I have the bug for accurate .22's. Maybe cause I can afford to shoot them or maybe cause they are so fun to shoot.

I currently have:

Cooper Jackson Squirrel Rifle
CZ 452 Varmint
Ruger 77/22
Marlin Model 60 Stainless
Ruger 10/22 stainless
Savage Model 30 (nostalgia reasons)

What have you guys seen that are neat, accurate rifles?
I would like a Marlin 39A just to have and play with....probably not the most accurate gun in the world but looks fun.

Well worn non collector grade Winchester 52 target gun with the lightest barrel.

Going to be pretty tough to beat the first rifle on your list. Coopers are second to none.

yep, seems to be a positive correlation between money and accuracy.

personally, i grew up with a rem model 572 fieldmaster that was factory rebarreled. later, i've switched to a CZ American in 22lr. its really hard to beat for the money. but, with enough money i'm sure it can be.

BennelliHunter: I have a splendidly accurate Kimber Hunter/Silohuette and a Remington 40X rimfire that is even a tad more accurate.
I use them for Ground Squirrel Hunting with better quality 22 hollow-point ammunition.
Yes these ARE fun to shoot and indeed the affordability of the ammunition is a major plus as well.
One of my long time often time Ground Squirrel Hunting partners has a Ruger 77/22 V/T (heavy barrel) and it is extremely accurate as well.
I have shot alongside SO many CZ 22's (both heavy and sporter weight barrels) that they MUST be again considered for the accuracy intent shooter (you).
I just don't want anything to do with the CZ's hang down magazines and bass-ackwards safeties.
So, in search of 22 accuracy maybe you could try another 77/22 V/T or another CZ Varmint or consider a 40X rimfire?
I have seen some amazing groups shot by Cooper rimfire Rifles and I am curious to know if yours shoots well enough for you?
It may be tough (expensive) to surpass the Cooper accuracy wise?
Good luck in your search for accuracy.
I do know this, one easy way to improve rimfire accuracy in a particular Rifle is to BUY more scope magnification for it and to buy more expensive ammo for it!
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

The safety on the CZ is a non-issue. Since I am not hunting dangerous game with my 22, I do not find it necessary to carry cocked and locked. Prairie dogs have sharp teeth, to be sure, but a mag loaded under an empty chamber has always worked well for me.

Cooper, 40X and 541 Remington, 52 Winchester, Anschutz

VarmintGuy, my Cooper is definitely incredible. It is worth every penny. The smooth bolt action, crisp trigger and itsy, bitsy little groups are awesome!

Truth be told the CZ and Ruger shoot really tiny groups as well. Not as good as the Cooper but they are not THAT much bigger.

I just enjoy any accurate rifle...one that is affordable is even more fun.

I want a Kimber and a 40X although I don't know how much 40X are going for now. I was just checking out the 52 Winchesters today....they are at a premium also!

You need to add a T/C Classic or R-55 to yer stable...... and don't sell the Marlin short.......

A KDF K22 would be a must and my favorite, a Sako Quad. Don't leave out a Krico, and as already mentioned, an Anschutz.

Your stable certainly needs a Kimber 82 and Remington 541. May not be the most accurate of them all but they are a couple of the sexiest rimfire rifles ever made.
My .02

My dad has a Zastava Bolt Action imported by Charles Daly that shoots 1/2 inch groups at 50 yards with Remington LR HPs. Remington took over the importation of these rifles, but I understand they've now stopped. Extra magazines were impossible to find until about a month ago, when Cabelas finally got some in stock. Remington put their own wood on these rifles and it was much nicer than the wood from Charles Daly. I don't know who will be importing these rifles now, but I feel certain someone will. They will likely have the same wood as the Daly's, as this is the wood fitted at the factory.

If your tastes aren't limited to modern bolt actions and such, you might consider a vintage falling block like a Winchester 1885 low wall, either an original or replica.

As with any non-custom rifle, you take your chances with out-of-the-box accuracy. If you are inclined to go for the best, custom is the route to take, and you can take it just as far as your budget will go.

Paul

Winchester 75 and Remington 581.

BSA Martini is another falling block that is very very accurate. Ask the Ruger guys with the 77/22 I shoot against.

Had a lot of 22's 8 years ago I got an ANSCH�TZ won't waste my time with anything else.

Keep them coming guys....I listened to 30Gibbs first and picked up a Winchester Model 52 Utah Centennial 22LR from the classifieds here on the Campfire......Here is a link to the gun....did I hurt myself on this one?

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/4482025/1

I have one of the Dalys and my son has one of the Remington 5s. We are very happy with the way that they shoot. My son came across the magazines from Cabela's and picked us up some extras.

I would second the K22 - I have one and it is very accurate. There was one for sale recently on Rimfire Central but it went quick, as they usually do.

JohnU

I second the Winchester 52. I have one of the Japanese remakes and it is a shooter.

You should also look at the TC classic 22's.

Coopers are tested and have to shoot 1/4" groups at 50yds. Thats pretty good. Mine shoots decent.

Has anyone had experience with the cz 512 yet? It seems like it may be a good fit for the OP, but I have not shot one.

Steve.

Steve, sometimes I don't understand the abbreviations....what is OP?

jbuck, I have a Cooper Jackson Squirrel Rifle and it shoots as well as I can. I can do a ragged hole at 50 yards with its Leupold 3-9. I love the trigger!

I received my Model 52 the other day and the rings were really high on it so I went to the gun store and bought some low Leupold mounts so I could snug the scope down on the rifle.

Went to sight it in.....the high rings were on there for a reason....the bolt will not clear the scope with my low rings on there! Ugh....so the high mounts are back on and we will see how it shoots another day!

Yeah been pretty pumped for mine, I have a JSR too.

OP= Original Poster/Post

Better check out the best sporter weight rimfire available for the $....unbeatable quality/value if you can live with a synthetic stock...you will not be disappointed....

http://www.newultralight.com/

Remington M541T... Buy, stoke with Eley ammo, and enjoy.. These things are unreal... Once a year I take one of mine out to a local turkey shoot that has prizes won via .22s.. I entered five rounds and won three.. No shot was outside the center of the bull by more than 1/8-1/4". And those were my fault - not the rifle..

added: just checked for these on GB and only found a couple.. And they ain't cheap.. I know good ones can now fetch well over $500-600... But these models are first-class B/A 22s, IMVHO..

I'll put in another recomendation for the Remington 541T. I absolutely hate the plastic magazine, but love the way mine shoots. CCI Green Tags seem to be the ammunition of choice for mine

Anschutz

NULA



ddj

+1 NULA

I let three Win.52,s and two Anschutz after I got my Cooper LVT.

Here is what it will do at 100 yds.

The scope is a 24x Weaver target and it was shot with Lapua Midous M.
Bill

I am very happy with my Anschutz and my Sako Quad.

Remington scoremaster,remington 581,Anschutz

I'm very hip on the 39A,though of course have a herd of custom 22's......................

I hunt in a lot of 'foul weather conditions' and really like my Marlin Stainless 981TS.

Very accurate and very durable.

Ruger 77/22 VBBZ...

Ingwe

Bob the tube to 20" and you have sumptin'...........

I had the CZ452 and it was accurate but very picky about which ammo it would feed and extract. Scope mounting was somewhat of a PIA too.

Mossberg Model 44 if you can stand the weight. They're a bit on the clubby side but boy do they shoot.

Remington Model 37

Why not rebarrel your Ruger 10/22? You can get a Green Mountain sporter barrel (no need to get a new stock or enlarge the barrel channel) for ~ $140. Or, you can get a Lothar Walther medium weight barrel for ~ $200. There are several "bull" barrel (0.92" diam) barrels that shoot well for $200 and less. Get a new trigger (2.5lb pull) for about $40.

If you want "fun" and "accurate" in one package, consider it. Conneticut Precision Chambering is a good option to work on your 10/22. They have various service packages available, including threading the receiver, to eliminate the bedding block attachment (factory style). CT Precision Chambering

If you want accurate bolts, then get an Anschutz, Suhl, or Time Precision, or Walther. You can get nostalgic, and get a Rem 37, or 40x, or Brno model 4.

A Marlin 39 is a wonderful rifle. Should give 1.5" groups or so at 50 yards. Not sure if this is "accurate" enough for you. A tricked out Ruger 10/22 would shoot sub-half inch at 50 yards with good ammo (not necessarily "match").

Many choices.

Clark/Lothar Walther mid weight 1022 barrel

Green Mountain match stainless sporter 1022 barrel

Aftermarket Ruger 1022 parts/ trigger/mag release etc

The Belgium FN made Browning T-bolt is being overlooked here. I have a 1970 that shoots 1/4 inch groups w/green tag ammo. Also have a Anshutz 1720 , and a Remington 541-S. All super fine shooters.

Indoor or outside?

I'm a fan of the TC Classic or Benchmark for semis IMHO there really aren't any autoloaders that are better for the money...In fact few bolt guns ...
On to bolt guns I really like the CZ 452 American more than the Varmint, and when I want to shoot squirrels, the Anschutz stays in the safe and out comes the CZ...every time...

I took my Stevens 66-B "Buckhorn" bolt action to an Appleseed shoot. [If you don't know, they use the AQT scaled down for use on a 25M range].
I knew they "didn't recommend" a bolt gun, nor even tube fed S/A's. But I "gun what I brung". Several instructors noted the smoothness of the bolt. I know my Stevens 200 bolt is NO where near as smooth.
I ended up shooting a 235/250 with that gun with "bulk Federal" ammo.
As a side note: There was a 12 yo boy there with the same model Stevens rifle as I had. It was quite a chunk for him to handle. The next day he had a 10/22 and qualified also.

Anschutz!

I'm partial toward the older stuff. BSA Martini and Springfield 1922M2 are the current favorites. I wouldn't mind an early M52 to add to the bunch.

Another sleeper in the "affordable" category is the old Marlin 81DL. The one I have ('twas my Pop's, got it new in 1948) will turn in sub-inch sized groups at 50 yds. with the right ammo.

Sounds like you've already got quite the collection of rimfires.

I'd have to suggest a Marlin 39 or 39A. Been wanting one for a while.

If funds will allow it, a 40X decked out would be a lot of fun.

Lots of good advice hee. I have a Remington 541HB that shoots very well but I always go to my BRNO #2 when I go to the woods.
I dont' worry about the ammo and I can't hurt it. I think I paid $300 for it a few years ago and it shoot as well as my Win 52B made in 1930's.
I'm a fan of all the Remington 500 bolt guns and the 513S is a favorite.
At one time I was a 22 collector and I owned a room full. I always have to go with the BRNOs when the crunch gets tight. You can't beat them when you consider reliabilaty, accuracy and affordabilty.

I have a Cooper 57M in 22 lr (Jackson Hunter) and it is one the most accurate 22'2 I have ever owned, including a bunch of Anschutz (both sporter and target configuration), a Win 52, and a Rem 40X. The best part of it is that the Cooper is lighter and easy to carry compared to the others and is supremely accurate.

I have also owned CZ 452'2 in both the sporter and Vamint configuration, I sold the Varminter and kept the sporter because of the way it carries and handles. There was no detectable differences in accuracy between the two and the sporter just felt better to me. If you decide to go with a CZ try handling both of them before buying.

As much as I like my Cooper the CZ, for accuracy and shootability, is a great dollar value. But with that said you need to be aware that the fit and finish are worlds apart, the CZ trigger will need some work or a replacement wheras with the Cooper you can open the box, put a scope on it and start shooting little tiny groups, that is after you stop drooling over the workmanship of the rifle.

drover

I bought a new Model 52B with a heavy barrel about 10 years ago when Zanders Sporting Goods had some. It's a great rifle...really good workmanship. Anyway, I ran into the same problem you describe here. The bolt will not clear with low or medium height Leupold rings. I went with extra high and it cleared fine, and I believe there's enough room that high rings would work. I'd like the scope mounted lower too, but man it's a shooter. I got used to it real quick. Kinda looks awkward with the scope being mounted that high, but when you're punching tight little groups at the range...it doesn't matter anymore. I can comfortably shoulder the rifle and see through the scope just fine. Those guns were $599 new...wish I'd bought more than 1.

I own a Kimber 82, Remington 541T and a Anschutz 54 Sporter.
The Annie is the best of the bunch.

a swindelhurst or turbo with a benchmark barrel jewells trigger in a mcmillan built by either calfee or don geraci

sounds like you are a counisuer of fine rifles! I have read all the posts here.After your first listing it is hard to come up with much to top it. A kimber super america, super grade made in oregon would be worthy additions.A savage-anschutz 54 sporter is also a must for a shooter of your means. Have a tip for you a cheap old 581 remington with a little trigger work will put itty-bitty holes in the paper too for about 250 dollars or less and I will take it to the field. congratulations on a nice array of 22 rifles.

...you "discovered" the problem with Winchester 52s... I've had 4 over the years. Two original Winchester, one Browning and one Japanese Winchester. They were all "shooters" but ended up selling them because I could never find a scope/ring/comb interface to let me shoot comfortably.

Problem #2 with the Jap made guns...the triggers while they are "adjustable" have limiters built in...they can be "modified" however so the adjustments will make a MUCH better trigger pull than the factory will allow.

As to the bolt problem. The bolt is shaped like it is because the guns were designed to be shot with peep sights or in the case of the target guns a straight 1" tube target scope that easily clears the bolt. I have seen several original and Jap made Sporters that had the bolt handle modified to clear low mounted scopes...you just have to find a good riflesmith to do the job.

For the money however mine is now on CZ. I have a 452 17" treaded barrel American, a Scout and a 453 set-trigger Varmint. That being said, the bolt handle clearance on the CZs is none to great either. A medium ring with a scope with a small ocular bell like a Leupold or older Weaver works best...

Bob

I have several .22LR files, and my most accurate is a little Winchester Wildcat, based on the Russian TOZ 78.It is scoped with a Bushnell unit. I don't mean to boast and I am not a particulary skilled marksman, but it will cut little 3 shot cloverleafs with remington target velocity .22 green box cartridges at 100 yards. I was knocking the clothespins off the corners as the light dimmed yesterday afternoon.
But, this is a budget prced rifle and I am sure the more expensive ones are outstanding.
By the way, with this rifle, this ammo drops about 5 inches
at 100 yards after zeroing at 50 yards.