Need Some Advice - Rim Fire Experts

[K22]

I'm considering getting back into rimfire (22 long rifle) rifle shooting since centerfire components are so hard to find and I'm trying to conserve them for varmint and predator hunting. However, I enjoy range shooting and I've thought that getting back to 22 rimfire shooting (informal range practice) would be a good way to get some trigger time in.

So, here's my question. I'm looking for a moderate priced but quality 22 LR rifle. Is that a contradiction of concepts? 

I had a CZ many years ago, can't remember the model but I had a lot of problems with first shot flyers using standard velocity Federal and CCI ammo. Spent a ton of time reading about this, trying everything I read trying to correct it and nothing worked. All the cleaning theories etc. No matter what I tried, after 1 or 2 wild shots, the rifle grouped very nicely. Frustrated, I sold the rifle regretting the day I got rid of my old hand me down Mossburg that shot well and didn't exhibit any first shot flyer. Anyway, I've been absent from 22 rimfire rifle shooting for many years to I'm a rookie now.

What you suggest for a rifle. What about the new Tikka 22's? I have several Tikka CF's and they are outstanding. Range shooting will be done at 50 to 100 yards with standard velocity ammo, preferrable CCI. Possible dual use as range rifle and squirrel hunting rifle and maybe some very short-range ground hog hunting i.e., 50 yards or less.

 

[muleman69]

The Tika would be a great option for you ,IF you can find one. We are shooting CZ and 10/22's and both shoot very well and don't break the bank. My brother and a lot of his club members shoot the Tika's and clean the 2500 targets every week. Quality glass and good triggers are a must along with good ammo .

 

[skeeljc]

I have two .22LR that are primarily range rifles.

My CZ457 MTR is a good rifle. I replaced the trigger with a Timney. I bought a Lilja barrel which shoots better than the OEM MTR barrel.

I also have a Bergara B14R. I replaced the trigget with a Trigger Tech Diamond. I epoxy bedded the action. It will out shoot the CZ 457MTR.

CCI .22LR ammo is o.k. SK Rifle Match and Standard Plus and Lapua Center-X are way better.

 

[BradY]

Sometimes it’s pure luck if a gun will shoot what you want to feed it. I suggest pick a rifle and then find what it likes to eat. Doing it the other way has no guarantee attached. Tikka, bergara or cz would be my pick.

 

[Mark M.]

I'm considering getting back into rimfire (22 long rifle) rifle shooting since centerfire components are so hard to find and I'm trying to conserve them for varmint and predator hunting. However, I enjoy range shooting and I've thought that getting back to 22 rimfire shooting (informal range practice) would be a good way to get some trigger time in.

So, here's my question. I'm looking for a moderate priced but quality 22 LR rifle. Is that a contradiction of concepts? 

I had a CZ many years ago, can't remember the model but I had a lot of problems with first shot flyers using standard velocity Federal and CCI ammo. Spent a ton of time reading about this, trying everything I read trying to correct it and nothing worked. All the cleaning theories etc. No matter what I tried, after 1 or 2 wild shots, the rifle grouped very nicely. Frustrated, I sold the rifle regretting the day I got rid of my old hand me down Mossburg that shot well and didn't exhibit any first shot flyer. Anyway, I've been absent from 22 rimfire rifle shooting for many years to I'm a rookie now.

What you suggest for a rifle. What about the new Tikka 22's? I have several Tikka CF's and they are outstanding. Range shooting will be done at 50 to 100 yards with standard velocity ammo, preferrable CCI. Possible dual use as range rifle and squirrel hunting rifle and maybe some very short-range ground hog hunting i.e., 50 yards or less. Curious

I'm considering getting back into rimfire (22 long rifle) rifle shooting since centerfire components are so hard to find and I'm trying to conserve them for varmint and predator hunting. However, I enjoy range shooting and I've thought that getting back to 22 rimfire shooting (informal range practice) would be a good way to get some trigger time in.

So, here's my question. I'm looking for a moderate priced but quality 22 LR rifle. Is that a contradiction of concepts? 

I had a CZ many years ago, can't remember the model but I had a lot of problems with first shot flyers using standard velocity Federal and CCI ammo. Spent a ton of time reading about this, trying everything I read trying to correct it and nothing worked. All the cleaning theories etc. No matter what I tried, after 1 or 2 wild shots, the rifle grouped very nicely. Frustrated, I sold the rifle regretting the day I got rid of my old hand me down Mossburg that shot well and didn't exhibit any first shot flyer. Anyway, I've been absent from 22 rimfire rifle shooting for many years to I'm a rookie now.

What you suggest for a rifle. What about the new Tikka 22's? I have several Tikka CF's and they are outstanding. Range shooting will be done at 50 to 100 yards with standard velocity ammo, preferrable CCI. Possible dual use as range rifle and squirrel hunting rifle and maybe some very short-range ground hog hunting i.e., 50 yards or less.

Were your 1st shot flyers right after cleaning ?

 

[K22]

Were your 1st shot flyers right after cleaning ?

No - believe me, I tried everything the numerous advice I received from rim fire central and fellow rim fire shooters.

I understand the need to season a 22 rim fire barrel and didn't clean. When that didn't work I tried various other recommendations from no cleaning to full cleaning to just brushing out the throat, so many I can't remember them all. Even tried different ammo. All the same, the first shot would go 3 to 4" wide of the bulls eye. Then the rifle would group very well at 50 yards, about 1/2" or less, five consecutive shots.

However if the barrel was allowed to cool for a day or so, a first shot extreme flyer would reappear. Cleaning only made it worse in the sense the groups would open up to about 1 to 1 1/2 inches until I got about 10 to 15 round though the barrel. I'm recalling all this from memory so the details maybe a little off but the essences of it isn't.

The one constant was a warm / consecutive shot barrel shot the best. One guy theorized the chamber was very tight and the lead hardened in the throat causing the first shot extreme flyer. So I brushed the throat out with a bronze brush before the next range session. Same result. Never figured it out.

 

[Kerry Spurgin]

Welcome to the world of 22LR... The good part of this is that this keeps you on the range tryingto figure it out.... I don't have experience with the newer CZ, tikka, others but have spent 45years with Anschutz rifles. In target competition one has plenty of sighters so we are not as concerned on first shot issues. however i rarely see more than 1/2" on first shots at 50, maybe 10 ring at 100yds. Your first shot examples are extreme.. my suggestions would be to

1) check the bedding - are the screws tight? Do the screws tighen crisply - ie not spongy? does it have cleaning solvent pooled under the action?, is the action seated tight on the recoil lug surface? is the barrel rubbing on the stock in any way ( pull a piece of paper along the barrel chanel to check)?, is the bedding appear solid and stable? I suggest open it up, wipe it dry, wipe the action dry, reassemble, torque as desired. then test it... shoot 5-10 runds... let it set for a day, as in your example, then try again... what happens?? if you find anything odd in the above, and after #2 below, one might consider rebedding?

2) even a 22 needs to be cleaned to shoot well.. I would agree that once cleaned thoroughly it might need a few shots to settle in... i have 3 cleaning stages... a) before leaving the range ALWAYS run wet patches through to remove the fouling. then follow with dry patches. the fouling attracts water -hence the pitting and "rings' one has heard about.. doing set "a" each time yield good results for my first shots.. b) every 1000 rounds or so. scrub with a bronze brush and whatever solvent you desire. might take on about 5-10 shots to settle in... c) every 5000 rounds paste it with isso or similar to remove the accumlated lead.. then repeat step b.

Then if you are competing where first shots count.. i would find a way to 'foul' the gun the day of the match...

 

[webfoot56]

I would look for a clean 541-T or a SAKO P94. Both rifles capable of 1/2 inch or less groups. Find ammo that they like 3/8 inch possible.

 

[PigButtons]

My question would be, "What are your accuracy expectations?" Followed by, "Are you planning to compete?" And then, "What exactly is the total budget, gun, glass, and any upgrades?"

Without those data points, it's all just speculation and opinion, and is kind of like asking, "What is the best rifle?"
I'll watch this thread to see your reply.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

Hello K-22,..
For, Squirrels, Sage Rats, Cottontails and all around, just Fun, Plinking,.. I bought, a Ruger 10-22, Wood Stocked 21" SS, Sporter, Sold the Barrel for $100. on E-Bay, Bought, a New Green Mtn. 20" Sporter, SS Barrel for, $130 ish, Re-Did the Trigger with, a 2.25 lbs, Volquartsen Target Trigger / Hammer set, replaced the Extractor and Firing Pin, etc., Best $850.00 I've ever spent for, all Parts, and, the 4.5 x 14 Burris scope ! Shoot's, the Mid Priced, SK- Plus, Wolf Match Extra, into Sub 1/2 Inch, groups at, 50 yds and easily, 5/8ths to 3/4 inch with, Win HP's for the Sage Rats.
NOT a Match winning, Rifle, but,. it's a Super shooter for WHAT, I do.
But, you must be Mechanically inclined ( or Pay a G S ) to do, this "WorK' ( Me, I was a former Gunsmith so, NO Problem ). Just another "Thought" for, you ! It's an awesome, "End of the World", Survival Rifle IF,.. ever needed !
Gives,.. you a Quick "Follow up" shot when / if, First shot, misses, on Game !

 

[justinp61]

I have a Tikka, it shoots anything I feed it well, having said that CCI SV is the cheapest ammo I've used in it. SK Standard Plus is the ammo I use 99% of the time. The Tikka doesn't have a match chamber, so IMO it can't take advantage of the more expensive ammo.

I have a Anschutz 1712 that is very accurate, but the ejection issues it has makes it frustrating to shoot.

I think the Tikka is the best rifle for the money, if you can find one install a Jard trigger, you'll love it.

 

[MarkS]

K22,
I shoot long range 22LR steel matches. I have a Bergara B14R with a Trigger Tech Diamond. Also I have a Tikka T1X with just a trigger spring change. I had a CZ 455 Varmint, but sold it after getting the B14R. I also have a Kidd Supergrade 10-22. All of these guns will shoot sub moa out to 200yds with their preferred ammo in good wind conditions. The T1X would be a good choice for you. Mine will shoot any ammo you put in it. The B14R is my go to gun for long range, but is around $1000 for the base gun.
Mark

 

[Schutzen2]

I also had a Bergara b14r with a triggertech diamond that would out shoot my CZ's every day. The Bergara will take any r700 trigger. My friend has the tikka that is also more consistently accurate than my CZ's but I don't know if you can find one right now.

 

[K22]

Welcome to the world of 22LR... The good part of this is that this keeps you on the range tryingto figure it out.... I don't have experience with the newer CZ, tikka, others but have spent 45years with Anschutz rifles. In target competition one has plenty of sighters so we are not as concerned on first shot issues. however i rarely see more than 1/2" on first shots at 50, maybe 10 ring at 100yds. Your first shot examples are extreme.. my suggestions would be to

1) check the bedding - are the screws tight? Do the screws tighen crisply - ie not spongy? does it have cleaning solvent pooled under the action?, is the action seated tight on the recoil lug surface? is the barrel rubbing on the stock in any way ( pull a piece of paper along the barrel chanel to check)?, is the bedding appear solid and stable? I suggest open it up, wipe it dry, wipe the action dry, reassemble, torque as desired. then test it... shoot 5-10 runds... let it set for a day, as in your example, then try again... what happens?? if you find anything odd in the above, and after #2 below, one might consider rebedding?

2) even a 22 needs to be cleaned to shoot well.. I would agree that once cleaned thoroughly it might need a few shots to settle in... i have 3 cleaning stages... a) before leaving the range ALWAYS run wet patches through to remove the fouling. then follow with dry patches. the fouling attracts water -hence the pitting and "rings' one has heard about.. doing set "a" each time yield good results for my first shots.. b) every 1000 rounds or so. scrub with a bronze brush and whatever solvent you desire. might take on about 5-10 shots to settle in... c) every 5000 rounds paste it with isso or similar to remove the accumlated lead.. then repeat step b.

Then if you are competing where first shots count.. i would find a way to 'foul' the gun the day of the match...

Thanks for the advice - but I sold the rifle however your points will be useful as I move forward.

 

[K22]

My question would be, "What are your accuracy expectations?" Followed by, "Are you planning to compete?" And then, "What exactly is the total budget, gun, glass, and any upgrades?"

Without those data points, it's all just speculation and opinion, and is kind of like asking, "What is the best rifle?"
I'll watch this thread to see your reply.

This will be just for range practice not competition. Accuracy, 1 moa + or -.

Budget: Haven't been rifle shopping in a long so I have no idea about current prices. My idea is a quality 22 rifle but not competition grade, something similar to a Tikka in price range / quality.

I have scope, Leupold 12x, VX II with adjustable PX which should work fine for my purposes.

Thanks for your input.

 

[URBAN1]

CZ 457 MTR if you can find one. Tikka T1x are great also but stock can sometimes be a pain to get good accuracy after you take it apart. As you know you’re really limiting your accuracy with average ammo.

 

[COLT45SA]

Find yourself a Remington 513-T Matchmaster. It will shoot with most 52Ds and Anschutz and be very affordable, far,far less expensive too. I paid $300 for one that was super clean AND US Property marked~!

 

[426nut]

BMR-X CARBON - Bergara USA

BMR-X CARBON

www.bergara.online

This may fit the bill.

 

[linebaugh]

Tikka, CZ
Next move up Bergara or Kidd supergrade.
Next is RimX or Vudo

3 of us bought supergrades last season and I am floored that they all shoot amazing. I am not a semi auto guy but wanted a change of pace not expecting much. The gun hammers.

Rimfires are a PITA. I can tell you for sure you will want to step above CCI SV if you expect MOA groups to be realized. Lapua, SK, RWS or Eley will get you there but expect to pay $8 a box or more if you really want accuracy. CCI SV is probably as good as you are going to get for budget ammo if your gun likes it.

 

[foxguy]

This thread is like 2 + years old. I would have to believe the OP has found a rifle and has shot many Squirrels / Sage Rats by now.