Most accurate Rimfire rifles at reasonable prices ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ???
- Thread starter G-DOG58
- Start date
Accuracy
Both the CZ and the Savage have fine reputations. So does the Marlin model 60 and other guns.
For top shelf .22 accuracy, though, in addition to the firearm, careful ammo selection is paramount. This does not mean that a shooter has to spend a ton of money buying expensive match ammo - a particular .22 may shoot better with Walmart .22s than with Eley Match - but it does mean that if you want the best from your .22, you should test a lot of ammo. Any new .22 that I acquire gets fed at least a dozen (at least) different brands and types of ammo from very cheap to very expensive so that I come away from testing with a pretty good picture of what works best for me and the gun.
Pete
Both the CZ and the Savage have fine reputations. So does the Marlin model 60 and other guns.
For top shelf .22 accuracy, though, in addition to the firearm, careful ammo selection is paramount. This does not mean that a shooter has to spend a ton of money buying expensive match ammo - a particular .22 may shoot better with Walmart .22s than with Eley Match - but it does mean that if you want the best from your .22, you should test a lot of ammo. Any new .22 that I acquire gets fed at least a dozen (at least) different brands and types of ammo from very cheap to very expensive so that I come away from testing with a pretty good picture of what works best for me and the gun.
Pete
First of all, we have to define accurate. What level of accuracy are you seeking? What do you intend to do with the rifle.
My .22s are multi-purpose rifles. I train kids with them and do a little squirrel hunting. They're plinkers. Standard ammo is fine for me, although I find that Federal bulk suits my rifles just fine. On the other hand, a shooting buddy has several Anshutz rifles that weigh in the 12 pound category. His style of shooting requires precision peep sights and finely crafted ammunition.
What's reasonable? We each enjoy our .22s and have a lot of fun with them. His requirements are much higher than mine for that caliber and he's able to indulge his hobby. He thinks its entirely reasonable to spend multiple thousands of dollars to outfit his rifles so they'll punch tiny holes far, far away. I think it's reasonable to take an off-shelf rifle and shoot soda cans at 25 yards.
That's the beauty of this hobby.
My .22s are multi-purpose rifles. I train kids with them and do a little squirrel hunting. They're plinkers. Standard ammo is fine for me, although I find that Federal bulk suits my rifles just fine. On the other hand, a shooting buddy has several Anshutz rifles that weigh in the 12 pound category. His style of shooting requires precision peep sights and finely crafted ammunition.
What's reasonable? We each enjoy our .22s and have a lot of fun with them. His requirements are much higher than mine for that caliber and he's able to indulge his hobby. He thinks its entirely reasonable to spend multiple thousands of dollars to outfit his rifles so they'll punch tiny holes far, far away. I think it's reasonable to take an off-shelf rifle and shoot soda cans at 25 yards.
That's the beauty of this hobby.
I have three and all are extremely accurate...
I have a Remington 597 with some upgrades and an upgraded scope. Without the bipod but with my elbows on the little platform it's more accurate than I am, awesome.
Next is a Savage Mark II GXP, stock but an upgraded scope as well. This rifle looks beautiful and shoots even better. Probably what I'd grab if for some reason I had to take some sort of "emergency shot" out to the back and had to make it... (Not sure why I'd have to, zombie varmnits outside threatenign my dog?) Also bipod-less at the moment (my plan is to get Harris bipods for both, maybe one 6-9 and one 9-13 and be able to switch if necessary on the sling studs, just spent money on the other upgrades and scopes first)..
And last I have a S&W M&P 15-22 which is pretty dagnab accurate... I'm not sure how precisely accurate it is compared to other rifles or even in the broad spectrum, but it's amazing to me. I've only used the MBUS and small red-dot reflex holosights , and it's great. I am pretty sure if I mounted a magnified scope it would snipe holes.
Anyway there are many options you can find , people always like their own recommendations and of course I like mine... But plenty of options. If I had to pick ONE of "the most accurate rimfire at reasonable price" I think it's absolutely Savage.
I have a Remington 597 with some upgrades and an upgraded scope. Without the bipod but with my elbows on the little platform it's more accurate than I am, awesome.
Next is a Savage Mark II GXP, stock but an upgraded scope as well. This rifle looks beautiful and shoots even better. Probably what I'd grab if for some reason I had to take some sort of "emergency shot" out to the back and had to make it... (Not sure why I'd have to, zombie varmnits outside threatenign my dog?) Also bipod-less at the moment (my plan is to get Harris bipods for both, maybe one 6-9 and one 9-13 and be able to switch if necessary on the sling studs, just spent money on the other upgrades and scopes first)..
And last I have a S&W M&P 15-22 which is pretty dagnab accurate... I'm not sure how precisely accurate it is compared to other rifles or even in the broad spectrum, but it's amazing to me. I've only used the MBUS and small red-dot reflex holosights , and it's great. I am pretty sure if I mounted a magnified scope it would snipe holes.
Anyway there are many options you can find , people always like their own recommendations and of course I like mine... But plenty of options. If I had to pick ONE of "the most accurate rimfire at reasonable price" I think it's absolutely Savage.
phil mcwilliam
New member
For multi-purpose .22s I think youve nailed it with the CZ & Savage. Spend a few more bucks & the Anschutz may get you better groups, depending on the shooter.
SteelChickenShooter
New member
Low Cost Accurate Rifle?
My reply may or may not help you. I did extensive testing on numerous rifles using a vast array of ammo. I can tell you that I have tested models you will find on this forum with mixed results. As an example: I found a Marlin shooting CCI standards had outstanding accuracy for chickens and pigs, but not for turkeys and rams. In one season, I shot that Marlin for the first 20 rounds then changed to a different rifle for the next 20 rounds. This is the part that may not help: I found a $200 Charles Daly import to be outstanding using Aguila standards. However, I also found that when that particular brand moved to Remington, it was not worth it and I dumped it on rabbit hunters. They are happy, but not steel chicken shooters. Savages, Remingtons, Marlins, etc. I've tried plenty. The end result is this: for superb accuracy at a particular range, you can test and find a number of good brands that may work. As an example, I was demonstrating a Savage to a guy that wanted to buy it. He set a postage stamp some yards away. I asked him at what position do you want to see the hole? I then placed holes in the stamp where he wanted to see them. Trouble with that rifle was that it would not do that across all four ranges of animals I shoot. But for him, he had the perfect backyard ground squirrel neck shot gun.
So to end this long post about accuracy, I shoot steel chickens as well as scaled paper targets. Of all the rifles I've tried I have sold off most of them to small game hunters. One rifle I will not sell is the Charles Daly import for the hunter class and the Kimber for the standard class. The Kimber does not help. I know it is not a low cost gun. But you could change your mind when it comes to getting your particular level of desired accuracy. Somewhere alomg the way, you will test many brands over assorted ranges and then decide for yourself what combo will produce your particular desired result. In a related post about 22 accuracy you can find my posts about the Browning BL-22 and how it failed to impress me. For a particular purpose I had in mind, a low cost Henry did give me what I was looking for and the high cost Browning did not.
My reply may or may not help you. I did extensive testing on numerous rifles using a vast array of ammo. I can tell you that I have tested models you will find on this forum with mixed results. As an example: I found a Marlin shooting CCI standards had outstanding accuracy for chickens and pigs, but not for turkeys and rams. In one season, I shot that Marlin for the first 20 rounds then changed to a different rifle for the next 20 rounds. This is the part that may not help: I found a $200 Charles Daly import to be outstanding using Aguila standards. However, I also found that when that particular brand moved to Remington, it was not worth it and I dumped it on rabbit hunters. They are happy, but not steel chicken shooters. Savages, Remingtons, Marlins, etc. I've tried plenty. The end result is this: for superb accuracy at a particular range, you can test and find a number of good brands that may work. As an example, I was demonstrating a Savage to a guy that wanted to buy it. He set a postage stamp some yards away. I asked him at what position do you want to see the hole? I then placed holes in the stamp where he wanted to see them. Trouble with that rifle was that it would not do that across all four ranges of animals I shoot. But for him, he had the perfect backyard ground squirrel neck shot gun.
So to end this long post about accuracy, I shoot steel chickens as well as scaled paper targets. Of all the rifles I've tried I have sold off most of them to small game hunters. One rifle I will not sell is the Charles Daly import for the hunter class and the Kimber for the standard class. The Kimber does not help. I know it is not a low cost gun. But you could change your mind when it comes to getting your particular level of desired accuracy. Somewhere alomg the way, you will test many brands over assorted ranges and then decide for yourself what combo will produce your particular desired result. In a related post about 22 accuracy you can find my posts about the Browning BL-22 and how it failed to impress me. For a particular purpose I had in mind, a low cost Henry did give me what I was looking for and the high cost Browning did not.
Ruger 77/22
Mine is a MOA gun @ 100 yards, with good quality HV ammo. Some suggest it may do even better with subsonic ammo. Nice looking gun too. I got mine used for $450. I like that the magazine is flush with the stock, not protruding down like a box magazine and telling me where I can or can't rest it.
Mine is a MOA gun @ 100 yards, with good quality HV ammo. Some suggest it may do even better with subsonic ammo. Nice looking gun too. I got mine used for $450. I like that the magazine is flush with the stock, not protruding down like a box magazine and telling me where I can or can't rest it.
A few months ago I went all out and bought the most accurate rimfire rifle at a price that I felt was reasonable: a Remington 40X. Unfortuantely, they are a stretch beyond your price limit.
Are you planning on using iron sights, or optics? If optics, are you factoring that into your price?
For an iron-sights gun, seriously look into the Kimber rifles sold by the CMP.
Are you planning on using iron sights, or optics? If optics, are you factoring that into your price?
For an iron-sights gun, seriously look into the Kimber rifles sold by the CMP.
The CZ452 will do what you ask, with decent or better optics. As others have noted, ammo selection is paramount. Plan on spending some cash and time finding what your rifle likes best. I can almost assure you it won't be anything you pick up at Walmart. Think RWS, SK, Wolf or the like.
You will have a tough time finding a factory rifle under $1,000 that will shoot 1/4-3/8" groups at 50 yards without considerable tweaking and after-market parts, including trigger and barrel. Ammo is a huge factor; testing of many brands/costs is essential to achieve that level of accuracy, as are good rests/bags, scope, and practice!
The Savage MKII deluxe model seems to shoot well for the money. A new benchrest shooter at our club uses one in Benchrest Plinker competition and has two others. I'd probably bed the rifle before shooting it, so can't say how it shot from the factory.
Anschutz 64 rifles are also quite accurate, though not top benchrest shooters and may not shoot 1/4" groups at 50 yards without improved bedding.
Good luck in your quest.
Picher
The Savage MKII deluxe model seems to shoot well for the money. A new benchrest shooter at our club uses one in Benchrest Plinker competition and has two others. I'd probably bed the rifle before shooting it, so can't say how it shot from the factory.
Anschutz 64 rifles are also quite accurate, though not top benchrest shooters and may not shoot 1/4" groups at 50 yards without improved bedding.
Good luck in your quest.
Picher
I've wanted to get one of these ever since I read this review:
http://www.cruffler.com/review-June-01.html
If I could figure out a way to scope one, it would be a beast of a long range squirrel rifle.
And the seller still has some. $499 including shipping. Just try to buy that kind of quality today for three times that money.
http://users.erols.com/apple1co/bsa.html
And they are C&R so it would ship straight to my house with no transfer.
Gregg
http://www.cruffler.com/review-June-01.html
If I could figure out a way to scope one, it would be a beast of a long range squirrel rifle.
And the seller still has some. $499 including shipping. Just try to buy that kind of quality today for three times that money.
http://users.erols.com/apple1co/bsa.html
And they are C&R so it would ship straight to my house with no transfer.
Gregg
