Rem 540x vs H&R Model 12

[22BRGUY]

Anyone with real life experience with these 2 and comments/opinions and likes/dislikes?
Thanks

 

[th82457]

Go to rimfire central. Lot's of experience there. I had same question about a year ago. Was convinced to go with 540X for accuracy. Bought one - but have not even shot it yet, so who knows ?

 

[Intell]

I've had both. The H&R is heavy duty, similar to a 52 Winchester. My model 12 had an adjustable trigger that was better than the factory 540x trigger. I tried to make a bench gun out of the H&R years ago and had it re barreled. It shot good for what it was, but it wasn't a competitive bench gun. I really enjoyed the 540x for an all around plinker, it was light weight and easy to pack around, easy to shoot with the peeps and I could carry an extra mag in my pocket. Both are cool old rifles.

 

[Radar]

The H&R trigger is a much better trigger than a 540X. With Kenyon style mods it can be a very good 3-4oz trigger. The 540X trigger can be made into a good trigger but will not get close to the M12 safely. The 540X barrels on average maybe be better but the action is not in the same league as the H&R. That said I would not pay some of the prices I have seen lately for either of them when there are some great deals out there on used German target rifles.

 

[flatlander]

I bought both these rifles from the CMP; both were new in the factory wrap. I agree with the previous replies from Radar & Intell; the 540X trigger was not adjustable w/o modifications, while I was able to get the H&R M12's trigger down to about 1lb using the adjustments. I sold the 540X to buy the M12 & thought it was the right thing to do. Was primarily interested in getting a smallbore rifle set up for use to practice prone shooting with irons as a trainer for my CF prone rifles, which at the time had Robertson H&H prone stocks. The H&R's stock was a club compared to the H&H stocks; it quickly became obvious I'd need to invest in a new prone stock to make it functional in that role. One of my highpower prone mentors suggested looking at a used Anschutz prone rifle instead, so I made a deal to trade the M12 for a nice 1611 w/Anschutz sights, which cost me $435. A good prone stock that duplicated the H&H would've cost considerably more, and the 1611's stock was nearly identical to the shape & proportions of the H&H. It was definitely one of the best trades I've ever made, and I've never regretted it.