Help me pick which rimfire for a first time rimfire owner

[shotgunkev]

There are two rimfires I really like. Cost is not a huge driver of my decision - I really love quality products and I don't mind spending for it...plus I don't have room to store a lot of rifles so I can't get both (or get a .22LR and a .22WMG)... thus the barrel switch option is attractive to me. I'd love to get one rimfire rifle and then after a year or so move on to a centerfire rifle.

Which would you rather have?:

A CZ 455 Lux in .22WMR w/ Timney Trigger, 3rd party match barrel (Lilja) in .22LR + an upgraded metal trigger guard, or:

Simply a stock Sako Quad in .22LR + sako .22WMR barrel (They're a lot more expensive). From what I understand, the Sako Quad has a crisp trigger, near match-quality barrel already, and the bolt action is smoother. There aren't a whole lot of upgrades the rifle needs to make it equivalent to the CZ 455 with the after-market parts, and I also prefer the Quad stock better (in wood). They're not imported anymore very much and so the price has really jumped up, but they do look to be pretty sweet.

Does anyone have input on this? I have handled Sako rifles before and they're beautiful - but I've not handled the Quad...but judging from the quality of the other Sako rifles I've handled, I'd trust them to make a great rimfire and buying it sight-unseen.

[ChuckDizzle]

I have a CZ 455 in .17 hmr and I think you should give the rifle a chance before you start fixing things that aren't broke.

I've practiced enough with it now that I'm shooting sub-moa groups at 100 yards, still with the $16 Tasco scope from Wal-Mart on it.

[bwhited]

You will be very happy with the CZ!

[Teachu2]

Sound like you want the Sako, so get it. I have a CZ 455 American with all three factory barrels and no regrets.

[003]

https://www.volquartsen.com/tags/8-volquartsen-rimfire-rifles,15-complete-firearms

If cost is not a significant consideration, then you should take a look at Volquartsen. Really fine, high quality guns. My .22 WMR shoots under MOA all day long.

[Mutant]

Anschutz MPR. Better yet, a 54 action rifle if cost does not matter. You will have to do nothing but shoot it right away. You will learn how to shoot up to the limits of a great rifle. Then you can shoot anything else with a critical eye.

[as_rocketman]

I haven't handled the Sako either -- nor seen one -- but it seems to fit your requirements: Very nice, supports multiple calibers easily, and will be "Special."

My good rimfire is a CZ 452 Varmint. It required no modification whatsoever. It is lovely and people line up to borrow it at Appleseed. But I wanted a rifle that wasn't so nice that it'd get left behind when it rained... that's what it is, a Corvette, not a Ferrari.

Sounds to me like you want a Ferrari. Go for it.

[momopi]

Try using the factory barrel and trigger first before you decide to upgrade. If it shoots great then no need to fix what ain't broken.

[JMP]

From the description in the original post, I'd go with an Anschutz. The model 64s aren't that expensive, and they will be great out of the box. For more money, there's the 54. The main thing is to pick one out with a stock you like and shoot good ammo, and it will be very accurate. The Anschutz trigger is very nice with a light and smooth two-stage break.

For a budget rifle, the CZs are hard to beat.