Bolt Action 22LR Advice
- Thread starter JP23
- Start date
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.
Yep, the CZ 452 Varmint is on my consideration list, I am of the opinion that the bull/heavy barrel may aid in accuracy. Any particular reason why I shouldn't spring for the newer 455 version? QC issues?
You are more apt to get a problem child with a 455, buy the 452 and get a Yo-Dave spring kit(advertised somewhere on the web site,Tammy?) with the kit you can get the pull down to ounces, the kit is not expensive and is not difficult to install.
If you want a FOREVER rifle AND plan on some target shooting then LOOK FOR YOURSELF at what brand many top shooters are using. ANSHUTZ or WALTHER. A friend bought an ANSHUTZ in the spring and the first time out shot a 50 yard 5 shot group under 1/4" using PEEP SIGHTS. ( easily covered by a dime with room to spare). Nordic Marksman ( sight sponsor ) should be able to get you what you want for about $1400. Pay once, cry once and enjoy it forever.
Yeah, my biggest regret was talking myself out of getting an Anschütz 1710 rifle and buying a CZ 455 "Canadian" instead. The thing has been nothing but a money pit and headache. I've bought 3 CZ 455's in the last year, "Canadian", American, and Full Stock in .22 LR. Best accuracy was 0.8's at 50 yards with Midas + in one, 1"+ with the others no matter what ammo. Got a .17 HMR barrel for the full stock and I can honestly say ammo quality is the only thing holding that one back. 455 quality is all over the map, yep, some people get good ones and will rave about them, but reality is a current manufacture CZ is a huge gamble for the money they cost. Anschütz will perform to your expectations, if not they will sort you out and give you something you'll be happy with. Can't say the same about CZ warranty here in Canada.....
I also had a Savage that was quite accurate, but I didn't like the overall design and build quality of it. CZ design is a step above, just lacking in QC and consistency. I would only buy a CZ again if I could fully QC inspect it myself with my borescope, crowns and chambers are noted issues with them now.
That's only because the 1416 is on sale for a really good price right now. Regular retail for the basic 1416 Annie is 1300.00
I really don't think you could go wrong with the 1416 D KL that is on sale at Nordic Marksman right now, I'm surprised they aren't sold out already.
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Just thought I'd post my 2 bits.....I was and still am a big CZ fan, but I recently picked up a used but mint 1416 Annie from a gentleman on the EE and it shot lights out at 50mts with Eley ammo even beating my CZ453(which has a set trigger).Like someone suggested buy once cry once. Invest in the Annie on sale now at under 1000.00 from Nordic Marksmen you wont regret it.
Hey JP~the CZ452 and 453 (same as a 452, only a set trigger) were built with their barrels threaded into the receiver. Rock solid set-up. CZ...for cost-saving reasons...moved to a less expensive method of mechanically fastening the barrel to the receiver, then spun that decision as being a benefit to shooters because now they could change barrels themselves. Now, I've never owned/shot a 455 so my own opinion has less to do with crapping on them..and more to do with saying I believe the 452s were built the way they should be. 452s (and my BRNO 2E) have proven to be very good guns with ZERO issues. Exceedingly accurate too. That, in contrast to some of the stories I've read about 455s and well...only 452s are on my radar when it comes to CZs. In fact, I need another 22 like I need a kick in the arse, but I'm after a 452 "Scout" right now.
I think I'd get a 452 Varmint in 22LR if I were you. A Yo Dave trigger kit is inexpensive and does a nice job of improving the factory trigger. If you can find a 453 Varmint, that upgrade won't be required...but mine is a 452 with that easy mod and it's a shooter for sure. Great target gun, but even for a heavy barrel... manageable in the field too. All my "hunting" is done prone, off a bipod. If you can call gopher shooting "hunting" that is.
Last fall my 1710 was $1800 and change. Add a ten rand mag, taxes and shipping, total to my door just over 2 k. Cheaper than they can be had in thru US with their $. Did all my gopher shooting with it this summer. Had my 452 FS along, never used it.
Hey JP~the CZ452 and 453 (same as a 452, only a set trigger) were built with their barrels threaded into the receiver. Rock solid set-up. CZ...for cost-saving reasons...moved to a less expensive method of mechanically fastening the barrel to the receiver, then spun that decision as being a benefit to shooters because now they could change barrels themselves. Now, I've never owned/shot a 455 so my own opinion has less to do with crapping on them..and more to do with saying I believe the 452s were built the way they should be. 452s (and my BRNO 2E) have proven to be very good guns with ZERO issues. Exceedingly accurate too. That, in contrast to some of the stories I've read about 455s and well...only 452s are on my radar when it comes to CZs. In fact, I need another 22 like I need a kick in the arse, but I'm after a 452 "Scout" right now.
I think I'd get a 452 Varmint in 22LR if I were you. A Yo Dave trigger kit is inexpensive and does a nice job of improving the factory trigger. If you can find a 453 Varmint, that upgrade won't be required...but mine is a 452 with that easy mod and it's a shooter for sure. Great target gun, but even for a heavy barrel... manageable in the field too. All my "hunting" is done prone, off a bipod. If you can call gopher shooting "hunting" that is.
Haha, any particular reason you're going for the Scout version?
I sold my cooper m57 lvt after having a 1710. The anschutz 1710 action feels really nice. Much nicer than my cz 452 varmint. Apparently the 1710 and 1712 do not have match actions. These are the field versions or whatever. Still accurate as poop though! Cz is my favourite rifle dollar for dollar. Doesn't cost ya 2000$
They have the same bores as Anschutz match rifles, except the barrels are not as heavy or as long. The chamber on repeaters is not a match chamber.
JW25A with a similar 3-9x40 scope and wow it eat any ammo i put thru it never a misfire and usually groups well.
Initially I disliked the rifle but after rebuilding the front sight and later mount a scope I grew to love the cheap chinese bolt. I hear it accepts Cz mags. Will have to try some one day. I paid $239+tax for mine.
