Big decision , need help.

[Onizuka]

Thanks for the reply . Thats why i figured i would ask .
I enjoy target shooting with my centerfires but i can only get to 250 yards at the place where i shoot .

Again its not for competitions , its just for me to see what i can do at various ranges .

What type of shooting do you want to do? Are you primarily wishing to shoot off a bench or prone? Or are you wanting to branch out into unsupported shooting (standing, kneeling, etc), positional shooting (i.e. shooting off props like a barricade) or more action orientated like speed steel.

Why some folks are asking what your intended purpose is to better gauge what sort of recommendations to provide. The fact you aren't really mentioning this, would suggest you primarily shoot off a bench (which is totally fine). If that is the case, CZ457 variants would be a good starting point. They have the most varied aftermarket support (triggers, stocks, scope rails, barrels, etc) and are fairly forgiving with most decent match ammo. If accuracy and precision aren't a high priority, a Ruger RPR offers a lot of adjustability (cheek weld, lop, etc) from the factory.

 

[thebigbully]

My Cz

Has been a 10/10 for me

BDC scope has helped me nail gophers consistantly to 125m

In the end it is up to you....

With biathalon ammo this just makes ragged holes all day long

 

[dead meat]

The 457 MTR is my go to rifle when target shooting, with sk standard + it shoots bug holes. The Tikka T1 is my preferred gopher rifle, even though it has an issue with bolt binding.

 

[Jahnj0584]

Tika > CZ

I hope in 10 years people start to say the same. The T1x is just too new for most people to even realize or recommend it.

 

[Canuck65]

So .
I've decided to get myself a new to me .22 LR .
I'm OK with New or Used ( it seems used are going for more than new at the moment though ) .
I've narrowed my choices are these assuming i can find them .
(1) CZ 457 MTR with 20'' barrel . (2)Tikka T1X (3) Ruger american long range target .
If anyone has experience with any or all of these , please feel free to give Pro's and negatives also accuracy wise .
I do lots of shooting and , now that i am retired , i need something cheaper than reloading for centerfire .
Thanks in advance for any comments and help .

I'm going to go against the grain here, and suggest a rifle not on your list. First, to address the choices you've listed. I have a CZ 455 and it's fine. A friend of mine has a Tikka, and it's better. Even with a standard barrel it outshoots the CZ. Can;t comment on the Ruger.

If Target shooting is what you want to do, I'd suggest you seriously consider an Anschutz. A used (or new) 1913 or 1903 will outshoot anything on your list. It can be endlessly accessorized, and it will hold it's value for resale.

Something to think about anyway.

 

[Kazman1960]

What type of shooting do you want to do? Are you primarily wishing to shoot off a bench or prone? Or are you wanting to branch out into unsupported shooting (standing, kneeling, etc), positional shooting (i.e. shooting off props like a barricade) or more action orientated like speed steel.

Why some folks are asking what your intended purpose is to better gauge what sort of recommendations to provide. The fact you aren't really mentioning this, would suggest you primarily shoot off a bench (which is totally fine). If that is the case, CZ457 variants would be a good starting point. They have the most varied aftermarket support (triggers, stocks, scope rails, barrels, etc) and are fairly forgiving with most decent match ammo. If accuracy and precision aren't a high priority, a Ruger RPR offers a lot of adjustability (cheek weld, lop, etc) from the factory.

I typically shoot from the bed of my truck in prone most of the time .
When its hunting time , well whatever the opportunity is to use a shooting stick , that,s what i try and use .
Lately i,ve been trying to shoot kneeling using a Primos trigger stick using my hunting rifles ( Browning 270 WSM and 300 win mags ) .
I sometimes try open sites standing as i like the challenge .
.44 Lever action rifle, SKS and shotgun with slugs all out to 100 yards .
With the .22 and .22 mag , i want to see whats the best i can do on targets and then use that for bird or small game shooting . I also intend to get one of those KYL spinners to help hone my skill .
I am newly retired ( getting old lol ) so i have time now but $$$ for centerfire hurts , thats why i am venturing to the rimfire world

 

[Kazman1960]

Tika > CZ

I hope in 10 years people start to say the same. The T1x is just too new for most people to even realize or recommend it.

Just want to thank all for their replies in this thread .
I gave myself a timeline of today to decide and decide i did .
I ended up ordering a Tikka from Cabelas due to the fact they were on discount and free shipping .
I also ordered a spare mag and MDT scope rail .
I am still considering a CZ but the used ones that are for sale are often more expensive than a new one ( supply vs demand i guess ) .
Ill see how this Tikka does in regards to function and shooting wise .
Next on the list is yet another scope lol .
Any ideas ?

 

[OkayShooter]

Just want to thank all for their replies in this thread .
I gave myself a timeline of today to decide and decide i did .
I ended up ordering a Tikka from Cabelas due to the fact they were on discount and free shipping .
I also ordered a spare mag and MDT scope rail .
I am still considering a CZ but the used ones that are for sale are often more expensive than a new one ( supply vs demand i guess ) .
Ill see how this Tikka does in regards to function and shooting wise .
Next on the list is yet another scope lol .
Any ideas ?

Tikka should be fine.

I kinda like the Athlon line for scopes. But 22s are like Lays chips. You cannot have just 1..

 

[Kazman1960]

Tikka should be fine.

I kinda like the Athlon line for scopes. But 22s are like Lays chips. You cannot have just 1..

Im on #2 plus a 22 mag and 17 HMR

 

[PMGers]

CZ 457

 

[Poffels]

I have had Athlon Midas and ETR, nice scopes, but all my 22's now run Arken scopes, actually all my guns do. For you I would suggest the EPL 4 6-24

 

[Kazman1960]

I have had Athlon Midas and ETR, nice scopes, but all my 22's now run Arken scopes, actually all my guns do. For you I would suggest the EPL 4 6-24

Ive been looking for those scopes for a while now , they seem to be as common as that CZ 457 MTR lol .

 

[Hardhammer]

Getting one of each is another option

 

[maifire]

You may need to let a coin decide, if you do end up finding both.
Have a blast with your new rifle!

 

[Rankuwa]

Great questions. From the list of your three choices my pick (and seemingly the most popular) would be the CV 457 Varmint MTR. I am in the same stage of decision as you are. That said, I am leaning to a Bergara B14R 22LR platform. You can buy just the Bergara barrelled action. It's based on the Remington 700 so there are lots of upgrades and extras available. The B14R comes with a stock/chassis that has an aluminum internal frame surrounded by the polymer. I have swayed back and forth between this set up and the CZ457 for sometime now.

I recently was in a similar dilemma and ended up with the B14R after shooting all the alternatives. CZ was definitely a strong contender but I liked the R700 compatibility as well as the ready to go chassis/stock. I also appreciate that the weight better mimics my centrefire bolts and has already improved my technique on them.

Trigger can be adjusted down to about 2lbs and feels good, but I just picked up a two stage Triggertech because I hate money apparently.

 

[diegocn]

CZ if you want to do barrel swap down the road.
Bergara if you already own a bunch of Remington 700 footprint stocks/chassis.
Ruger Precision Rimfire if you want to shoot PRS match and stay in production division or don't indent to modify the rifle at all.
Savage MK2 or B22 if tight on budget, it's just as good within 100 yards.

 

[horseman2]

At 100/200 metres the CZ's and T1X both come to the matches.
The Ruger is not competitive.
My T1X was bought as a gopher gun and will groups close to 1" at 100 yards with Blazer and CCI SV.

 

[Meroh]

Just want to thank all for their replies in this thread .
I gave myself a timeline of today to decide and decide i did .
I ended up ordering a Tikka from Cabelas due to the fact they were on discount and free shipping .
I also ordered a spare mag and MDT scope rail .
I am still considering a CZ but the used ones that are for sale are often more expensive than a new one ( supply vs demand i guess ) .
Ill see how this Tikka does in regards to function and shooting wise .
Next on the list is yet another scope lol .
Any ideas ?

Yes, supply and demand. The importers have told me that CZ is concentrating on Military contracts of late; and with the recent new bans, people are looking for "safe" guns to buy so they can continue shooting.

 

[Kazman1960]

I have had Athlon Midas and ETR, nice scopes, but all my 22's now run Arken scopes, actually all my guns do. For you I would suggest the EPL 4 6-24

Does anyone know what the difference is between Gens 1 and 2 for the Arken scopes ?
I may have found a Gen 1 for sale but if they're not much good , ill let it pass.

 

[Kazman1960]

Yes, supply and demand. The importers have told me that CZ is concentrating on Military contracts of late; and with the recent new bans, people are looking for "safe" guns to buy so they can continue shooting.

That explains a lot .