.22 LR Bolt Gun

[Bigbuck]

I've kinda got the fever for a new .22 LR Bolt gun.  Been trying to compare the Winchester, Remington, Ruger and the CZ.

Whatcha think....opinions on merits / faults with each???

[oldandslow]

I really like the looks of the Ruger and CZ but have no experience with either. The CZ's have the reputation of being very accurate right out of the box. I have seen some complaints about Ruger's accuracy. The new Remington looks pretty good also but I haven't heard anything about.

[bscman]

If I had to choose one bolt action rimfire, that is reasonably priced, I would jump all over the CZ.
I don't think you'll be able to find a better rifle, that is more accurate, for the same (or less) money. They are VERY nice rifles for what you pay, and will shot with a lot of higher priced rifles.

My next purchase will be the 452 Lux....for a little over $320 you get a LOT of rifle for the money.
Heck, you can get the basic 513 for $250ish.

Either way, you definitely will NOT regret it.
FWIW, I've not yet heard a review of a CZ that didn't turn out to be a great shooter.

[Bigbuck]

Thanks guys....The CZ is high on my list of choices.  I've got a CZ 527 in .223 that's a real tack driver.  Fit and finish are also very good on this gun.  I've had a chance to shoot a Ruger 77/22 before and really like the way they feel.  I really don't know anything about the Remington or Winchester rimfire bolt guns....I'm hoping to hear from someone that has shot both.

Deciding on a new gun.....almost as much fun as shooting it!!!

[StrawHat]

Bigbuck,

Of the rifles you mention I have experience with the Ruger only.

On mine the trigger pull was heavy and gritty.  Heavy I can handle, gritty I can not.  A good tuning and all is right with the trigger.

Mine originally wore the skinny barrel from the factory.  I happened to have a Win 52 barrel available so a quick trip to the gunsmith and the Ruger M77/22 is now a M77/52.  Yes it is a little on the heavy side but it is more accurate than I can consistently hold.

The next change I will make is to put a good set of aperture sights on it.

If for no other reason than the ease of sapping barrels you should consider the Ruger.

[Bigbuck]

I really like Ruger products.  The first three guns I purchased on my own were all Rugers (a P85 9mm, a 77 in .270 and a 10/22).  They almost seem a little big for a .22 LR to me..........

[StrawHat]

I really like Ruger products.   They almost seem a little big for a .22 LR to me..........

Is this for you or a child? 

No argument as to size, the M77/22 is a full sized rifle.  not a child's model at all.

[Bigbuck]

Kinda both actually.  Mostly for me as I don't own a .22LR bolt (in rimfire, I've got a .22 mag and a .17 and in .22LR I've got three autos).  I've also got two up and coming hunters that will surely see some trigger time down the road.

[ruffhunter]

I got one the limited imports of the CZ452 FS (full stock) in 2002, before it was standard.  In .22LR.  This gun is impressive and makes cheap ammo wear out a 2 inch circle.  Quality ammo of course all less than an inch.  These CZ are the best bang for the buck u can get.  Gonna get a Scout for my 9 yoa, because he loves the gun too.  I would get a Savage as a second choice.  You'll need a BKL scope mount for the odd size.

[TLARbb]

Since dropping the 504, Remington only has the Model 5 manufactured by Zastava.  It is not available just everywhere yet.  Anyway, the current crop of affordable bolt guns is pretty much limited to Ruger, Marlin, Savage, and CZ.  Winchester has a fairly inexpensive import from Zastava called the Wildcat, but it seems to be scarce in my neck of the woods.

I would say, at the risk of starting an argument, that the CZ rifles are the best bang for the buck with the others following in various order.  The Ruger 77/22 is a quality looking instrument, much more refined looking than the Savage and Marlin entries, but all of them can be made to shoot well.  Pick the one that strikes your fancy, you can't really go wrong.  You may have to tweak any of these rifles to get the best performance out of them, but that's part of the fun. 

The Charles Daly Superior II and the the Remington 5 are the same basic rifle.  The Toz 78 is the basis for the Winchester Wildcat.  I think the Toz is still available, but the Charles Daly version of the Zastava rifle is not.  You might find some new ones still in the pipeline.

EJ

[goalie]

I am in love with my CZ-452.  I got the lux version (I think that is what it was called) with the Euro-style stock and nice tangent iron sights. 

It shoots superbly.  I put a scope on it once to see how it would shoot with some decent ammo, and it shot one hole groups at 25 yards with Wolf MT ammo, and just as well with Green Tag. 

For the money, it is a shooter. 

[sholling]

I just added a CZ453 Varmint to my collection. I haven't had a chance to try it yet but hopefully soon. I agonized over this for months. I've got some tack driving modified 10/22 but wanted to add a bot gun. It was between the Savage and the CZ and the CZ won me over.

[slim rem 7]

 i just got the cz 452  .. theres a world of potential in that gun .. now its up to me to
  get the best i can from it..  right now im the weakest link between it an perfection.. i like this one..

[Fat NDN]

 I love y Ruger Revolvers, but when you need a .22LR, CZ is the only choice.
There are others that shoot as good, (Cooper, Anschultz), But not for the price.
I have a 452 American that I shoot in competition, and I have a 452 FS I shoot for fun.
Both shoot ragged holes at 50 yards.

452 FS


452 American