22 bolt action

[Henpeckd]

i already have a Marlin 795 that i use for plinking but would like to get a bolt action for 100 yd targets with a scope and leave the 795 with iron sights. I looked at a Marlin XT, a Ruger American, and a Savage ( can't remember which one ) . They all seemed to be a bit sticky pulling the bolt up and down, though going forward and back was easy. Does the locking action on a bolt get easier with time or is it always stiff ? Any thoughts on which and what to look for on each ? Average price and what would be a deal not to miss ? No plans to hunt. Just a range junkie.

[rsrocket1]

I have a Marlin 925 which shares the same magazine as the 795 and with an inexpensive 3-9x40 BSA Sweet 22 on clearance at Natchez for $30 it will break clays at 100 yards every shot. 25 yards is no contest and 50 is quite easy. I did the pen spring trigger mod (much easier to do than modifying the 795) which lightens the trigger to around 2 pounds. Not great for hunting safety, but great for accuracy at the range.

I put see though mounts on the scope so that I can quickly point and shoot with the iron sights for close shots and use the glass for 50-100 yard shots.

[Chaos47]

The 925 is just the older model of the XT-22 and lacks the new pro-fire trigger...
Both the 925 and XT-22 will take the 795's magazines.
Yes, I would think that the bolt would smooth out with more use.
IMO I would stick to the Marlin family if you already have a 795 because of the use of the same magazines.

[Fjold]

CZ455 American

[Friar5119]

CZ455 American

I will give that a +1

[Rosebud22]

Does the locking action on a bolt get easier with time or is it always stiff ?

I have both the Savage and Ruger American. Both started out with stiff bolts.
After about 200 rds, smoothed out. The Ruger uses 10-22 rotory mags. A joy to use. The savage mags almost seem like an after thought.
CZ are great, but cost a whole lot more. So just depends on your budget.

[boludo12]

Love my Stevens 300, a savage copy, and the bolt is now smooth after 300+ rounds. Iron sights are good out to 50ish. The magazine though does feel like an afterthought, although I've never had issues with it.

[Calif Hunter]

I would also suggest a CZ. I have a 452 varmint model in .17 HMR and it outshoots many more expensive, even custom, .17s.

[sonofeugene]

After you get your bolt gun, slather the bolt with high content moly paste and work the action a couple hundred times. (Doesn't take long.) then clean everything up (it'll be messy) and oil per normal.

[MrSam]

The Savage Mark II is a great bolt action plinker. That accutrigger feels great even in a .22

[Henpeckd]

Maybe

CZ455 American

when i'm a better shot will consider a CZ ( which I understand can be changed to a seventeen HMR easily) or a Browning but right now I'm just starting out and they would be better than I am

[Friar5119]

What is your budget and where are you located?

[Mutant]

The bolt should smooth out with use.

[Calif Hunter]

when i'm a better shot will consider a CZ ( which I understand can be changed to a seventeen HMR easily) or a Browning but right now I'm just starting out and they would be better than I am

Why buy two guns? Buy once - get the better gun now and your skills will grow.

[splithoof]

Find a nice used Remington 540-XR. Mine works great for taking ground squirrels out to 100 yards. Mossberg also made some really good rimfire target rifles that would be equally good as the Remington.