Author Topic: rimfire recommendation? (Read 3066 times)

mrbigtexan · « **on:** February 01, 2011, 12:53:55 PM »

i've narrowed it to a remington 540, ruger 77/22, or a cz american. i would like a remmy 40x but the price is out of touch with reality. what have you shot and would you recommend it over one of the others? thanks

PowPow · « **Reply #1 on:** February 01, 2011, 01:18:28 PM »

I like my CZ 452 American. Also love my Ruger 1's and 10/22, wish they made a left hand version of the 77/22.
(I only posted this so I could see updates on the 80 or 100 replies you will get)

Dee · « **Reply #2 on:** February 01, 2011, 01:33:58 PM »

If I had it to do over I would get a Henry Lever, as it it shoots short, longs, and long rifles, and would feed my CB caps.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2011, 01:50:57 PM »

I have two CZ 452 rifles.
One is a Lux the other is the Varmint.
really like both.
Both will shoor the CB longs. the varmint with the shorter barrel will shoot the super Colibri rounds for back yard fun or pest control. The Colibri get caught under the front sight on the LUX model. The CB longs feed from the mags and shoot well out to 75 feet but pleanty for a cotton tail, a rattle snake, crow, or just plinking the soda can quietly.
Both feel like real rifles. I have had a bunch of 22 rifles over the years. Some of them have small stocks and feel like toys more than a hunting rifle. The stock is full sized and fits a normal person.
I too have a 77/22 but in 22 hornet and really like it too. but the rotary mag of the 10/22 does not allow for anything other than Long Rifle rounds to be used
Have not had a chance to play with one of the Remingtons
A Cz 452 American is on the short list for small game at Dad's house. (he lives across the country) But with the cost of the CZ going up every time I turn around a Ruger may be cheaper to get for tree rats in NC.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #4 on:** February 01, 2011, 01:59:44 PM »

I have had all of them, among with a Anschutz, Cooper and a Browning T-bolt, a Weatherby, Marlin Squirrel and a number of target upgraded 10/22's and Remington bolts. All where good. The marlin has a special place but none where as consistently accurate as the CZ 452. Mine is a special with the long barrel. It wears a Bushnell Trophy 8x18 AO scope and will routinely shoot dime sized groups at 100 yards if the wind cooperates...

I would look close to the CZ, its a finely accurate rim fire....

CW

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #5 on:** February 03, 2011, 08:54:00 PM »

Lots of good folk and info here, but you may want to also check out Rimfire Central.

Lots of folk like the CZ.

Some of the Savages shoot very well.

I really like my Clark Custom 77/22. That Walther barrel shoots VERY well!

Keep em coming!

CDOC

pastorp · « **Reply #6 on:** February 04, 2011, 08:20:41 AM »

All the CZs I've owned were good shooters. And they are priced very fair.

Regards,

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #7 on:** February 04, 2011, 12:34:21 PM »

One comment I hear about the CZ is trigger quality.

However, solutions are easy to come by on Rimfire Central forum.

I probably would have look closer at a CZ except for the below the stock magazine which I really don't like!

Sure do like that 10/22 - 77/22 magazine!!!!!!!!!

Keep em coming!

Flynmoose · « **Reply #8 on:** February 04, 2011, 04:27:48 PM »

At the risk of sounding a little repetitive, I like my CZ 452s, 22lr and 17M2.
They shoot well and look nice in the safe!
FM

Victor3 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 04, 2011, 05:46:20 PM »

Another vote for CZ here. My 452 American is only slightly less accurate than my BRNO Mod 4 (heavy 22 target rifle). CZ's tend to shoot a wider variety of ammo well, even some of the cheaper stuff.

My American is the only 'new bought' rimfire I own that I'll never sell.

PowPow · « **Reply #10 on:** February 04, 2011, 05:57:41 PM »

Quote from: Victor3 on February 04, 2011, 05:46:20 PM

...CZ's tend to shoot a wider variety of ammo well, even some of the cheaper stuff...

My 452 American loves CCI Blazers best, $ 12.88/brick at the local shop (better than some premium target stuff)

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #11 on:** February 07, 2011, 07:20:18 AM »

I was at a local shop the other day and there was a used CZ 452 Lux like mine.
It was $150 more than I paid for mine new, 8 years ago.
The prices contuine to rise on the little rifles. I think it is the only new rifle I ever bought that I think I can get more for than what I paid. Not that it is for sale!

Victor3 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 07, 2011, 05:58:48 PM »

The 452 is being phased out in favor of the 455. I assume that's one reason prices are going up. I heard on the interwebs that CZ will only be delivering the 452 through this year, but take that for what it's worth (a rumor AFAIK).

I did however buy a 452 Scout recently, just in case.

I make oil · « **Reply #13 on:** February 19, 2011, 06:43:12 AM »

I like my Kimber. Also have several 10/22's, Remingtons, Marlins, and a nice Ruger 77/22 by Johns guns. But for a good shooting .22 have you thought of a G2 TC Contender in .22? Very accurate gun with the ability to shoot other calibers? I have both pistols and Rifles and enjoy it in both. But if want something surpressed, one of John's Guns 77/22's with the intergal Suppressor is Really Fun!

NickSS · « **Reply #14 on:** March 04, 2011, 11:28:30 PM »

I have had dozens of 22 rifles over the years and some were very expensive target rifles. Of the guns you are looking at the CZ is head and shoulders above the other two as I have owned all three. The CZ is more consistently accurate and is real Quality compared to the other two.

351 power · « **Reply #15 on:** March 05, 2011, 12:55:40 AM »

lower priced rifles is my experience. the zastava is a great one. nice solid feel and accurate

Bugflipper · « **Reply #16 on:** March 05, 2011, 03:21:07 AM »

I favor the 10-22 but not in factory form. Slicked over a bit they can be extremely accurate. Out of the box for accuracy, another cz vote.

wsjones · « **Reply #17 on:** March 05, 2011, 10:35:33 AM »

I looked at all three of the models you are considering when looking for a 17HMR a few years ago. My first and still 'go to' 22 is a Remington 511 although I've since gotten others, including a 10/22 Remington 572 and 552, Henry lever (and lord, maybe more!), so the Remington was the first look at choice. I've got a Ruger 77 that I like, so the 77/22 was interesting; I didn't hve a CZ of any stripe, so that was interesting, too.

I ended up with the CZ because it was VERY reasonably price and good looking. With a trigger kit added it's a pleasure to shoot and very accurate.

I confess I've never shot one of the Remington or Ruger bolt rimfires, but am clearly not prejudiced against them

No bad choices! -WSJ

wsjones · « **Reply #18 on:** March 05, 2011, 10:43:00 AM »

I knew there were more! Henry Survivor and Marlin 925. neither are in the same league as the ones you're looking at. I also looked at the Kimebr's but theyw were a bit too pricey too, expecially when compared to the CZ.

Ron T. · « **Reply #19 on:** March 10, 2011, 10:30:41 AM »

My CZ453 "varmint" model with the heavy barrel (no sights) and a factory single-set trigger is undoubtedly the most accurate .22 rimfire rifle I've ever owned.

I installed a good quality 4-12x40mm center-fire rifle scope with an adjustable objective turret to eliminate parallel on the rifle as soon as I got it... then had my gunsmith pillar-bed the action screws, glas-bed the receiver and re-float the heavy barrel... and I've never been disappointed in it's accuracy with almost any brand of ammo, but it "likes" Wolf Match/Target the best.

I'll never sell it or trade it.

Strength & Honor...

Ron T.

Bubajunk · « **Reply #20 on:** May 03, 2011, 01:45:51 PM »

Darrell what options did you go with on your Clark custom 77/22 ? What barrel .920 or .720 and which stock ? I am going to do the same to my 77/22 in the very near future and am thinking of going with Clark as well.

E.T.

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #21 on:** May 03, 2011, 04:24:15 PM »

Bubajunk,

Mine has the .920 barrel and as such is quite heavy!

The reason I got it, new, for the price I did, was because the fellow who ordered it from Clark, got it and didn't like the weight. He paid $785 shipped to him from Clark, traded it in right away for something lighter, and after it sat on a dealers rack for quite awhile I picked it up for $600.

Wonder what he would think if he knew just how well the rifle shoots?

But, If I were to order one, I think I would order a lighter barrel.

Making contact directly with Clark Custom and asking what to expect in groups with a lighter barrel would be a good way to go. They aren't going to want to say a lighter barrel will give the great groups I get and then have you unhappy.

Cooper and Kimber both sell .22 rifles which shoot very well and have lighter barrels, so for a .22, I think quality of barrel is far more important the weight.

People on this thread have mentioned the CZ. They have a great reputation for groups, BUT I DON'T LIKE CLIPS THAT HANG BELOW THE STOCK LINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In light of that, the 77/22 is not only a very nice rifle, but it has a VERY GREAT CLIP, all ten rounds worth!

I may have mentioned earlier that I had another 77/22 some years back, that although a great rifle, didn't produce the groups I wanted. In fairness, I didn't ring it out with lots and lot of different ammo. However, what I should have done instead of trading it off, was trick it out!!!

Anyway, all this to say, I think I would make myself known to the folks at Clark Custom and start asking questions.

The Clark Custom 77/22 is the only rifle I have around on which I have not floated and or bedded the barrel/action. It just shoots so very well, I haven't brought myself to even taking it apart. Not even once!

Keep em coming!

Crusty Deary Ol'Coot

semperfi1970 · « **Reply #22 on:** May 03, 2011, 05:48:31 PM »

I like all .22lr's, but for the money if you want a shooter buy a Savage btv with a accutrigger. My btv shoots side by side with my 64 sporter benchrest for a third the cost.

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #23 on:** May 03, 2011, 06:26:57 PM »

Don't know what the Savage "BTV" is, but a friend has a Savage, Mark I or II or??? with the acra trigger, synthic stock, single shot sold with target sights mounted. About $300 +

Jack's rifle shoots quite well, so Summer before last we had a shoot out, he with his Savage and me with my Clark Custom 77/22.

That first go around, we both shot from the same boxes of target/ match ammo, up to and including the real pricey Lapua offerings.

Jack's rifle shot groups equal to mine, and in the case of it's most favored ammo, slightly better.

Made me wonder at the wisdom of my investment of over double the $$$$ Jack had invested in his rifle/scope combination.

However, this past Summer we had round two of the shoot out, this time shooting typical off the shelf .22s and it was a whole different story.

While Jack's rifle did turn in a few good groups with the cheaper ammo, the CRuger just kept turning in those nice little groups, some rivaling the groups shot with the target/match products.

The cost difference and the Walther Barrel on the Clark DID show their value!!!!!.

As said, don't know the "BTV" but I'd be willing to have another shoot out just to see.

Started the day with a good breakfast then spent the morning in the woods shoot'in good rifles. Hard to get much better!

Keep em coming!

CDOC

Dand · « **Reply #24 on:** May 08, 2011, 03:27:23 PM »

I got my oldest son a CZ Scout. Love the gun but he's outgrowing the stock. I'm trying to get an adult size stock for it. Its a very solidly built action that should last a lifetime tho when I first got it, the safety button would try to back out of the action. Haven't had any trouble with it for years now.

I bought my youngest son a lefty Savage MK II w accutrigger - youth model. Its a nice rifle and shoots well but it just doesn't seem as solid as the CZ, not a sleek. Sure a decent price and it will be easy to put a spacer on the stock to bring it to full size.

I don't know if the Browning version of the Winchester 52B is still available out there but I love mine. Though I hesitate to bash it up in the brush. It mostly just goes to the range. For hunting I usually take my Marlin 39A - accurate, heavy and rugged.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #25 on:** May 19, 2011, 05:44:32 AM »

Quote from: Dand on May 08, 2011, 03:27:23 PM

I got my oldest son a CZ Scout. Love the gun but he's outgrowing the stock. I'm trying to get an adult size stock for it. Its a very solidly built action that should last a lifetime tho when I first got it, the safety button would try to back out of the action. Haven't had any trouble with it for years now.

From what I understand all of the CZ stocks can be used on all of the 452 rifles. Adding an American Stock would make a 16" Amarican with sights.

Victor3 · « **Reply #26 on:** May 22, 2011, 02:11:26 AM »

Quote from: Darrell Davis on May 03, 2011, 04:24:15 PM

People on this thread have mentioned the CZ. They have a great reputation for groups, BUT I DON'T LIKE CLIPS THAT HANG BELOW THE STOCK LINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They only hang below the stock on the magnums. If one can live with a four round mag it's easy to mod them to only stick out ~1/4". A three round modified mag sits nearly flush.

Since this thread started I got me another 452; a Varmint in 17 HMR (4 round mag mod to be done soon) It's nice with CZs that you don't have to pay 300 bucks extra for pretty wood like you do with a Cooper, etc...

Also got a new 527 American M1 since I don't like the low-hanging mag of the standard 527s myself.

Swampman · « **Reply #27 on:** May 22, 2011, 02:48:41 AM »

Get the CZ 452 or 455.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #28 on:** May 22, 2011, 08:36:23 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on May 22, 2011, 02:48:41 AM

Get the CZ 452 or 455.

If Mr. Remington / Marlin says CZ that is saying something for them.
On the same note the Marlins are a viable option as well. Sturdy, accurate, and reliable - Kind of Ugly but still great rifles available in tube and detachable mags. I Have three of them 17 HMR, 22 LR, and 22 Mag. I am kind of a rimfire slut.
Have you made a choice yet?

cwlongshot · « **Reply #29 on:** May 22, 2011, 09:37:58 AM »

Quote from: Victor3 on May 22, 2011, 02:11:26 AM

Quote from: Darrell Davis on May 03, 2011, 04:24:15 PM
People on this thread have mentioned the CZ. They have a great reputation for groups, BUT I DON'T LIKE CLIPS THAT HANG BELOW THE STOCK LINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They only hang below the stock on the magnums. If one can live with a four round mag it's easy to mod them to only stick out ~1/4". A three round modified mag sits nearly flush.

Since this thread started I got me another 452; a Varmint in 17 HMR (4 round mag mod to be done soon) It's nice with CZs that you don't have to pay 300 bucks extra for pretty wood like you do with a Cooper, etc...

Also got a new 527 American M1 since I don't like the low-hanging mag of the standard 527s myself.

BEAUTIES!!!!

CW