Buying something I don't need...

[B!ngo]

So I've decided that, before year end, when there likely will be all sorts of restrictions about new firearms and ammo purchases here in CA, I want to buy a high-quality 22.LR bolt action rifle.
Couple of caveats: it has to be left handed, has to be able to mount a scope, has to have a magazine capacity of between 5 and 10 shots.
To restate from the title, I really don't have any need for such a thing, am not a particularly great shot, but really would like to re-live my youth of summer camp being a best in region 10-year old sharp shooter on the range, and for plinking fun as well. Besides I really love .22LR and would likely take this gun out of the safe more than any other.
I have it narrowed down to the Anschutz 1416 (LH) and the CZ 416. Any opinions, counterpoints or alternatives out there?
Thx,
B

[as_rocketman]

If you have aspirations of becoming a particularly good shot, a .22 boltie is a pretty good way to do it...

I just picked up a CZ 452 Varmint (wood stock, heavy barrel). There is a CZ 452 American (standard barrel) in left-handed models, though you might have to hunt for one. It mounts a scope easily, accepts 5 and 10 round magazines as well as a single-shot adapter, and is pretty darn solid. There's really nothing bad to say about it.

Anschutz of course is practically synonymous with accuracy, and the 1416 is no exception. It's also more expensive. I don't have first-hand experience with them, deciding on the CZ as "good enough" for field shooting.

Really don't think you can go wrong with either one. Pick a price point and go forth. Both are outstanding rifles.

[stephewc]

If you are worried about the pending SB 374 legislation banning pretty much everything with detachable mags, the newest revision of the bill excluded rimfire rifles so you don't have to worry about that ... for now.

I use a CZ 452 varmint and love it. Very accurate and the price is reasonable.

I've shot some Anschutz 54 action rifles before and they are also very very good. The action hasn't changed in a long time, so there are plenty of parts out there should there be the need. The 2 stage triggers are a joy to use.

As mentioned above, it is all about your need and what you want to do with it. If you just want to punch small holes with a scope, then you can't go wrong with a CZ. If you want to punch even smaller holes and compete in smallbore then Anschutz is probably the way to go.

[Jarhead]

CZ452 Varmint

[smittty]

Left hand bolt gun...here's one,

http://www.davidsonsinc.com/consumers/subsites/inven_product.asp?dealer_id=161558&item=25795&instock=in&manufact_combo=None&mod_ser_combo=None&category_combo=2&model=None&g_type=Rifle&act_type=&finish_type=None&calib_combo=22LR&sight_class_combo=None&price_range=None&left_handed=&youth=&Offset_rec=50&num_rec=50&item_num=

I'm not crazy about the thumb-hole stock but the Savage makes a beautiful walnut sporter stock that you can probably get from midwayusa.

[BEE]

I'm aiming to get an CZ 452 Ultra Lux myself before year end as well, after I acquire some CZ handguns

[B!ngo]

The CZ is very appealing, given the significant difference in price. Because I'm looking for a left-hander, it seems impossible to locate one. And glad to hear that rimfire configurations are not currently impacted by the likely legislation but I'd just as soon be safe rather than sorry.
I'm not wild about the thumbhole model. I suspect they are actually pretty good, but just never appealed. And I do want to share it with my family when the opportunity presents itself and that doesn't work with the thumbhole. Take it from me, a left hander who has struggled with things being backward for 50 years.
Seems like it, as usual, just comes down to money.
More input welcomed.
Thx,
B

[Izzy43]

While you're at it buy some quality target ammo and skip the bulk stuff. Wolf Match Target, SK Std+ and Eley Target are good starting points for ammo to shoot in a quality rifle. Besides, the low end target ammo that I mentioned is not that much more than the elevated prices that folks are paying for Remington Golden Bullets and Thunderbolts. Check out the prices of ammo at Champion Shooters Supply, you might be surprised.

[as_rocketman]

The CZ is very appealing, given the significant difference in price. Because I'm looking for a left-hander, it seems impossible to locate one. And glad to hear that rimfire configurations are not currently impacted by the likely legislation but I'd just as soon be safe rather than sorry.

I'm not a fan of thumbholes either, but to each their own.

If you can't find one locally, you could always get one transferred. Whittaker imports a boatload of CZs and they have the left-handed CZ 452 American on their list. Worth a call if all else fails.

[sholling]

I owned a CZ453 for a while but eventually replaced it with an Anschutz 64 MPR. Both are fine rifles and they both have their place, their strengths, and their weaknesses. The CZ is a fine accurate little rifle that's not much bigger than a 10/22. On the other hand my Anschutz is better looking, more accurate, and has a far-far-far better trigger, but my Annie is also much heavier and the 64 actioned rifles have notoriously p-poor ejection. P-poor, as in the spent case may or may not clear the receiver when you cycle the bolt - a very common problem with 64 actioned rifles.

CZ support is sloooooow while Anschutz support is almost non-existent. In my opinion you have an equal chance of winning a lotto grandprize as you do getting the one official Anschutz gunsmith to return a call. I can't say for sure because I've never won the lotto or gotten a call back from Herr Anschutz smith. Bottom line: I'll never sell my Annie but I'll never buy another Anschutz unless it has a 54 action.

[Izzy43]

I owned a CZ453 for a while but eventually replaced it with an Anschutz 64 MPR. Both are fine rifles and they both have their place, their strengths, and their weaknesses. The CZ is a fine accurate little rifle that's not much bigger than a 10/22. On the other hand my Anschutz is better looking, more accurate, and has a far-far-far better trigger, but my Annie is also much heavier and the 64 actioned rifles have notoriously p-poor ejection. P-poor, as in the spent case may or may not clear the receiver when you cycle the bolt - a very common problem with 64 actioned rifles.

CZ support is sloooooow while Anschutz support is almost non-existent. In my opinion you have an equal chance of winning a lotto grandprize as you do getting the one official Anschutz gunsmith to return a call. I can't say for sure because I've never won the lotto or gotten a call back from Herr Anschutz smith. Bottom line: I'll never sell my Annie but I'll never buy another Anschutz unless it has a 54 action.

I also have a CZ and can verify Sholling's post as I have shot his Anschutz and @ 50 yds its a 5 shot one hole rifle with the sweetest trigger I have ever used. There's a price difference between it and a CZ but the $$$ are worth it if you want a truly precision .22lr rifle. My CZ is a great rifle but would not stand a chance against an Anschutz in competition shooting. As a side note, don't scrimp on the scope for either of these rifles. Excellent glass makes a huge difference. One look thru Sholling's Weaver T-24 sent me home to order one.