Bolt Action .22LR with Iron Sight

[The Sand Man]

Hello Everyone,

My friend and I have recently passed our CFSC for non-restricted firearms. I'm currently trying to pick out the rimfire rifle that I should get.

My friend is going for a 10/22, and approved my moderate use, provided I buy my own ammunition. Unlike his semi-auto, I’m planning on a bolt action .22LR with irons sights, such as the Marlin 980S or the Savage Mark II F. My needs are entirely centered on target practice for distances up to 100 yards.

Could anybody please suggest an accurate bolt action .22LR rifle which comes with iron sights? I'd prefer a synthetic stock. So far, I've found that the Savage Mark II F and the Marlin 980S fit my description. I'm looking to spend within $500.

I've heard that an alternative solution would be to have a gunsmith mount some iron sights onto a sightless rifle. Assuming it would be a heavy barrel, would this be a better idea?

Cheers,
Sand

 

[Canuck223]

If I was you, I'd look for an old Mossberg 142 or 42 with the peep sights.

 

[geologist]

Or a used Marlin 81DL, they came with factory aperture sights. Thye generally sell for less than $120.

 

[Gasanwu]

CZ Lux/Standard is your best bet. You will soon discover CZ firearm holds a very high reputation here, and for good reasons.

Here's one from a dealer on the forum Prophet River, look for the "special" at $499:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=285732

 

[Dax420]

I vote Savage. Wanstalls has some really tricked out ones right now with Boyd stocks and bull barrels for around $500:

http://www.wanstallsonline.com/product.php?productid=337&cat=71&page=2

http://www.wanstallsonline.com/product.php?productid=267&cat=71&page=1

 

[Fassteel]

I have several of the CZ's and always been impressed with their accuracy with budget priced ammo. My choices in order of accuracy are
1 Full Stock
2 Lux
3 Special
4 Super Exclusive.
All of these rifle come with a very good sight set up, best for the money in my opinion. FS

 

[Merllin]

CZ... definitely...

The new 455 are fairly nice, and I haven't had any problems with my 452..

 

[The Sand Man]

Thank you for all the suggestions!

I'm not particularly inclined to buy a 500 dollar CZ. Despite all the boasting and accolades, I think that something less expensive would be a better choice. I'll start looking on the EE once the moderators accept my request.

Does anyone know anything about having a Gun smith mount iron sights onto a heavy barreled rifle?

Cheers,
Sand

 

[mmattockx]

I would suggest you watch the EE for one of the many Mossberg bolt action models. They are quality pieces and sometimes come with an excellent set of aperture sights. Most go for $200 or so in very good shape and will last many years of shooting. I have a model 140K that my dad bought in 1949 and was the gun I learned to shoot on, along with a 151M semi and they are still as effective now as they were when new, many decades ago.

Mark

 

[lord-humungous]

All the above recommendations are wrong. First gun has to be a Cooey or Lakefield, it's in bill C68 (one of the lesser known clauses). Search the EE, a nice Cooey 75 bolt action will cost you around $100 and will shoot as well as the Savage and Mossberg (and better than you for quite a while). I got a late model 750 here for $65 and it has Williams peep sights, what a steal!

 

[Satain]

How about this NRA winner?

 

[satcom]

I vote for the Savage MK II F. Really nice and accurate gun for the price.

 

[Wild-Wild-West]

Hi there Sand Man,

Interesting thread... When you say "target practice" do you mean free-hand target, ISSF target, or benchrest target? All 3 are different disciplines, With freehand, you can use almost any rifle you want. ISSF is an International competition with standardized targets and shot at 50meters rather than 100 yards. Benchrest is an entirely different discipline altogether and is a great way to part with a lot of money!!!

If you want to freehand shoot at 100 yards, I would look for a Cooey bolt action. They can be had for about $100 and give you very decent accuracy. Look for a model like a Cooey 600 with a 3/8" dovetail front sight and a grooved receiver for a scope. You can swap the front sight with a Lyman Globe, and install a Williams peep on the receiver and have a very decent freehand rifle for about $200.

On the other hand, if you wish to take on ISSF style shooting, $500 might be a little lean. If this is the case, I would look at Savage Model TR:
https://www.cabelas.ca/index.cfm?pageID=71&section=1187&section2=1725&ID=21883
This rifle is a good deal, considering my Walther ISSF rifle started at a measly $2000 USD!!! (That's without any sights!!!)
This rifle has a better grip profile to allow you to properly rest the fore end onto your palm in order to steady your aim for 50 meters.

Hope this helps a bit...

w.w.w.

 

[Got Juice?]

CZ all the way. I used to hate .22's because of their inaccurate nature. Mind you I was shooting with a 10/22 Ruger. Now, Before I get flamed the 10/22 is a great gun, but after 65 yards it's accuracy is, for lack of a better term, Wanting.

Buy the CZ and you will miss more than the gun will. After 1 year I am still amazed at how accurate mine is.

Taking out sage rats/gophers, at 120+ yeards with a .22 (albeit with a scope) is damned satisfying.

 

[bogie]

I liked the CZ452 so much I got the big brother CZ527 in 223 as well. I have had everything from a Cooey 64 on up since the 60s. Currently own a Henry Golden Boy, Winchester 9422, CZ452 and several single shot rifles such as Winchester Cooey model 67 and a Lakefield Mossberg Mk 1. Looking for a BSA Martini action to round out the collection. The CZ is my baby and is one of the nicest looking rifles you could find. Absolutely a delight to look at and shoot. Find someone in this site that has lots of 22s and see if you can have a range day with them (or 2). Shoot some and make up your mind. Strangely I found the Cooey 67 to be a very accurate rifle with iron sights.