Recommendations for a 22lr rifle for plinking and possible matches

[larkja]

With ammo prices what they are, I find myself turning to the trusty 22lr more and more. I have started to upgrade my 10/22, but before I go crazy, thought it might be better to just buy a precision rifle. So, looking for suggestions. Here's what I have researched:

Ruger Precision Rimfire
CZ457 Varmint Precision Chassis
Bergara
Vudoo
Anschutz

My budget is around $2,500. I don't need a scope right now (have a 4x16 I'll be using), but will probably upgrade in the future.

I know the Vudoo is at the upper end and would need to buy used for an Anschutz. The Bergara seems to bee a Vudoo wanna-be - should I just pony up and go with the Vudoo? But the CZ 457 seems very promising.

Thanks

[MarikinaMan]

With ammo prices what they are, I find myself turning to the trusty 22lr more and more. I have started to upgrade my 10/22, but before I go crazy, thought it might be better to just buy a precision rifle. So, looking for suggestions. Here's what I have researched:

Ruger Precision Rimfire
CZ457 Varmint Precision Chassis
Bergara
Vudoo
Anschutz

My budget is around $2,500. I don't need a scope right now (have a 4x16 I'll be using), but will probably upgrade in the future.

I know the Vudoo is at the upper end and would need to buy used for an Anschutz. The Bergara seems to bee a Vudoo wanna-be - should I just pony up and go with the Vudoo? But the CZ 457 seems very promising.

Thanks

I have an older CZ 455 with a Timney trigger and a chassis. Even with wind, I am consistent in hitting a 4 inch wide popper at 350 yards.




It all comes down to cost.

If you start with a new or used 457, install a trigger, a chassis and put in a Lilja barrel or equivalent, you'll get really excellent accuracy for less than the Vudoo.

If cost is not an issue, the Vudoo is turn key.

[acourvil]

Zermatt’s RimX is in the same tier as the Vudoo. It will take pre-fit barrels so it is easier to put one together than the Vudoo. Both are Rem700 pattern, so getting a stock/chassis is easy. If you want something that is competition ready, I would go with Vudoo or RimX.

[Garbcollector]

Just picked up a cz 457 trainer with the maners stock and dropped a timney trigger in it and put a vortex strike eagle on top. So far it likes wolf match and cci sv ammo. Voodoo and rim-x were outta my price range

[larkja]

The 457 looks like it might be a nice platform to build on. I don't mind spending $$$ on quality, but I'm nowhere near good enough to eek out the 1% to 5% I'll get from the Vudoo. I'll just invest in ammo and when the time comes, I'll look at the Vudoo.

Thanks all

[Garbcollector]

The 457 looks like it might be a nice platform to build on. I don't mind spending $$$ on quality, but I'm nowhere near good enough to eek out the 1% to 5% I'll get from the Vudoo. I'll just invest in ammo and when the time comes, I'll look at the Vudoo.

Thanks all

You won't be disappointed! plus with a few mods and good match ammo It will hang with a voodoo for alot less




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[larkja]

You won't be disappointed! plus with a few mods and good match ammo It will hang with a voodoo for alot less

Thanks

[ocabj]

> a 22lr rifle for plinking and possible matches

What kind of matches are you talking about? If it's benchrest, you're should be looking more at Stiller or the Vudoo Single-Shot.

If you're talking NRL22 / PRS Rimfire style matches, then any of those will be fine.

As a Vudoo owner, I will say it's such a great platform to use. Runs great, shoots accurately, and feels like a rifle. RimX will be the same. Bergara might be able to hold it's own, but unless you keep the Bergara stock the entire life of the gun, you may as well just go Vudoo or RimX.

If you go CZ, I you should consider the CZ 457 Varmint Precision Trainer which has the Manner stock, as opposed that chassis version they sell. Rifle Gear has a couple in-stock - https://www.riflegear.com/p-12331-cz...sor-ready.aspx

Modify the stock to take an Area 419 arca rail and you're good to go.

If you really want that chassis on the Varmint Precision Chassis, then wait for the MTR version to come out. Only a little more in cost and you get the tighter chamber.

Personally, if I bought an off the shelf unmodified CZ 457, it would probably the 457 Varmint MTR - https://cz-usa.com/product/cz-457-varmint-mtr/ - Tighter chamber and it has a 20.5" barrel. I prefer longer barrels for balance.

[larkja]

> a 22lr rifle for plinking and possible matches

What kind of matches are you talking about? If it's benchrest, you're should be looking more at Stiller or the Vudoo Single-Shot.

If you're talking NRL22 / PRS Rimfire style matches, then any of those will be fine.

As a Vudoo owner, I will say it's such a great platform to use. Runs great, shoots accurately, and feels like a rifle. RimX will be the same. Bergara might be able to hold it's own, but unless you keep the Bergara stock the entire life of the gun, you may as well just go Vudoo or RimX.

If you go CZ, I you should consider the CZ 457 Varmint Precision Trainer which has the Manner stock, as opposed that chassis version they sell. Rifle Gear has a couple in-stock - https://www.riflegear.com/p-12331-cz...sor-ready.aspx

Modify the stock to take an Area 419 arca rail and you're good to go.

If you really want that chassis on the Varmint Precision Chassis, then wait for the MTR version to come out. Only a little more in cost and you get the tighter chamber.

Personally, if I bought an off the shelf unmodified CZ 457, it would probably the 457 Varmint MTR - https://cz-usa.com/product/cz-457-varmint-mtr/ - Tighter chamber and it has a 20.5" barrel. I prefer longer barrels for balance.

Great info. I would consider the MTR except I shoot lefty. I am right handed, but left eye dominant. That stock appears to be set up for a righty.

Thanks

[stormvet]

I have a Ruger precision rimfire in 22 mag, really like the platform. Put an inexpensive 12 power optic on it and it will reward you with nice accuracy and fun times. I also have a Ruger American 22LR with a second hand 12 power Bushnell on it that is surprisingly good and lots of fun. Certainly not a match gun but loads of fun.



Less then $500 total into this rifle

[870classic]

$2,500 is your Budget.

Okay for us economy guys (budgets around $1000), I went with a lightly used Anschutz 64 Metallic Silhouette single shot (you only need one shot) with a Mueller 8.5 x 25 - 44mm AO scope.

My buddies like the Ruger Precision in 22lr.

If you are able to find a repeater, like the Anschutz 64 biathlon version with the 5 round magazine, that should meet your needs.

Best regards,
870classic.

[M76]

All of the above, another option is magnum research

https://shopkahrfirearmsgroup.com/magnum-research/long-guns/magnumlite-rimfire-rifles/

[ocabj]

Great info. I would consider the MTR except I shoot lefty. I am right handed, but left eye dominant. That stock appears to be set up for a righty.

Thanks

That's a significant detail not in the original post. I don't think a lefty 457 exists, yet.

Definitely consider going Vudoo or RimX in a left-handed action. Pair it up with whatever chassis or stock you like.

[RickD427]

I'd also look at the Remington 40-X, particularly if you would like to duplicate the "look and feel" of a Remington 700.

Remington made a number of 40-X rifles in .22LR. A lot were military trainers and are in pretty poor shape, you've gotta be picky in looking in used market, but you can get some good deals, particularly if you're not in a hurry.

[ChampCarStar]

If you were considering smallbore position shooting I would definitely recommend a Walther KK500 smallbore rifle. But at almost $6000 it's more than twice your budget.

One of the great features of the KK500 is it is completely ambidextrous and the bolt can be switched to left handed orientation by just turning the handle to the opposite side of the bolt with a few twists. No tools needed.

The KK500 replaced my Anschutz 1907 at is by far superior to the Anschutz in every way.