Help me build a gopher only .22

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lyzic

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Hi everyone,

New member here, doing some research to build a new gopher only .22LR for weeding out the varmints on my parent's ranch. After reading the past couple years of threads, I've realized most talk is completely over my head. So I'll just post up and ask for advice :)

I've always used an old husqvarna bolt action with a 2x scope (which is permanently fogged up except for the middle). The spring for the mag clip has broken and the firing pin only hits hard enough 90% of the time to fire so I think it's time to upgrade. I've put a couple of hundred thousand rounds through it over the years.

I'm going to buy a neighbour's 10/22 for a separate build, so this one is going to be a bolt action build.

I like the fact the new Ruger American can use the 10/22 clips.

My average shot is off-hand 30-75 yards.

I like the idea of an easily detachable bipod that I can bring along and snap on for any longer prone shots.

I have no idea what scope to get.

Budget? Under $500 would be nice.

I'll pre-thank all of the responses!
 
Seeing that the scout is for kids I should clarify that I'm in my 30s...LOL

Just don't live by the parents anymore so when I go back to visit I like to annihilate a couple hundred/thousand gophers
 
lyzic said:
Seeing that the scout is for kids I should clarify that I'm in my 30s...LOL

Just don't live by the parents anymore so when I go back to visit I like to annihilate a couple hundred/thousand gophers
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I'm darn near 50 and 6'5", and my gopher gun is a CZ scout. Don't let the label "youth" deter you from buying the best gopher bolt gun for the money. Mine shoots every bit as good as my Sako's which are 3 times the price.

ronnie gave you the best advice. the scout is $200 or more less than the rest of the CZ lineup and shoots better to boot.
 
after many years of shooting paper and many , many thousands of gophers, i still have my 1940 Marlin 81 bolt (fitted with mounts and scope), it has been the gun that i grabbed when on my way out to the fields. Lately i tried the Winchester 490 semi auto and found it almost an equal. No need for big name nor high prices to get a reliable, accurate rifle. Out to 200 yards , the Marlin proved itself, not only on gophers but also on paper. The marlin c/w scope cost me $200 and 490 c/w scope was $250. Sure there are many more accurate rifles but it comes down to what you are comfortable with and not afraid to use as it should be . Bumps and bruises dont hurt a well used gun. IMHO.
 
dizzy said:
I'm darn near 50 and 6'5", and my gopher gun is a CZ scout. Don't let the label "youth" deter you from buying the best gopher bolt gun for the money. Mine shoots every bit as good as my Sako's which are 3 times the price.

ronnie gave you the best advice. the scout is $200 or more less than the rest of the CZ lineup and shoots better to boot.
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I have 10 years on you and own a few CZ's

My go to gopher exterminator is my scout.I installed a 1" recoil pad from a shotgun 99% bolt on even bolt holes lined up.Bedding it and the single pillar because i was bored stepped up the group.Got the pad from Whole Sports it fits a Tikka I think.About 40.00.Looks like it grew there "LOL" Started out with a Simmons scope now has a Leopold with Leopold rim fire rings in high on it that costs more than the gun but when it shoots well it deserves a nice piece of glass that most gun nutzs can appreciate. Now the original poster has to disclose the location so we could all shoot our scouts.Got a 455 thumb hole varmint that will get it done also but won't kill them any better that that lil scout. You will have fun at 25 to 50 yards it is almost boring.Nuff said my2¢

R
 
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Two gopher rifles I would strongly recommend would be a Browning T-Bolt, with the
two rotary mags, twenty quick shots or a CZ 452 in any configuration you like.
A couple 10 shot mags would keep one shooting for a bit.

Both of these rifles are dead accurate.
I just had my T-Bolt trigger tuned up by Jennings and it groups as well or better
than either of my two CZ's.

Decent scope and kerpow........fun fun fun :dancingbanana: :dancingbanana: :dancingbanana:
 
#1 on the Scout. Mine has a Burris Timberline. A little short in the lop but easy to handle. My 452 LUX wears a Bushy 3200 5-15x50, great gopher gun. Also have a 455 FS with a Weaver V24, again, gopher getter perfection. My vote goes for a CZ. Not much to build except maybe a YO DAVE trigger kit. A little extreme on the scopes but I'm over 60 and like to see my target. Other scopes will do just fine. A little higher up are a couple of Anschutz and an old Browning T Bolt.
 
ronnie01 said:
I have 10 years on you and own a few CZ's

My go to gopher exterminator is my scout.I installed a 1" recoil pad from a shotgun 99% bolt on even bolt holes lined up.Bedding it because i was bored stepped up the group.Got the pad from Whole Sports it fits a Tikka I think.About 40.00.Looks like it grew there "LOL" Started out with a Simmons scope now has a Leopold with Leopold rim fire rings in high on it that costs more than the gun but when it shoots well it deserves a nice piece of glass that most gun nutzs can appreciate. Now the original poster has to disclose the location so we could all shoot our scouts.Got a 455 thumb hole varmint that will get it done also but won't kill them any better that that lil scout. You will have fun at 25 to 50 yards it is almost boring.Nuff said my2¢

R
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I bet your scout shoots better than that varmint. The scout only has one action screw, the varmint two, and for whatever reason eliminating that second action screw on the CZ's tightens the groups a lot. We tested many using 36 power scope at 50 yards, and losing that screw made a HUGE difference. That is why I like the scout so much. A guy can always put a "man" sized stock on it if he wants.
 
Yup many guy's miss the boat on that little bolt action scout for the dollar amount and opt for the old 1022 that is ok but i don't think an out of the box could shoot with our scouts out of the box.$1000.00 and schmoozed to max a 1022 can shoot great but now all that doesn't come for free.Put a 1000.00 in a cz and you step up again but getting back the answer the original post the scout will get it done out of the box and some of his shooting buddies will ask him what is that tiny gun"LOL" So will an old cooey get it done.

R
 
Ronnie, you are absolutely correct. That scout outshoots any bolt for under $1000 I had my friend test it against his fancy weatherby mark 22, which is an annie 64 action, he was some pissed. I say this for the benefit of the OP. the CZ scout is the best bang for the buck at $430 for an accurate bolt action.
 
kamlooky said:
Not to mention putting in a yo-yo davie trigger spring in there..........ounces.......pewf pewf pewf
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Ya isn't that the truth another 20.00 and the trigger becomes pretty sweet.All for the cost a 3 to 4 boxes of your favorite ammo. Not too many gun options out there for any gun @ 20.00 The cost of a good lunch. pop pop pop another ground rat gone . My 2¢

R
 
Hmm so CZ scout is a good choice, I've found one at Badger Arms for $430 incl. shipping. I'm in Vancouver but don't see any stores locally that carry it (at least show it online.)

Is this the Simmons 22 scope you were referring to? - http://www.opticsplanet.com/simmons-22-mag-3-9x32mm-rifle-scope-with-rings.html

This comes w/ rings. Will the rings fit on the scout or will I need different rings?

Is there a quick release bipod that I can throw on the scout if needed? I don't shoot much prone, but when I do it would be nicer to have a bipod rather than finding a rock or piece of wood lying around.

Actually looking at that scope, I wonder if it would fit my old husqvarna gun. What do I have to check to see if it would?
 
And the gophers are around Kamloops in the Interior of BC, for the guy that posted from there...

I googled yo yo davie trigger spring, and got results including yo yo ma, tupac videos and a page from Fallout 3. I don't think those are right :)
 
Rimfire Central had a chart posted on the different dovetail sizes on CZ's, and there are a few.
Not sure if it was ever brought over to here.
Should be a shtickie.
 
This is easy to remember.

All 22 lr 452 453 455 513 are 11 mm except for 1 the American its 3/8 in all calibers.

The 3/8 variety is 17hmr and win mag in various guns except the 455 all at 11 mm

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R
 
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dizzy said:
Ronnie, you are absolutely correct. That scout outshoots any bolt for under $1000 I had my friend test it against his fancy weatherby mark 22, which is an annie 64 action, he was some pissed. I say this for the benefit of the OP. the CZ scout is the best bang for the buck at $430 for an accurate bolt action.
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Don't be so quick to say that!
I hope the OP looks up savage btvs 22. Please check out

http://www.6mmbr.com/rimfiretactical.html
Great info on guns. The btvs is an awesome gun. If you don't believe me youtube (btvs long range)
400+ yds shots!
 
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