Best entry-level bolt-action .22 rifle?

[Sailormilan2]

The Zastavas run about $220 - $240, plus transfer fees. I just bought one in 17 HMR, and it was $250 + $72 tax, and registration, through Ten Percent Firearms. They have a good repuation for being accurate rifles.

[RimfireJim]

I have quite a few CZs including the 452 full stock and the target model. One thing to be aware of with the CZ is rings & mags. CZ absolutely screws you on both, they are greatly overpriced and the groove on the 452 receiver is 11mm not the standard 3/8" type. Most 3/8" will work on it though, just be aware some may not. I think I have some Millett engraved on my 452 Mannlicher.

That's not completely correct. Some CZ 452 models use a 3/8" (across top) dovetail, others use a 11mm (across bottom) dovetail. See the CZ 452 Model Comparison chart linked in this thread http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums...ad.php?t=82324 for details. The difference comes from their European heritage (11mm), then they started making models targeted to the American market (3/8"), but kept them all in the 452 family. BKL rings work well on any of them, so I'm told. I have BKL rings on one of mine, and Millets on the other, but they're both "American" models with 3/8" dovetails.

CZ does make a plastic stock model version of their 452.

Two, actually - the Silhouette and the Style, the latter being stainless.

There are plenty of older 22s - Remington 500 series and the Winchester 69, 72 - that will do very well also. I've got a 1941 made Winchester 75 with Redfield peep & globe sights and out to about 100 yds it does every bit as well as a scoped 22. I'm getting older but my eyes are managing to stay young, I'd say that's a requirement for shooting with iron sights.

That's certainly another good way to go - lots of good, used 22s out there languishing in closets.

[nat]

How old is your kid? My son started shooting when he was 7, I let him use my great grandfathers winchester 67A. It is a single shot which keeps things mellow and safe.

[dfletcher]

That's not completely correct. Some CZ 452 models use a 3/8" (across top) dovetail, others use a 11mm (across bottom) dovetail. See the CZ 452 Model Comparison chart linked in this thread http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums...ad.php?t=82324 for details. The difference comes from their European heritage (11mm), then they started making models targeted to the American market (3/8"), but kept them all in the 452 family. BKL rings work well on any of them, so I'm told. I have BKL rings on one of mine, and Millets on the other, but they're both "American" models with 3/8" dovetails.

Oops, you're right - I forgot about their "American" line. I bought some BKLs and they fit but decided against using them, they're a bit blocky for such a nice looking rifle.

[Hollow Grind]

Thanks for all the responses, folks. I think a youth-sized rifle is out, as my son is 5'11", 170, and growing by the day! Maybe I'll get him a gift card to Stater Bros. instead of the gun.

I'm leaning towards the Marlin and Savage due to the price point, but that Zastava looks nice, too. Does anyone know if any of the IE shops carry tis brand so I can cop a feel?

[glockman19]

yep.

Although these days 150 dollar 981t's are hard to come by. They are closer to 200 in shops when new.

Only $176 @ www.budsgunshop.com

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/323/products_id/41310

Nothing like a tube fed bolt action rifle. It can shoot .22short, .22long, .22LR, & CB's.

[Hollow Grind]

Sweet, thanks for the link, same place where I got my handgun.

[PutTogether]

I just got the Marlin 981ts - LOVE it. Stainless steel version, tube mag. Holds 17 rounds of .22LR or 25 rounds of .22 short. Grooved receiver, but the open sights are awesome.

[1911su16b870]

My vote is for the CZ 452, reminiscent of the old Mauser trainers!

[CalNRA]

transfer fees, amigo, transfer fees

Only $176 @ www.budsgunshop.com

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/323/products_id/41310

Nothing like a tube fed bolt action rifle. It can shoot .22short, .22long, .22LR, & CB's.