recommendations: good 22LR for $700 or less

btmj · September 23, 2012, 02:20 AM

I would like to get some thoughts on a good accurate 22. I do not compete, but I want an accurate gun to practice my skills. I might occasionally shoot squirrels or rabbits, but the weapon is primarily for target use.

I will be putting a scope on it, so the iron sights won't get much use. I have a Nikon 3-9X that I would like to mount on it.

I am willing to spend up to $700 for the rifle. I have not followed the 22 market since the late 1980s when I had a Marlin 60 and a 10/22 as a college student. So I have no idea what is out there, what is good, what is junk, etc.

Suggestions?

10-96 · September 23, 2012, 02:41 AM

I don't really know what's out there that's junk, but I'm pretty much of the opinion that if it has CZ, Anschutz, or Savage on it- it's gonna be in the right ballpark. Anschutz's get a little pricey, but those and CZ 452's are adult size, built with all the quality they can pack in, and will last for generations.

Metal god · September 23, 2012, 03:10 AM

I just bought a Savage mk2 FV for $320 out the door and it is very accurate .I plan to put a new laminated stock on it soon . You can find some savage's to consider here -http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/finder/# you will need to go to there website and use there gun finder . The boxes I checked were

22lr
heavy barrel
accu-trigger

The CZ is a good choice as well . Really there are a few out there that shoot very well . This is a good start . Do some research , find out what shoots well and is reliable . Then if you can , try to get your hands on as many of them as you can . See what feels good .

There are plenty out there that will fit the bill and be reliable as well as accurate right out of the box .

The other thing you may want to ask your self . Will you want to tinker with it ? change the stock , new trigger , better barrel . Will the gun you buy have the ability to upgrade . Some guns are much easier to find after market parts for then others .

You should not have any problems finding just what you want with the budget you have

redrick · September 23, 2012, 07:51 AM

CZ 452 American or 453 if you can find one. Bud's has the 452 for $408 shipped.

gaseousclay · September 23, 2012, 08:17 AM

if you're lucky you might be able to get a Winchester 9422 for under $700

geetarman · September 23, 2012, 08:45 AM

^^^^^^^^ That is a rifle I do not have and would love to own.

2damnold4this · September 23, 2012, 01:46 PM

Another vote for the CZ452

mr.t7024 · September 23, 2012, 02:18 PM

I would shoulder all that were mentioned including the Marlin BA .22LR.You do not have to spend that kind of money for a good B A .22. Enjoy have fun and let us know your decision.

Cliff

coyota1 · September 23, 2012, 02:42 PM

There is a Weatherby Mark 22 semi auto listed on Guns of America website. A friend of mine had one, and it grouped fantastically even with stingers. It's priced at a little under $550. Checkered walnut stock, and rose wood for end tip. I am tempted myself.

berettaprofessor · September 23, 2012, 02:46 PM

My CZ452 put my Savage Mark II to shame. It's the best 22LR off the shelf for the money you're looking for.

If you want a semi-auto, though, try a Marlin 795...you can find them for just over $100, so buy 6 of them!

robertsig · September 23, 2012, 04:26 PM

CZ452 if you can still get one. I believe they were just discontinued. I love mine.

Marlin 60 is still the best (IMO) if you want a semi.

SRH78 · September 23, 2012, 04:41 PM

I highly recommend a CZ.

wingman · September 23, 2012, 05:45 PM

CZ452,453 or the new 455 all excellent.

coyota1 · September 23, 2012, 05:49 PM

CZ does turn out excellent barrels.

KevK. · September 23, 2012, 08:19 PM

If you want a bolt action. I'd go CZ.
If you want a lever, it's hard to beat a Henry.

LAH · September 23, 2012, 08:35 PM

In that price range a CZ or Savage.

mike7.62 · September 23, 2012, 10:32 PM

A CZ 452/453 American is what your looking for. bang for the buck they can't be beat. I would pass on the CZ 455 If I were you. As long as I could find a CZ 452/453.

jmstr · September 24, 2012, 10:35 AM

When you say 'primarily for target use', do you mean personal target shooting for fun, or competition target shooting to win matches?

Also, do you want a bolt action, a semi-auto action or a lever action rifle?

Do you prefer tube-fed magazines? Do you prefer detachable magazines?

Do you hate both and want single-shot?

All of the recommendations are good guns, as far as I know. I have only had experience with the two .22lr rifles I actually own and have found them to be quite reliable and accurate, with proper mainentance. My two are both Marlins: Model 60 and Model 39A. Of those two, the Model 60 can take your scope more readily than the lever-action 39A.

Both will take squirrels and birds well, and both work fine for my range-fun type of target shooting. I am a real threat to all tin cans with either!

The advantage of the Marlin Model 60 is that you can spend a LOT less than your stated budget, and use the rest for a few thousand rounds of ammo.

Many love the Ruger 10/22, but it seems you have to spend about $150-200 to make it as accurate as the Marlin Model 60 is out of the box. If you don't like the tube mag, Marlin Model 795 [I think] is a detachable mag version of the Model 60: same accuracy/reliability as 60, but with detachable mag.

10/22's have THOUSANDS of accessories, it seems like, to customize it. One year you could make it look like an M1 Carbine, another you could make it look like a modern assault rifle, a third you could deck it out to look like a hi-priced thumbhole stocked target rifle, or you could leave it stock. I know the Model 60 Marlin has Dragunov-style stocks available for it, but there aren't many other options in accessories.

Again, I am not putting down any of the rifles already suggested. I am just offering some 'other' ideas based on the concept that you are describing a range gun for personal fun and mild hunting as your goal, and not a competition-level target gun.

If I am wrong, then move on up to the higher end guns already mentioned, and that will be mentioned.

45YearsShooting · September 24, 2012, 07:34 PM

The CZ 455 is a fine rifle; a great rifle actually. No need to "pass" on it. You can get a trigger kit for $15 to make the trigger as light as you want.

Pistolgripshotty · September 24, 2012, 08:29 PM

Try a Marlin...I used to have one and I loved it never had a problem with it

Joe Chicago · September 24, 2012, 10:00 PM

At your price point you can get a lot of .22 rifle. Look at 1. CZ, 2. Marlin and 3. Savage.

btmj · September 24, 2012, 11:08 PM

I still have my Marlin 60 from my high-school days. Yes it is accurate, but the trigger is mediocre.

No competition is anticipated, but I want a weapon that duplicates the feel and handling of my bolt action guns.

I want a 22 with a trigger that is equal to my weatherby, or my buddies Browning A-bolt. I want a gun that will shoot dime size holes at 50 yards.

I will check out the CZ... Thanks for all the advice. !

45YearsShooting · September 24, 2012, 11:31 PM

I own rimfire bolt actions from Marlin, Savage, CZ, and Anschutz. The CZ is well worth it. It is a step up in quality and accuracy from the Marlin and Savage. I feel the Anschutz is also worth it, and they have wonderful triggers. The CZ is the best value. If you get the CZ, it looks like the trigger kit is now up to $18 + $6 shipping. It is worth it. It will make the trigger as light as you want, and is very simple to do. Here is the link to buying the trigger kit:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CZ-452-455-a...item257074aaac

tulsamal · September 25, 2012, 06:48 AM

Quote:

my buddies Browning A-bolt. I want a gun that will shoot dime size holes at 50 yards.

Since you mentioned Browning by name.... pick up a T-Bolt when you are in a gun store. I especially like the wood and blue model. Attractive little rifle with a fast action, ten shot magazine that fits flush, and shoots very tight groups at 50 meters.

Gregg

emcon5 · September 25, 2012, 09:49 AM

Look at the Ruger 77-22 as well. 10 round flush mag and butter smooth.

September 23, 2012, 02:20 AM	#1
btmj Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2011 Location: Near St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 864	recommendations: good 22LR for $700 or less I would like to get some thoughts on a good accurate 22. I do not compete, but I want an accurate gun to practice my skills. I might occasionally shoot squirrels or rabbits, but the weapon is primarily for target use. I will be putting a scope on it, so the iron sights won't get much use. I have a Nikon 3-9X that I would like to mount on it. I am willing to spend up to $700 for the rifle. I have not followed the 22 market since the late 1980s when I had a Marlin 60 and a 10/22 as a college student. So I have no idea what is out there, what is good, what is junk, etc. Suggestions?

September 23, 2012, 02:41 AM	#2
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,159	I don't really know what's out there that's junk, but I'm pretty much of the opinion that if it has CZ, Anschutz, or Savage on it- it's gonna be in the right ballpark. Anschutz's get a little pricey, but those and CZ 452's are adult size, built with all the quality they can pack in, and will last for generations. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

September 23, 2012, 03:10 AM	#3
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 6,875	I just bought a Savage mk2 FV for $320 out the door and it is very accurate .I plan to put a new laminated stock on it soon . You can find some savage's to consider here -http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/finder/# you will need to go to there website and use there gun finder . The boxes I checked were 22lr heavy barrel accu-trigger The CZ is a good choice as well . Really there are a few out there that shoot very well . This is a good start . Do some research , find out what shoots well and is reliable . Then if you can , try to get your hands on as many of them as you can . See what feels good . There are plenty out there that will fit the bill and be reliable as well as accurate right out of the box . The other thing you may want to ask your self . Will you want to tinker with it ? change the stock , new trigger , better barrel . Will the gun you buy have the ability to upgrade . Some guns are much easier to find after market parts for then others . You should not have any problems finding just what you want with the budget you have __________________ If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again . Last edited by Metal god; September 23, 2012 at 05:50 AM.

September 23, 2012, 08:45 AM	#6
geetarman Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,157	^^^^^^^^ That is a rifle I do not have and would love to own. __________________ Geetarman Carpe Cerveza

September 23, 2012, 02:18 PM	#8
mr.t7024 Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2012 Location: Ma, near a brook Posts: 229	.22lr I would shoulder all that were mentioned including the Marlin BA .22LR.You do not have to spend that kind of money for a good B A .22. Enjoy have fun and let us know your decision. Cliff

September 23, 2012, 07:51 AM	#4
redrick Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,041	CZ 452 American or 453 if you can find one. Bud's has the 452 for $408 shipped.

September 23, 2012, 08:17 AM	#5
gaseousclay Senior Member Join Date: August 4, 2010 Posts: 1,210	if you're lucky you might be able to get a Winchester 9422 for under $700

September 23, 2012, 01:46 PM	#7
2damnold4this Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2009 Location: Athens, Georgia Posts: 2,526	Another vote for the CZ452

September 23, 2012, 02:42 PM	#9
coyota1 Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2008 Location: West Michigan Posts: 663	There is a Weatherby Mark 22 semi auto listed on Guns of America website. A friend of mine had one, and it grouped fantastically even with stingers. It's priced at a little under $550. Checkered walnut stock, and rose wood for end tip. I am tempted myself.

September 23, 2012, 02:46 PM	#10
berettaprofessor Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2008 Posts: 1,091	My CZ452 put my Savage Mark II to shame. It's the best 22LR off the shelf for the money you're looking for. If you want a semi-auto, though, try a Marlin 795...you can find them for just over $100, so buy 6 of them!

September 23, 2012, 04:26 PM	#11
robertsig Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 262	CZ452 if you can still get one. I believe they were just discontinued. I love mine. Marlin 60 is still the best (IMO) if you want a semi.

September 23, 2012, 04:41 PM	#12
SRH78 Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 517	I highly recommend a CZ. __________________ "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin

September 23, 2012, 05:45 PM	#13
wingman Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2002 Posts: 2,108	CZ452,453 or the new 455 all excellent.

September 23, 2012, 05:49 PM	#14
coyota1 Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2008 Location: West Michigan Posts: 663	CZ does turn out excellent barrels.

September 23, 2012, 08:19 PM	#15
KevK. Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2012 Posts: 137	If you want a bolt action. I'd go CZ. If you want a lever, it's hard to beat a Henry. __________________ CZ82, S&W Mod. 65 .357, Marlin 22mn (22WMR), Mossberg 500.

September 23, 2012, 08:35 PM	#16
LAH Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2002 Location: In The Hardwoods Posts: 1,188	In that price range a CZ or Savage.

September 23, 2012, 10:32 PM	#17
mike7.62 Member Join Date: May 25, 2012 Location: Down South Posts: 95	A CZ 452/453 American is what your looking for. bang for the buck they can't be beat. I would pass on the CZ 455 If I were you. As long as I could find a CZ 452/453.

September 24, 2012, 10:35 AM	#18
jmstr Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2001 Location: San Joaquin Valley, CA Posts: 1,281	When you say 'primarily for target use', do you mean personal target shooting for fun, or competition target shooting to win matches? Also, do you want a bolt action, a semi-auto action or a lever action rifle? Do you prefer tube-fed magazines? Do you prefer detachable magazines? Do you hate both and want single-shot? All of the recommendations are good guns, as far as I know. I have only had experience with the two .22lr rifles I actually own and have found them to be quite reliable and accurate, with proper mainentance. My two are both Marlins: Model 60 and Model 39A. Of those two, the Model 60 can take your scope more readily than the lever-action 39A. Both will take squirrels and birds well, and both work fine for my range-fun type of target shooting. I am a real threat to all tin cans with either! The advantage of the Marlin Model 60 is that you can spend a LOT less than your stated budget, and use the rest for a few thousand rounds of ammo. Many love the Ruger 10/22, but it seems you have to spend about $150-200 to make it as accurate as the Marlin Model 60 is out of the box. If you don't like the tube mag, Marlin Model 795 [I think] is a detachable mag version of the Model 60: same accuracy/reliability as 60, but with detachable mag. 10/22's have THOUSANDS of accessories, it seems like, to customize it. One year you could make it look like an M1 Carbine, another you could make it look like a modern assault rifle, a third you could deck it out to look like a hi-priced thumbhole stocked target rifle, or you could leave it stock. I know the Model 60 Marlin has Dragunov-style stocks available for it, but there aren't many other options in accessories. Again, I am not putting down any of the rifles already suggested. I am just offering some 'other' ideas based on the concept that you are describing a range gun for personal fun and mild hunting as your goal, and not a competition-level target gun. If I am wrong, then move on up to the higher end guns already mentioned, and that will be mentioned.

September 24, 2012, 07:34 PM	#19
45YearsShooting Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2012 Location: Colorado Posts: 105	The CZ 455 is a fine rifle; a great rifle actually. No need to "pass" on it. You can get a trigger kit for $15 to make the trigger as light as you want.

September 24, 2012, 08:29 PM	#20
Pistolgripshotty Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2012 Location: Somewhere out there Posts: 184	Try a Marlin...I used to have one and I loved it never had a problem with it __________________ *12 Gauge Fury!*

September 24, 2012, 10:00 PM	#21
Joe Chicago Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2011 Location: Chicago area Posts: 277	At your price point you can get a lot of .22 rifle. Look at 1. CZ, 2. Marlin and 3. Savage.

September 24, 2012, 11:08 PM	#22
btmj Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2011 Location: Near St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 864	I still have my Marlin 60 from my high-school days. Yes it is accurate, but the trigger is mediocre. No competition is anticipated, but I want a weapon that duplicates the feel and handling of my bolt action guns. I want a 22 with a trigger that is equal to my weatherby, or my buddies Browning A-bolt. I want a gun that will shoot dime size holes at 50 yards. I will check out the CZ... Thanks for all the advice. !

September 24, 2012, 11:31 PM	#23
45YearsShooting Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2012 Location: Colorado Posts: 105	I own rimfire bolt actions from Marlin, Savage, CZ, and Anschutz. The CZ is well worth it. It is a step up in quality and accuracy from the Marlin and Savage. I feel the Anschutz is also worth it, and they have wonderful triggers. The CZ is the best value. If you get the CZ, it looks like the trigger kit is now up to $18 + $6 shipping. It is worth it. It will make the trigger as light as you want, and is very simple to do. Here is the link to buying the trigger kit: http://www.ebay.com/itm/CZ-452-455-a...item257074aaac

September 25, 2012, 09:49 AM	#25
emcon5 Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 1999 Location: High Desert NV Posts: 2,850	Look at the Ruger 77-22 as well. 10 round flush mag and butter smooth.