debating what level of gear to get for rimfire needs

C

cdndfs

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My wife and I are just about to get our RPALs. 22LR is obviously the cheapest thing you can shoot and there are fewer transport restrictions with unrestricteds (matters for logistical reasons).

Given that 22LR is only useful up until about 100 yards before you start to have significant drop, is it worth spending the money on anything but a cheap rifle? I'm thinking i'm going to go with iron sights for my .22LR. Once I'm proficient in the basics I want to get into hunting and long range shooting. Just wondering if it's worth getting a premium rimfire rifle like a CZ455/452 or if I should just get whatever and save my money for a better .308 or 6.5 or whatever hunting caliber rifle i eventually settle on. Will I just be super frustrated if tight groups matter to me? How big a difference is there between a Savage Mk II or Ruger American and a CZ?

It's been a long time since I've shot anything...

I basically want to put the most money towards the equipment I'll actually be hunting and competing with and budget isn't unlimited.

Thoughts?
 
I would advise getting the best 22 and best optics (or sights) you can afford. It will always be a useful trainer or cheap practice gun. Good for introducing new shooters.... Everyone should have a decent quality 22 and use it regularly.

If it's just going to live behind the truck seat and pop 3 gophers in the spring get a cheapie.
 
You have a dedicated shooting partner so get something that suits both of you.
With open sights it won't take long before you are "unimpressed".
With a scope, 100 yards with a 22 is within your grasp.
Buy a cheap rifle and you will always have a cheap rifle.
A CZ455 is a quality rifle and will last a life time.
An Anschutz is the next step up and while more money originally it will also last a lifetime.
Do get something that suits you both or plan on buying two rifles but make certain you are both committed to shooting iron sights if that is the route you appear to be planning. a better solution might be to cater to the lady's needs and you adjust to her desires.
Do try a number of different makes and models rather than relying on the "Internet Intellects".
You can have more fun and gain more experience with 500 rounds of 22 that you can with the same value of centerfire.
 
If budget is limited, and assuming you would like to purchase two of them, I think you would be fine with a Savage Mark II heavy barrel rifle in .22, even their standard barrel rifles are fine and accurate. Well built, and comparable to the CZ in accuracy department, and sometimes reported even better. However, with whatever rifle you chose, buy lots of different ammunition and try it out to see what your rifle likes. Even buying two of the same, at the same time, they could both like different ammunition.
 
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