Best under $500 22 rifle

[Woodman]

What would be the best 22 bolt action rifle in the $500 dollar range? I want it for target shooting and possible squirrel hunting. It will need a scope as I can't focus on both sights and targets anymore. Should I look for a used match rifle or are any factory models accurate? Thanks for any advice. George

 

[DukeDuke]

CZ 452!

 

[RichinKansas]

What kind of target shooting do you plan? Benchrest, 3p, prone silhouette etc. Used will probably get you more gun for your money, but risk of a lemon. Many target rifles have no safety for use in the squirrel woods. Rich

 

[kapac]

Everyones probably going to tell you to get the CZ 452 or 453, 453 has a better trigger. And some would say the Savage? I have been doing a lot of research on this as I too have been looking for a nice 22lr for use a s a training rifle. So it would not only need to be accurate it also needs to be able to function reliably. Personally I would rather not have to put a trigger in it or add a new aftermarket barrel to make it accurate as that shoots the cost way up. So I have come to the conclusion that I need to buy an Annie, Sako or a Kimber.

Good luck with your search!!

Kapac

 

[Woodman]

Thanks for the replies. I should have described my target shooting as plinking. I know an under $500 rifle would not come close to being competitive. The Savage Mark II has good write ups and has the AccuTrigger, are they really good triggers? How is their quality? I have not owned a CZ but have heard good things from owners. How would their triggers compare to the Savage? Could you find a Annie, Sake or Kimber for under $500? If which models? Still looking for information and thanks for the replies. George

 

[RBD]

For plinking--with a scope--it would be hard to beat the toggle action Izhmash 7-2 Biathlon Basic.

For target shooting, the Izhmash CM-2, a position rifle with a pile of front sight inserts and a nice rear aperture will run around $595.

Click on the MT Guns--a 6mm BR sponsor--link.

RBD

 

[kansas45]

Both my Savage MKIIF & MKIIFV are very good rifles. The F was great right out of the box, while the FV took a little time to get there. The difference between the two is the F has a standard barrel & regular trigger, while the FV has a heavy barrel & the accu-trigger. Both are topped with Center Point 4-16X40 scopes. I am very happy with the performance of the Center Point's & would recomend them to those wanting a inexpensive scope that works well. With a 50yd zero, both rifles will hit a 16' disc at 250yds, useing CCI Mini-Mag HP's. I have been shooting out to 200yds, & just tried 250 this morning. I had a 15mph wind almost in my face. The scope took a 27moa adjustment @ 250. I will try 300yds if the Kansas wind ever calms enough.

 

[ChuckMiller]

Sako Quad, about 450.00 at Whitakers. With target grade ammo they'll shoot with any other mid priced rifle out there plus you can swap barrels in a jiffy or upgrade to a 17HMR or 22mag. You won't have to change springs or use shims to take out slop on the trigger and the barrel manufacturers like Lilja make drop in prefits if you want to compete in other rimfire comps.

 

[Woodman]

Have you shot a Sako Quad? All 3 0r 4 barrels come with it for $450.00? Have you experienced the special Burris scope with set ups for each barrel? This seems like an excellent option if the accuracy is there. thanks, George

 

[RichinKansas]

Have you considered used? There are a number of quality .22's out there for under $500. I have a Savage 23AA from the 30's that is pretty accurate. I think they sell for under $300. Hard to find one that old though that is still in good shape.

 

[JoeM57]

Savage MarkII-FVT, MarkII-G, both are good reliable rifles and have the accu-trigger and are very accurate IMHO. The MarkII-FVT has the heavy barrel where as the MKII-G has the lighter.

Every Savage I've ever owned was accurate, and so are the Marlin's which do not have a light trigger pull, but one gets use to it. If you're just plinking the Marlin 925 is a good deal as well as the Savage line.

Like Kansas45, I shoot a lot of long range .22LR - and am now shooting out to 300 yards at the 22'x24' gong. I'm hitting that regularly with of all things - my Marlin 795 with a 3-9x32 Bushnell scope.

So in the end, for what you're going to do with the rifle should dictate what rifle would best suit your shooting habits.

I bet you'll enjoy shooting whatever you decide to purchase.

 

[Woodman]

I am considering used 22 rifles. I think some of the older rifles may have a quality not built in today's rifles. I have seen a Remington 513S and several others, but I do not know their typical accuracy or how to judge their condition. That Savage 23AA does seem to shoot nice group. A Remington 541 has been recommended as a very good used rifle if found. I am still looking and really do appreciate the replies. George

 

[kapac]

Have you shot a Sako Quad? All 3 0r 4 barrels come with it for $450.00? Have you experienced the special Burris scope with set ups for each barrel? This seems like an excellent option if the accuracy is there. thanks, George

Woodman, the Sako Quad you speak of is more along the lines of $1600 with all the barrels, its called the hunter combo. If you go to their site they make a heavy barreled varmint style barrel with a wood stock that would be the ideal rifle. However and for some unknown reason they accidently brought in a handfull in the USA, and no one seems to know if they will ever import any more of them to the USA?

I have heard mixed reviews on these rigs. There have been some fellas dump a bunch of cash in these Sako Quads with out all the barrels, what they are doing is only using the action and selling or trading off the rest.

In turn they now have about a $1600 rig with only a 22lr barrel, manners stock, Lilja barrel, screw kit and a trigger spring kit. then of course scope base and a scope. From what I have read most have some sort of feeding problem with different types/brands of ammo, probably the angle of the feed ramp needs a little work and a new polishing job.

I have come to the conclusion that the best bang for the buck would be an Annie for the first choice and then if you needed to stay in your price range then I would either opt for the CZ or the Savage. OR possibly wait and see if Sako ever imports the varminter version?

Kapac

 

[Sighter]

For a used option I would try to sneak up on the following:

Suhl 150
BRNO 4
Remington 37
Remington 40x,CMP)
Winchester 52,CMP)

Great accuracy potential. Worth handing down to your children. Usually over $500, but occassional deals can be had.

 

[Austin]

get a marlin 981T. 17 shot tube and slick bolt.trigger is good.the 1 i got shoots awesome.1/2' at 75yds with remington golden bullets.

 

[varminthunter1]

I would recommend the Anschutz 64.
These can be had in the $500 range. the trigger is adjustable, may even find a 2 stage match trigger in one. I did. Accuracy is top notch.

here is a GB auction from a month ago:
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=131143497

This is an example of a good find!! this gun, if cleaned and maintained, will flat out shoot accurately, forever!!

just my 2 cents.
Jeff

 

[Woodman]

I appreciate all the use full information from everyone. I found a Remington 541T in very good condition. Its trigger has been tuned and was shot some in benchrest competition. I think it will meet my needs and I appreciate the education about accurate 22 rifles. George

 

[DaveWhite]

If you are sold on that Remington, then enjoy it and become proficient with it.

If you find it is not what you want, and really want a great rifle, contact Mac Tilton at MTGuns. I have been to his Santa Barbara building, and he has some really fine used target guns for around $500. Any of them would be an upgrade from most of the new domestic rifles made today.

Hold center,

dw

 

[tiny68]

I have a Sako P94 Finnfire Varmint with the Walnut stock. It has a factory trigger that adjusted cleanly down to about 14 oz. Never had a feeding issue once. It shots all the premo ammo well by likes Wolf Match good enough to afford to shot. 0.2-3' 50 yd groups are the norm. I have been told this is the same action Quad. If true, I would recommend the Quad based on my rifle. I wouldn't take for it. Tim

 

[Josh11]

I have a savage, and its great! It is very reliable and accurate. you could get one for 300. Or in SS for 350 or so. It comes with bases. Very happy with the trigger. I dont know about the CZs they look good.