Accurate 22: To build or buy

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Sep 19, 2014
Messages
938
Location
Kansas
I have the itch to shoot 22 at 100 yards. I'm not looking to compete, it's just for fun. I am wanting a 22 rifle capable of 1moa accuracy and preferably an autoloader.

Basically the question is simple. Should I buy a barrel and bed one of my 10/22's that I currently own or buy a LVT 10/22, tcr 22, or just get a cz 455 or tikka bolt?

Really all options are about the same price in the end. A kidd barrel, brimstone trigger job and bedding/stock run about $350-$400 which of course is the price of a new rifle in and of itself.
 
Were I you, I'd buy a new barrel and bed the rifle I had. Building stuff is just fun.

You will know you rifle intimately, and it will be different from all others, it will be yours.



I have a 597 Remington that is an auto loader. With CCI Mini-Mags it will hit one inch at one hundred. (With that load, on a windless day, without coffee and with a good nights sleep, on sand bags and trying very, very hard...)

It was not three hundred dollars. But I bet it is unique. I would not bet on another doing that. It would be nice to use another load too, but it hates all others. So in the safe it sits, as my Savage MKII FV/SR cuts three quarter inch holes with many loads, all day long.

But then, I did bed and stock that one...
 
I have never seen the sense is "building" a rifle pistol unless it is something a person enjoys. Heck people build so many Ars, Glocks (polymer 80) it's Tinker Toys for big boys. Assuming you want a bolt action??

A trip over to rimfire central and you can "discuss" for a lifetime and never get a rifle.:) They buy a $200 10/22 and spend a $1K on it.:scrutiny:
 
I got a used birch International 10/22.
Sold scope and stock and ended up less than 100 in complete action (metal trigger housing).
Got my stock and bbl on sale, so am at 400 for the whole rifle (including Volq hammer). Not counting scope.

Shot about 300 rounds through it. Nothing shot well but match ammo (has match chamber). Then it does under .5 at 50 yards.

Repeatedly.

Build a gun (you mean assemble from parts)? While some consider it fun, IMHO it's merely getting something the way you want it.
Working an Allen wrench is not building.

Same for AR15. Yawn.

Nobody else around had the parts I used at their shop, have not seen a rifle assembled in same config. I went informed but still blind.

Took the chance, got what I wanted accuracy wise. Just not the best feel.
Looks good, shoots good, priced good (consignment at LGS).

Anybody wanting similar should snag it, priced at what I have in it.
They can't "build" it for that. And mines got no issues. Zero risk.

And it gathers dust.

Well it will for another week. If no sale I'll keep the dang thing.
Its a shooter.

If my club does bench crap I'll have something ready.
 
Last edited:
I have a CZ455 too. That's my hunting gun.
Has yet to impress. Does OK w reg ammo.
Better with match.
Reportedly needs broken in.
 
Have a bud with a full Kidd 10/22.
Big money. Loves it. His fave.

Got another that has 1500 in his 10/22.
Said that one gets buried with him.

Now here's the deal, both are good shots,great hunters...........but neither shoots as good as me.
And I run a 400 dollar "build".

They obviously take pride in ownership, their assembly skills. They wanted top end, paid for it, and are ecstatic with the final products.
Good for them.

Just because I put something together, that doesn't mean I am emotionally attached to it.
Even when I do real labor, like refinishing a walnut stock and bedding it...........it's still just a stock.
The pain is making something better, investing time and money, and only breaking even.

Got tired of fixing stuff up, making things pretty.........and giving away my talents and time.

Done.

Some people got great deals on old guns, redone recurves.
No more.

Me and woodwork are done.
Why I ditched the beater 10/22 fingergroove.
Not worth my time/effort.
 
I have never seen the sense is "building" a rifle pistol unless it is something a person enjoys. Heck people build so many Ars, Glocks (polymer 80) it's Tinker Toys for big boys.
You build to get what you want, versus what you can buy. Which is not always the same thing. The bonus here is that you can build a 10/22 or AR yourself, without having to pay a gunsmith or wait three years.

Some folks seem to have weird ideas about building 10/22's, what it costs and the results that can be expected. Mostly folks who've never done it or did it cheap. If you build it cheap, results will be as one 'should' expect. Not all bull barrels are created equal and just because it's .920" in diameter, does not mean it will shoot better than the factory barrel. It begins and ends with the barrel. IMHO, start with a good barrel or don't bother. Clark, Lilja, KIDD, Shilen, etc., all make very good barrels but they won't be found for $79 at your local sporting goods store. My first choice is the Clark mid-weight, which is what the rifle below is wearing. A rifle, mind you, that was built for the grand total of $900 with iron sights. It has an aftermarket CNC machined receiver, KIDD two stage trigger, accurized bolt and Boyd's stock. It shoots 3/4MOA at 100yds and outshoots any of my boltguns. The $300 KIDD is not even my favorite trigger and a suitable substitute could be done for a fraction of the cost.

IMG_8118b.jpg
 
You build to get what you want, versus what you can buy. Which is not always the same thing. The bonus here is that you can build a 10/22 or AR yourself, without having to pay a gunsmith or wait three years.

Some folks seem to have weird ideas about building 10/22's, what it costs and the results that can be expected. Mostly folks who've never done it or did it cheap. If you build it cheap, results will be as one 'should' expect. Not all bull barrels are created equal and just because it's .920" in diameter, does not mean it will shoot better than the factory barrel. It begins and ends with the barrel. IMHO, start with a good barrel or don't bother. Clark, Lilja, KIDD, Shilen, etc., all make very good barrels but they won't be found for $79 at your local sporting goods store. My first choice is the Clark mid-weight, which is what the rifle below is wearing. A rifle, mind you, that was built for the grand total of $900 with iron sights. It has an aftermarket CNC machined receiver, KIDD two stage trigger, accurized bolt and Boyd's stock. It shoots 3/4MOA at 100yds and outshoots any of my boltguns. The $300 KIDD is not even my favorite trigger and a suitable substitute could be done for a fraction of the cost.

View attachment 851881

That's a nice $1K rifle. I have a semi tricked out a 10/22 that didn't cost that much.
Depends on what floats your boat, I am use the op can find a rifle for less then that that will shoot as well with "premium ammo" of course:)

DSC01318 (Small).JPG

DSC00708.JPG
 
I got my 1022, a '95 model for a decent price, like new used.
Dumped the scope and RSI birch stock to recoup most of my $.
Added GM heavy taper bbl on sale, and Titan stock.
Volq hammer and it's decent, around .4" at 50 yards.
For 400 bucks.
Of course it ran an old Vari XII 4-12X AO.
That added 250 bucks.
Because I bought that scope like new used for 200 a Burris Signature Zee rings on it.
Wanted click adjust and really for hunting, would not use 12X, so dumped the scope for a hefty profit.

The rings went on my Contender handgun........wanted added weight.

So, w the new Freedom VX 3-9X EFR and alloy rings..........I have 700 in my 10/22 target rig.
Bought the scope new.

Still, total package (yes I shot it w EFR and did as well at 50).......sub half inch at 50 for way less than a K.

Big whoop dee do.

The grip angle sucks for field carry. My old sporter 10/22 feels vastly superior, but in factory bbl shoots like crap.
Plus the stock needs refinished.
My laziness trumps my OCD.
Only good thing about getting older.

My CZ 455 is the go to small game killer now.
It's OK. looks decent enough, but feel just isn't there. Close but no cigar.
I'd rather have an Anschutz.
With normal type trigger.

As little as I shoot anymore, the CZ will suffice.
CBs and the possums and coons around the fort can go bye bye.
 
Last edited:
This is the slow time of year for most gunshops.
Distributor said this week is the yearly slowest per his records.
Might be the perfect time to look for a deal.
 
I do find it funny how folks make claims of sub .5" at 50 yards w promo ammo and factory cheap rifles.
Yes it can happen.
Repeatably? I have my doubts.

Did have a .22 pistol that shot FANTASTIC w a certain type of ammo, that was not in production very long.
Yup, that's my kinda luck.

Was not the ammo to run anyway, but man my AMT Lightning loved it.
WW Supermax hyper V stuff.
10.5" bbl...........used to ping chucks in the head w it.
Too much for the MS housing/bolt stop.
Shoulda got a new one and just saved that gun for hunting w that ammo.

Wicked good.

Cover groups w a dime at 25 yards. Benched of course (iron sights too).
But it was an AMT, and on the Lightnings they made the receiver sides flat (unlike Ruger).
Could see a bit of wave in threaded area on one side.
 
https://fjfeddersen.com/product/22-long-16-25-920-bull-fluted/ $165 to find out, and a moneyback guarantee. If you can install a barrel on a 10/22 then you ought to be able to re-cut the hooks and polish a few internals (for the cost of shop supplies). If you’d rather not hog out the stock then go with a taper profile. That’s how I’d go about “building” a sharp shooting 10/22 on the cheap. If it gets you there, buy a comfortable stock. If it doesn’t, send the barrel back and be out nothing but an hour’s effort.
 
Before I blew my shoulder out, and destroyed my left arm I really liked small bore games.....cheap to shoot, and FOR THE MOST PART my club was pretty laid back.....but.

There is no other joy then showing up with a marlin 25n with a tasco scope and out shooting the guy with the anschutz rifle, jacket with his name on the back......that is almost as much fun as out shooting the guys with the $1000+ 10-22 "builds".....It is fun to sit in the shade and watch people looking at your rifle in the scuffed up plastic stock....trying to figure out just what the hell is going on.....add to that a box of thunderbolts (there does not have to be thunderbolts in the box) and that just takes the cake.....it is all part of gamesmanship.

But to be real, you said you wanted an automatic....I don't think there is a better way to go then with a ruger action as the starting point......just don't be shocked if some old dude shows up with a model 60 that is so old it does not have a serial number and out shoots you.
 
I think everyone needs at least one accurate 10-22. The quickest way to get one is to pay the big bucks for an after-market one and there are plenty of them.

If you don't want/know how to do it yourself, or have the money to spend for a souped-up version, maybe you should get a CZ 455 bolt-action. If you'd rather get a cheap rifle that will be pretty accurate out-of-the-box and don't care about what it looks like, Savage makes a pretty accurate bolt-rifle.

Just got a flyer this week from Cabelas and they're having a good sale on several .22LR rifles, including a 10-22 Carbine.
 
Before I blew my shoulder out, and destroyed my left arm I really liked small bore games.....cheap to shoot, and FOR THE MOST PART my club was pretty laid back.....but.

There is no other joy then showing up with a marlin 25n with a tasco scope and out shooting the guy with the anschutz rifle, jacket with his name on the back......that is almost as much fun as out shooting the guys with the $1000+ 10-22 "builds".....It is fun to sit in the shade and watch people looking at your rifle in the scuffed up plastic stock....trying to figure out just what the hell is going on.....add to that a box of thunderbolts (there does not have to be thunderbolts in the box) and that just takes the cake.....it is all part of gamesmanship.

But to be real, you said you wanted an automatic....I don't think there is a better way to go then with a ruger action as the starting point......just don't be shocked if some old dude shows up with a model 60 that is so old it does not have a serial number and out shoots you.
If a Marlin 25 out shoots an Anschutz, something is wrong with the Anschutz shooter. Same for the model 60 vs the $1000 10/22. The "just as good" crowd is always good for a laugh or two.


Double Except:)
I am wanting a 22 rifle capable of 1moa accuracy and preferably an autoloader......or just get a cz 455 or tikka bolt?
What that means is that the preference is a semi-auto. A bolt gun would be settling. The OP already owns 10/22's so we're really only talking the cost of a good barrel.
 
If a Marlin 25 out shoots an Anschutz, something is wrong with the Anschutz shooter. Same for the model 60 vs the $1000 10/22. The "just as good" crowd is always good for a laugh or two.




What that means is that the preference is a semi-auto. A bolt gun would be settling. The OP already owns 10/22's so we're really only talking the cost of a good barrel.

Likely very true.....or he bought into an idea and thinks equipment will make a shooter. And for the record, that marlin shoots so close to my 1416 it all comes down to me.....off a rest....taking the loose nut behind the trigger out of the question as much as possible.

The moral of the story is don't cork sniff.....and nothing gives me more joy then screwing with people......should come as no shock to those that have read more than one post from me.

Nothing more fun then laughing at those with more money then brains.
 
If a Marlin 25 out shoots an Anschutz, something is wrong with the Anschutz shooter. Same for the model 60 vs the $1000 10/22. The "just as good" crowd is always good for a laugh or two.




What that means is that the preference is a semi-auto. A bolt gun would be settling. The OP already owns 10/22's so we're really only talking the cost of a good barrel.

No, you would have to include the cost of a trigger also. A barrel is not gonna do much if it has a crummy trigger. But then you will say just fluff and buff it or something,

The OP can get what ever he wants to spend, you can not determine that for him. You win,:)
 
If a Marlin 25 out shoots an Anschutz, something is wrong with the Anschutz shooter. Same for the model 60 vs the $1000 10/22. The "just as good" crowd is always good for a laugh or two.




What that means is that the preference is a semi-auto. A bolt gun would be settling. The OP already owns 10/22's so we're really only talking the cost of a good barrel.

Quite a lot of people here are the best shots at the shooting range. They all have a $300 rifle that is of far higher quality than any $10,000 custom gun after only an afternoon of tinkering. Those custom gun builders don't know what they are doing anyway. They are better than everyone at shooting and everything else. Of course they all shoot at a different range than you do. On the rare occasions that you do see one of these gun masters at the shooting range, their super awesome rifle is broken so they brought the one that sucks instead. That is the only reason why they are shooting just as good as everyone else. But you still need to be very impressed anyway. And that Toyota out in the parking lot is just a loaner. The Rolls Royce is in the shop.
 
I can't do it with my 67 year old eyes,,,
But my eagle-eyed young friend (15 year old family friend) can.

He can hit a 1" spot at 100 yards almost every shot with my CZ-512,,,
It has a Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 4x12-40 and we shoot CCI SV through it.

If you want an accurate semi without having to build one,,,
Give the CZ-512 serious consideration.

Aarond

.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top