I want a good .22LR

When I talk about Anschutz as a top competition rifle I need to explain the level of accuracy necessary.

At 50 yards the X ring is the Diam of a 22 cal bullet. Many scores were 5X or five through the X ring.There was a rolling sheet of paper behind each target to verify that five shots were actually fired because there was only one 22 size hole through the X ring.
 
You seem to have a preference for a semi-auto 22 over a bolt. Anshutz rifles are hard to beat, but you are unlikely to find one at $500; maybe in the $900 area. I am considering a new sporter which will run me around $1600 or so.

I have seldom seen an out-of-the-box Ruger 10/22 that will shoot 0.5" groups at 50 yds with any ammo. I have a deluxe version that I bought around 1990. It does okay, but not great for target shooting. I like it as a woods gun.

You will not likely find a typical AR styled 22 rifle that will shoot 0.5" groups consistantly at 50 yds. They are just not intended for this purpose. Fun rifles, but not really a target grade gun.

The old Weatherby Mark XXII (semi) will usually shoot 0.5" groups at 50 yds with middle grade ammo.

As I mentioned before, the TC R-55 should do 5-shot 0.5" groups at 50 yds. My better groups are in the 0.25" area, but I sometimes shoot 0.75" groups with it with cheap ammo. It just depends on the day.

The two best bolt action rifles in your price range are the CZ 452/453 or the Savage Mark II. They will normally shoot 0.5" groups at 50 yds if you do your part. The most accurate semi-auto is the TC out of the box unless you get lucky.
 
I have an Anschutz 64 that I found used at my favorite gunshop with a nice Simmons variable 10 power scope and can attest that everything that everyone has said about the Anschutz rifles is true. There is nothing I enjoy more than seeing just how accurate this rifle really is - I still haven't reached that level - I hate to say this, but I picked it up for 600.00 - this was about 20 years ago tho! I also have a Browning takedown semi auto that is a ton of fun to shoot. I just have the iron sights that came on it. This is the rifle that I throw in the truck if I am going to go out for a walk in the woods as it is very light and has a very small profile - you almost forget that you are carrying it. Pretty darn accurate. There is a Marlin 39A in the back of the closet that does not get much exercise, but is also a joy to shoot. I spent about 4-5 years in the NRA junior marksmanship program when I was a young teen. We shot (I think) Remington 521s. The program took place in the basement of the local YMCA and we shot every week. I have burned up alot of .22 shells over the years and have to say that I enjoy this cartridge more than any other.
 
In the value for money stakes, you won't find a better buy than the CZ 452.

Nor will you find any CZ owners who are disappointed with their purchase. A superb rifle straight out of the box, and capable of better accuracy than most shooters can deliver.
(Try one from a fixed bench rest one time, and see if you can match the group!)

There are better quality and more accurate .22LRs around, but expect to spend BIG dollars for a small degree of improvement over the CZ.
 
I didnt even read any po9sts but, for the cheapest good rifle Marlin but not really Marlin anymore, so CZ ALL THE WAY, I OWN 3 and you cant beat them.... Just my 2 cents take it or leave it:D.
 
I think a S&W M&P is the best overall option. Versitile, accurate and handles like an AR15.
 
For mall ninja factors and cheap training, an AR-15 style 22lr works. Don't expect match accuracy from it though. Plan on spending a lot of money on beer after the matches.

Rugers are great if like to tinker and swap parts all the time.

Anschutz has a well deserved and EARNED reputation so, a clean used rifle in the ~$600-800 range could be a good buy for you. CZ 452/453's are a solid choice in the mid-range pricepoints. Be sure to read up on Rimfire Central.
 
You have a world of options for the money that you are looking to spend; here is a short list to consider:

economical auto = Marlin 60. Very accurate out of the box, more so than a 10/22, needs no tweaking, perhaps boring if you are looking to accessorize.

economical bolts = Savage or Marlin. I shoot a Marlin myself (old Model 80 DL). Many rimfire enthusiasts like the Savages.

mid-priced bolt = CZ. You need to very seriously consider this option. It is right at the sweet spot of affordability, great accuracy, and high quality without going overboard.

high-end bolt = Anschutz. They are great. But you can get about the same performance out of a CZ of course; it is just not an Anschutz.

Notably not on the list are the 10/22 or the Ruger bolt (77/22?). There are those that like them, but if your criteria is out-of-the-box accuracy, look elsewhere. These guns can be made to shoot, but both are project guns when it comes to accuracy. Neither can compete out-of-the-box with the choices listed above.

My suggestion? Get a CZ, use the rest of your $600 on the best scope you can buy, and never worry about buying a .22 ever again.
 
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Moon0507 said:
You have a world of options for the money that you are looking to spend; here is a short list to consider:

economical auto = Marlin 60. Very accurate out of the box, more so than a 10/22, needs no tweaking, perhaps boring if you are looking to accessorize.

economical bolts = Savage or Marlin. I shoot a Marlin myself (old Model 80 DL). Many rimfire enthusiasts like the Savages.

mid-priced bolt = CZ. You need to very seriously consider this option. It is right at the sweet spot of affordability, great accuracy, and high quality without going overboard.

high-end bolt = Anschutz. They are great. But you can get about the same performance out of a CZ of course; it is just not an Anschutz.

Notably not on the list are the 10/22 or the Ruger bolt (77/22?). There are those that like them, but if your criteria is out-of-the-box accuracy, look elsewhere. These guns can be made to shoot, but both are project guns when it comes to accuracy. Neither can compete out-of-the-box with the choices listed above.

My suggestion? Get a CZ, use the rest of your $600 on the best scope you can buy, and never worry about buying a .22 ever again.
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Ditto, especially about CZ 452, also from last I read on the CZ website I think they are replacing it with a new model, the 455 and the initial impressions I've seen on the new gun are mixed, but I haven't seen the 455 myself so I can't comment.

There are only two .22 rifles I would personally spend $500-600 on:
1) Marlin 39a
2) CZ 452

I can't shoot well enough to justify an Anschutz, you may be a better shot than I am.
 
Ruger SR-22.

Here is the one I bought my brother. NOTE: He's since added a very expensive Leupold scope, Atlas bipod that swivels 180 degrees using ball detents (if you're not LEO, expect a wait time of about 4 months to get a hold of one of these bipods), and Magpul AFG2. He's also got a trigger job, hammer and bolt job, and match chamber.

sr-22.jpg
 
I only have one .22LR... It's a Mossberg 380 (cousin of the 480). Semi-auto, tube-fed, peep sight. Really fun rifle, and pretty accurate too.
 
I just went to a local gun shop this afternoon to look at a couple. These guys have the CZ Military Trainer for $389. It has the adjustable sights were as the basic model ($339) does not. I asked about the Kimber and he said they could order it. I couldn't remember the model # and I'd have to call back to get a price. I don't believe BASS PRO sells Kimber at least they didn't at last check. What might that Kimber set me back? I 'm sure I could find one to handle somewhere. I think the Anschutz is out.
 
Just a funny story. When I took my hunter safety class a few years ago, they tested us with a bolt action .22. They had a bunch of Anschutz rifles with thumb hole stocks that belonged to the club and a few beat up looking less expensive rifles. I actually jostled through the line and scrambled to get one of those Anchutz to shoot with. Five rounds later I ran out to retrieve my target and not a bullet hole in sight. Needless to say I was surprised and embarrassed. I feared I may not be given a card. The instructor gave me one of those POS looking cheap rifles and I promptly put five in the black, in a straight line just below the X. Just goes to show you how important it is to sight in your rifle. ;)
 
I have narrowed it down to two choices. The CZ 452 Ultra Lux w/ a 28.6" Barrel and the CZ 452 Special Military Trainer w/ a 20.8" barrel. Any thoughts? My primary concern is accuracy for the money so I'm leaning towards the Ultra Lux. Anybody have one? Thanks.
 
A Kimber will set you back $600 from the CMP, upwards of $2000 elsewhere, depending on the model.
 
The great thing about .22's is that you dont have to spend $600 to get a good, acurate and fun rifle. I have a Marlin model 60 that has tens of thousands of rounds through it. Its taken dozens of rabbits, squirls and woodpeckers and the best part is that you can find them on sale for $99.
 
The really great thing about .22's is that ammo's so cheap that anybody with a $99 rifle can make believe he knows what it's like to shoot an accurate rifle.
 
dttomcat said:
In the next month or so, I'll be in the market for a new rifle .22 LR, about $500 or $600 before the scope. I'll be looking through the irons for the first few hundred rounds. Somebody mentioned a Kimber in another thread a few days ago. Then I watched that S&W MP-15 video. Anybody? Bueller?
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What are the SEALS using these days? Will you be carrying a BOB in case you need to Bug Out to the mountains? Make sure you take a freezer will of frozen steaks and beer. Oh, and don't forget the generator and tons of ammo. See you in the mountains ;)

:D
 
Old CW4 said:
There is ONLY ONE really good 22 rifle on the market: The Ruger 10/22. All others are pale imitations.....! I'm sure I'll get lambasted for this one but so be it. My faith is solid.
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As is MY faith!!!:D
Now testify!!!!:cool:
It's deadly accurate outta the box too!!...imho
 
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