I'm new to this forum, and I have spent some time doing searches and scanning several forums' threads, but I can't seem to find what I'm looking for.
I'm sort of overwhelmed at the amount of information and opinions now available on .22s in general, and the 10/22 in particular.
First, some quick background... owned and shot a 10/22 carbine and a Mossberg 346KC bolt action back in late '60s/early '70s. Casual target shooting and plinking... some squirrels, rabbits from time to time. Used iron sights on both .22s. Didn't really like the sites on my 10/22 back then. Vision problem developed in my right (aiming) eye, gave up shooting in '70s, haven't touched a gun in 30 years. Am having eye surgery at end of November which will correct (finally) the vision problem. Now that I will be able to see again, I want to start shooting again.
My question boils down to this:
Under a limited budget (less than $300) what is the most accurate .22, either bolt or semi-auto out-of-the-box? I'm certainly not expecting competition match accuracy, but a darn good field gun shooter.
I would consider adding a decent 'scope .22-suitable for 50 yards, or replace stock sights with good aperture site if that seems to make more sense. I also can appreciate that different ammo can positively or negatively affect accuracy. At least for the present, I don't want to get involved in modding the gun (heck, I've been modding PCs for almost twenty years, and that can be a $$$ sinkhole). Hence, my reason for best shooter out-of-the-box.
Based on info I've read on this forum and other rimfire forums, I'm considering the CZ452 Trainer and the TOZ-78 (Winchester Wildcat)... how do you think these two bolt actions compare? For what it's worth, it seems that the TOZ-78 (Winchester Wildcat) is darn close in accuracy to the CZ452 and significantly less money.
Thanks for all opinions and advice given!