Which one, CZ vs. TC??

[goose7856]

I am looking into spending big bucks (in my opinion) on a .22lr.  I have narrowed it down to the best two I could find in a semi-auto format..........the CZ 511 with an 8 round clip, 22.2 inch barrel, and a walnut finish, or the Thompson Center Classic with either a five or 10 round magazine(and im not sure about the other specifics, go to http://tcarms.com/tc22classic/index.php for the rest of the info)

I have never heard anything wrong about a CZ, and very few about the TC. I think someone said the TC can be fired w/o the bolt being closed all the way.....(or something to that extent), but as long as I am safe it shouldn't matter (no one else will be using the gun excpet ME!)......back to the thread question.......

I was wondering who has one of these rifles and how it performs, which is better, and why........also what type of price can i expect to pay for one of these........being a minor, $300 for a .22 is a TON of money........but i have decidided i will be a life-long investment.  I am tired of buying the good/ (yet cheap) stuff, or just the average hunting equipment........i want to get the best for once.......just once so that i am never left wanting better something!!

Plus, with $$ comes accuracy, which is what I want!!  SEMI's are not known for accuracy, but I am hoping to be able to shoot around 1 inch groups at 100 yards and under .5 inch groups at 50 yards (I feel i am a good shot, or just as good or better than the average joe).

How will either of these guns fit my needs?? Thanx for the help!!

[bgjohn]

I'm not familiar with either of the rifles mentioned. I do have a couple of cz-452's. A 22lr & a 17hmr. Both are quality made and very accurate. You are smart to save your money and buy quality. You'll never regret it.
JM

[TNrifleman]

I have a T/C Classic .22 rifle. It is a wonderful .22 autoloading rifle. Mine is about 2 years old and is well designed and finely made. It also is match grade accurate and utterly reliable. T/C s warranty is also as good as it gets. CZ makes good firearms, but I'm not familiar with the one you mentioned. They do make good bolt actions. I really think I'd go with the T/C. Just my .02  cents worth.

[Darrell Davis]

Hello goose7856,

This is just IMHO, but if you want to get something in a semi-auto to shoot as well as you say, you had better save your bucks and buy the TC Benchmark.

In reality, you would be better off to get a 10/22 and enjoy the daylights out of it and at some LATER date trick it (the 10/22) out or buy something at a higher level. Even at the lower price of the 10/22, some of them shoot very well and few give any problems. They are just a fun and solid firearm with one of the best clips ever.

Although some may do it, I personally would not go into a "classic," expecting 1/2" groups at 50yds. Along with a number of other problems, the inability of the "classic" I once had to shoot the 1/2" groups, claimed at that time by TC, was reason enough to sell it.

From what I read on this forum and Rimfire Central, The CZ bolt action is probably your best bet if you want a real shooter at a low price. It is personally not my choice, but there are very few posters that have anything but good to say about the way they will group. Also, my choice does cost a bit more then rifles such as the CZ 542 American.

Also, the one fault I usually read about on the bolt action CZ is the trigger, and that is something that folk have solved with relative simple cures.

I commend you on doing your research and I hope it pays off with a goodly amount of customer satisfaction.

Keep em coming! :wink:

[goose7856]

i guess your right........i have done my research.......I really don't care about the "trigger" being bad, i will just adapt to it.  Shoot a few rounds through it and my body will do the rest (adapt).  I really don't like the idea of the 10/22.  Just not that great of accuracy........I like the magazine, but the barrel is too short, the accuracy is not good enough, and the gun feels like a toy.  Maybe not in the heavy barrel target edition, but in the normal 18.5 inch standard 10/22, it just isnt comfortable for me.  Do you have an opinion on the CZ 511??  It is the only semi-auto in their line.  Go to cz.usa.com and its at the bottom of the rimfire section.  seems like a good buy for somewhere around $300, and CZ's are known for their great accuracy.......what does everyone else think.......??

[Bullseye]

While I do not have a T/C Classic I looked in amazement at a guys target at the range the other week.  His classic shot a 5 shot group at 50 yards that was just one nice hole.  I did not measure it but was probably around the 1/2" or smaller mark.  I am sure they do not all shoot like this, but they are capable.

[Darrell Davis]

Morn'in Bullseye,

I hope you are right about the TC "classic" being up, "capable," to shooting 1/2" - 50yd groups. That would mean they finally (TC) got their act together.

I just personally had such a very bad experience, something which a trip back to the factory at my expence didn't help, that I am afraid my feelings towards the "classic" will forever be tainted.

As to the comment by goose7856 on being able to adapt to a bad trigger pull, yes a young shooter can adapt to some degree, but there will SOON come a point where a bad trigger is just one more crack in the finish. Something which no one should need to put up with.

And having had BOTH a TC "classic" and a 10/22, the 10/22 - IMHO - wins about a 1000 to 1 for a long list of reasons. I would love to have that 10/22 from years ago back again and I don't care to ever handle another "classic."

Keep em coming! :wink:

[bgjohn]

Morn'in Bullseye,

I hope you are right about the TC "classic" being up, "capable," to shooting 1/2" - 50yd groups. That would mean they finally (TC) got their act together.

I just personally had such a very bad experience, something which a trip back to the factory at my expence didn't help, that I am afraid my feelings towards the "classic" will forever be tainted.

As to the comment by goose7856 on being able to adapt to a bad trigger pull, yes a young shooter can adapt to some degree, but there will SOON come a point where a bad trigger is just one more crack in the finish. Something which no one should need to put up with.

And having had BOTH a TC "classic" and a 10/22, the 10/22 - IMHO - wins about a 1000 to 1 for a long list of reasons. I would love to have that 10/22 from years ago back again and I don't care to ever handle another "classic."

Keep em coming! :wink:

The trigger pull on the 10/22 isn't all that great and they weren't very accurate either. I had two of them and sold them after getting my  CZ-452. The trigger pull on it was fixed by a trip to "Ace Hardware". I bought a piece of music wire (cheap) and made myself another spring. Viola! The CZ will put them in one hole too if you use good ammo. :grin:
JM :wink:

[Keith L]

It wouldn't be a choice for me.  TC is known for their fine customer service.  It is rare to find anyone complaining (except for the unfortunate experience Darrell shares with us from time to time).  And they have a reputation of accuracy, look good, and for me best of all they are US made.

 CZ also has a good reputation for their bolt guns, have mixed rreviews on customer service (from outstanding to less than stellar) and are imported.  

When TC releases its HM2 there will be one in my safe.

[DonT]

Never owned a CZ but had my TC Benchmark out to the range last night and 5 shot groups you can cover with a dime at 50yds are the norm and this is with CCI Mini Mag ammo (which is even a surprise to me)...  It does better with the CCI's than any of the other ammo I have tried with the exception of the Federal Gold which is close but no better.

I would not hesitate to buy another or recommend it to anyone.

DonT