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Question for you rimfire fanatics:

I'm looking to build a 22lr training rifle that mimics my primary big game iron as reasonably possible. The main rifle has a McM Hunter stock, so ideally I would find something that I could have inletted for a McM Hunter OR one of the similar Sako variants (which one that would be, Im not totally sure - the Varmint?)

Trying to keep this project as "value oriented" as possible - with the McM being the primary splurge cost wise. Plan to put a 10X SWFA on it.

A standard CZ455 would be perfect, but McM doesn't inlet for those. Sako quad, Rem 40x, or 700 footprint custom are the only options Ive found so far. Im not considering those last two options seriously, which leaves the Sako.

Any other recommendations?

I think you have answered your own question:)

If you are seriously hung up on the Micky Monte Carlo style stocks, then the Sako quad is about it.

Well my big gun is a M77 Mark II in .280 Rem, my trainer is a M77/22.
Problem solved. Ok I know that doesn't do you a world of good, but jk16 has already pointed out the obvious answer.

Might not meet your definition of affordable, but the 40X is a great option. I found a bare 40X action several years ago and traded a scope for it I now have a full size rimfire clone of my big rifle. The action drops into a Remington ADL stock perfectly.

One other option is ti order a McMillan inletted for a SA M700 and simply glass in a CZ455 Varmint in the inlet.

Both actions are round and the CZs can be dropped in as they are smaller in diamter. Fill in the voids with acraglass etc. dress it off and paint it.

That may be beyond the OPs skill level (or budget) but there it is.

Thank god I prefer simple Classic styled stocks. I don't have such problems..:)

Sorry,double post:)

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like I did answer my own question.

The sensible thing to do would be to buy a CZ, forget about the stock, and be done with it. But whats the fun in that?

Get the CZ, buy an uninletted McM and a hobby is borne. Nice thing about inletting Fiberglass is if you screw up, add some epoxy and start over.

I really like the heavy/varmint contour barreled Marlin rimfire bolt guns in either the Boyds Rimfire Hunter or the factory issue Marlin 917 laminated stocks for use as an understudy rifle. They are similar in size, weight, and balance to my 22" and 24" Marlin, Remington, and Ruger bolt action CF rifles.

I was shooting the 917M2S quite a bit, but have moved to a 917VS, varmint/stainless/laminated, with the faster A17 ammo. Our local Wal-Marts sell the A17 ammo for $50 in the 200 round boxes. I'm a big fan of the McMillan McMillan Hunter style stocks, but can't imaging having one inletted for a rimfire built on any action except a Remington 40x or 700 because of issues related to the depth of the action.

I'm pretty sure I would butcher the stock - would probably give it a go on a cheap boyds stock, but not a mickey.



I've been looking at the Finnfire II or quad with the "pro" walnut stock. The stock looks to be a slimmed down version of the classic Sako monte carlo pattern, which is probably close enough to the McM Sako Hunter/McM hunter that Ive got now.

W,

Looking at the pics, I'd say your best bet is to buy the Quad Hunter Pro.

The Mickey Hunters are based on the Sako Monte Carlo stocks and looking at the pics of the current Quad Monte Carlo stocks, it looks like it will be a pretty close match to the feel of your McMillans.

Pay attention to getting scope mounting height the same in relation to the stock comb and it should feel very close to your centerfire rig.

Don't get a McSwirly ... Can't butcher a fiberglass stock, remove too much, fill in and do it again.Once done paint it.

Wouldnt have thought of the scope height matching. Thanks for the tip.

Most people don't....

Glad to help. Good luck..

CZ's are an easy pass,simply because they fhuqking suck. Their mags crazy suck...so that is an easy pass.

Sako gets alotta things VERY right,in regards to stock ergo's and has for many moons. There's some subtle differences through the years/lineage,but they connect alotta dots. I've McMillan versions of both their Hunter patterns and love both,with contour being the determining factor on final selection.

Now as to building a rifle,to follow suit with another rifle(and often in a milder or rimfire chambering),I get the premise and have prolly more than a few of the ilk. Some folks like to go crazy on minutia,trying to correlate cause/effect of "differences" that could never begin to make a fhuqk...more power to 'em. FACT is,the more you shoot,the better you get and that no matter the platform. Lotsa folks love to get that cart in front of the horse. So while cookie cutter builds offer the most commonality,they'll not do as many favors as say a Flyweight and a Chub that actually get fhuqking shot(a lot). Hint.

So while I'm purty good on High Zoot bolt action Rimfire count and am an unabashed Anschutz Slut,I've been waiting/wanting like more than a few folks,for a Skookum S/S Repeater of the highest order. There's been multiple attempts and all have floundered,because feed/function wasn't a key focus. Next thing I know,I've a Vudoo V-22 on order with Specter contour at an unthreaded 18" and have a McMillan Old Glory Classic being crafted to nestle same. I contemplated the Sako Hunter,as it's an exceptional pattern,though it's greatest attributes,are also it's greatest "weaknesses". That being it is VERY anti-ambi,with glaring strongside penchants,in regards to cast,palm swell and cheekpiece. As the Vudoo will undoubtedly be loaned out for others to R&D,I wanted to keep things North/South friendly,if only to keep windows of opportunity open.

It ships with a 30MOA rail option and 'Horn's will make it a 70MOA Show,which ain't a bad place to be on a 22LR with a 10x MQ. I drive custom 75MOA rails upon multiple Anschutzseses and can 50yd zero all,though I prefer a 125yd zero on the 1717D HB.

Long story short,rather than try to shoehorn some schit and in the interest of long term satisfactions,it'll likely pay more than a few dividends to really do it right. Some balk at the notion of spending more than $99.99 on a Rimfire,but they of course are the Stupid Fhuqks who don't shoot anything other than their mouths. Why wouldn't a guy set up the rifle which will see the most trigger time,in the best way possible?!? That said sanctity is backed by the fact that it is the least expensive to shoot,the quietest and most Fun to boot,assuredly do not hurt that equation. Add to that,the simplistic fact that Long Range Rimfire Pursuits will teach you more than any/all things Centerfire,in regards to reading atmospherics and bolstering a skill set...then it is a slam fhuqking dunk.

Bang for the buck?!? S/S RAR in a Boyd's(RFH) with the lever tossed offa cliff and trigger re-sprung. 6x MQ on DIP 25MOA extended rail,for fast/easy inclination.

Top...though a KILLER 10/22 do not suck.




I'd be happy to shelf like for like ergo's,to drive an Anschutz 54 and it's trigger,largely no matter the stock pattern. The benefits gained in trigger time and Wind Reading,will crush whatever a similar handle would yield. Hint.





I cain't see fhuqking around.

Lots of different ways to skin the cat. If you have Stick's resources, he has all the bases covered. I've also been of the mind to have rimfires that mimicked my CF rifles, but I found after a few stumbling steps that they didn't have to be identical to fulfill their purpose of having a like model for practice to transfer over to my centerfire rifle. I have a few rimfires that fit the bill in various price ranges and I've found the more I shoot any of them, the more comfortable I am with the big brother rifles. My Win 52's, 69's, 75 Sporter and Remingto 541S and 40X all work just like the big boys and give me tons of fun practice for cheap money. If you really want to go whole hog, find a Remington 547 and try that out for size. Very nice handling rifle, cut to a full sized feel and the ergonomics are pretty darned amazing. Just about anything you practice with a lot is going to make you a better marksman, IMHO. (which I believe is pretty much what Stick said above)

I"ve also found shooting game that is challenging helps to get the reflexes up with the shooting skill. Shooting from a bench doesn't always do that in the same way. Great for working up loads, but crap for game shooting in field positions. My best practice shooting for getting the muscle memory built up is shooting tons of "sage rats" or belden ground squirrels around here. A few days of that and you'll swear you could take on a Cape Buffalo with a rimfire and shoot them in the ear as they run past....

Bob

I'd love to build a rifle off the V-22 as well, but that exploit will be cost prohibitive at the moment. Probably just settle for the Finnfire II or QUAD after the holidays. Any recommendations on scope choice for this setup? I was thinking the SS Classic in 10X with the parallax adjustment.

33, used not abused 54's come up for sale for a grand with some frequency. There's no doubt that would be the way I'd go were I in the market

wildcat33;

I have a Sako Finnfire Hunter on consignment at Mazama sporting goods, in Eugene, Or.

If you're interested. I'm thinking they're asking $800. for it.

541-484-9993

Re stocked with a McMillan it would make a great training rifle.

Virgil B.

Thanks for the lead Virgil.

Glad to help!


Virgil B.

Bob,

Ahhhhhhh the memories. Had a rather nice arrangement back in the day,with a coupla landowners near Fort Rock. We greased skids with totes of fish(which is easily arranged on a Dragger) and they kept in good communique,as per when they were cutting. Managed to shoot 3500rds one day and it was the best I've ever seen. Membership has it's privileges.(grin)

Had some better than average wares then,but Today's LRF's and Optics woulda been veddy veddy welcome.

I've always had a great appreciation for Skookum Rimfires,if only because trigger time crosses over nicely...no matter the headstamp.

Lotsa folks overlook that obvious.







'33,

Fixed Fhuqkers have no equal and will capably cover the gamut,upon a myriad of platforms. For a dedicated Giggles Rifle,the 10x MQ connects all dots. It's parallax adjustment,is without equal in it's versatility. The erector travel is just simply huge and the reticle melds all. There's only (8) 10x MQ's in the images above. Of course those platforms are more Niche-esque,as the vibe is more towards Precision than Utility. For a straight up Utility rifle,the 6x MQ is without peer. You reap greater FOV,it'll shove more light in your face and is more rounded in it's versatility. For the applicatiion(s) you cite,it'd be nothing other than a 6x MQ for me.

I'd go Bob's 25MOA extended 1913 rail,for both ring spacing and inclination. Rings would be 'Horn's,as 65MOA in total,is a nice start on a Rimfire,for Long Range FUN. It'd make for a fhuqking wicked platform and you will never regret having such splendor at your finger tips. Hop on Virgil's nudge or I will,as I've pards just minutes away from the larder.(grin)

I'd knock the barrel back to 18" or so,hit it with some paint and drive the schit out of it,never looking back.

Do it.






'fiable,

That's where I'd lay my loot,in regards to bang for the buck...though the Finnfire's are certainly welllllllll above "average". The 54 triggers alone,will ruin a guy.

The Custom run of 75MOA rails,were one of my best ideas ever and I'm glad Bob took it on...even though I'm sure he's still scratching his head.(grin)

Nobody regrets a KILLER rimfire.

NOBODY.





vb,

That's a fair deal and purty tempting.

Twist my arm...I dare ya'.(grin)

Really regret doing this but have to pass on the finnfire at this moment. No rifle buying for me till the new year - have to be responsible etc. Fellow campfirers should jump on it though.

Stick;

The Finnfire is still available! (GRIN!)

Virgil B.

Stick,

I have been bitten bad by the rimfire bug the last couple years and doubly infected by the peer pressure of my best buddy who has also been bitten. Between us we have some sweet rimfires and I am enjoying the heck out of giving them a work out along with testing every darned type of ammo I can afford!
I find I have a big grin every time I shoot the rimfires and the tiny little groups some of them shoot would make any shooter grin- not getting beat up while doing it is icing on the cake....

My buddy has taken to Oregon Kimber products and I have shot a few of his, including his Super America 223. Very nice rifles and the triggers are just about the best I've ever felt, including my 52C and 40X triggers, which are top of the line IMO.

Planning a several day sage rat trip this next spring in your favorite neighborhood. We have a couple places down near Fort Rock, and thereabouts (can't give out all our "secret" spots) and make a pile of dead rats.

That sounds like what I need for a training rifle!
Never had a small bore centerfire and have always admired the 84M's!
.....maybe a bit more than I'd care to spend though. Probably end up with a 1-8 .223 X-bolt or RAR.

If you do get a .223, don't be surprised if you find yourself shooting it a lot more than any of your other rifles. Most of them are extremely accurate, easy to load for, cheap ammo, brass, and components available just about anywhere. And they don't beat you up when you shoot them all day long. I never get bored shooting my 223 or 223 AI and the accuracy with my handloads is pretty darned amazing.... A good Kimber 82 .22 rimfire will give you a lot of the same benefits and be cheaper to shoot. You can pick up either in a Kimber for around $800-1200. A lot less for the Remington, Winchester, and other models unless it is a premium model with pretty wood or premium glass stock.

Bob

I used to look at the old Remington single shots at the pawn shops, and have drooled over some Annies and 52's at the gun shows. Almost bought an old pre ww2 Walther trainer once.

But I'm pretty happy shooting my 883 and 39M. They're classics in my eyes, and not bad shooters.

The 39 has a surprisingly crisp and light trigger, if you don't mind a little overtravel. And it'll put about a hundred in a row in an inch at 50 yards without much thought.

And I got an old 60 that I might get a trigger and put a big telescope on so I can call it a target rifle. Maybe even spring for a fancy stock to set'r in.

I'm always tempted by a hornet or a triple-deuce. But a fast twist bolt action carbine .223's versatility and ammo just makes too much sense to not be next, and maybe last, on the list. Target toy. Trainer. Hunter. Lightweight woods companion. It could serve a lot of roles.

Stick,

No love for the 77/22? I bought a blued/synthetic version a while back and after bedding and minor trigger work it's pretty deadly.




Dave

vb,

Don't be afeared to lowball me...I've seen me buckle.(grin)






Bob,

A good '54 trigger will ruin a guy, There's a Mantra here: "Shoot the Anschutzeseses LAST...not first"...because you'll be hating on everything else all day.(grin)

Happiness is a Killer 22LR,good LRF,a scope with huge erector travel,a good windshield and some ammo the platform loves,at 500yds ++. Whatta riot!

I'd go Kimber SVT in 22LR,due the S/S spout and stock ergo's. Dangle a Bob 25MOA rail,Horn rings with 40 MOA more,10x MQ and a guy is in good shape to dazzle the crowd,routinely.

Long Range LR is where it's at.






'short,

A Killer 22LR will get a guy further faster,than any other platform there is.

I prolly have Hornets,K-Hornets,Deuces,223's,223AI's,22 Grendels,224Wby,22-250's,22-250AI's,Swifts and CHeetah's...amongst others. 883's are dog schit,60's are too and 39's pale as Precision goes. I have all the T-shirts and then some.

Unfortunately,nobody does a high RPM 223 correctly,though a Plain Jane Krunchenticker will reliably blow minds.

Holster the Hubble and the Fluff.

Hint.







'flave,

I've long been a fan of 77/22's and have BT/DT throughout the lineage.



As Rimfire 77's go,I'm prolly sweetest on my McMillan stocked,RB triggered,LW Clark barreled(18" .720") Hummer. It is rather Skookum...yet pales to the 1717D HB.



Getting to be KHorn Season.





Though I slum some Sleepers,to keep folks on their toes.(grin)




Hopin' the Vudoo V-22 will shoot under 3" at the 100yd line.(grin)

Yeah, I thought you had one or two that you liked.

Which pattern McMillan is that?




Dave

Vudoo said they started shipping their first orders on Friday. I know mine wont be on the first batch, but its a step in the right direction.

Ha! Thank God for the internet! Otherwise I wouldn't have known that my 243 was only marginal for coyotes, and now I find out that my svelte little 39M won't shoot!😂

Seriously though, I've often considered a bolt action 22LR. But always figured if I was going to get one it might as well have a heavy 25" barrel as to keep it quiet as could be.

I'll agree that the 883 and 60 aren't ideal (though I don't think a 1022 is either). But I kinda like the 12 and 18 tube mags.
I've often contemplated trading the 883 off for a Ruger American Compact in 22 Mag, if only to save a half pound and a half a foot(and the 60° bolt would be a welcome addition by subtraction also)

About the not done right, obviously I haven't done all the research on factory 1-8 offerings. But considering an x-bolt and I thought a Ruger American could shoot the Nato rounds I figured they'd have a bit of lead for the longer boolits. And I don't know the COAL limitations on the likely unalterable plastimags.

Near as I can figure, a Krunchenticker is either a DA/SA(which don't compute), or possibly a 700, which I had considered in a youth model ADL(although I think these only came in .243), but had only given it and it's 1-9" barrel a passing glance. I had thought of the ADL because of it's lighter weight, but apparently there is some virtue to the posibbly more easily worked DBM's.

I've been eyeing a few Anschutz lately and may have a moment of weakness one of these days and plunk down some money for one just to see what all the fuss is about. Don't know if I could stand another great rimfire in the safe, but I would try to live with it. If'n I had a 500 yard range readily available I would certainly be making good use of it. Happy for you having access to such a great stress reliever as a long range and lots of wares to test...

Still love those pics of those little Sitka blacktails with the red horns. Just cool little critters....

Bob

Anybody got their hands one one of the new Vudoo V22 Rimfire trainers yet?