Best out-of-the-box under $1000

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manitoba

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I would like a .22 that is well built, good looking (which for me means wood, not tacti-cool) accurate, reliable, and of lasting value.

I read on these forums various problems/challenges with different guns, and it seems that most need a trigger job or a custom trigger or some such.

What I want is to buy a .22lr that is ready to go right out of the box, with no gunsmithing or extra parts needed.

I want to use it for informal target shooting/plinking and hunting small game. I like bolt actions and accuracy, but don't need anything extreme. The $1000 is an upper limit for sure, and $500 would be a bit more comfortable.

I'm considering the Rugger 22/77, the Weatherby Mk XXII, the CZ 453 or 452, and also the Buckmark Sporter rifle, the only semi of the bunch.

In this sort of range, does anyone have recommendations for a good all-rounder with no modifications needed?

Many thanks!
 
Sounds to me like you're describing a CZ. The only one I've owned was a 452 in .17HMR, no experience with the .22lr. Anyhow, beautiful guns for the money.
 
You Want the cz 452, it is exactly what you describe, if you want lasting value find the fullstock or the 16 inch american version.

Look at the premiums brnos fetch these days.

A used Walther KKJ or Sako p72 or m78 will also fit the bill if you can find them for under 1k.

If you want a semi, the Thompson R-55 needs consideration as its exceeds the accuracy requirement
 
I'm a value/budget guy, (take that for what it is), that means I bought the Savage Mark II BV and I did it used.

With your budget, I'd get a CZ 452 Varmint and a nice variable scope without at seconds hesitation.
 
I agree with dizzy concerning R-55 as a choice for a semi-auto, you can't get extra parts to improve it ..because it doesn't need it
Mine cost me $588 including taxes and shipping
Bob
 
If I was to add another 22lr rifle to the collection, it would probably be a Browning T-Bolt...

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sillymike said:
If I was to add another 22lr rifle to the collection, it would probably be a Browning
Click to expand...

I want to like the T-Bolt, but the plastic trigger and trigger guard is a deal killer for me on a rifle of that price. My pick would therefore be the CZ, or perhaps an Anschuetz 1416 (which has the same barreled action as the Weatherby XXII) if you want to push the upper limit of your budget.
 
manitoba said:
What I want is to buy a .22lr that is ready to go right out of the box, with no gunsmithing or extra parts needed.

I want to use it for informal target shooting/plinking and hunting small game. I like bolt actions and accuracy, but don't need anything extreme. The $1000 is an upper limit for sure, and $500 would be a bit more comfortable.
Click to expand...

Used CZ452s can be found on the EE. Most of us .22LR shooters take care of our CZs, so chances are, with a little bit of luck and negotiating skills, you'll find a good one for much. A Yodave trigger kit is the cheapest and quickest ticket to a great shooting CZ.

I bought and sold many .22s but my CZs are not going anywhere. They are like marrying a smart, trophy wife.

I am with those who say buy a .22LR. You won't be sorry. Ammo selection is endless so you will find something that will work for your needs. If and when you need something more powerful, you are ready for a .22 centerfire.
 
Slight change

So I know I said I wanted "out of the box" quality with no need for improvements. However, I just couldn't find everything in one place.

I ordered a CZ 452 with the full Manlicher stock and open sights. I might scope it anyway, but I like open sites and full stocks. I would have gone with a 453 for the set trigger, but they aren't available in this configuration. I also ordered the kit from Yodave and the punch, and hope to do this myself with the instructions and videos on-line.

Finally, I should mention as others did that I wrote to Wholesale sports about the Weatherby and got no response. Earlier they said there were three in SK, but none on-line or in Winnipeg.
 
manitoba said:
So I know I said I wanted "out of the box" quality with no need for improvements. However, I just couldn't find everything in one place.

I ordered a CZ 452 with the full Manlicher stock and open sights. I might scope it anyway, but I like open sites and full stocks. I would have gone with a 453 for the set trigger, but they aren't available in this configuration. I also ordered the kit from Yodave and the punch, and hope to do this myself with the instructions and videos on-line.

Finally, I should mention as others did that I wrote to Wholesale sports about the Weatherby and got no response. Earlier they said there were three in SK, but none on-line or in Winnipeg.
Click to expand...

I think you bought a better gun than the Weatherby. with the Weatherby you get a name and an anschutz 64 action which is not more accurate than the fullstock you ordered. With the yodave trigger kit you have yourself a great rifle. I have owned many high end 22's and if the chips were down and I could only keep one. it would be the CZ scout hands down. The sights are robust, it consistently shoots the widest variety of ammo the best, the rifle is very well built and there is nothing finiky about it.
 
Good buy with the CZ 452 Manlicher. It is one of the few .22 LR I would be willing to buy now after getting my CZ 452, other than a Martini style action.

Williams sights make a peep sight that I have ordered that apparently is quite good. Also a fellow on Rimfire Central sells Olympic style aperture sights that might work on the Manlicher (I still have to order my set).

Now I'm looking at other CZ's in other calibers such as .22 hornet and 7.62x39mm....
 
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