Thoughts on a basic rimfire bolt action - .17, .22, .22MAG?

dblagent · 05-26-2008

Question for discussion, I have been pondering getting a cheap basic bolt action for plinking and the like and I was wondering mostly about caliber. I currently have a Ruger 10/22 that I love and .22 is sure cheap to shoot. The cost of ammo is a concern as I really like to shoot a lot when I go so that makes me lean towards getting a .22. I also have a suppressor that could be used if I can find someone to thread a barrel for whatever I get. Sounds like fun to me.

Then I also like the thought of the .17HMR, flat and fun to shoot I hear. I do not really hear about people hating the .17, but the ammo seems to be at $12 for 50 rounds, and $12 will get me anywhere from 100 to 500 for the same price in .22. But then I have a more accurate 100 to 150 yard shooter to play with maybe be a better trainer for bigger calibers.

Then I suppose there is .22HMR, longer range and splitting the difference in price between them. Not really looked up the accuracy and range on the Mag as of yet so I need to look more if I head that way.

So far as a rifle I have been looking at a Savage as a nice place in price and all the calibers I'm looking at. Have a decent 4.5 to 14x scope to use as far a glass already. Anyone know about threading a bolt action barrel if I go the .22 router for suppressor use?

Anyway, if anyone has some ideas or Pros and Cons for me I'm happy for the help!

obijohn · 05-26-2008

...cheap basic bolt action for plinking and the like...

this screams .22lr and the savage is a fine choice. i keep a few of the MKII's around to use when i take the scouts out for a shooting day. good accuracy with stand up pretty well to the abuse.

as to the other rimfire calibers, it depends on what you want to do. the .17hmr is great for poking little holes in things further away, great fun on spent shotgun hulls at 100m. the .17mach2 is a fun little cartridge, also. i don't own a .22mag, but a friend of mine swears by his for general knocking around.

i'd say, get one of each. wth.

as to threading the barrel, the barrel will need to be the proper diameter or a bit larger. if too small it will need to be sleeved prior to threading. fairly straight forward.

you simply cannot have too many .22's, imho.

dblagent · 05-26-2008

As much as I like the idea of longer range, the cost of .22 is a major factor to me. Plus it's ammo I have thousands of rounds of already.

I plan on getting a bull barrel model of whatever I get so threading should be no issue, but I do not think the barrel removes easily, so I wonder how the threading on centers would be done? Then I would have a really quiet bolt gun with the suppressor.

rhino · 05-26-2008

The best value in bolt action rimfire rifles is CZ.

The most accurate for under a $1000 is probably CZ.

One of the most accurate over that amount (for factory guns) is still probably CZ.

The CZ 452 comes in several varients, one of which will meet your preferences and budget.

NEOCON · 05-26-2008

I like the Savage that I have .17HMR the longer range on a calm day is amazing. But on a windy day ot will drive you nuts. The .17mack2 is a nice round it is a necked down .22lr where as the .17HMR is a necked down .22HMR. The .17mach2 ammo is quite a bit cheaper than the .17HMR.
I have heard several people talking good of the CZ but I have no experience with them. Sounds like it is worth checking out though.

dblagent · 05-26-2008

In my looking a CZ 452 sure looks to be a nice choice for playing with real accuracy, which in a bolt gun would be the most fun to me. I appreciate some amazing grouping, I have a nice GM bull on my 10/22 and it shoots amazingly well if I do my part.

Have to check RFC and ask about threading a 452. Some nice walnut escapes from the CZ factory also, with the Savage I'd replace whatever it came with anyway.

stormryder · 05-26-2008

Got my wife a Henry mini-bolt in .22lr.
Mounted a Pistolscope scout style and she loves it.
Accuracy is good for its size and price($100).

singlesix · 05-26-2008

I have a Savage Bolt Action 22lr; at 50 yards you'll put rounds on top of each other. At 100 yards with the cheapest 22 ammo (Remington Thunderbolts) I can hit a clay pigeon all day. You may already know that there is a wide variance in the quality of 22 ammo. The thing about the 22lr is that if you wanted to do some competitive shooting than it opens up more doors than a 17hmr or 22MAG. Rimfire Silhouette and NRA 3-Position Rifle come to mind.

shamowfski · 05-26-2008

I got a savage bolt action .22 for $100.00 brand new. Love it so far. Very accurate.

jimbo-indy · 05-27-2008

+1 on that CZ.
I've got a CZ453 Varmint: bull barrel and set trigger in 22 LR. Have a similar scope to yours (4.5-14 Burris). Shots very tight groups, better than I can hold, with bulk ammo. Add some Eley match ammo and it really shines. Workmanship is beautiful. It feels like a bigger gun. Recommend buying the factory scope rings when buying the gun. Mount directly to the grooved receiver. Very solid and clean looking. The 453 is the same as the 452 except for the set trigger. With the set trigger, you can use it just like any standard trigger and it is about 2.5 lb. Push the trigger forward till it clicks and the pull is now jsut under 1 lb. The trigger is user adjustable for weight of pull, take up and overtravel. They also make the CZ in .17 too. Can't say enough good about the CZ rifles. If you are going to be in the Indy area some weekend, send me a PM. Maybe we can meet and you can try it out.

05-26-2008	#1 (permalink)
dblagent GunGeek Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bloomington Posts: 343	Thoughts on a basic rimfire bolt action - .17, .22, .22MAG? Question for discussion, I have been pondering getting a cheap basic bolt action for plinking and the like and I was wondering mostly about caliber. I currently have a Ruger 10/22 that I love and .22 is sure cheap to shoot. The cost of ammo is a concern as I really like to shoot a lot when I go so that makes me lean towards getting a .22. I also have a suppressor that could be used if I can find someone to thread a barrel for whatever I get. Sounds like fun to me. Then I also like the thought of the .17HMR, flat and fun to shoot I hear. I do not really hear about people hating the .17, but the ammo seems to be at $12 for 50 rounds, and $12 will get me anywhere from 100 to 500 for the same price in .22. But then I have a more accurate 100 to 150 yard shooter to play with maybe be a better trainer for bigger calibers. Then I suppose there is .22HMR, longer range and splitting the difference in price between them. Not really looked up the accuracy and range on the Mag as of yet so I need to look more if I head that way. So far as a rifle I have been looking at a Savage as a nice place in price and all the calibers I'm looking at. Have a decent 4.5 to 14x scope to use as far a glass already. Anyone know about threading a bolt action barrel if I go the .22 router for suppressor use? Anyway, if anyone has some ideas or Pros and Cons for me I'm happy for the help!

05-26-2008	#2 (permalink)
obijohn Patriot, Pater, Plinker Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Terre Haute Posts: 801	...cheap basic bolt action for plinking and the like... this screams .22lr and the savage is a fine choice. i keep a few of the MKII's around to use when i take the scouts out for a shooting day. good accuracy with stand up pretty well to the abuse. as to the other rimfire calibers, it depends on what you want to do. the .17hmr is great for poking little holes in things further away, great fun on spent shotgun hulls at 100m. the .17mach2 is a fun little cartridge, also. i don't own a .22mag, but a friend of mine swears by his for general knocking around. i'd say, get one of each. wth. as to threading the barrel, the barrel will need to be the proper diameter or a bit larger. if too small it will need to be sleeved prior to threading. fairly straight forward. you simply cannot have too many .22's, imho. __________________ NRA Patron Member NRA Certified Instructor USPSA NROI Adaptive Consulting & Training To prevail...you must ACT! www.adaptiveconsultingandtraining.com Wabash Valley Practical Pistol Shooters Riley Conservation Club

05-26-2008	#9 (permalink)
shamowfski Plinker Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 114	I got a savage bolt action .22 for $100.00 brand new. Love it so far. Very accurate. __________________

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
WTS CZ 513 basic .22lr (IN)	skydelta34	Firearms	6	07-22-2008 21:52
Calling all LEOs: Your thoughts on open carry?	Fenway	Carry Issues and Self Defense	4	05-01-2008 16:17
Review of NRA Basic Pistol Course 4/26/08	Pami	Tactics and Training	10	04-28-2008 09:09
Training beyond Basic	KimberCarry	Tactics and Training	6	04-23-2008 16:07
Tactical Response - Immediate Action Medical	Shay VanVlymen	Tactics and Training	10	03-24-2008 18:24

05-26-2008	#3 (permalink)
dblagent GunGeek Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bloomington Posts: 343	As much as I like the idea of longer range, the cost of .22 is a major factor to me. Plus it's ammo I have thousands of rounds of already. I plan on getting a bull barrel model of whatever I get so threading should be no issue, but I do not think the barrel removes easily, so I wonder how the threading on centers would be done? Then I would have a really quiet bolt gun with the suppressor.

05-26-2008	#4 (permalink)
rhino Somewhat Purple-ish Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,223	The best value in bolt action rimfire rifles is CZ. The most accurate for under a $1000 is probably CZ. One of the most accurate over that amount (for factory guns) is still probably CZ. The CZ 452 comes in several varients, one of which will meet your preferences and budget.

05-26-2008	#5 (permalink)
NEOCON Rifleman Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Warrick county Posts: 253	I like the Savage that I have .17HMR the longer range on a calm day is amazing. But on a windy day ot will drive you nuts. The .17mack2 is a nice round it is a necked down .22lr where as the .17HMR is a necked down .22HMR. The .17mach2 ammo is quite a bit cheaper than the .17HMR. I have heard several people talking good of the CZ but I have no experience with them. Sounds like it is worth checking out though.

05-26-2008	#6 (permalink)
dblagent GunGeek Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bloomington Posts: 343	In my looking a CZ 452 sure looks to be a nice choice for playing with real accuracy, which in a bolt gun would be the most fun to me. I appreciate some amazing grouping, I have a nice GM bull on my 10/22 and it shoots amazingly well if I do my part. Have to check RFC and ask about threading a 452. Some nice walnut escapes from the CZ factory also, with the Savage I'd replace whatever it came with anyway.

05-26-2008	#7 (permalink)
stormryder OHARNG Sgt. Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Batesville IN Posts: 102	Got my wife a Henry mini-bolt in .22lr. Mounted a Pistolscope scout style and she loves it. Accuracy is good for its size and price($100).

05-26-2008	#8 (permalink)
singlesix Plinker Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 68	I have a Savage Bolt Action 22lr; at 50 yards you'll put rounds on top of each other. At 100 yards with the cheapest 22 ammo (Remington Thunderbolts) I can hit a clay pigeon all day. You may already know that there is a wide variance in the quality of 22 ammo. The thing about the 22lr is that if you wanted to do some competitive shooting than it opens up more doors than a 17hmr or 22MAG. Rimfire Silhouette and NRA 3-Position Rifle come to mind.

05-27-2008	#10 (permalink)
jimbo-indy Single Action Fan NW Indy Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: N.W. Indy Posts: 226	+1 on that CZ. I've got a CZ453 Varmint: bull barrel and set trigger in 22 LR. Have a similar scope to yours (4.5-14 Burris). Shots very tight groups, better than I can hold, with bulk ammo. Add some Eley match ammo and it really shines. Workmanship is beautiful. It feels like a bigger gun. Recommend buying the factory scope rings when buying the gun. Mount directly to the grooved receiver. Very solid and clean looking. The 453 is the same as the 452 except for the set trigger. With the set trigger, you can use it just like any standard trigger and it is about 2.5 lb. Push the trigger forward till it clicks and the pull is now jsut under 1 lb. The trigger is user adjustable for weight of pull, take up and overtravel. They also make the CZ in .17 too. Can't say enough good about the CZ rifles. If you are going to be in the Indy area some weekend, send me a PM. Maybe we can meet and you can try it out.