There is a whole world of custom 22lr for fun and competition. I am wondering if it is worth the cost of purchasing a custom rifle that I can use for bolt action training, NRL 22 competition and just Saturday plinking fun with the grandkids.
The bolt action choices are many, ranging from Ruger Precision to Bergara to CZ to Vudoo and on and on. I don’t have the luxury of a range that will allow me to reach out long distance, 200 yards is the maximum that I can practice at. I don’t have time to build my own rifle and would rather pony up for a well built unit straight from the factory.
My problem is that I suffer from the disease of liking nice things in my safe and I am afraid that I will grow tired of a lesser quality 22 rifle and after a few upgrade purchases come to the realization that I should have just spent the money once, cry once and be happy with something I can pass on down.
Looking for input on experiences with manufacturer’s and models that can give me great quality, at fair price points that would fill the categories above .
In my opinion, CZ is the leader in quality and value in the rimfire space. The 457 platform is awesome. The bonus is that you can order barrel kits and switch from 22 LR to 17 HMR or 22 WMR at home (it takes like 5 mins to change out with a couple screws and a magazine insert), which is a pretty unique feature. I am partial to the wood stocks, but the synthetic is kind of cool because it has a wider barrel channel in case you want to switch to the varmint barrels. I now own one of each (but I have yet to get a varmint barrel). Some models come with the thicker barrels. But even the regular “American” with the thin profile barrel (and 1/2x28 threading) is just shooting lights out. The only downside is that they are often out of stock on stuff like extra magazines on their web store. They do eventually come back in stock, but it can take a while. There are also lots of aftermarket providers of course, as the CZ platform is so popular.
I had a Bergara previously to my CZ and I had feeding issues. I got an RMA from Bergara and sent it into them, they said it was fixed, but it came back to me in the same condition. I saw Jim’s review of that newer model recently and he reported no feeding issues, so I guess I either got a dud, or the newer model has improved the feeding from the magazine? Anyway, I have never had any issues with CZ. They just work, and work great.
I also really like my Ruger. But that CZ… might be my favorite 22.
I also have a cz 457. It feeds and shoots great. I’d probably agree that they are really tremendous value. Not sure what kind of accuracy you are looking for though… I’m getting about .5-.75" groups at 50 yards. I have not tried their varmint barrel yet to see if it would increase the accuracy. I’m finding that federal auto match 40 grain is probably the best value round in my gun as well. I’m not shooting any really expensive ammo.
I have a Tikka T1X that is a tack driver. I just bought a Ruger Carbon .22. It weighs 3.5 pounds. Shoots well for a semi.
I would want a bolt action just for cycling practice. But wouldn’t a bolt action inherently be more accurate than a semi automatic feeder?
Absolutely
Based on your needs/wants, I would build one, Origin Rim-x action, proof barrel, Triggertech trigger and stock or chassis of your choice. I have a T1X which is super accurate, but I have come to embrace custom built for-purpose rifles.
Here is one example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsikdPT_caU
The cream of the crop is Vudoo. Many or most serious competitors are running them. I used to own one and it’s great. It’s also way too heavy for the grandkids to move around.
The next step down will be the new Tikka T1x Ace that is just hitting shelves now. At around $1600 in a nice chassis, I think it’ll be a very strong contender, but I haven’t shot one.
Stepping down would be the Bergara B14R Steel. That’s what I’m currently shooting in NRL22. I had the fancy Vudoo and it’s great but frankly it was better than I am so there was zero disadvantage to me just using the cheaper Bergara. Feeds really reliably and shoots great.
CZ also makes some great 22’s. I have a 457 and like it, but prefer the HMR stock on the Bergara. Just my personal preference.
Jim,
That Tikka you mentioned is one I would really like to put my hands on and shoulder, but you also mentioned Vudoo as being top notch. In my searching I have found that Masterpiece Arms and Vudoo share a quite a few parts and the price range is about the same. Can you shed some light on the comparison between the two?
I also like the T1x–I think they make a wood stock version now too which would be cool to get. I have the normal plastic one. The only downside is the plain jane stock. And of course the Ace is coming soon w/ the chassis.
Mine is in 17 HMR and honestly might be the most accurate rimfire rifle I own. It puts the rounds EXACTLY where I want them every time.
The T1X and the T3X use the same stocks, so anything that fits a T3X will fit the T1X
Most of my hunting is done via rifle with a Arca rail mounted to a swivel ball atop a BOG tripod. I had been looking for a Arca rail to mount to my T1X .22LR, and my T3X Lite Veil Wildlands in 6.5cm. I was able to find a company Mountain Tactical located in Bozeman, Montana that is making a 9" Arca rail that mounts to the existing Tikka Mounting holes. The rail is also slotted to be able to mount M-Lok attachments. If you look at the photo of the T1X, I have a Sightmark Wraith 4k Mini and was able to add a short Picatinny rail on top of the Arca via the M-lok slots. Rails run about $80.00 each.
Mountain Tactical is great. I always replace the plastic bottom metal with “real” bottom metal by MT. Good for pic rails or raptor mounts also.
Fine question. I don’t know anything about the MPA offering. Just know the Vudoo is crazy good.
This is what I use for PRS22 (RimX). Feed and function is as perfect as it gets for .22lr, but the RimX action is a bit finicky to setup and keep running sometimes. -
I just got the Ruger last week. lots of opinions online about accuracy. Waiting for my scope. Using a diff scope I am seeing <1 inch at 50. All I have is cheap ammo. Sportsmans here does not have eley or lapua. I think a good starting point. You need to decide what your goal is. Participate and have fun or win at some level. I am going to have fun and decide if I will step up in the future.
I am not deep into competition and my common sense is winning the battle over a one time purchase such as a Vudoo. I am being more realistic at this point and am looking at the CZ 457 Varmint AT One.
The Tika for the money has an inferior stock and a lightweight barrel. The Bergara, well I just dont like the looks, sorry Jim.
The heavy weight barrel, the smooth action along a good looking stock is selling me on the CZ.
I started this thread not wanting to go through lesser quality models of 22’s, spending money just to tire and upgrade again and again. Have a gun that can be used for bolt action practice and competition. Since I’m convincing my self to stay within the factory class, I’m trying to get the best bang for the buck amidst trying to stay at the $1500 rifle / scope MSRP limit. That is proving very difficult to do. I did shoot a Bergara B14 this week and was impressed. That Bergara model is priced higher than the CZ Varmint MTR which leaves less $ for a scope. There seems to be many new scope models hitting the market this year. My delimma is the same old one, less gun more scope? But I will be selfish and I want as much quality gun / scope combination as possible within that $1500 range. Is it possible to achieve and be satisfied?
Just go to the PRS website and take a look at the production class rankings (which is about that price range), most of the top 10 is using a 457 with something like an Athlon or Arken EP5 on top.