New 22 rifle

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SlowFuse

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I've been looking for a new 22 bolt rifle.

The only requirement I have is that I would like for it to be threaded in the common 1/2x28 thread for a suppressor.

The two rifles I have in mind are the Savage Mark II fv-sr and the Ruger American rimfire. Both are pretty close in features. The Savage is cheaper but the stock leaves a little to be desired. I will have to add a riser to the stock to fix the cheek weld because of scope height. The Ruger has this covered with the interchangeable inserts for the stock. I've heard the Savage is the most accurate, if that's true I may spend another $100 eventually for a Boyds stock.

Thanks for the input.
 
I went with the Ruger.

Mainly for the magazines. I've got tons of Ruger 10/22 mags.

Over at RFC it seems that those who own the RAR are pretty happy with them.
 
You definitely should go with the Ruger American. I have one in the green stock. It comes without iron sights and has an enlarged bolt knob. The trigger spring removal mod is ridiculously easy and takes the trigger down to less than 1lb.
 
How is the accuracy with the Ruger?

The one Olympus describes sounds like what i'm looking at. 18" heavy threaded barrel, green stock, no sights and a big bolt handle. I see it at Buds for about $315, would probably rather buy local.
 
SlowFuse;

Another possibility is the CZ455 American suppressor ready. It has a 16.5" barrel that comes, the factory states, already threaded 1/2" x 28 for the addition of a suppressor. It will be more money than either of the other two, but many think it's well worth it because of superior build quality.

If you go over to the CZ forum at rimfirecentral I'm sure you can talk to actual users & get their opinions.

900F
 
Thanks for that suggestion 900F. I've never had a CZ with a synthetic stock.

And, was unaware they offered anything like this. Price isn't too far out of line, looks like maybe another $60-70 over the ruger.
 
I have versions of all three, except my CZ is not threaded. The Ruger American is a great rifle for its price point. They're very light so it depends on how you intend to use it. This is my bang around pest control rifle setup with a micro red dot.They're accurate and reliable and the use of 10/22 magazines is a definite plus. It's already accounted for several pests, including a couple skunks.
IMG_7281b.jpg


Here's my .17HMR model in a Boyd's sporter stock.
IMG_6954b.jpg


Savage also has some great threaded .22LR boltguns. Here's the fluted 16" model dropped into a Boyd's tacticool stock. They're affordable enough that changing the stock is not a dealbreaker. Below is a better pic but it now wears a Burris Rimfire 3-9x. I have three of these guns and they are all superbly accurate. This later threaded version has the oversized bolt know, matte finish and the bolt operation is very slick. They shoot WAY out of proportion to their modest price. I handled the threaded CZ this week. They're nice rifles and accurate but I wouldn't trade a Savage for it.
IMG_7600b.jpg

Here it is with the 3-9x and AAC Element 2.
IMG_0364.jpg

IMHO, CZ would be a better choice if what you want is a more classic rifle stocked in walnut.
IMG_7828b.jpg
 
SlowFuse;

The CZ American threaded has a synthetic stock. Though if you want wood/blue it's easy to obtain & actually less money. Here's what to do: Whittaker's currently has CZ452 American's listed for sale & well under $400.00. Then have the barrel cut & threaded. Even with transfer, shipping, and gunsmith fees, I'd think the result would be less than the Tacticool suppressor-ready I saw for almost $600.00. A barrel cut & thread should be well under a C-note, at least it would be around here - "Outer Montana".

The CZ fullstocks are sweet, but hangin' a can off the end of one of 'em would uglify it somethin' fierce in my opinion. I'm pretty sure it'd require altering the nose cap & forestock too. Just not worth it. But, man, those fullstocks sure do have an allure!

900F
 
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My Ruger is more accurate than I am. Haven't had a chance to really wring it out yet but shooting off the back porch at 50 yards it will shoot small cloverleaf groups if I do my part.
 
How is the accuracy with the Ruger?

The one Olympus describes sounds like what i'm looking at. 18" heavy threaded barrel, green stock, no sights and a big bolt handle. I see it at Buds for about $315, would probably rather buy local.


If that's the 8334 it's what I have. Either Ruger produced some more or you found one of the few left. I couldn't find one locally at all.
 
Thank you for all of the replies. And the photos CraigC.

I'm leaning towards the Ruger, but I keep having second thoughts on the Savage FV-SR dropped into the Boyds Tacticool. Just looks much better IMO. I see midway has these stocks in unfinished laminate. Seems like it would be a fun project.

Is finishing laminate the same process as wood? Could I use BLO or similar stain like any other wood stock?

Decisions, Decisions.
 
Thank you for all of the replies. And the photos CraigC.

I'm leaning towards the Ruger, but I keep having second thoughts on the Savage FV-SR dropped into the Boyds Tacticool. Just looks much better IMO. I see midway has these stocks in unfinished laminate. Seems like it would be a fun project.

Is finishing laminate the same process as wood? Could I use BLO or similar stain like any other wood stock?

Decisions, Decisions.

I did the same thing with a Savage FV-SR shortly after I sold my first CZ 455. I bought a Boyd's Tacticool stock in OD green. But then you have to also buy aftermarket bottom metal (trigger guard and magazine opening). So that's even more money that you're going to drop into a 22LR. What did I learn from going this route? I ended up with a gun that was so bulky and heavy it was only good for bench shooting and when I got bored with it, I had WAY more money invested in the package than it was really worth or that anyone was willing to pay for it. The FV-SR has a chalky feeling bolt knob and is WAY less refined than either the CZ or the Ruger. Sure it looks good with a Boyd's stock, but it was essentially worthless without a solid bench to rest it on and forget about carrying it or using it for any kind of hunting purposes. If you want strictly a bench shooter, there are WAY better options. So why not get something that is accurate from the bench, but you can also use for small game hunting?

I'm a very big CZ fan and I have had and still currently own a number of CZ rifles, rimfires and centerfires both. But if I were buying a synthetic stock rifle, the Ruger American with the green stock is THE way to go. Now if you're considering a wood stock, then CZ is the way to go. I personally don't plan on ever buying another Savage rimfire again. Too many better options.
 
Too many better options? Better than a $200 rifle with a good factory trigger that shoots sub-MOA at 100yds?

The tacticool (pro-varmint) stock is $129 and the bottom metal kit is $22. Not a huge expenditure and you will always be able to get your money back out of it.

As far as weight, I don't agree at all. I've hunted with all my Savages and they all have heavy barrels. The one pictured above weighs 6lbs 12oz with no optics and no suppressor. The American is the king of light weight and goes 5lbs 7oz. The intended purpose should dictate how heavy you want your rifle to be. I have both and the rifles serve different purposes. The fast handling and lightweight American is for close range, fast work and it's well suited to the purpose. The Savage is more for precision work and the extra weight makes it better suited for longer shots, which is why it has bigger glass on it. It is by no means so unwieldy that it should only be considered for bench shooting. You can also split the difference and go for the laminate sporter stock in whatever color you like. Or walnut.

As far as refinement, I don't agree there either. The Ruger American is a budget rifle and is made accordingly. The barrels are nicely polished but the receivers tend to have machine marks on them, inside and out. I like them enough to own two and want more but they are what they are. There are definite corners cut in their construction. The CZ's are somewhat more refined but they're not Coopers either. Their metalwork is far from perfect and some complain about the plastic magazines. The Savage is made very similarly to the vaunted Remington 541T (got one of those too) with a tubular receiver and stamped triggerguard but a plastic magazine and nobody calls them "unrefined". Mine shoots right alongside the Savage and CZ, which is to say, very good.
 
Fella's;

Apples & oranges. The CZ can be had for well under $400.00, your LGS may not consider that amount to be enough to even place the order for a Cooper. Many CZ users prefer their poly mags to the steel, they simply work & work well. A very few CZ mags have had a follower put in reversed, but it you can't fix that yourself, you're hopeless. It's an annoyance rather than a problem, and a rare one at that.

900F
 
Fella's;

Apples & oranges. The CZ can be had for well under $400.00, your LGS may not consider that amount to be enough to even place the order for a Cooper.
That's kinda the point. That the statement that CZ's are "WAY more refined" is a gross exaggeration.

And the fact that CZ is not the only brand worth considering.
 
Too many better options? Better than a $200 rifle with a good factory trigger that shoots sub-MOA at 100yds?

The tacticool (pro-varmint) stock is $129 and the bottom metal kit is $22. Not a huge expenditure and you will always be able to get your money back out of it.

As far as weight, I don't agree at all. I've hunted with all my Savages and they all have heavy barrels. The one pictured above weighs 6lbs 12oz with no optics and no suppressor. The American is the king of light weight and goes 5lbs 7oz. The intended purpose should dictate how heavy you want your rifle to be. I have both and the rifles serve different purposes. The fast handling and lightweight American is for close range, fast work and it's well suited to the purpose. The Savage is more for precision work and the extra weight makes it better suited for longer shots, which is why it has bigger glass on it. It is by no means so unwieldy that it should only be considered for bench shooting. You can also split the difference and go for the laminate sporter stock in whatever color you like. Or walnut.

As far as refinement, I don't agree there either. The Ruger American is a budget rifle and is made accordingly. The barrels are nicely polished but the receivers tend to have machine marks on them, inside and out. I like them enough to own two and want more but they are what they are. There are definite corners cut in their construction. The CZ's are somewhat more refined but they're not Coopers either. Their metalwork is far from perfect and some complain about the plastic magazines. The Savage is made very similarly to the vaunted Remington 541T (got one of those too) with a tubular receiver and stamped triggerguard but a plastic magazine and nobody calls them "unrefined". Mine shoots right alongside the Savage and CZ, which is to say, very good.


You totally missed my point. When I said there are way better options, I was referring to a FVSR in a tacitcool stock. That gun is too bulky and heavy to use for any kind of sporting purposes, which relegates it to being used for the bench. In which case, being a dedicated bench shooter, there are WAY better options.

Always be able to get your money back after a buying a Boyds tacticool stock and bottom metal kit? Maybe, if you want to hang on to it long enough to find the right buyer looking for that kind of gun. And you will certainly lose SOME money because why would someone give you what you paid for a used stock when they can buy a brand new one?

I can guarantee I've owned more Savage rimfires, CZ rimfires, and Ruger rimfires than a large majority of members here (I'm a dealer). The Savage FVSR comes with a cheap, flimsy stock that will flex and contact the barrel if using a bipod or rest. The stock needs an adjustable cheek piece because the comb is generally too low to use with optics. The finish on the bolt is chalky looking and feeling, the bolt is gritty, and the action is stiff. Will it shoot? Sure will. The one kept for myself would shoot great. But after I bought the Boyd's tacticool stock, the bottom metal, and the bipod, it was more of a novelty. I have found nothing in a Savage rimfire that I can't get from another brand, except a cheaper price. If price is your main motivator, go with the Savage. But modifications start adding up if you decide to change the stock, etc. My opinion is you're money ahead buying a better quality rifle from the start.
 
I didn't miss your point, I just don't agree with it, on any level. You CZ guys are a broken record and talk as if yours is the only viable choice and everything else is junk. You speak as if the Savage is a POS not even worth considering, as if there is a HUGE quality gap between it and the CZ and it's just not true. There is a gap but it's a small one and it correlates with the gap in price. The rifles are extremely accurate for any price point but very much so for their very modest price. 20yrs ago it was unheard of to pay $250-$300 for a .22LR rifle that shoots 3/4MOA at 100yds. The CZ's do no better. They're a little more refined, being more like a centerfire and a little nicer on the outside. They also tend to have bolt knob/scope clearance issues and their owners never seem to mention that. :rolleyes:

What is and isn't "too bulky and heavy to use for any kind of sporting purposes" is purely subjective and debatable. I tend to prefer lighter rifles and am very critical of those that are heavier than they need to be but I also hunt with a 10lb muzzleloader or 9lb levergun every year. That said, I own the rifle in question and I bought it specifically to hunt squirrels and other small game/varmints with a suppressor attached. I do not find it overly heavy or bulky for the purposes for which I bought it. In fact, the weight is welcomed on a rifle that may be used beyond 100yds in the field and that extra weight will keep the rifle steadier in the hands than the whippy little Ruger.

With that in mind, the CZ Tacticool is several ounces heavier than the Savage FV/SR with the Boyd's stock in place.

If you find you're dissatisfied with the configuration, selling the Boyd's stock will be quick and easy. Yes, very obviously, you will lose a little money selling a used stock but it will be no problem getting rid of it and the bottom metal on the RFC classifieds.

If the tacticool/pro varmint stock is too much weight/bulk, then their sporter style stock might be a better fit as it is a good bit leaner. They're both also available in walnut, which will be substantially lighter than a laminate.


My opinion is you're money ahead buying a better quality rifle from the start.
Let's not get carried away. You're changing the stock to one that is more of what the shooter wants, not rebuilding the whole rifle.
 
You're either missing or intentionally failing to address key points. First one being I'm not a "CZ guy" as you start by addressing me. I have a large number of rimfire rifles in my personal collection, brands being CZ, Ruger, Browning, Henry, and Kimber. They each have their own areas in which they excel. I have owned Savage rimfires in the past and compared to every other brand, my opinion is that while they are accurate, they leave a LOT to be desired in terms of fit and finish. But what can you expect from a rifle priced that low? I actually own Savage centerfire rifles personally also and have no problem recommending them.

I get it. You're a Savage fan and you actually own the gun in question so it's only natural that you're going to defend your choice of purchase. But you missed the point where I mentioned that I'm a dealer. I have owned FAR more examples of rimfire rifles than a vast majority of members here. I sell pretty much every brand, including Savage, so I have no dog in this fight. I'm just providing my opinion based on my years as a dealer and all of the countless rifles I have seen come and go. The OP is free to read all the comments and decide what each person's opinion is worth and make a decision accordingly.

And you've directly contradicted yourself in reference to you comment about the stock and bottom metal. Your comment was, and I'm directly quoting here, "you will always be able to get your money back." Then in your last post, you acknowledge that a person will lose some money trying to resell a stock and bottom metal. So you can't get exactly get your money back if you're taking less than what you paid for something.
 
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