Multi caliber rimfire advice sought

[surfclod]

Looking for some input on my options for a quality built rimfire that I can interchange the barrels with various calibers. Ideally I would like to be able to swap between a .22 Magnum and the .17HMR depending on the target of choice. A .22LR chambering would be nice but not necessary.

Have been considering purchasing a suitable rifle with a factory barrel in .22 WMR and then buying an aftermarket (Shilen, Lilja, or other option) match grade barrel in .17HRM to get the most out of the chambering.


So far I am liking the CZ 455 (Price mainly) but not to sure how available the extra barrels are for it or where a person could get them from.

A Ruger 77/22 would also be a nice solid platform as well, barrels readily avaliable. Initial cost is a bit more though.

The Sako Quad is also pricy (and perhaps harder to find) but the name speaks for its self. Not sure on avaliability of aftermarket barrels though.


Any advice on where to look or other tips would be appreciated.

 

[trevj]

For the price of that many aftermarket barrels, you can buy several rifles. Own several rifles, it'll save the dicking about swapping calibers.

Other than the Sako quad, there isn't much else that can be switched from the Magnum rimfire to the standard rimfire based ammo.

So, if you don't really need or want the 22LR, then you are pretty much down to the Ruger or the Sako. Reasonably sure the CZ's barrel is pressed in. Not a quick change option, I think.

Buy a rifle in each caliber. Then you can figure out what you really want to be shooting, and get on with it.

Cheers
Trev

 

[.22LRGUY]

Buy a rifle in each caliber. Then you can figure out what you really want to be shooting, and get on with it.

I agree with this sentiment. As an aside, there are lots of "17 HMR vs. 22WMR" threads in this forum, should make for some interesting reading. Lots of opinions, they both pack allot of punch compared to .22lr, but even then...have very different "personalities".

 

[surfclod]

The barrel on the CZ455 is held in with two "set screw like" retainers. Looks easy enough to swap in the video. On their site, they advertise the .22LR/.17HMR combo. Not sure how they do the bolt face, I have yet to examine a CZ up close.


In my dream, the .22WMR will be for use on beavers and close range coyotes, accuracy not as important, thus a factory barrel would be fine. The .17HMR will be for gophers in the spring/summer, and that is where I want to wring out as much accuracy as possible.

It would be easy enough to buy two rifles, (but then I would need two scopes as well), and in the end I will only have the accuracy of what a factory barreled rig can achieve.

I much prefer the idea of spending the same amount of money on one nice gun with a great aftermarket trigger, really nice glass, and a match grade barrel; rather than having two guns that shoot "okay".



That's the real problem with the accuracy bug, (once bitten). In order to shrink your groups by 10% you need to spend 50% (at least) more.

 

[Grantmac]

I'm a fan of the CZ455 and they can be had with both barrels. As for caliber, I've never seen the point of 22WMR. For the price of rounds I'd rather download a 22CF.

-Grant

 

[Beaver Skin]

If a single shot is a viable option to you, look at the TC Contender platform. Guys seem to be able to get great accuracy and switching barrels is a snap. You could even drop in a centerfire as well.

 

[surfclod]

If a single shot is a viable option to you, look at the TC Contender platform. Guys seem to be able to get great accuracy and switching barrels is a snap. You could even drop in a centerfire as well.

I really like the multi-calibre use of the TC rifle but the hinge or break action of the TC (or NEF Handi RIfle and others) is not conducive to shooting from a bipod or bags.