I've been shopping for my first rifle, after having bought my first gun ever (a CZ P-01, which I love) a couple of months ago. I've shot a .22 before and really enjoyed it, but am quite inexperienced generally, having not been raised shooting. I've decided on a bolt-action because the entire purpose is to work on shooting skills and accuracy. For now it will be used exclusively at the range, and mostly at an indoor 100 yard range, and I want to learn to shoot it offhand. I think I should start with iron sights based on what I've read from other people here and on RimfireCentral.com, and because that seems like more of a challenge. I'll probably go for a scope at some point though, particularly for longer distances, as my eyes aren't all that great (mild astigmatism that isn't corrected with my contacts).
The two I've been looking at for the most part are the Savage Mark II, especially the BV model, and the CZ 452, which I've pretty well decided on at this point. I'm not sentimental about most things, but I'd really like my first rifle to be something I'm still going to value in 20 or 30 years, and these seem like really great guns, especially for the price.
I'm thinking that I should go for the Trainer, because it comes with sights (and I've heard good things about their stock sights), is a bit lighter than the Lux, looks pretty good, and is less expensive than the other full-sized wood-stocked models. But I do still have a few questions and concerns that I'm hoping you guys can help me with:
1) It has a "hogsback" stock, which should make sights easier to use, but may pose a problem with a scope. I have kind of a long neck and high cheekbones, being a girl, and don't know how that will fit with that stock. I think it should be a good fit, because my neck sometimes feels a little squished when shouldering straight-combed models. Unfortunately CZs are hard to find around here and I may have to buy it without actually getting my hands on it first. Of course, if it turns out to be less than optimal to use with a scope, I could always get another gun for that purpose.
2) The primary reason I've ruled out the American is the lack of sights. But I don't know if sights can be added later. Is that possible? And if it's possible, would anyone recommend it?
3) Am I foolishly ignoring other guns that I should consider? Is there a compelling reason to go with the Savage instead, which is really only a little cheaper?
Thanks much for any help, everyone.
The two I've been looking at for the most part are the Savage Mark II, especially the BV model, and the CZ 452, which I've pretty well decided on at this point. I'm not sentimental about most things, but I'd really like my first rifle to be something I'm still going to value in 20 or 30 years, and these seem like really great guns, especially for the price.
I'm thinking that I should go for the Trainer, because it comes with sights (and I've heard good things about their stock sights), is a bit lighter than the Lux, looks pretty good, and is less expensive than the other full-sized wood-stocked models. But I do still have a few questions and concerns that I'm hoping you guys can help me with:
1) It has a "hogsback" stock, which should make sights easier to use, but may pose a problem with a scope. I have kind of a long neck and high cheekbones, being a girl, and don't know how that will fit with that stock. I think it should be a good fit, because my neck sometimes feels a little squished when shouldering straight-combed models. Unfortunately CZs are hard to find around here and I may have to buy it without actually getting my hands on it first. Of course, if it turns out to be less than optimal to use with a scope, I could always get another gun for that purpose.
2) The primary reason I've ruled out the American is the lack of sights. But I don't know if sights can be added later. Is that possible? And if it's possible, would anyone recommend it?
3) Am I foolishly ignoring other guns that I should consider? Is there a compelling reason to go with the Savage instead, which is really only a little cheaper?
Thanks much for any help, everyone.