22LR bolt gun for the family

[rbernie]

The adult sized kids have decided that they want an accurate scoped 22LR bolt gun for the range. I have a bunch of semiautos set up for field work, but they want to shoot a reasonably accurate bolt gun set up for proper cheek weld with a scope.

My only aesthetic is that I want one that doesn't feel like a toy; it should ideally have a bolt handle and stock that doesn't seem better suited to nerf guns.

I don't know much about the current crop of 22LR bolt guns - what should I look for?

 

[dak0ta]

CZ 452 American, Anschutz, Ruger 77/22, Savage Mark II BV

 

[fiddleharp]

I'm assuming your "adult-size kids" are all right-handed shooters. In that case, their choices are almost unlimited. Being left-handed myself, my only choice was a Savage MK-II GL. For a cheap gun, I'm absolutely thrilled with its accuracy. I'm sure the right-handed ones do just as well.
For right-handed shooters, the choices range from top-end Anschutz to cheap Savage MK-II. There's even an abundance of great used guns like old Mossbergs, etc.
Most of today's new rifles (of any caliber) have dreadful "lawyer triggers."
Whatever you choose, the trigger will probably need work.

 

[Olympus]

CZ is almost always the go-to brand for adult size 22s. The 455 has several models and they are almost always classy looking with nice stocks. They are also very accurate.

I've had Savage 22s also and they shoot really good, but feel cheap and less refined than the CZs.

 

[Candyman87]

CZ 452 or 455.

I have a CZ99 which I enjoy very much (different CZ, made by Zastava) that I picked up for $179 at Cabela's one day.

 

[Das Capitolin]

If you want a gun to shoot NRA smallbore matches, get a Kimber Model 82 Govt, CZ 452 American, or Anschutz. If you're just in search of something that shoots tight groups at 100 yards, get a Savage MKII. I've won our local club rimfire matches with my MKII and Nikko Sterling 4-16 for almost two years straight, beating all of the above rifles. This year, I'll use my M82 Govt with iron sights to (hopefully) dominate that class.

 

[ford8nr]

If I was to look for ANOTHER bolt it would be a nice older gun, Winchester or Remington.
Love my CZ452 varmint, it's my Silloutte rifle
Love my Kimber 82G, it's my indoor 4 position rifle
Love my "new" used 1940's Winchester M70, not sure of use yet
Looking at a beautiful Remington 541...do I NEED another?
Love my full sized Ruger 10/22LVT for speed match silloutte shoots
An inexpensive option is the Zastava CZ99 about $179. Bought one, shoots fantastic but DID REQUIRE magazine tuning and stock refinishing.

 

[jmorris]

I have a very old Walther .22 that is the most accurate .22 I have ever shot.

Out of all my .22's the 77/22 was one that didn't meet my expectations. It looks and feels top notch but I have a $35 estate sale Remington 510 that with irons would outshoot the 77/22 with optics before I bought an aftermarket barrel for it.

 

[Reloadron]

Budget? The CZ rifles are sweet and accurate but do come with a price tag much like an Anschutz or similar higher end rifle. Moving down the line are some of the really fine older used Remington, Winchester and Savage guns. I have several older Remington guns (510P, 511 and 512) that are excellent shooters and I have seen them and similar on the used market in the $150 to $200 range.

It will come down to what you want to spend?

Ron

 

[cpt-t]

rbernie. My Son and I have had a CZ 453 22LR with a heavy barrel for several years, that is just truly out standing to me. Everything about this little rifle is just top of the line. He called and ordered it from CZ in Kansas City, and they sent Him a hand picked, really nice rifle. I have not seen very many CZ 453 22LR like ours. But You might want to keep an eye out for one of them. Our`s shoots extremely well.
ken

 

[VoodooMountain]

If you don't want it to feel like a toy the cz or ruger 77 would be good as is. Otherwise any bolt gun, such as the inexpensive ruger American, can be fitted with a better stock such as a Boyds for around $100 extra.

Also, Marlin makes the xt 22 which can be had in a laminate stock version in the tube fed model.

 

[rbernie]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I've had a Ruger 77 rimfire, and although the I liked the feel of it I sold it because I couldn't get an OEM or replacement stock to fit me once I scoped it. I've also heard that the CZs need pretty tall rings to clear the bolt handle, and it doesn't look like they make many models with a scope-friendly stock comb... True?

The Ruger American looks interesting, even wth the plastic bits, because of the high comb stock option. I just don't know how accurate they are...

 

[CB900F]

Rbernie;

I too will suggest the CZ452/455 guns. I also noticed a couple of pieces of mis-information concerning them that I'd like to clarify.

1. The CZ 452 is made in a left hand version, you are not restricted to Savage. The CZ lefties are still in production.

2. The CZ 452/455 guns cost about one half as much as an Anschutz, or roughly $400.00 these days. That can be confirmed at any number of online stores, Tooele Shooter's Supply, Bud's Discount Guns, and others.

3. Zastava hung the CZ99 model designation on one of their guns. A Zastava CZ99 has nothing to do with the Czech company other than two letters of the alphabet.

900F

 

[solman]

Another vote for the CZ 452 here. Very accurate and affordable rifle that can be had in several different configurations.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

You shouldn't have any problems getting a scope mounted properly on the CZ and getting a good cheek weld with it. There is a good reference thread on the CZ part of the Rimfire Central forum.

 

[DPris]

I have two CZ 455s, one a full-stocked woodie & the other a 16-inch suppressed synthetic.

Both are scoped, both are using standard CZ rings from CZ.
No problem with bolt handle clearance on either.
Both good shooters at 100 yards.
Neither feels like a Nerf, and the synthetic stock is one of the best in its class.
Denis

 

[Ironicaintit]

It aint new or fancy, but a marlin 780 would fit the bill. Nice heft and balance, very accurate, and reliable.

 

[9mmepiphany]

If you're going to use it with a scope, I can highly recommend the Anschutz 1712 Silhouette.

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It has the much nicer Model 54 action (Olympic level as opposed to Club level), an adjustable trigger (for reach), heavier barrel, and a roll-over cheek piece

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[Taurus 617 CCW]

It really depends on your budget. The two rifles that I have held that don't feel like toys are the Savage Mark II series and Ruger M77/22. I have also held the CZ 452 rifle and it has quite a bit of heft to it as well. Its hard to go wrong with any of the listed models.

 

[JackSprat]

I don't know what the ammo situation is like for you,or how much you will be shooting,but as far as accuracy,and nice stocks with a raised comb,The Marlin gold trigger 782, and 783 microgroove in 22 mag usually sell used for around $200,and they are usualy nail drivers.

 

[red rick]

If you don't like the CZ models ( they are a pain to scope ) . I would look at the Savage Mark II , wood stock models , if you want an adult feeling rifle . I had a synthetic stock model and sold it because it felt like a toy ( it did shoot good though ) .

The Ruger 77/22 is very nice , but it is in the $750 dollar range .

 

[meanmrmustard]

Another vote for the CZ 452 and or Ruger American Rifle

 

[bannockburn]

If I were looking for a quality bolt action .22 I would go with either a CZ 455 American or a 455 FS. A friend of mine has a 452 American and it is extremely well built, accurate, and a great buy for the money.

 

[mavracer]

Savage is hard to beat for the money.

 

[Paul7]

Sako Finnfire.