best rim fire bolt action rifle advice

For what I have spent on CZ452's and sold, and CZ455's as keepers, it would have been worth it to have bought a Anschutz 1710 or 1712 . . . once!

Just punching paper go for a varmint weight barrel. Along that same vein, a 4.5 -14, 4-16, 6-18 or 6-24 in variables and fixed powers from 12 - 36 powers.

If just punching paper research the cost of match ammo . . . use lead bullets for accuracy versus the copper washed.

When buying match ammo one would want to find what their rifle prefers then buy a case.

Punching paper opens up a number of other fields . . . Bench rest and silhouette . . . and both have rules and restrictions.

Don't ever believe you can just have one 22 nor one scope. CZ owners often suffer from CeeZitis! I will leave my signature open . . .
 
Three shooting buddies have the MKll Savages in .22lr. They are all well pleased with them.

It is an amazingly accurate rifle & a real bargain.

That would be my 2 cents. CZ's are excellent rifles, with pretty awesome workmanship, but not much better in terms of accuracy, and twice the price,
 
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.

^this. I've had lots of Savages come and go over the years (93s in 17HMR and in 22WMR) and a few Mark IIs in .22lr. Only the last one I had was actually a bad one, but most have worked OK. The truth is, they just don't stack-up to the CZs. (2 CZs and one BRNO for me so far) To make matters worse, the price on Savages are creeping up while the quality doesn't seem to reflect that. I don't have overly deep pockets but every Savage rimfire I've owned left me feeling I overpaid...and every CZ/BRNO I've owned made me feel I got a great deal on it considering the quality/performance. So even though they cost a little more, you're getting an awful lot more. Like Hoyt says, I'd hold-out for a 452, and probably a Varmint model considering the way you plan on using it. The extra weight shooting from a bench or prone will be an advantage for you. CZ has stopped making 452s, but they come up for sale used often enough, I think there is one in the EE now.

Scopes~I'm partial to Sightron these days, my 452 wears an S1, 4-12xAO and it's great for my needs. They're around $275-$300 now +tax/shipping and I don't know what the Mueller APVs are selling for these days. I had a Mueller APT once and it was a very decent scope for the $. I know the APV models are better-priced, and are held in high regard.

Distance~100 yards is a fair distance for 22LR to be trying to punch paper...AND get super-accurate results. If you're hunting small game...that's different, but there are better tools for the 100 yard game. 17HMR (especially CZs and older Marlin 917s in my experience) can punch small groups @ 100 yards almost effortlessly if you do your part. However, for high-volume shooting/casual target shooting 22s are fun out that far for sure. I generally target shoot with my 452 (22LR) anywhere from 50-75 yards, but have whacked gophers out west at well over 2x that distance. (half luck maybe :) ) I barely consider 22s to be 100 yard guns for MOST intents and purposes.

You didn't ask.. but this is probably the best photo of my 452 Varmint, sorry you have to look at my mug in it. lol

IMG_2722_zpskelz3hvu.jpg
 
oh yeah...a note on the thumbhole. People love them, or they hate them. I'm in the second group. They look nifty enough, just don't feel right to me in use. Especially prone.
 
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.

want to double your money today? PM me lol.

I'm going to put in a vote for a Norinco NS522 if you can find 1.. it will outshoot the Savage and the CZ.

Of the bench/target .22s I've had, I sold my Savage BV and FV-SR and one of my CZ's to buy my Anschutz Match 64 silhouette, but still have the NS522.
 
Czs have a marginally tighter bore than nearly all other 22s.. the norinco 522 and target 22's have a chocked bore. This is important as the lead completely fills the bore keeping gases from passing by it so when the projectile leaves the muzzle on the CZ norinco and target rifles it doesn't wobble and therefore is more accurate. CZ rifles will consistently be the most accurate in your price range period. Some savages may shoot as good but most won't. CZ holds its resell better than others so you won't lose money if you don like it. CZ fit and finish is comparable to some $1000 rifles for half the price. CZ In Your price range is best bang for buck. Then buy a used leupold scope and you are golden.
 
for the scope go for a nikon rimfire ii, amazing glass, adjustable parallax, comes in 3-9 and 4-12. I got the 3-9 and it works excellent for target shooting. 4-12 would be better for 100yrds plus though
 
Czs have a marginally tighter bore than nearly all other 22s.. the norinco 522 and target 22's have a chocked bore. This is important as the lead completely fills the bore keeping gases from passing by it so when the projectile leaves the muzzle on the CZ norinco and target rifles it doesn't wobble and therefore is more accurate. CZ rifles will consistently be the most accurate in your price range period. Some savages may shoot as good but most won't. CZ holds its resell better than others so you won't lose money if you don like it. CZ fit and finish is comparable to some $1000 rifles for half the price. CZ In Your price range is best bang for buck. Then buy a used leupold scope and you are golden.

CZ452 with a used Leupold would be a "winning combination" IMO.
 
I had my heart set on a CZ 455 Evolution, but then I shouldered one annnnd no. Like others have said, shoulder what you can and see if they fit. I have the Savage TRR in both .22 and .17, like them both. Also have a CZ 455 Supermatch, also very nice. I am certainly looking at more CZ rifles, but I think I'm good on the Savages.
 
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.

Here are several 452 in the EE right now and a 455 too iirc.
There is also a Sako FinFire, but that's more money than your looking to spend.
Don't wait to long or those two or three CZ's will be gone.
There are a couple of guys who are disenfranchised with the CZ line, but there are more who are not.
Or one can find a Browning pump or lever action or failing that a Ruger or a CIL.
Buy the CZ and see what everyone is talking about.
Rob
 
Hmm lots of good info and opinions. Looks like the CZ with a decent scope is the way to go. I know the 452s are no longer made. I don't really have a problem buying used long as everything is in decent condition. I see 455s for sale from a few places. What is the big difference between the models? I have also seen the terms Standard American Lux and things like that. What do those terms mean?

Thanks for all the advice,

Jon
 
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