



Mark
Or take the plastic tray ones ( like Eley ) and put a sliver of foam under so it pushes the rounds up, so you can grab it more.

When I shot F class. I would arrange the rounds, to my targets. Example. 5 Bulleye target, 2 shots each. I have 2 rounds arranged as the target are laid out.

** ** **
** **

So could tell what target I was shooting, as well number of rounds left to shoot.

Or 2 bulleyes target, 5 shot each.

* * * *
* *
* * * *

I have ADHD so can lose track easily.

Anschutz 64s can be found for under 600$. This 1403 Repeater was 550 minus sights.

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IF for plinking, hunting and having fun... This... Serious iron sight target shooting.... Anschutz.

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Anschutz usually doesn't come with a Ruger 10/22 action or magazine or axe to throw at the target when the semiauto jams up and won't shoot.

The 10/22 is a fun plinker, but a real Anschutz bolt-action takes wonderfulness and accuracy to a new level. You need both.
 
I have ADHD so can lose track easily.
I don't have ADHD and can lose track easily. It is super easy to shoot the wrong target in the middle of a competition when your brain is busy with everything else. And who here hasn't shot their neighbour's target in the middle of a string at a service rifle match? 😱:whistle:


Mark
 
Thanks all. My experience with irons is limited. I presently own an old browning sa22 (wheel sight) my Henry frontier 22wmr with buckhorns and now a peep sight, and a Mosin.

I don’t think I want to go to the full on olyimpic style sights as I just don’t have the eyesight for much more than 25 yards. Non scoped competition is undoubtedly not going to happen. I have shot a 10” target at 100 meters and got all 50 on paper multiple times but the groupings are generallly around 6-8”. At 25yards I can see the target far clearer and can usually keep groupings at an inch off the bench or thee inches free hand.

I currently plan to sell my custom 10/22 to fund this. Once it’s gone I think I will head over to the LGS and see what I like the feel of. At this point I thinking the LUX fits my ideal use the best. But will keep an eye on the used market for an Anschutz. I am also kinda tossing idea of a Browning BL-22 more so just because I really enjoy my Henry and the Browning is just a finer rifle.
 
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Tinybear, glad to see you followed up. If you really don’t plan on shooting past the 25 why not just get a factory barrel and basic stock and upgrade the sights on your 10/22 you already have? Thats what I use. Mine has a Lyman front sight with inserts and williams peep and i added weight to the stock for the perfect balance. It can produce groups better than my ability at 25 yards. You probably have a great trigger on the rifle that you are used to already. As for the BL22, I could never get it to group as well as my 10/22 at 25 due to the basic sights and heavy trigger. By all means look at another rifle but for my my needs which seem similar to yours I am very happy with my custom 10/22 and don’t have to pause to cycle the action. I also have a Remington 572 BDL that I can get some really good offhand groups at 25 yards and is a lot of fun to shoot.
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Another one to consider - you can find 'surplus' Brno2 training rifles at SFRC amongst others. They have the same great iron sights as the newer CZ457 Training model. They can be a restoration project, but are reasonably priced and go on sale occasionally. I picked up a 1966 vintage one in neglected condition, but with a bit of work and a magazine it's fantastic. Only drawback is a 16mm dovetail, it's a bit more work to find rings if you want to scope it. Tikka T3 rings with a bit of dremel work on the locating pin do the job.

You also mentioned you didn't want receiver sights, but the Savage MkII FVT is a great option too. My eyes are pretty 'broken in', but can still use the target sights no problem!
 

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I perfer peep/apetures vs V/U notch.

Maybe you should trial different type of sights to see what you like first.

Because sights can be added to any gun. Like your wood stock 10/22. Id get a ramp or dovetail installed on say your muzzle brake. Then there are rear sights for rails.
 
My dedicated iron site rifle is my 30-30 but am adding my cz527 222rem to that list.
I just picked up a NECG rear peep.
It'll be my shorter range coyote gun
 
Really tough to beat a 10/22, especially since there are so many aftermarket rear sight options available. I have an early (2010) Henry h001 with over 15,000 rounds through it that has never worn a scope. I intend to get another one with a skinner aperture sight and thinner front post.
 
A lot of this is honestly just wanting another toy as my Henry Frontier with the skinner sight is likely just fine for the roll even in 22wmr it’s chambered in.

But being my preference for bolt guns and lever guns I figured why not sell off the under used Ruger and get a toy I more enjoy.

Hard to say what to do really as the Ruger has worked well for me. I got it and set it up specifically for maple seed and in the roll it worked epically.
 
I’ll Put my vote in for the 457 Lux. At 25yds you should be good with the supplied irons although a peep would be better. Mine is extremely accurate in 17hmr.
I had to scope mine for the 40-50 yard distances I shoot most.
 
But being my preference for bolt guns and lever guns I figured why not sell off the under used Ruger and get a toy I more enjoy.
You should have said so in the first place. No one here is against finding a reason/excuse to buy a new gun. In general we're probably closer to pushers than enablers and certainly there will be no voices of reason here. More guns = better, period.

I recommend aperture sights, but that's my preference because they are the best version of iron sights. Otherwise, your CZ457 is just fine and so are all the CIL/Anschutz, Anschutz, Schultz & Larson and other target rifle options mentioned. If possible, maybe test drive an aperture sighted single shot target rifle such as these before you buy. They are a unique type of rifle and some people love them while others are not interested. If you're near central Alberta you're welcome to try my CIL/Anschutz 190.


Mark
 
When I bought my S&L in 2017, it had been beautifully restored by a fellow G'Nutter. I knew nothing about aperture sighted single shots but knew I had to try one out.
The S&L is a solid rifle and one I'm proud to own even tho it didn't cost me an arm and a leg and did I mention it shoots great?
After getting used to the Sights the package impressed me. Here's a pic of my first outing (2017) shooting CCI SV (because that was the best ammo I had lol) at 25yrds indoors off a front bean bag 5x rounds. You could tell this is an old pic because my cell phone pic sucks :)
S&Ltarget.jpeg
 
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