Looking for a good .22LR or .223 bolt gun

[Kimio]

My dad has been looking for something to practice and plink with at the range he likes the affordability of both calibers. I had originally recommended using a Ruger 10/22 however I don't really know anything about bolt rifles let alone ones chambered in either caliber.

Does anyone have some suggestions on some good quality bolt action rifles chambered .22LR or .223 They must have irons since he doesn't own any kind of optics.

I think he said his price range was around $500-$600.

So far I've looked only at what Ruger has had to offer, since they are reknowned for the .22 caliber rifles and pistols.

Something similar to the Ruger77/22 but with Irons I think would be ideal and is what he'd most likely be wanting.

EDIT: I was looking at a Savage Arms "Rascal" has anyone had experience with this rifle before? It appears to be extremely affordable and has all the features that my dad would want in a .22LR BA rifle.

[Pond, James Pond]

I expect you'll get a number of endorsements for CZ rifles, in either caliber. However, I tip my hat to the .22LR CZ452 I have. A pleasure to shoot.

[2damnold4this]

+1 for the CZ452.

Does you dad not want to use a scope? I really enjoy a fixed 4x scope on my CZ.

[Kimio]

You know, I asked him the same question, but he insisted on open sights, so I didn't press it. He has his reasons I suppose for not wanting to use optics, only thing I can imagine is that he believes in mastering open sights before moving onto using optics, I guess he thinks it's cheating in a way. It's been many many years since he's shot any rifle in excess, so this is his way of re-accquanting himself I think.

[kraigwy]

Another Vote for the CZ 452.

When I attended the CMP GSM MI course I talked to a lot of CMP Rimfire Sporter Coaches, They almost all confirmed that the CZ 452 wins most of the CMP matches.

Sold me so I bought one, I got the Military Trainer Version (the sights most match my surplus military rifles).

I use it with scopes and irons.

Took some getting use to. Sucker is so smooth, I'd close the bolt, thinking it didn't pick up around I'd end up ejecting a live round checking.

Its smooth, accurate and well within your price range.

[Kimio]

Hmm, I'll let him know of the CZ 452, might be able to help him find a used one in his area for a decent price hopefully.

If any of ya'll have some other suggestions, they're more than welcome, and thanks for the suggestions thus far.

[Water-Man]

.223 bolt - Tikka T3

[big al hunter]

For 22 lr the savage markII comes with irons in some versions. Mine is very accurate. For the 223 I would stick with Ruger or weatherby vanguard.

[Redneckrepairs]

i have 3 cz 452s and love them . Savage has a great reputation also but they just don't have the " class " of the CZ imo . For .223 the Tikka T3 is hard to beat for an elegant rifle with imo the Howa coming in a close second choice as a value purchase with a bit less class .

[cpt-t]

Kimio: IMHO You just can`t beat a CZ 452 TRAINER. The sights and trigger are just great. The sights will work for old guy`s eyes to, they work for me. My 452 TRAINER is the most accurate 22 LR I own. As for 223 again I don`t think you can beat a CZ 527 223 cal bolt gun. I have really enjoyed my CZ`s and have never had a problem with any of them. GOOD LUCK TO YOU & YOUR DAD: ken

[Wyosmith]

CZ 452

[mr.t7024]

for BA .22s Savage Mark11 0rRuger 77-22.ForA action .223 check the Savage line up. All the guns mentioned are excellent, Pick them up shoulder them and you will know which one is for you! Cliff

[scottycoyote]

ive been wanting to pick up a cz, just havent run across a good deal on one yet. The savage is a nice rifle for the money, cheap floorplate and cheap magazines hold it back but the accutrigger is sweet

[Eghad]

I have a CZ 452 Military Trainer I spotted a few months ago. It is a solidly built rifle. The Military Trainers are harder to come by now since CZ-USA isn't going to import them in into the US in the future. They are replacing it with the CZ 455.I didn't want to spend that much money at the time but I knew if I left the store I might not find one for a long while. Its a first class .22. The actions are made from steel billets. The trigger is also adjustable. If you can find a CZ 452 buy it. They have an American Model also that has a straight stock.

[SRH78]

+1 for the CZ.