- - Pleeease Help - Rimfire Experts - -

[.40Cal]

Guys,

I've been wanting to buy a .22LR firearm. I've Remington viper 522, from 15 years ago, or so. I can't find it's magazine ($40-$70, online). Anyhow, I've been debating which 22LR rifle to get next.

(Will be getting a buckmark at some point too. And also a Rem 700 SPS rifle).

The purpose will be mostly to shoot at the range. I am considering a CZ 455 American 0r Varmint/or a semi-auto. Also considering Savage MK 2. And also considering 10/22 basic 0r 10/22 Target tactical. I want to achieve Tight groups, but also have fun shooting. I will NOT be doing major customizing / changing any parts (maybe smooth out the trigger). That's why need a "good" rifle.

My budget is $500, but would like to keep it around 300-400. A local shop's prices are as follows -
Basic 10/22 ~ $265 (wood or synthetic)
Takedown ~ $357
Target tactical (heavey barrel) $535
CZ 455 Lux ~ $429
CZ 512 $429
CZ Varmint (heavy barrel) $475
CZ 455 American Combo (22lr & 17HMR)

I know the bolt action vs semi-auto is comparing apples/oranges. BUT that's why I'm here asking....what to get. I have a OCD and want to get the best possible 22 rifle. I would appreciate feedback, questions/input.

Thanks!

[desertjosh]

Why no mods? IMO the 10/22 is super easy to mod and make a tack driver

[Shrubmaster]

I recently picked up a cherry 1022 from my local pawn for $120 otd.

[Citadelgrad87]

10/22 will be plenty accurate, and is so simple to customize to make it a one hole wonder. The sky is the limit.

[Barbarosa]

Another vote for a 10/22. Reliable, fun, fairly accurate, cheap.

[.40Cal]

I recently picked up a cherry 1022 from my local pawn for $120 otd.

If I could find a deal like that I wouldn't be asking....hehe

Why no mods? IMO the 10/22 is super easy to mod and make a tack driver

Reason I don't want to mod is cuz I don't have time or extra funds to get into the "expensive" hobby of modding. I want to buy a gun that's awesome to begin with.

[.40Cal]

10/22 will be plenty accurate, and is so simple to customize to make it a one hole wonder. The sky is the limit.

I understand that, that's why I wanna get a good one to begin with. I might do a bit of mods, if it's not a lot of money. I know people who spend hundreds on their 10/22. I can't justify that...even on an AR15.

[boopiejones]

another vote for 10/22. i'd get the most basic, cheapest model you can find and then you still have plenty of money in your budget to change out parts if you ever decide to...

personally i'd just swap out the sights with something that puts the rear sight on the receiver, for a longer sight radius, and maybe get a drop in trigger with a lighter pull.

[vintagearms]

The CZ trainer would be the most accurate .22 within your budget. Get a yodave trigger spring in it and it will outshoot most 10/22's including the Savage.

[LowThudd]

Another option is a Marlin Model 60, especially since you don't want to mod. They are arguably more accurate out of the box than a 1022, and hold more rounds. If you want a box mag, you can go with a 795.

They are also cheaper than a 1022.

[rb765]

I bought my son a 10/22, but after shooting the first time, he asked for a bolt action. I ended up getting the Savage MKIIG with the wood stock and he loves it. It eats everything, but it likes some better than others (seems to like CCI standard, minimags, and velocitors best). We have been very happy with those and no mods except scopes for both.

Here on the forum, people love the CZ's and I am sure they are worth every penny. Whatever you choose, check here and http://www.rimfirecentral.com/ to see what they are saying about them before you buy. Lots of good info at both forums.

[MongooseV8]

CZ or a Savage with a good stock would be my choice. Great triggers and accurate out of the box.

What kind of groups are you looking for?

[Dano3467]

What ever you chose there will be trade offs, 1022 while nice & can mod to no end, you will burn through ammo, ask I can tell you.

A bolt gun will allow those highly concentrated shots, your gun will stay far cleaner, we won't even talk about the ammo you'll not burn though, & with 22 ammo at a premium if you can find it.

I will tell you this, if it means anything to you. My Grandson is 12 going on 13, he's been shooting 1022, and has a blast 5-800 rds per trip, & that's OK, that's why I take him, he has fun.

Now he shooting 580 single shot (one at a a time) & you can't get him to switch guns with you, as he can hit anything with that, 1022 not so much, something about having all the extra shots to blow through I guess.

The CZ sounds great to me, but that might only be because I have a 1022, although I love that 580 for same reason as Grandson.

Good luck Op.

[dune870demon]

Ruger American as a bolt action option. I have it in 22mag really fun gun

[as_rocketman]

Let me dissent a little.

You don't want to customize, fine. No problem. But that takes the 10/22 off the table. They're fine rifles but bone stock they are surely not "best."

The CZ options are very nice -- my 452 Varmint has no customization at all and doesn't need it -- but you don't have the budget for the rifle and glass. That leaves only the iron sight version, the CZ 455 Lux, which is a great rifle and would be a good choice given your constraints.

But if you want glass, budget $150 for scope and rings. That prices you out of CZ's. However there are still very fine bolt rifles (Savage, Ruger American, and Marlin) in your price range. These will never challenge an Anschutz but they will give you a lifetime of excellent service.

In your shoes, I'd shoulder each of the above three choices and see which fits you best, and go with that. With a larger budget you could entertain changing out the stocks, etc., but then we're back into modifications again. Anyway, one of the three should fit you fine. My shoulder fits the Marlin 980 best of the three, your mileage will vary.