Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Rimfires Rimfire practice rifle

I have a marlin 39a which feels in weight and handling like my deer hunting rifle. I have a Winchester model 70 feather weight that I would also like to practice for.
Which bolt action rimfire would you recommend to practice with?
Something in the 500$ range.
I have been looking at but have yet to handle the cz455 line.

Thanks

Any of the CZs, 452, 453, 455 or the new 457 in the American style is what I would recommend.

VERY accurate, all steel and wood and a decent trigger that can be improved...and right in your price range...

I have the 452 American 17" threaded and it is a great gun to practice with...one of my favorite .22s of all time...

Bob

Remington 581, Ruger 77/22.

In addition to the CZ's, I would suggest an older BRNO #1 or #2 also. (Personally I think they're better rifles.)

CZ shortened the length of bolt throw on the new 457's.
You might want an older model just for that reason.

You may find a used Ruger 77/22 in your price range.

Some the Marlins have had pretty full sized stocks too.

77/22 is the closest thing I've shot that feels like a centerfire. A remington 541-t sporter would be a good but expensive option too. I also have a 455 american, to be honest, it'll get you close to the feel you are looking for.

I have a 452 and a Ruger American. They should be good options. The American is quite affordable. I have no complaints about it. The trigger isn't as nice as the 452 but it's ok. I like the action and the safety of the American better. Accuracy wise they are quite similar with their preferred ammo.

The Marlin XT-22VR weighs 7 lbs. without a scope, the same as a long action Winchester 70 FWT.

I'm a firm believer in the concept and value of an understudy rifle that is set up to closely match a person's primary center-fire hunting rifle in terms of weight, length, and balance. The understudy rifle concept is the only practical way for most people to get enough practice to develope their shooting skills, but most hunters don't make much effort to practice and their level of shooting skills reflects their effort or lack there of.

Francis Sell wrote about the understudy rifle in some of his books. Back in his prime, he was advocating for the 22 Hornet in the Model 70 and the 218 Bee in the Model 65 as understudies for center-fire bolt and lever action rifles.

EDIT: I have an XT-22VR and find it to be a reasonably accurate understudy for many bolt action center-fire rifle with a 22" barrel.

My primary understudy is a Springfield M2. A truly man-sized .22 if there ever was one, and accurate and cool as heck to boot.

The Rem 541 has a tiny bolt handle. Plus that plastic crap mag sticks out.
Had a T-HB.
Was not impressed.

The 7722 looks good, feels better but has that odd Ruger feel.

Like others have mentioned, the CZ feels pretty good. The 455 has a backwards safety though.
I have one, and haven't shot it much.
Bought another rifle (different) and have yet to trade or sell my CZ...........because it does feel that good.

As for understudy rifles..........I'm not sold on that concept.
I mix and match all sorts of rifles and don't have a problem.

But if one needs an excuse for the Mrs to let you buy another rifle............."understudy" is as good an excuse as any

Took a cheap Mossberg deer gun to zero years ago.
Guy w custom BR rig offered me a go w his rifle.
Just drove an hr, hands still buzzing from lifted truck.
I did .5 at 225 yards.
Kinda PO'd the owner.

Yup, just a lowly deer hunter that doesn't shoot much (but worked under microscopes for a living).

LOL

Handled a browning a bolt 22mag yesterday. Felt like a centerfire.

I have two, but in .22 LR.







They are as close to a full-sized center fire that I think you’ll find. More accurate than the shooter.

They typically go for closer to $700 than $500.





P

In your price range look at the early Remington 5 teen rifles- 511, 512, 513, 514... the 513T especially has the heavier barrel for a rimfire and should mimic your centerfire pretty closely. The fact they are very accurate will make it a hoot at the range or shooting targets of opportunity like squirrels and rabbits. Should be able to pick one up at a gun show, LGS, or pawn shop somewhere between $150-$400, depending on seller and condition...

The early Win 69A's and 75 Sporters are nice also, but are quite a bit lighter than most centerfires. Should be in about the same price range...

Bob

Little bit prejudiced...have a 513T and a 513S...the S model is the schizzle.

The safety on the CZ may take some getting used to as it is backwards -- push forward safety on / pull back to fire.

I've got or shot everything thus far cited.

Pinch purse strings and go Jap '52.

Hint...…………………….

Got my Model 75 Sporting rifle as an understudy for my young teenager who would use my pre-64 Model 70 fwt for elk and antelope. Kept a vintage Weaver J4 on it and got 1/2 inch groups consistently at 50 yards. They go in the $600 to 800 range in decent shape from what I see on GB. More fun than shooting a newer rifle to me.

The less you "know" and "do"...the "better" everything is.

Hint..............