Ruger American or CZ455?

[gdr_11]

am looking to buy a modestly priced .22 bolt action rifle within the next couple of weeks and have narrowed it down to the Ruger American or the CZ455. I know nothing personally about either rifle, but the articles and reviews all seem to point to these two at around the $300 price mark. Before I pull the trigger (no pun intended) I wanted to ask a few questions of the forum:

1. Is the price difference of the CZ worth it in terms of quality, accuracy, etc.?

2. Will the magazines of both work well with .22 shorts when desired?

3. I noticed when I ran the Ruger models online that the Savage .22s showed up intermixed with Ruger and also showed them as being equipped with Ruger triggers. Does this mean Ruger is making these as well? If so, does the Savage deserve a second look from me or are the Ruger and CZ definitely a cut above Savage?

My criteria is simple:

1. $300 price range
2. Shoot quarter size groups at 75 yds
3. Be able to handle .22 shorts on occasion
4. Not require any exotic scope mounts

Right now I am looking at around $270 for the Ruger and $340 for the CZ, so definitely not the top of either model line.

[Tehjosheh]

Rather then actually help with your questions, I will attempt to throw in a monkey wrench.

Granted they are going for more than your $300 price range (but perhaps not by too much?)

I have you considered the newly released Ruger Precision Rimfire?

https://ruger.com/products/precisionRimfire/models.html

[gdr_11]

Rather then actually help with your questions, I will attempt to throw in a monkey wrench.

Granted they are going for more than your $300 price range (but perhaps not by too much?)

I have you considered the newly released Ruger Precision Rimfire?
https://ruger.com/products/precisionRimfire/models.html

You remind me of my wife; every time I take her along when I am car shopping I end up paying a few thousand more than my top price for something more luxurious than I had planned on. With that said, I will check out the Precision.

[Tehjosheh]

[Brujo]

Never shot a Ruger american in .22 but I have in other calibers. I have a CZ 455 FS. I would say in general (fit and finish) CZ makes a nicer rifle. How well they shoot is more dependent on ammo and the shooter...although I used to shoot silhouette and the only rifles I saw the winners holding tended to be Anschutz, CZ's and the occasional Kimber.

Before you buy a Ruger go hold a CZ

[Kwikvette]

Just by reading the title, I can suggest the CZ455.

Handle one, shoot it, and be impressed.

[Tank 57]

Own both. CZ is the better of the 2. I would part with the Ruger with little thought about it.

CZ is the more accurate of my 2.

I doubt either rifle would reliably feed shorts. A cartridge they are not designed for. Probably have feed them single shot by hand.

I bought the CZ scope rings for my 455 to make sure they fit correctly. Lot of information at rimfirecentral.com.

[Tank 57]

Added bonus for CZ. Can be converted to .17HMR and .22WMR with factory barrel kits.

[as_rocketman]

1. Is the price difference of the CZ worth it in terms of quality, accuracy, etc.?

2. Will the magazines of both work well with .22 shorts when desired?

3. I noticed when I ran the Ruger models online that the Savage .22s showed up intermixed with Ruger and also showed them as being equipped with Ruger triggers. Does this mean Ruger is making these as well? If so, does the Savage deserve a second look from me or are the Ruger and CZ definitely a cut above Savage?

In your shoes a few years back, I went with CZ. It is more rifle for more money. Finding and equipping one on $300 will be a challenge, though. I had a more flexible budget.

I don't believe either magazine will work properly with .22 Shorts. Never tried it, though. I have a SLED for my CZ, which is how I'd roll if I wanted to try it.

Savage is worth a look. They are not made by Ruger. Had many Savages on my line, some owned by RWVA instructors, they run well and are a good value for the money. I still prefer my CZ.

Bottom line, pick a price point, shoulder everything that meets it and see which fits you best. None of those is a bad choice.

[joe47]

If the CZ won't feed the shorts you can always use a single shot adapter. If you haven't made up your mind yet read this.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/want-a-good-22-bolt-gun.832119/

[gdr_11]

Sounds like CZ is the way to go. I have an opportunity to purchase a Savage Mk II with the AccuTrigger, fluted barrel and a Redfield 3X-9X scope for $190 and I am really tempted but feel like i may not be happy unless I step up a bit to the CZ

[joe47]

You may get the accuracy with the Savage but it's not even close when it comes to fit and finish. The CZ is better and the CZ mags are MUCH better.

[pennstater]

CZ for the win. Check budsgunshop.com for the CZ 455"Training Rifle" for $338.00. Won't go wrong there.#02100.

[Rorge Retson]

I got the CZ 455 American combo with both 22LR and 17HRM barrels.

[toiletfighter]

+1 for the CZ

I have two 455 models, a Lux and the Varmint Precision Trainer. I also have a few Savage MK II models. All shoot very well, particularly with most standard velocity 40gr ammo. But the 455 is a more accurate rifle in my experience and better built as well.

The one advantage I’d give Savage is that their MK II line comes with their AccuTrigger while the CZ’s need improvement to be a ‘good’ trigger. I dropped a Rifle Basix in the 455 Trainer and have it set at about 1lb, huge improvement.