Which Rifle?

S

Suspect187

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
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Location
Calgary, AB
It's my first year in Calgary and I'm dying to go gopher shooting. I'm going with a .22 or .17. I've never owned a firearm in either calibre and I"m not sure which one to buy. I have a $200-$300 price range. I prefer a synthetic stock. I was looking at the Savage Model 93's. Also, which calibre would be best and cheapest? I know you can get bricks of .22's for dirt cheap, but what about .17's? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
A 22 is probably the best choice for a gopher rifle just because of the higher cost for 17 HMR ammo. The 17s are more fun though. Actually a centerfire "varmint" rifle in 223 or 204 is about the funnest kind of gopher rifle. It depends on the volume of shooting I guess. If you get into a good gopher field it's not that unusual to go through a brick of ammo in an afternoon. I like my 10/22, but it's a lot more fun with my 222 varminter. In some areas centerfires aren't welcomed by some land owners though.
 
I personally will tell you to get a 22. You will probably be happy with a Savage 93. I have a Ruger 10/22 target model (and 5 other 22 rimfires). Very accurate to 100 m with American Eagle ammo. The wife has the 10/22 stainless / synthetic and is also quite accurate at 100m with Federal Premium stuff. Her rifle with scope and a bunch of accessories came to around $350.00. 17 Hmr's can be real tack drivers at the same distance. But the cost of ammo as you mentioned can be a factor (22 ammo is cheap by the brick).

If a 10/22 isn't your cup of tea I understand. Check out Wholesale Sports in Calgary and see what is at the gun counter. Many rifles in rimfire and your budget to choose from. You can also compare 17 to 22 ammo as they carry quite a selection.
 
I took this rifle to Red Deer last year to blaze-away at gophers. I had a 5-15x scope on it which was more than enough power.

SavageMkIIBV-1.jpg


It's a Savage Mk II BV (heavy barrel + accu trigger) - great shooter off-hand or bi-pod or other rest.

Good luck - you can't go wrong with a Savage - great accuracy/reliability/value
 
If your going to spend $300, consider a Winchester Wildcat. Their a little funky looking, but their a TOZ-78 Russian built rifle. They have the potential to be quite accurate and are available with 5 magazines right off the bat. Otherwise I too would suggest a Savage MKII in .22 LR.
 
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