I think I need (want?) another .22LR...

thegrandpoohbah

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I think I'm going through withdrawal. I've got my 10/22 bolt shipped of to Que to be re-worked, the trigger is off to Brimstone for the Tier 1 job and I ordered a Volquartsen charging handle from Brownells. But in the meantime I am getting an itchy trigger finger and the HP9 just isn't that much fun anymore. What would be the best way to spend around $500 (not including optics)? CZ, Savage or other? Can't spend any more money until after Christmas. Do any of the online retailers have boxing day sales on rifles?
 
It all depends on how you want to use the rifle. Looks like you're considering a bolt action.
I've had semi's and bolts (both types scoped) so I went a different route...picked up a lever action for casual plinking and keeping it with just irons.
Light and fast with 15rnds of .22lr!
 
I bought a Savage Rascal to hunt partridge with while I'm hunting moose.
You know, you have the big gun but see flock's of bird's?
I use CB long's out of it and do head shot's. Their quieter then the pellet gun I retired!
 
I think I'm going through withdrawal. I've got my 10/22 bolt shipped of to Que to be re-worked, the trigger is off to Brimstone for the Tier 1 job and I ordered a Volquartsen charging handle from Brownells. But in the meantime I am getting an itchy trigger finger and the HP9 just isn't that much fun anymore. What would be the best way to spend around $500 (not including optics)? CZ, Savage or other? Can't spend any more money until after Christmas. Do any of the online retailers have boxing day sales on rifles?

I think you need a Savage. Mark II FV if you want to be -$300, or a Mark II BV -$400 if you want a nice laminated stock and metal trigger guard. The Savage will be easier to scope (no bolt clearance issues) and will save you more $ for glass. There is a downside to getting the rifles I'm suggesting~you might be disappointed by how accurate your 10/22 is. :) Good luck with whatever you choose, no fun NOT having a .22 (or several) to shoot when one is in the shop.
 
How good are the stock barrels on the Savage Mark II? I'm thinking a Mark II FV with a Boyd's stock which would be around $400. That would leave me enough budget for a Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x40 AO and rings. Then the 10/22 could be gifted to the GF...
 
How good are the stock barrels on the Savage Mark II? I'm thinking a Mark II FV with a Boyd's stock which would be around $400. That would leave me enough budget for a Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x40 AO and rings. Then the 10/22 could be gifted to the GF...

Dont forget you need the botom metal, screws, and trigger guard from savage with a boyds stock. I think my order from savage for those parts was ~$45 Showed up in about 10 days.
 
IMO, Savage MkIIF or G are the best bangs for the bolt-action buck, $250 tops. You can spend more for Savage MKII with bull barrels, fancy stocks etc. but I will not spend more than $250 on any Savage. My F (tapered barrel) shoots as well as a bud's FV (bull barrel) with cheap bulk ammo.

My next price tier would be brand-new CZs in the mid-$400 and up, range. Any CZ, from the most basic to the fanciest is worth the asking price. I have seen a mint CZ Varmint sell for $450 on the EE. CZs just feel so much better in my hands than any Savage or Marlin.

My two CZs are keepers. The Savages and Marlins, well, they can come and go. Just my opinion.
 
easy choice!

IMG_0637.jpg
 
SR22 with volquartsen trigger to light up the target (so fun rapid firing 25 rounds with that crisp trigger).

CZ455 for some precision work.
 
I'd also suggest the CZ route (a used CZ 452 or an off the shelf CZ 455). There are lots of models to choose from to suit your main shooting needs. They are accurate, look great, are well built, and your grand kids will still be enjoying the gun many years from now. The trigger group responds well to easy and cheap tinkering with spring change-out or adjustment, to get the trigger just as you like it.
 
Acquire-itis...careful, it's a very serious affliction.

I have a huge .22 weakness, and have owned many. Still have a "float" of about a dozen. I would recommend you look for an older model. The old adage "don't make them like they used to" rings very true. Affordable, accurate, and still a hoot to shoot. Lots of Cooeys, Mossbergs, Marlins, Savages etc... that fall below "collector" radar. You don't feel awful getting a ding, or scratch. You can happily loan it. Decide you don't like it? Sell it for close to what you paid, and try another (see original caveat about acquire-itis though).

When you get your "main" rifle back you may find it's joys are mitigated by your "backup"'s performance n' cost.

On a side note, having a 2nd .22 is an awesome method of getting other folks some trigger time.
 
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