tell me about .22 match rifles

O

Obtunded

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My forte has always been highpower rifles and I particularly love long distance shooting and F-class; I basically use all custom stuff.

In the winter months I would like to avail myself of the opportunity to practise indoors using rimfire.

I would like a rifle that is accurate enough that any issues with grouping are mine and not the rifle's, and something of higher-end quality. If this can be found in a factory rifle, great, but If I need to consider custom, well so be it. I would also consider a used offering if you know of one. Of course, I would prefer not to break the bank but, well, an addict always finds a way to get that fix...

I know nothing about the good and bad in rimfire so I welcome your advice!
 
I would seperate "match rifles" into two groups being position rifles for 3p shooting (such as the feinwerkbau, walther KK's, and some of the anschutz .22's) and benchrest rifles.

It really all narrows down to what you are going to be doing (benchrest or position shooting) and how much you are willing to spend. A CZ for example, which is an extremely well made gun, very accurate and sold for a good price would be a great gun to start with but Its not a position gun and its not exactly a benchrest gun either. It will shoot though. The CZ might shoot 1/2" groups or better at 50 yards using quality ammunition (and when i say quality I mean the lead coated target cartidges; not the ones you would normally find at Canadian tire).

Now if you compare the $500 CZ to a $3500 feinwerkbau you will notice quite a difference; maybe not to justify the price of it for your shooting but if you really get into it the real high dollar match gun will give you the edge and will preatty much rule out the gun if you have a bad shot.

So I would say something like this:

Below $500: CZ
$500-$1000 Used anschutz 64
$1000-$1500- used 54 or new anschutz 64
$1500+ feinwekbau, anschutz 54, Winchester 52D (these can probably be found for under $1500), remington 40X, ect. Any of these high end guns will be very good.

Now let the addiction take a hold of you ;)
 
cz452shooter said:
I would seperate "match rifles" into two groups being position rifles for 3p shooting (such as the feinwerkbau, walther KK's, and some of the anschutz .22's) and benchrest rifles.

It really all narrows down to what you are going to be doing (benchrest or position shooting) and how much you are willing to spend. A CZ for example, which is an extremely well made gun, very accurate and sold for a good price would be a great gun to start with but Its not a position gun and its not exactly a benchrest gun either. It will shoot though. The CZ might shoot 1/2" groups or better at 50 yards using quality ammunition (and when i say quality I mean the lead coated target cartidges; not the ones you would normally find at Canadian tire).

Now if you compare the $500 CZ to a $3500 feinwerkbau you will notice quite a difference; maybe not to justify the price of it for your shooting but if you really get into it the real high dollar match gun will give you the edge and will preatty much rule out the gun if you have a bad shot.

So I would say something like this:

Below $500: CZ
$500-$1000 Used anschutz 64
$1000-$1500- used 54 or new anschutz 64
$1500+ feinwekbau, anschutz 54, Winchester 52D (these can probably be found for under $1500), remington 40X, ect. Any of these high end guns will be very good.

Now let the addiction take a hold of you ;)
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The best advice that I have seen here in rimfire section!
 
In the shooting sports there are many types of "match " rifle as concerning .22LR.
SFC competition involves sporting class and match class.
In the match rifle class there is prone and free rifle categories.
The sporting rifle class is prone and 3 position.
It has been many years, but I think the sporting rifle class has two weight categories.
shooting is done at 50 and 100 meters

Then there is benchrest shooting, and there are dozens of different associations there that have different rules.

If you are interested in match rifles, there are some nice Martini Internationals
on the exchange at the moment!:D
These are prone rifles and will still stand against the best if the shooter can handle the wind.

There is nothing like shooting prone with sliing 'n' irons, be it centerfire or rimfire!!:dancingbanana: :dancingbanana:
Cat
 
Midrange you might look at something like a Walther KK100, it is a 3p rifle, CZ barrel but has a beautiful Walther trigger. Used around $1,000 with micrometer sights.
 
K98 said:
Yes, as usual awesome advice from cz452shooter.

For the under $500 category a used Brno #3 or #4 would be another good choice.

And in the $500-$1000 range I certainly wouldn't rule out a Russian made Izmash, like they sell at Milarm.

http://www.izhmash.ru/eng/product/ural-5-1.shtml
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I dunno, I wouldn't part with my Brno for less than $500, even if I was starving on the street. Shoots under a half inch at 50 m, and hasn't had any accuracy work.
 
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Obtunded,

What do you use for your full-bore rifle?

Many moons ago when I also shot some fullbore, I was using a Winchester M70 match rifle in the summer, and a Winchester 52E in the winter. The stocks dimension were pretty close and I could use the same sights and handstop.

If you really really like your shooting hobby, you could ask Francis Gaulin (Armtech Canada) to build you a nice rimfire match rifle to complement your fullbore rig... There's nothing wrong with Anschutz and the like, but a Gaulin would be more "appropriate" for a fullbore shooter ;)

Mike.
 
And if you want to just wet your feet (so to speak) you could try LSBA "Hunter Class" at 50yrds. The Savage accu-trigger BV and BTVS with Lapua SC are competative with the CZ's.
 
I use primarily 6BR's for most competition stuff as well as 6X47. Dimensionally these are all configured for f-class and benchrest with heavy thumbhole stocks. I would most likely be shooting prone or off a bench at the range with rimfire.

I appreciate the advice... I have started to narrow my search, Thank you all!!





sillymike said:
Obtunded,

What do you use for your full-bore rifle?

Many moons ago when I also shot some fullbore, I was using a Winchester M70 match rifle in the summer, and a Winchester 52E in the winter. The stocks dimension were pretty close and I could use the same sights and handstop.

If you really really like your shooting hobby, you could ask Francis Gaulin (Armtech Canada) to build you a nice rimfire match rifle to complement your fullbore rig... There's nothing wrong with Anschutz and the like, but a Gaulin would be more "appropriate" for a fullbore shooter ;)

Mike.
Click to expand...
 
CZ452SHOOTER refers to lead coated bullets not cheap CT stuff.:confused: I am unfamiliar with all the various types of .22 stuff . I have heard of Eley (I have some) and feds and other low cost CT stuff. Any light you could bring to me would be appreciated. What and who is quality stuff and why ?
And where do you find it ?
thanks for anything you GNTZ can share :D
 
Ellwood Epps has a 190 ( 64 action) C.I.L on their website at the moment.
I never had a problem switching from a prone fullbore stock to a thumbhole free rifle myself, I think it is just a mindset more than anything....
Cat
 
Obtunded,

I'm not sure how much $$ you are willing to trow at this project... but on the low end of the scale, you could find a BRNO #3 or #4 and then have it fitted in proper target stock such as this
BenchRestThumbholeRHSide10inch72dpi.JPG

Richard's Microfit target gunstock can be had for as little as $120 depending on the wood grade/laminated you select.

If you want to spend more money, get and Anschutz of FWB barrel action. You'll gain a little accuracy and a much better trigger.

Just my 2 cents,
Mike.
 
Silly.*, Thanks! I am sure Richard's has a gold plaque on the wall with my name on it. I am a huge fan of their stocks, and have given them pleanty of business. I am starting to make my own stocks now. I would like to know what sort of dyes they use in their laminates. I am experimenting with fabric dyes and they seem to work well.

...I am frantically reading and researching everything you guys are mentioning about rifle suggestions! Thanks again!
 
if you want to closely match your F class rifle another alternative would be to by a Anshcutz barrelled action 1913 or 2013 and then get the above Richards stock.

You can save signifcant money buying a barrel action over the complete rifle as Anschutz stocks alone can put you over $5,00+ special 3p stocks. If your exclusive to F class the barrelled action with a stock similar to your favorite F class would give you exceptional training tool.
 
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If you check out the Saskatchewan Handgun Association's website, you will find a classified ad's section. From time to time you will find very suitable .22 rimfire target rifles there. Someone in Kelowna (I think) had a couple of Remington 40X rifles at about $1500 a piece, in excellent condition, complete with Redfield Sights.
 
I have the reverse problem. I presently have a Wichita LH bolt action single shot in 308. I have yet to find a suitable rimfire rifle to compliment my Palma-style rig.
I hope someday to find a suitable LH .22 bug-shooter with/without a thumbhole stock.
It is certainly harder to find a LH rimfire match rifle it seems. Maybe I am not looking in the right places? And the Savage bolt action rifles are just not my 'thing.'
(sacrilidge! I know they make fine rifles! They just do not appeal to me.)
Anyways, I have to get established at my new place before I can spend serious dollars on any new rifles. But a little prior research would not hurt.
Perhaps someday, an order to Remington Custom shop is in my future?
 
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tonyg said:
CZ452SHOOTER refers to lead coated bullets not cheap CT stuff.:confused: I am unfamiliar with all the various types of .22 stuff . I have heard of Eley (I have some) and feds and other low cost CT stuff. Any light you could bring to me would be appreciated. What and who is quality stuff and why ?
And where do you find it ?
thanks for anything you GNTZ can share :D
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Tony; Rimfires tend to be ammo sensitive. The very accurate target models are no exception. It usually means a fair bit of testing with different ammos and lot numbers to find what your particular rifle likes best. Certain lot numbers will yield stellar results. Usually, something that works exceptionally well can be found from ELEY, RWS, LAPUA and a couple of other sources. Eley makes two renowned match ammos, Red Box & Black box. [Ultimate EPS & EPS] additionally, each is produced on 4 different machines, so lot # and machine have an influence on how this stuff works in any given target rifle. The only way to find out which is best is to try some of each. RWS has some top quality match ammo as well. R50 and Rifle Match comes to mind. Lapua makes their Midas and Master in two diameters, which makes a difference in most rimfires. You will hear posters who claim that out of box "bargain" priced ammo shoots the best in their rifle. I am not convinced that they have even tried the better quality stuff, since , when the chips are down, the quality ammo wins in every case in a top-tier match rifle. For "plinking" one needs neither a match rifle nor match ammo. Regards, Eagleye.
 
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K98 said:
Yes, as usual awesome advice from cz452shooter.

For the under $500 category a used Brno #3 or #4 would be another good choice.

And in the $500-$1000 range I certainly wouldn't rule out a Russian made Izmash, like they sell at Milarm.

http://www.izhmash.ru/eng/product/ural-5-1.shtml
Click to expand...

are they selling IZHMASH products again? i would love to get my hands on a biathalon basic 7-2, but last time i spoke to them (a couple months ago), they were no longer importing IZHMASH products, and hadn't been for quite a few years.
 
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