• This Forum is for adults 18 years of age or over. By continuing to use this Forum you are confirming that you are 18 or older. No content shall be viewed by any person under 18 in California.

Which LH 22lr bolt action would you choose?

I'm wanting a nice LH 22lr bolt action. Which brand is the best bang for the $$$?
Bergara B14- I like that they have a R700 footprint, and easy to change stock's, trigger's, etc.. But, Are they worth $300 - $400 more than a CZ 457 or Tikka TX1?
CZ 457 Varmint - I love a nice walnut stock and blued rifle. But this model doesn't come with a threaded barrel, and I prefer shooting with my suppressor's. Not a big deal, I can always thread it.
Tikka TX1 - I know they are good shooters, but the stock leaves a lot to be desired. I'd probably end up buying another Bravo chassis for it, so it would be about the same price as a Bergara B14.

Just wanting some opinions- Pro's / Con's on each one.
 
Id get the CZ.

I wish they were out when I was originally looking.

I bought my son a 457 RH. It’s very smooth and fit and finish are great. I liked it so much and was looking for a LH CZ and Tikka but neither were available. I bought a RH T1x just to scratch the itch. But I sold it soon after because it was just never as nice as the CZ.

I ended up getting a Vudoo LH and it’s fantastic but honestly if I would have gotten the CZ, I’d be just as happy and with a little extra money in my pocket. I can’t complain too much though because the Vudoo is fantastic and I like the options for triggers and chassis. I also like the mags way better
 
I like my Tikka T1X, but I am new to the world of recreational (non-competitive) precision rimfire shooting. Also, I just shoot CCI Standard Velocity ammo at 50 and 75 yards only.

I had 3 issues with the stock as follows:

1. I've improved the trigger acquisition by replacing the factory pistol grip with the aftermarket vertical grip. It was an inexpensive fix but made a significant difference in my ability to shoot better.

2. The cheek weld was not sufficient, so I added some Vet wrap to build it up. Although it looks like a home gunsmith project gone sideways, it works quite effectively to provide proper cheek weld and eye alignment with the scope which is essential for precision shooting.

3. The plastic butt plate can tend to slip. I solved that issue by shooting the rifle with my light leather shoulder pad harness. It provides a non-slip support.
 
My dad has a lefty T1X. I think for the average Joe, it’s just fine, but I think if he did it over he would go for the CZ.

I’d add that if you are a tinkerer, and can’t leave a production rifle well enough alone (like me), I’d go with any 700 based platform to exponentially increase options. OOB, CZ any day.
 
Last edited:
You said were looking for a "nice rifle" You also said "the most bang for the buck." To me that is a contradiction of terms.

As seen from the responses, today we have wildly different definitions of nice rifle. To me a nice rifle would not include modular construction, a plastic stock or anything "tactical."

While modular and/or plastic rifles are quite functional, they are also the least expensive rifles out there and I would consider them great tools, not nice rifles. Walt in post #4 got the answer right.

To me the cheapest gun that makes the list is the CZ 452. It's built like a Winchester 52. The CZ 457 is well regarded and built like a 10/22...Tom
 
You said were looking for a "nice rifle" You also said "the most bang for the buck." To me that is a contradiction of terms.

As seen from the responses, today we have wildly different definitions of nice rifle. To me a nice rifle would not include modular construction, a plastic stock or anything "tactical."

While modular and/or plastic rifles are quite functional, they are also the least expensive rifles out there and I would consider them great tools, not nice rifles. Walt in post #4 got the answer right.

To me the cheapest gun that makes the list is the CZ 452. It's built like a Winchester 52. The CZ 457 is well regarded and built like a 10/22...Tom

Contradiction? Not really, I just want a nice 22 that is the most bang for the buck!
I've got several nice 22 rimfire semi-auto rifle's, and some nice 22 pistol's. I'm not wanting a competition 22, just a nice LH bolt action 22 that shoots good and offer's the ability to upgrade as I want.

Thanks for the replies. I've decided to get the LH CZ 457 Varmint. It should do everything I want out of a 22lr, and still be able to have fun shooting informal shoots with friend's and family.
 
Contradiction? Not really, I just want a nice 22 that is the most bang for the buck!
I've got several nice 22 rimfire semi-auto rifle's, and some nice 22 pistol's. I'm not wanting a competition 22, just a nice LH bolt action 22 that shoots good and offer's the ability to upgrade as I want.

Thanks for the replies. I've decided to get the LH CZ 457 Varmint. It should do everything I want out of a 22lr, and still be able to have fun shooting informal shoots with friend's and family.
Now Sign up at Rim Fire Central.
Check out the CZ Section great People and Information.
Check Buds for CZ Prices..............
 
Talking about bang for the buck, how about the Savage Walmart special with the green Boyds adjustable stock. Mine will shoot a well as my son's Tikka and has a better DIY trigger.
 
I got my LH 457 Varmint. So far, I really like it. I put an Area 419 30moa rail on it and an Arken EP5 5-25x56 FFP Mil scope. I also installed a lighter trigger spring on it and have it set at 10 ounces.
I really need to take the barrel off and thread it so I can use the ATS tuner and suppressor on it. Just for kicks, I put one of those rubber Limbsaver tuners on the barrel, and it actually worked pretty good.

5VVR5yS.jpg


DSVhPDr.jpg


I shot some 5 shot groups at 50 yards using some 40 gr Wolf Match Target ammo. The first two groups were without the Limbsaver on the barrel.
gv5UpBJ.jpg


The next two groups were with it on the barrel. I pulled one shot, but was impressed what difference that piece of rubber on the barrel made.
Dd9Flkv.jpg


dycXEbQ.jpg
 

Upgrades & Donations

This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.


Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.

You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.


To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.

Forum statistics

Threads
165,429
Messages
2,195,539
Members
78,895
Latest member
BrightCut
Back
Top