.22 LR bolt action rifles

[Simon Yu]

So I've been shopping around for a bolt action .22 as a first rifle. Since this is going to be my first rifle, I'm going to be using irons though it's possible I'll put a scope on it in the future. Primary interest right now is for something to learn with. I've currently got 3 handguns and a shotgun with plans to move into rifles too and basically want something to practice with that won't break the bank on ammo costs.

I've done some browsing at stores in my area along with reading relevant threads that I could find. I've found some shops that carry Savages w/Accu-Trigger and the price point along with what others have said does agree with me. I've also tried to find CS 452s, but no one actually seems to carry them in stock and has to order them.

Any folks that can give experiences and information? The prices I got quoted for ordering a 452 were significantly more than the sub $200 for a Savage but that didn't specify the exact model and, frankly, I'm not so clear on the different models available for CZs or their availability. Experiences from anyone that's handled both are especially welcome.

 

[viking499]

Own 3 CZ 22's. Love them all. Would buy 3 more if I had too.

 

[cat_IT_guy]

A marlin or savage should fit the bill. I have a savage mark II that is really accurate, and it cost me less than $300 scope included. It also has a bull barrel, with no sights.

Ive heard good things about CZ, never actually even seen one though, no less shot one.

Im sure savage makes a bolt action model with iron sights that you could get for inside of $220.

Whatever you get, have fun!

 

[ArmedBear]

Marlin 39A, the first, last and only .22LR rifle you'll ever need. More expensive, but has nice iron sights, and you can get various aperture sights also. More fun for plinking than a boltie, but dead-accurate at the range, too. Annie Oakley used one for her trick shooting, if that means anything.

But if you're stuck on a bolt, even though it won't be any more accurate than a 39, the CZ's are wonderful. So are the Savages with Accu-Triggers, if you get the ones with nice stocks, i.e. walnut or laminate. The Classic looks REALLY nice. They also make one with aperture sights.

CZ bolt handles are in the right place. I like that. My only beef with some .22 bolties is that the handle is too far forward, which makes it harder to just flick the bolt without taking your eyes away from the sights.

Another cool option is the Russian American Armory Biathlon Basic. It's got a toggle bolt action taken from an Olympic Biathlon gun, and a heavy target barrel.

 

[Il Duca]

The Savage rifles are a great value and would suit you well for a first rifle. The Accu-trigger is a great feature. If you're looking around that price and don't like the Savage, I suggest going used. You will usually get more rifle for your money and have a much bigger selection. Any of the old Marlins, Remingtons, Mossbergs, etc would do nicely.

 

[Tom C.]

A very good, cost effective bolt gun with iron sights is the CZ-452Lux.

The Marlin 39A is also a good gun to start with. Pricey, though, but a keeper.

When you learn more about what you want, a Ruger 10/22 that you can modify to your heart’s content.

 

[Simon Yu]

A very good, cost effective bolt gun with iron sights is the CZ-452Lux.

The Lux is one of the CZ's I'm curious about if for no other reason than the fact that the stock is of a different design than what you normally find. How does that thing fit and feel compared to more commonplace designs?

 

[ArmedBear]

It's quite commonplace, in Austria and Germany, just not in the US, except on old muzzleloaders.

The consensus is that it makes big-bore recoil nastier than a straight American stock, but with a .22 that's a complete non-issue. It can shoulder nicely.

If you like a European style stock, the full stock 452 is pretty cool, IMO.

If you get a chance, though, shoulder the various options, and try one of these (Marlin 39):

Hold them all, and see which ones feel right. A CZ452 and a Marlin 39 are both "keepers."

 

[CH47gunner]

The CZ452 Lux has what is called a "hogback" style stock. This is for a more comfortable & low cheekweld for/when using the iron sights. This style stock will also work fine for using/mounting a lower power & smaller hunting type scope.
The CZ452 Lux and the CZ452 Trainer/Special are the exact same rifle only the Lux has a Maple stock while the Trainer/Special has a Birch stock and is less expensive than the Lux.
I have the the CZ452 Trainer/Special w/ 3-9X32 scope & have found it to be a very nice rifle with excellent fit & finish and with a price competitive to the Savage's.
To confuse matters, I also have a Savage 93R17-BV which is a .17HMR and is in the higher end of Savage's rimfires.
Given my choice between the CZ or the Savage, in .22lr, I definitely would go with a CZ452. Iron sights are outstanding, prettier wood, better fit & finish, & more consistant Quality Control. Chech-out CZUSA & Rimfire Central for more info.

 

[ArmedBear]

I thought the Lux is Turkish Walnut. Isn't it?

I know CZ makes some Curly Maple centerfires (lust), but I didn't know they made stained plain maple.

 

[CH47gunner]

Correction

You are correct sir - They are Walnut
The Maple is a more Blonde colored and only optional on the centerfire rifles. I believe the "Turkish" Walnut is optional also.

 

[hksw]

So I've been shopping around for a bolt action .22 as a first rifle. ...Primary interest right now is for something to learn with.

An excellent choice for the purpose. Though I would suggest a CZ as my first choice, as others have noted, the Savage and Marlin offerings should also be able do the job. Also, if you can, try to find and attend a CMP rifle or Appleseed course near you. They will give you a solid base in riflemanship.

 

[cslinger]

CZ 452. Any of them are great. I really like the full stock version myself.

Chris

 

[Caimlas]

For my money, a CZ isn't worth the cost. The only time I can imagine paying that much for a .22 rifle would be if I intended for it to be used for long range (for a 22) accurate shooting (100 yards+). And, in that case, I'd be shooting more expensive .22 ammo from it, which IMO defeats the purpose of having a .22.

Personally, I really like some of the older (not sure how much older) Thompson/Center .22 bolt actions. I have no idea if they're still made, but the TC bolt actions I've seen have a stock really well suited for my frame, it balances well, and the sights line up perfectly. Saw one in a gun shop recently for $189, used. I don't recall the model, unfortunately.

 

[Simon Yu]

Hmmm, the Marlin 39 intrigues me enough to warrant consideration as well. How do they handle and shoot compared to some of the bolt actions I've been looking up?

 

[Selfdfenz]

Caimlas

I have this rifle which I bought NIB at a show for $189 2 years back:
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=72729352

Saw the same unit NIB for $240 at a nearby gunshow recently. Mine shoots the el cheapo WallyWorld bulk packs exceeding well. That's the trick with CZs. Match ammo, not required. But CZs handle the match stuff exceeding well also

At $240 that's a price diff of $51 over the used TC you mentioned. In the couple of lifetimes that CZ will last the higher price is pretty much a wash.

S-

 

[ArmedBear]

Simon-

Lever guns are designed for offhand shooting. They tend to handle very well. On the bench, you do have the lever to consider, whereas a bolt gun can be laid on bags or a rest and the action can be operated easily. But the lever gun will shoot fine, and the Marlin is very accurate (do a search for "39 club" in this forum). And the lever gun is more fun for "plinking." Depends on what you think you will do more of.

The Marlin, in particular, feels like a "real rifle", since it's 40" long with a 24" barrel and weighs 6.5 lb. This is similar to the CZ bolt guns you've looked at. Some other guns are too light for my taste. The Browning BL-22 is a beautiful gun, but at 5 lb., it's harder to hold steady and feels like a miniature rifle to me.

If you can beg, borrow or find the guns anywhere, it would be worthwhile to hold them. I never knew what "gun fit" was until I started shooting clays, but now that I do, I'm pickier, and happier with my choices.

The CZ is a wonderful gun. So is the Marlin. The Savage, too. There are some higher-end stocks now on the Savage. The Mark II BV is not ugly! Some of the decision comes down to which one "feels right."

 

[DWARREN123]

I have 6 CZ rimfires in all 4 rimfire calibers. Great little rifles.

 

[rangerruck]

proly the best deal ever in bolt action rifles is the marlin 81 series, they are up to 981's now. this rifle is tube fed, shoots short , long, and long rifle, the tube will hold about 15 shorts at one time, and the accuracy is Fabulous!!!
It also only costs about 150 new, everday, at Academy's and other stores.

they have been making this same basic rifle, mostly unchanged, for about 70 years now.

 

[Danny Creasy]

I have five CZ .22 bolt action rifles now after purchasing the first one seven years ago. I have shot them all extensively.

My CZ Special is one the finest open sighted firearms I have ever shot. I shot CMP Sporter "O" class with it for two years. I have seen many CZ Specials and LUXs competing in this class. I now shoot a CZ American with a scope in "T" class for a change. Will probably see the winds blow me back to "O" class in a year or two. Here is the all important sling set up on my Special that is vital to success in CMP Sporter Matches:


We are adding an open sight class to our locally created Fifty Fifty Sporter silhouette match on the 2nd of June. I will be armed with the Special.

My FS is equally suited for open sighted shooting. Some will find the longer sight radius of the Special, LUX, or even the longer barreled UltraLUX more appealing while others will like the shorter barreled FS. I put a scope on my FS and it is a cool looking rig:


If your eyes stay strong, then any of these CZs will be all the .22 you need for years to come.

I have a Savage and a Marlin as well but the CZ is worth the extra money. Wait until you have handled one.

I have a Marlin 39 too and it is indeed a classic rimfire (basic design is over a hundred years old now). But I firmly believe that if I had to keep just one .22 for an all-round rifle, it would be a CZ 452.
Pic of my peep sighted Marlin.


Typical accuracy from one of my CZs: This was from one the two Americans at 25 yards (it has shot 250s before but I don't have a pic of one of those targets):


The "Box Stock" CZ American responsible for that target:

 

[Danny Creasy]

Even the bottom of the line CZ 513 Basic will group:

 

[toivo]

For my money, a CZ isn't worth the cost.

As has been pointed out, a 452 Trainer/Special can be found for under $250. Comparing it to bolt guns from Marlin, Savage, etc., this is a little more money for a lot more gun.

Marlin 39's are great guns, but they ain't cheap either.

 

[Simon Yu]

How do the trainers/specials/ultra luxes/whatever they call them officially compare the Lux? Does the different wood make any difference outside of appearances (ie, does one hold up to use better than the other?)

 

[toivo]

As far as I can tell, it's only appearance.

 

[Seven High]

Try to locate a Marlin 25. It is a bolt action, clip feed, which will shoot shorts, longs, and long rifle. I bought one recently for $65.00. It should serve your purpose quite well.