Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Rimfires Needing Advice

I am looking to purchase my first really good .22 LR. I have a Winchester lever action that is fun to shoot, but I would like a bolt action (I think) to replicate a big game rifle to improve my shooting ability and for the sheer fun.

What are some of the better rifles out of the box in the $400 to $700 range?

my opinion for quality and accuracy and value in that range- any of the CZ 452 line- for a big rifle feel and accuracy=Ruger77-22 VBZ target series- if you don't mind a used single shot- get a CMP Rem 40x from the cmp. I own all three.

Thank you for the reply. I was thinking that I would be steered towards the CZ 452 line. Are there any particular "modifications" to the CZ's that most people do or do they just shoot them out of the box and you get what you get?

You should understand that I am a rifle and accuracy loony. I believe that being one was a box I had to check on the Terms and Conditions to join 24hour. I would like to make the rifle as accurate as possible within reason, but it is more important to make myself a better shooter/hunter.

That is why I am looking for one that has the look and feel of my hunting rifles. I know you can hunt with a .22, but I really don't want one of the heavy barreled and adjustable cheek piece offerings. Not that they wouldn't be a blast to shoot and I may get one later.

I am afraid that rimfire shooting may be a new strain to the shooting disease that I have concocted.

I like the Ruger VBZ or VMBZ series of 77/22 rifles. Decent heft and fairly accurate. I really like mine in 22WMR, as do most who hold and shoot it ... its still not for sale.

My fun/plinking rifle right now is a Weatherby MkXXII, a little more than the $700 you list. It nicely mimics my MkV Deluxe 7-08. Similar balance, but the 22 is a little lighter. It is a farily accurate 22 with CCI std vel ammo. when in bench mode. I like it for off-hand shooting and practice during the off-season.

Good Luck!!

I posted a similar thread last month. I decided to go with the CZ 452. I picked up the Varmit model this morning.

Hard to go wrong with the CZ. A little trigger work and they're one sweet rifle.

I know everyone loves'em ... but I cannot warm up to the CZ.

My friend bought a CZ452 Style (synthetic/stainless), which should be here Thursday. All the metal is a soft nickel (not really stainless). It reminds me of my Rem 700 BDL Stainless Synthetic, but smaller (based on pictures).

A $15. Yodave trigger kit will "fix" your CZ rifles trigger if needed or timney makes a trigger if wanted. The Ruger trigger is good with a volquarsen sear kit- I have done these mods to mine. In the CZ what length / weight do you like- do you want iron sites- check their web site- I've got the 2500 28" bbl w/sights- the American- - american stled stock no sights, scope only- med weight bbl. and a varmint- short heavy bbl. no sights,scope only- heavier flat bottom stock They are all excellant shooters with the right ammo. Any dealers there in Denton??

I don't know any dealers in my area. I would like iron sights and I will also put a scope on it. I like to practice with both.

IMHO go take a look at the wood stocked Marlin 925.

It's a lot less money then your wanting to spend but it's every bit as accurate as any rifle in its class out there, and has one of the best fit and feels when handling it then I've seen in a long time.

Maybe a little more than $700, but I would look for a used Winchester M52 reproduction. I bought one from a buddy that was selling it to fund a Cooper. Awesome rifle, adult sized, sweet trigger, and excellent accuracy. It will shoot just about anything into half an inch at 50yds, some of the more expensive match ammo has shot into less than 1/4" at 50yds, and that is 10rd groups.

The Marlin drives tacks but the trigger MUST be replaced.

CZ is hard to beat with the variety of choices they offer.

Or buy one for the rest of your life....Cooper.

I bought mine in Plano-try Ammomasters they usually have some in stock if you want to see one in person- sounds like you will want a lux or a trainer- if you want sights. They are notch and blade but are fully adjustable windage and elevation.

Savage MKII rifles with accu-trigger are hard to beat, deadly accurate. I shoot clay targets out to 230 yds with the GL model with a sport barrel.