bolt or no bolt

shub

shub

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I'm a newbie back into shooting, its been over 20 years now.

I would like to get a .22 as my first purchase. I was looking at something "cost effective" and found a Remington 597 and a Savage Mark II-F as good starter guns.

Reviews are both good but the Remington is not bolt action and I read some forums that say the semi-automatics are not as accurate as a bolt action (not that I'm a marksman or anything). I guess at that price range it really doesn't matter - or does it.

mike
 
I really recommend you go out and get a CZ 452 and never look back. But between those two - I'd own a Savage over a Remington any day. And yeah, semi-auto's have a tendency to be less accurate than bolt guns; but that's just a tendency, not a hard and fast rule. :)
 
If I had to pick between the two, I'd go for the Savage. If you want a semi, the Savage 64 I believe is much cheaper than the MarkIIF. As for semi vs. auto... If you're just shooting for fun, then get what's fun for you to shoot. If that means semi, get the semi. Even if it is less accurate, who cares?
 
Welcome to CGN :welcome:

Generally speaking, bolt actions will be more accurate than semi-automatics because of the consistentcy of the action type as well as the chamber. The chamber on a bolt action rifle can be made tighter (more accurate) where as a semi auto can only be made so tight before it will begin having ejecting problems. At that price even you will see a difference in accuracy (infact probably more at that price). Between the two options as as starter gun I would definately go for the savage.

Having said that I would choose sevaral others over the savage, such as the CZ 452 as brotherjack mentioned. You get a better gun - more accurate, more reliable, better built, etc. I wouldn't make the mistake of getting something and then having to replace it 2, 3 years down the road. Not saying the Savage is bad - it is a nice rifle but I do believe you would be better suited with the CZ :)
 
I have a Savage mark 2. it's about the best value in a rimfire I can think of. cheap as dirt, accurate (10rnd 50yrd groups you can cover with a quarter), and reliable.

I own a heavy barrel semi for gophering and such, but 9 time out of ten i'll grab a bolt gun when i go plinking or hunting.
 
Boltie's are (sometimes) less expensive, usually more reliable, easier to clean (if so desired), and often more accurate.

But...

Semi's are so much fun. :) Might I ask why the Remmie 597 and not the 10/22?

(Ducking and covering! ;))
 
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10/22 seems to be almost double the price. I'm sure its a nice gun. Someday.

Thanks for everyones input, I am learning alot.
 
bolt or???

shub said:
10/22 seems to be almost double the price. I'm sure its a nice gun. Someday.

Thanks for everyones input, I am learning alot.
Click to expand...

I have owned several .22 over the years including bolts,semi's,levers and single shot falling block types. The most accurate was a Stevens Favorite. Probably made at the turn of the century. I have a scoped CIL(answitz) bolt gun that couldn't out shoot the Stevens with open sights. I think the biggest factor for .22 accuracy is the ammo. The cheaper it is the cheaper the quality and usualy(not always) poorer the accuracy. Buy the gun that appeals to you. Most .22 will shoot within an inch at 50 yards,if not try different ammo. The 10-22 is probably the biggest selling .22 in north america. Where I live(in the country) there are 7 of them. There are 3 of the 96 models(lever ruger) which one is mine and its a keeper. Like I said...Buy what "U" want...
 
Unless you're the type that just wants to blow 10 shots in 2 seconds I would suggest getting a bolt. The accuracy is what takes it for me. I would much rather try to hit the dot once in one shot than once in ten. But that's just me.... I have other guns that shoot fast and hard.
 
Look at the older Brno #2's as well. It's basically the same as the new CZ 452, but a bit cheaper and IMO better made. Accurate as all git out. My son loves pounding rounds through it and I'm thinking I might have to get another one for me.
 
Bolt vs Semi

You have not said what your intended use of the rifle is. If it is just for plinking, informal target practice or shooting tin cans, then either can suffice. Generally one uses a bit more ammunition with a semi because it is easy to pull the trigger again if you miss or come close.

As far as accuracy, it depends upon the rifle. Remington 597s have had some problems, but these have been worked on and mostly straightened out with small changes in magazines, etc. The most popular is the Ruger 10-22 because of availability, price, and accessories. If you get more serious, there are lots of goodies available to upgrade the 10-22. If you are more target minded, the bolt action seems to provide a higher level of accuracy.

If you intend to keep shooting, then consider a medium priced rifle. The CZ is in the upper range, and the cheaper rimfire bolt actions in the lower. It is worth it to spend a bit more and get a slightly better, more useful rifle.

You might consider the Savage Mark II series. They have an adjustable trigger called an "Accutrigger". A good trigger is an aid in accurate shooting.
I have two of them, one with a synthetic stock, and one with a wood stock. They both shoot about the same, but I like the wood laminated one because it is a bit heavier, and I am used to target rifles.

If you can go to one of the Gun Clubs in your area, and get to try a few different ones, that is the way to go. Most people will let you try their rifle if you explain what you want to do. However, bear in mind that their opinion is THEIR OPINION, and may not be the suitable one for you.

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