The new .22 rifle selection is dismal,,,

[aarondhgraham]

The new .22 rifle selection is dismal,,,
What I mean is I can't find a rifle that I want to buy.

Since October of last year I've been looking for a new high-end .22 rifle,,,
It is supposed to be my retirement (08 Jan 21) gift to myself.

So I've scoured every on-line seller,,,
And I've probably put 1,000 miles on my car visiting stores all across Oklahoma.

At first I was looking for "exotic" rifles,,,
Like .22 LR versions of "Sharps" style rifles.

Nada in stock.

Then I was looking for something to use in NRL .22 matches,,,
Lots of rifles fit the bill here but I can't find anything on the shelf.

The Savage B22 Precision caught my eye,,,
On paper it looks like the rifle for me,,,
But the reviews are very mixed.

Apparently if you get a good one out of the box,,,
The rifle will shoot very precise groups.

But I've also read way to many bad reviews,,,
Ammo gouging and ejection problems seem way too common.

I finally found a dealer in Muskogee who had one new in box,,,
I made the almost 2-hour drive to take a look at it.

Because of the ammo gouging/ejection problems I've read about,,,
I asked the dealer if I could load/cycle a ten round mag.

He was very reluctant to allow me to do so,,,
He kept saying "It's not safe to do that."

I laid the cash on the table and said I'll not buy it if I can't test it,,,
He still didn't want me to but finally agreed if I had the ammo.

It was a dang good thing I was adamant,,,
I could easily see how the mag was askew in the rifle,,,
We oiled the bolt copiously and it still drug badly and chewed up the ammo.

My friends,,,
I was very disappointed,,,
But relieved that I stuck to my guns (so to speak).

So even if one comes available from an on-line dealer,,,
I won't buy a Savage B22 Precision sight unseen.

So I switched gears and started looking at some other rifle brands,,,
I have had fantastic good fortune with all of my CZ rifles,,,
So I have been looking for a 457 Precision Varmint.

Same thing there,,,
None in stock anywhere in my state.

Buds does have one of the 16.5" barrel versions,,,
But I think that rifle is ugly as original sin,,,
And the 24" version is unwieldy.

There is always the Ruger Precision Rifle,,,
It has that fully adjustable modular stock I desire,,,
And it has been a decent performer at NRL matches I've attended.

It just doesn't hold any visual appeal for me,,,
I don't like that barrel hand-guard at all.

There is one Ruger rifle that did catch my eye,,,
It's the Ruger American: Rimfire Target with the laminated thumb-hole stock.

This rifle is very sexy,,,
A tad bit "gaudy" for my tastes but still,,,
I think I would smile big every time I opened it's case.

I can't find one of these either.

I started looking at Voodoo and Bergara rifles,,,
They are pricey as all heck,,,
But not out of reach.

Trouble is they also have none in stock,,,
And from what I've read there is a long waiting list.

It's funny I can find all the rifles I want in the 200-300 range,,,
But nothing at all in the higher end of the spectrum.

The only good thing about this is,,,
I have been setting aside $100.00 a month for almost 2 years,,,
It's been so long now that I could afford just about anything I may find out there.

If something that "twangs my chimes",,,
Would just show up in the local marketplace.

I know this is just another whine about the Covid marketplace,,,
But I'm a little bit bored and very much frustrated.

I have money to spend and nothing to spend it on.

Aarond

.

[dgludwig]

Lots of great choices out there-if you're willing to consider a used rifle...

[stagpanther]

I recently bought a CZ 457 jaguar--since you already like CZ I'd highly recommend ditching preconceptions about the barrel length and give it a try, I'd be willing to bet you'll be amazed at it's accuracy. The quality of the barrel is spectacular for a commercial production rifle IMO, when I get my next 22lr it'll likely be another jaguar.

[TruthTellers]

I'd very much like to know what a "high end" .22 rifle can do when a comparatively high end scope is use with it and shot using high end ammo.

I was able to get sub MOA with my Ruger Charger and Mueller APV scope and CCI Standard Velocity.

When you can get a Charger that can put bullets into groups that small, there's no reason to get something that's more than $400.

[Rob228]

I was searching all over for someone with anything CZ in stock with no luck (North Carolina). I ended up with a Christensen Arms Ranger.

After a very thorough cleaning and about 200 rounds initially my impression was great. A thousand rounds later I am still very happy with my purchase. The bolt was a bit stiff at first but it smoothed out with the cleaning and lots of cycling.

[STORM2]

Order a Tikka from Scheels. I know it can be done ‘cause I just did it last Thursday.

[darkgael]

When I retired, 20 years ago, I bought myself an Anschutz 1827 Biathlon Rifle with a straight pull Fortner bolt. I have never regretted the purchase.
https://thefiringline.com/forums/att...1&d=1574292128

[aarondhgraham]

I just don't like long barreled rifles,,,
And the short 16" barrels leave me cold as well.

Personally, my preferred barrel length is minimum 18",,,
With the ideal length being 20".

I have no scientific reason for this,,,
I just like that look and feel.

I have a Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44...
Ready to mount on whatever I eventually end up getting,,,
Poor thing is just sitting all lonesome on a shelf in my man cave.

Several years ago I owned and really liked a CZ-452 Special Military Trainer,,,
If I recall correctly it had a 24" barrel on it,,,
I thought that was a bit long.

The dang thing performed very well for me,,,
But I sold it to a friend who liked it even better than I.

I used the money to buy a CZ-512 Semi-auto,,,
It is extremely pleasing to my senses.

With a Nikon 4-12x40 mounted on it,,,
It shoots very well indeed.

Honestly I have several rimfire rifles,,,
That have more inherent accuracy/precision,,,
Than my 69 year old eyes and body can effectively use.

Not the least is a Mauser es340b with a Leupold 3-9x40 on it,,,
Off a bench I regularly smack Coke cans at 200 yards.

It took a while to get her there,,,
But the old German gal is very satisfying.

The one style of rimfire that I don't have,,,
Is something with a fully adjustable modular stock.

It will probably be the last rifle I'll buy,,,
So it has to be aesthetically pleasing to my senses.

Honestly, that Savage B22 Precision rings all of my bells,,,
Maybe when Savage starts producing them again in the future,,,
They will have worked out the problems with the feed and ejection.

This post was mainly a whine instigated by my frustration,,,
I have money in my pocket and nothing to spend it on.

I've survived two separate ammo droughts,,,
Never thought I would have to endure a rifle shortage.

Aarond

.

[aarondhgraham]

I did go to the Scheels website,,,
Lo and behold they have a B22 Precision in stock.

I'm going to call them later today,,,
See if they will ship to my local fiery-arm dealer,,,
And also ask them if it's possible for them to test the feed/ejection.

Aarond

.

[stagpanther]

Congrats--I hope you have many long and enjoyable range sessions with it.

[Seedy Character]

Can't go wrong with an Anschutz
CZs are good shooters
My personal favorite is the Ruger American
Brno are outstanding. If you come across one.

Happy hunting and good luck.

Planning my retirement, sometime between Nov 1, 2021 and March 1, 2023. With Nov 1 being the hard target.

[jmr40]

Bud's is out of stock right now, but if you can find one it will shoot. If you're considering the Ruger this is a much better rifle. I had one of the Ruger target bolt guns and it wasn't any more accurate than my 10/22. The Tikka is not a classy looking rifle, but neither is the Ruger.

https://www.tikka.fi/en-us/rifles/tikka-t1x/t1x-mtr

[berettaprofessor]

Buy an Anchutz or CZ. Order online, ship to local dealer. There are a crapload of CZ 457's on Gunbroker right now.

[aarondhgraham]

"There are a crapload of CZ 457's on Gunbroker right now. "

It's funny you suggest that,,,
Just yesterday evening I discovered a CZ rifle,,,
That I had either overlooked or had never noticed at all.

CZ 457 Long Range Precision (LRP)

I like everything about this rifle,,,
The 20" barrel is my preferred length,,,
The stock is fully adjustable without looking "skeletal",,,
And it is specifically set-up for what they call "extreme distance accuracy".

I went to gunbroker and found one of these rifles NIB,,,
I have placed my bid and am the top bidder for now,,,
We'll see how it works out over the next 3 days.

Wish me luck!

Aarond

.

[handlerer2]

If you are truly looking for a high-end 22lr, then you should consider the Cooper MDL 57. They come in a couple of versions. There is the wood stocked Jackson Squirrel rifle, which is a work of art. Then there is the MDL 57 in a target stock. The target version has won meets against the Fortner and Anshultz, and has set records against the best.

I own a Cooper MDL 22, a heavy varmint rifle, chambered in 6.5-284. It is by far the most accurate rifle I have ever fired. Much more accurate than me.

All this said, the Jackson Squirrel is about $2500.

All of the rimfire rifles come with a 1/2", 50yd guarantee.

Some folks strangle when they hear the price.

I don't understand why some people think that a high quality rimfire should be cheaper than a centerfire rifle. A rimfire rifle requires all the manufacturing steps as a centerfire rifle. Is it because the ammunition is less expensive than centerfire ammunition?

This Cooper rifle may not be what you are looking for, but it can't hurt to look. I would love to be able to afford a Jackson Squirrel rifle, but the funds aren't there for this rifle at this time

[603Country]

Wow! That Jackson Squirrel 22lr is gorgeous.

[Bart B.]

Originally Posted by TruthTellers

I'd very much like to know what a "high end" .22 rifle can do when a comparatively high end scope is use with it and shot using high end ammo.

The best accuracy these days for 22 rimfire rifles and ammo is almost half an inch at 50 yards extreme spread.

Prior to 1980, it was half that.

[aarondhgraham]

Wow! Those Coopers really are lovely pieces of machinery.

Thanks for the suggestion,,,

Aarond

.

[ThomasT]

The best accuracy these days for 22 rimfire rifles and ammo is almost half an inch at 50 yards extreme spread.

Thats funny. A few years ago I bought a Ruger 77/22 off GB that came with a cheap straight tube 4x Bushnell scope. IIRC the gun was made in 1986 and has never had any stock work or bedding done to it. I paid a total of $405.05 with shipping and everything else.

I only expected a gun with field grade accuracy. But what I have is a gun that will shoot 5/8" groups group after group with WM blue box Federal bulk ammo. And those are 10 shot groups. After all it came with a 10 shot magazine. And it still has the cheap Bushnell scope on it. I like the way it looks.

I never even tried any other ammo in it. I shot one 30 yard group that was 4 shots in a slightly oblong hole and of course pulled shot number 5 about a quarter inch out. I would have never guessed this gun would shoot so well from the internet reports I had read.

[10-96]

Were Stevens Ideal, 1915, Boy's Rifles, and all those similar style single shots really all that expensive to produce? It would be nice to see rolling and falling block .22's available again.

[Txhillbilly]

Originally Posted by 10-96

Were Stevens Ideal, 1915, Boy's Rifles, and all those similar style single shots really all that expensive to produce? It would be nice to see rolling and falling block .22's available again.

Pedersoli makes a falling block in 22lr & 17HMR. Winchester / Browning used to offer a Low Wall in rimfire also.

https://www.davide-pedersoli.com/en/...ittle-betsy-24

[TruthTellers]

Originally Posted by Bart B.

The best accuracy these days for 22 rimfire rifles and ammo is almost half an inch at 50 yards extreme spread.

Prior to 1980, it was half that.

Huh, so my $250 Charger with a Mueller scope and CCI Standard velocity is apparently a high end rig.



BTW, that's a 3 shot group.

[TruthTellers]

Originally Posted by ThomasT

Thats funny. A few years ago I bought a Ruger 77/22 off GB that came with a cheap straight tube 4x Bushnell scope. IIRC the gun was made in 1986 and has never had any stock work or bedding done to it. I paid a total of $405.05 with shipping and everything else.

I only expected a gun with field grade accuracy. But what I have is a gun that will shoot 5/8" groups group after group with WM blue box Federal bulk ammo. And those are 10 shot groups. After all it came with a 10 shot magazine. And it still has the cheap Bushnell scope on it. I like the way it looks.

I never even tried any other ammo in it. I shot one 30 yard group that was 4 shots in a slightly oblong hole and of course pulled shot number 5 about a quarter inch out. I would have never guessed this gun would shoot so well from the internet reports I had read.

You should know by now that elitism and snobbery rules the gun forums, everybody has to show off their $1000 or $2000 builds and peacock. I'm not going to say that an Anschutz is a poorly made POS, it's not, they're very well made, but it's like what Hickok said in a video years ago that you can pay $300 and get 95% out of a rifle or you can pay $1500 and get the full 100% because that's what it costs to get it.

For competitive shooters, they'll pay that money (plus the cost of SK and Eley ammo) to be able to compete and have a chance to win.

I don't think paying big bucks for an Anschutz is worth the money, not when I'm getting the groups I get with my Charger and its 10 inch barrel. That right there is largely the reason no competitive shooters buy them to try them: anything with a barrel less than 16 inches was stuck in the NFA and inaccessible until braces came about. Old guys set in their ways who've been around the fudds for too long can't begin to fathom anything outside the box like a 10 inch braced pistol or a field grade Ruger bolt action being used in a competitive environment.

[dgludwig]

There is such a thing as "reverse snobbism", otherwise called proletentiousness.

[Rob228]

You can also reach a point in competition where your equipment is the weak link not you, although that takes years and many thousands of repetitions. I used to shoot small bore sporter-rifle competition: unsupported standing at 50' with a rifle/scope combo that weighs 7.5 pounds or less. I did three years with a 10/22 and built some very solid fundamentals and then received a Browning A-Bolt .22 for Christmas (I think I was 13 or so) and my scores definitely increased. There were a few guys shooting Anschutz rifles, but I recall a lot of Ruger 77/22's and Remington 541s. Money can buy accuracy but it can't buy fundamentals or skill (although it can buy training). It is kind of like the triathlon scene: money can buy speed (on the bike), I don't ride a cheap bike but there are quite a few people at races whose front wheel cost more than my entire setup. Some of them put in the sweat equity to make the most of what they bought, some can afford the fancy equipment but don't have the time to train to make the most of it, but like in the shooting world, they want to know that they are the weak link not the equipment.

I am trying to get back into some form of competitive rimfire so I hit the upper limits of my budget on a rifle that I can go back to Sporterrifle with, silhouette, or hopefully some of the precision rimfire matches that mimic PRS shoots. I convinced myself I was saving on ammo until I bought a thousand rounds of Tenex and Midas+ (range reports to follow this week). Its more rifle than I need BUT when I go home at the end of a range session I know that it is me that needs improvement, and my equipment is not the weak link.


That Charger does shoot pretty nice though.