Bipod on the front, a bag in the rear, 50 yards, barnyard money shoots amongst friends.

My bud is leaning CZ 457V. I can't disagree, but mentioned the Bergara. Doubt he'll drop much coin to scope or trigger it appropriately.

Other options?

CZ 455, bag rest, 5 shots, 50yds,1" squares, standard trigger, OVERpowered scope, NORMA TAC-22:

If you can find them for $600

CZ all the way, for me.

CZ trigger springs guy in the Classifieds here, can't be much for a spring.

My dozen year old CZ 452 Style shoots spectacular, ragged holes at 50 yards.
Killed lots of squirrels/crows/coons off my feeders at 100 yards, off of a benchrest type set-up shooting house.

Did you say with irons?



That's 10 shots, not 5..

Here's another fun group I shot right before a Know Your Limits shoot, with a MKII:


I used a scoped rifle in that shoot, but pulled this iron sighted rifle out and shot a couple times. I could hit the 1/2" target, but not the 1/4" target!!! You scope one of these and you have a major sleeper. I like sleepers myself.

I've been very happy with the performance of my Tikka T1x, so I would encourage your buddy to look at that rifle.

Used Anschutz, Krico, or Winchester 320 is you want a bolt gun.

It is hard to beat a 10/22 tuned by CPC when you're on a limited budget.

CZ is very good.. I like Marlin and Savage from the 90’s and early 2000’s. They tend to be super accurate and can be had for less than new CZ’s

T1X

Tikka T1 - no brainer. Good trigger out of the box, if he wants it lighter a 5 minute spring change takes care of that, for $15 he can purchase a vertical hand grip if wanted.

drover

Thanks guys, I'd forgotten the Tikka. But it's looking like one might be hard to find. I'll try to lead him to water.

I had (but have since sold) a 1930s Stevens 416 target rifle (for which I paid essentially $0, having purchased it with a Redfield Model 3200 24x scope for the price of the scope) that would average 0.51" for ten 5-shot groups at 50 yards with ammo it liked. Given that I'm an abominable bench rest shooter (my technique would have to improve substantially to suck), I thought it an extremely accurate rifle, particularly given its age.

The Remington 40x single shot which replaced it would average 0.37" for the same ten 5-shot groups at 50. And as you might imagine, that 40x cost a bunch more than that 416 and scope combination - in a range of $30/0.01 inch improvement.

I have a CZ455 and Bergara BMR Steel. Both sporters, both excellent shooters even with cheap Fed AutoMatch.

Winchester 75 Target. If you shop around you should be able to find one in your price range.

I like the CZs, but there are plenty out there that will fit that price range, if you shop really hard. I recently sold two stainless 455s, and they went for considerably less. My favorites are the Scout model CZ 455s, which shoot better than you'd expect out of a "kid's" rifle. I restocked them to fit me, with CZ's synthetic stocks. Short, light, handy, great iron sights (if wanted), and available.

Sportsman's Warehouse was blowing out the new model 457 Scouts a couple of months ago, they might still be available. They are supposed to be better than the 455s, but I don't care for their appearance. They are/were selling for less than $400, leaving money for a decent rimfire scope (Burris Droptine Rimfire 3-9s are pretty good for the money).

Shop wisely, I like the Winchester 75s and the plainer 69 model, too. Good shooting rifles, the Model 52s retarded little brothers.

Knew I'd see my bud at a gathering tomorrow & waited to talk to him about the options he could have a look at. He stopped at the house a couple hours ago & told me he'd just ordered a CZ 457. He surprised the hell out of me buy not getting the varmint & turning loose of more of his dusty cash for the adjustable stock model. But dang it, I was hoping he'd want to make a road trip to Buds, Centerfire Systems, Sportsmans, & Ky. Gun Co. to view models & take me as advisor. That way he drives & I wouldn't have to split the gas bill, & maybe he'd even buy my lunch.

We went over a ton of scope models & I couldn't help showing a March or 2. No go! He might turn loose of up to $450 or 5, we'll see.

But thanks again for the help guys. I would have really liked to have tried his new Tikka or Bergara.

Nothing wrong with a good CZ. They make great firearms and their 22lr's are damn accurate.

I've got a 452 V that's floated with a trigger job & can't fault a CZ choice for sure.

But ya always have to wonder about all the others from time to time.

Having tested a Tikka T1X, CV 457 Varmint, Savage Mk II heavy barrel and a Ruger 10/22 with a .920" target barrel and good trigger - each with four or more types of run of the mill and target grade ammo - my take is that given the ammo each one likes, there isn't a tenth of an inch difference between the bunch. On any given day the wind conditions and the shooter's ability to read the wind and squeeze the trigger consistently will be a much greater factor than any difference in the mechanical accuracy those rifles are capable of.

Good sensible post Jim. I agree.. I've seen the same thing.

+2 , I stressed to my bud today. Test ammo, find what rifle likes, & get plenty of it. DON'T go changin schit due something cheaper or on sale.

I saw an old Steven's target model yesterday. It's one of those that haunts you. I am thinking about going back and buying it. I know it is going to be a "shooter". Probably damn accurate. Nice old rifle with a lot of character. Don't know what model it is, but it is set up with target irons at the moment. I don't need it, but at $279 it is a great deal. Probably made in the 50's, if I were to guess its vintage. Now, getting your azz whipped with an old rifle like that is always an eye opener. To me, that would be a fun rifle if I were in the OP's shoes, but I like sleepers and old rifles like that..

I’ve had and shot them all and at $600 I’d take the tikka T1x over and over again! Shoot Lapua center x or SK match and it will do the rest. I did install a Jard trigger don’t waste time and money with the springs because the factory trigger won’t go below 1.5 pounds no matter what you do!

T/C Contender Carbine w/match barrel. Yeah, I was using bag rests.

Yeah , used CZ 452 and money left over ?

Well, my bud showed up today with the 457 on the adjustable Boyds adj. stock model with a 6.5 -20 Vortex.

The trigger had a lot of pre travel but was crisp afterward. Adjusted the pre travel screw to release & backed off. 2.5# My bud was ecstatic & I was glad as I wasn't in the mood for a tear down. I'm willing to play with all the adjustments & alternative springs later if he wants it.

The 457 does seem to be a step up from previous models, I might learn from it's case holder & extractor profile & fix the ejection on my 452.

The groups later, but like the 457 from what I've seen.

Keep us posted man. Those 457's seem like damn nice rifles. I've had them in hand a few times, but never bought one. Same can be said for the T1x... You mentioned doing some shoots, do you guys have any KYL targets? Those are always fun. It is a great test of a rifles accuracy. By the time you are done, you'll know which rifles shoot best. They are very easy to set up and are reasonably priced.

When your talking "600 dollar" .22's theres not a great difference in any of the major brands, CZ 452 - 455 - 457, Tikka T1X, Savage MKII etc. I have had good a not so good in all those. What it boils down to is ammo, conditions, rest set up, practice and shooter ability. You pay your money and take your chances.

Another vote for the 452. I have a pair of them, both with cheapo 4-12X scopes. They both shoot bug holes at 50 yds. With SK Rifle Match.

I have a 455, also. It's a very good shooter, too. But it ain't a patch to those 452s.

"do you have KYL targets?"
I bought one & we tried it last week at approx. 50 yards, not far enough. Needs to be at a 100 or more, right? We'll have to experiment.

I don't know if they shot yesterday, but haven't heard anything. I got invited to a casual barnyard IPSC match, & considering I hadn't shot that in years I just had to go. I'd been better off shooting 22's.

But I'll keep an eye on the 457 & know soon enough if it's good to go.

One thing with buying a used .22 is that they almost never wear out. As long as steel brushes and rust are kept at bay they will last a very long time.

That is why my club does head to head shoots on them. The first one to hit all 8 targets wins. I've won with a single shot because a lot of guys miss.. We are all bad azzes though, right? If you shoot 4 and the other guy shoots 5, the one that hits the most wins.. The traditional way to shoot it allows the person to stop where he feels comfortable. If that is 7, then so be it. If he goes for #8 and misses, he's out with no points. Keep in mind #8 target is 1/4". As for the KYL targets being too close at 50 yards, guys can talk that kind of schidt, but we know how a lot of us shoot after I posted a rimfire shoot last year. I'd say, unless you are shooting a damn good rifle set up perfectly, with ammo it loves, you are not going to be hitting the 1/4" target every time. That's just from what I saw from guys trying to shoot 1/2" dots on the shoot I posted...I'm pretty sure I didn't see you shoot that event. You may want to look it up and give it a try.. It might be an eye opener..

I guess a word on how we shoot. Portable bench, bipod & rear bag, scope. Standing or irons would make it interesting for sure. Old farts, 68-72, we like to sit & the aid of a big scope.

From the groups posted, you'd be hard to handle in the iron sight dept. for sure. But I do have a Rem 550-1 with a Williams peep I am going to play with, it's been fun. So sad I didn't play with peeps more when younger.

Dunno what a used 10/22 costs these days, but with a little work they can sing along with the choir.

Shot poorly when purchased used for $100. Power Custom trigger installed and a full length bedding job (barrel and action) and an El Paso Weaver K2.5....SHAZAAM! Total investment is about $200. I suppose triggers and bedding gunk have gone up in price, this was done a bit over 20 years ago.







I have another couple target guns, one assembled for Olympic competition with Redfield Olympic aperture sight aboard a Rem 513T that does quite well. And a .17 RF German Parlor rifle that shoots OK....offhand.

Well Dan, the guy to beat in our crowd actually is shooting a near bone stock 10/22. Not to take anything away from his ability, but the barrel he's shooting is out of the norm for a stock Ruger. Seen him shoot 2 or or 3 different brands of ammo with stellar results across the board.

But....they want to shoot up close at times, I'm trying to open the distance every week. Most rifles appear good at close up. Hard to score when every shooter is shooting one hole 5 shot groups. But this Kentucky so that's not uncommon.

Just fun. We shot at plastic pin heads at 50 some years ago, a 6 power scope rule. Then things just petered out. Ya gotta watch the equipment race or casual shooters soon loose interest.

Now, just another barnyard game starting up, who knows where it will go.

Great post. I’ve got the same experience with both my CZ452 & 455

Hard to top CZ

Gunzo, there ain't nuthin' wrong with a 10/22 if you just dress it up a bit. Mine has a stock barrel too, and it really, really likes some of the European SV ammo, like SK Standard +. AND, it has uses other than punching paper.

I tried to beat the ghost 10/22 with an American Predator & CCI SV. No go. Drug out my 452V & same ammo but ejection failures tried my patience.

Said screw it, & winning, though bittersweet, with a Kidd Classic & Wolf MT. I don't have 8 bucks a box in the stuff as I've had it for a while. But if they knew, it would be hard to live down.

My bud bought the new CZ with the same goal in mind, beat the big mouth with the $105 10/22, as he calls it.

FWIW, I did the bedding job myself, it’s not difficult. One needs to pay close attention to how much goop and where it is applied. AND be sure the release agent is properly applied. After seeing the results a friend asked that I give his the same treatment and I did so. Same results.

I put a green mountain barrel on a used pawn shop 10/22, pillared the action screw and bedded the front and rear of action. Painted the stock, dont worry it was birch/beech not the walnut. That joker is lights out and one of my favorite 22s to shoot. Been stripping the action paint off newer ones I find. Then letting them ride in a tumbler for a little bit, finish them with deft spray sealer.

My most accurate 22 at the moment is an old Winchester 320. Havent had a bolt 22 yet that could shoot with it. I did have a heavy barrel kidd, but like a dummy I sold the barrel wanting the lightweight version. It doesnt shoot near as well.

Savage MkII TR.
Showed promise. MSRP 600.

Its a tank and if not doing bench or NRL22 forget it.
Cool but im more of a sporter guy. Less than a box through the Savage and its going to shop on consign.

Will just run my cz455, that i hardly shoot

If i was gonna target shoot at 100 or past, the Savage would stay.