Best 22lr for 50 yard benchrest under $3k

[Pareto]

I have a CZ 457 and am really enjoying it. I only shoot 50 yard indoor benchrest and have no interest in shooting longer (partly because outdoor ranges are hard for me to get to). I don't compete but might try ARA 50 BR this summer. No interest whatsoever in offhand shooting, PR, nor silhouette. Indoor BR only. And I am willing to pay to buy a case of good ammo after sending to Lapua for testing.

But if I were willing to spend up to $3k new or used for the most accurate 22 rifle I could buy, what would you recommend? And please only recommend options that are reasonably available and where I stand a good chance of getting one within a year whether custom or used (i.e. no once in a blue moon used buys that require being in the right place and the right time to get one).

Thanks.

 

[linekin]

I have a CZ 457 and am really enjoying it. I only shoot 50 yard indoor benchrest and have no interest in shooting longer (partly because outdoor ranges are hard for me to get to). I don't compete but might try ARA 50 BR this summer. No interest whatsoever in offhand shooting, PR, nor silhouette. Indoor BR only. And I am willing to pay to buy a case of good ammo after sending to Lapua for testing.

But if I were willing to spend up to $3k new or used for the most accurate 22 rifle I could buy, what would you recommend? And please only recommend options that are reasonably available and where I stand a good chance of getting one within a year whether custom or used (i.e. no once in a blue moon used buys that require being in the right place and the right time to get one).

Thanks.

I was nosy & see you're in VA. Memorial Day weekend is one of the largest rfbr shoots of the year at Kettlefoot in Bristol VA. There will be several good used rifles there for sale I'm sure. The good thing about going there is you can see whats out there & perhaps try a potential candidate out after a match. A big plus.
Any of the larger matches there's usually plenty of stuff for sale.
If you can't make it there search for an ARA or IR50 range near you & talk with folks & if you get in touch with a MD they may be able to arrange you borrowing a rifle. Otherwise, shoot your CZ. No shame in that & you'll have your foot in the door so to speak, learn alot, & have fun at the range.
Good Luck,
Keith
Otherwise I'd suggest you choose a gunsmith & talk with him about components he prefers to use & source as soon as you can.
Either way you should have something within your time frame.

 

[jpx2rk]

Kettlefoot has ABRA matches on a regular basis during the summer (outdoor) and with the Outlaw class, you are good to go. Attend some matches, and you'll be able to see some equipment up close, and some competitors will probably allow you to "test drive" their rigs to see what works for you. Kettlefoot also has an indoor range for winter time matches.

 

[VLNBYR]

I bought my rifle for less then 3K and I've lost track of how many matches it's won. There are always rifles out there for sale in that price range, down around 2K is where it is hard to find something.

 

[gkgeiger]

I agree with John that $3k will buy a lot of different rifles. The problem is a good new scope will cost $1k to $2.5k. The classifieds here are also a good source for used equipment.

 

[JMayo]

Killougs shooting sports,

https://www.rimfireaccuracy.com/Forum/index.php you might find a good single shot br rifle.
Putting up a WTB there will get you some offers.

Go to a ARA, IR 50 50 match snd ask around.

2500 -3k will get a true br rifle.
Find a weaver 36 for 350.oo

 

[marazzi59]

I would look at a voodoo, or a cz455/457 or a bergera

 

[Jefferson]

I was nosy & see you're in VA. Memorial Day weekend is one of the largest rfbr shoots of the year at Kettlefoot in Bristol VA. There will be several good used rifles there for sale I'm sure. The good thing about going there is you can see whats out there & perhaps try a potential candidate out after a match. A big plus.
Any of the larger matches there's usually plenty of stuff for sale.
If you can't make it there search for an ARA or IR50 range near you & talk with folks & if you get in touch with a MD they may be able to arrange you borrowing a rifle. Otherwise, shoot your CZ. No shame in that & you'll have your foot in the door so to speak, learn alot, & have fun at the range.
Good Luck,
Keith
Otherwise I'd suggest you choose a gunsmith & talk with him about components he prefers to use & source as soon as you can.
Either way you should have something within your time frame.

pretty much what I was thinking

solid advice, good used equipment can be bought as those who have some money like to put it to work, buying new stuff even if it does not shoot better

the right ammo and wind flags make all the difference

jeff

 

[Pareto]

I was nosy & see you're in VA. Memorial Day weekend is one of the largest rfbr shoots of the year at Kettlefoot in Bristol VA. There will be several good used rifles there for sale I'm sure. The good thing about going there is you can see whats out there & perhaps try a potential candidate out after a match. A big plus.
Any of the larger matches there's usually plenty of stuff for sale.
If you can't make it there search for an ARA or IR50 range near you & talk with folks & if you get in touch with a MD they may be able to arrange you borrowing a rifle. Otherwise, shoot your CZ. No shame in that & you'll have your foot in the door so to speak, learn alot, & have fun at the range.
Good Luck,
Keith
Otherwise I'd suggest you choose a gunsmith & talk with him about components he prefers to use & source as soon as you can.
Either way you should have something within your time frame.

Good idea.

 

[drover]

Take a look at the classifieds on Benchrest Central, another good option is Shooters Corner they usually have some for sale.

drover

 

[257ack]

There is no best except the one that will win matches. You pay your money and you take your chances. The ammo is a very large part of it. Your shooting skills is another part. You will need to try several lots of ammo to find the rifles potential. You will need a good rest set up. you should decide what discipline you are going to shoot before making any purchases. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor. PS luck will play a part also. PPS. If you have a rifle built, there is no grantees. It will most likely be accurate but maybe not enough to win.

 

[257ack]

I am mostly a CF group shooter but I will tell you what Wilber Harris (RIP) told me years ago. Go to a match. Try to buy the best shooting rifle there. Pay him whatever he wants and have him to include his stash of winning ammo. Once again GOOD LUCK

 

[VLNBYR]

I am mostly a CF group shooter but I will tell you what Wilber Harris (RIP) told me years ago. Go to a match. Try to buy the best shooting rifle there. Pay him whatever he wants and have him to include his stash of winning ammo. Once again GOOD LUCK

By far the cheapest and best way to end up with a winner and it doesn't take years of aggravation.

 

[Pareto]

Thanks all. I only plan to compete in ARA Factory and am having my CZ lot tested at Lapua now. However, the better gun would just be for me to see how good I could get and shoot the ARA unlimited target on my own.

I should add that what I learn from all this is to shoot the lights out of my CZ first, hang around ARA matches and then decide what to buy.

 

[ROBARRC50]

Thanks all. I only plan to compete in ARA Factory and am having my CZ lot tested at Lapua now. However, the better gun would just be for me to see how good I could get and shoot the ARA unlimited target on my own.

I should add that what I learn from all this is to shoot the lights out of my CZ first, hang around ARA matches and then decide what to buy.

Dont be afraid to shoot your cz at ARA unlimited targets it just might surprise you. My 457 mtr shoots lights out with a bunch of ammo. On factory and unlimited targets. Good luck with your ammo testing at the center. One day i will get mine lot tested just to see if i can improve slightly.

 

[JMayo]

Rimfire Accuracy

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www.rimfireaccuracy.com

Under parts & accessories there is a complete set up for sale.

 

[skeetlee]

Many have mentioned the CZ I build lots of rimfire rifles every year here in my shop and i wouldnt recommend the CZ if one were asking for the best accuracy. I dont dislike the CZ but there are beteer choices for sure. Stiller 2500 Vudoo single shot would be my top two for real benchrest accuracy. A new turbo well not as smooth as the other two can produce . A good barrel is of course a must with any action!

 

[Pareto]

Many have mentioned the CZ I build lots of rimfire rifles every year here in my shop and i wouldnt recommend the CZ if one were asking for the best accuracy. I dont dislike the CZ but there are beteer choices for sure. Stiller 2500 Vudoo single shot would be my top two for real benchrest accuracy. A new turbo well not as smooth as the other two can produce . A good barrel is of course a must with any action!

CZ is for ARA factory class in case I decide to compete. It is also one of the best starter rifles for me to learn with. A 2500x/Stiller/Vudoo would be for me personally, just to see how far I could go. But I've seen enough from you guys and RFC that it's pointless for me to try to compete in Unlimited. Even in factory, I'd be doing it for fun to see if I'm not too embarassing.

 

[manitou210]

PICKED UP THIS 722 REM 40X ,5 SHOTS AT 100 Y MIDAS +

 

[MrG52D]

I have a CZ 457 and am really enjoying it. I only shoot 50 yard indoor benchrest and have no interest in shooting longer (partly because outdoor ranges are hard for me to get to). I don't compete but might try ARA 50 BR this summer. No interest whatsoever in offhand shooting, PR, nor silhouette. Indoor BR only. And I am willing to pay to buy a case of good ammo after sending to Lapua for testing.

But if I were willing to spend up to $3k new or used for the most accurate 22 rifle I could buy, what would you recommend? And please only recommend options that are reasonably available and where I stand a good chance of getting one within a year whether custom or used (i.e. no once in a blue moon used buys that require being in the right place and the right time to get one).

Thanks.

This one: http://benchrest.com/class/index.php?a=2&b=14343