Accuracy of bolt vs. semi-autos

flatfishhunter

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Minuteman
Oct 17, 2013
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Pacific NW
I am looking to get an accurate .22lr that I can use predominately for bench rest shooting 50 to 100 yds. After reading various threads on this forum, I was leaning toward a CZ455 Varmint (with the idea of possibly putting a Lilja barrel on it later). I have also been tempted to get a Volquartsen. I've never seen them spoken of much when accuracy reports are given. Have any of you done any comparison tests between a good bolt action and the Volquartsens?
 
If pure accuracy is your goal then a bolt action is the only choice. You can get some very accurate semi's like the Volquartsens and Kidd builds but as a whole they will not hang with a quality bolt gun price for price.
 
My Volquartsen Fusion is remarkably accurate for a semi but I could not keep up with my friend's Lilja barreled Sako...as he repeatedly reminds me. I shot both side by side BTW. He was bragging about his rifle, not his shooting ability. =)
 
You said your rifle will be primarily for benchrest. If so, remember the rifle is a small part of the expense. Ammo, optic sight and travel are the big parts. I suggest you purchase an Anschutz and be done with it. You will be dollars ahead, even in the not so long run. And if you decide to sell, even more ahead. Enjoy yourself.
 
Thank you all for your input. Looks like I it will be better to get two instead of just one. That brings up a few questions.

1. Graham, you said "It's cheaper to build an accurate semi than a bolt gun." What are the main components you would suggest for the semi build? When I'm done w/ it, it still won't be a accurate as a good bolt, correct?

2. Gunny- you said "You said your rifle will be primarily for benchrest. If so, remember the rifle is a small part of the expense. Ammo, optic sight and travel are the big parts. I suggest you purchase an Anschutz and be done with it." I certainly agree w/ the high cost of the other items. I'm learning that right now, as I'm building my first 6mmNormaBR. Just got a scope, and am now pricing reloading equipment and supplies. I looked at a friends Farley rest and can see another big price item that I don't want to get wrong. If I go with the Anchutz, would a Anschutz 64 MP R 22LR with a 25" barrel be a good choice, or would a Anschutz 64S BR 22LR with a 20" barrel be better?

3. John- your comment "My Volquartsen Fusion is remarkably accurate for a semi but I could not keep up with my friend's Lilja barreled Sako...as he repeatedly reminds me. I shot both side by side BTW" - is very interesting. The Sako Quad w/ a Lilja has had some really good reviews. What length barrel did it have/ would you recommend?

Thanks again for the help.
 
My 10/22 is seriously modified, and although RFBR is not my cup of tea, I did enter it in a club IR50/50 match and it did take first. By the time the rifle was done with its mods, its cost was over $850, and that was more than ten years ago. So the semi's can tread water in that creek. The original supplier no longer markets the stock and target barrel, but I suspect the barrel originated with L-W, and the stock is a dark green laminate with a high cheek rest that reminds me of a Chevy truck challenge stock. The stock/barrel fit is very snug for the length of the channel.

Greg
 
I have a very accurate Kidd barreled 10/22. That being said I find it to be more difficult to shoot than any of my Anschutz bolt rifles. Our match is shot prone with two piece rests or bipods. Steel targets from 50 yds out to 200 yds. It all depends on how serious you want to be. You can get a decent used 54 Anschutz that will shoot circles around a CZ. You will also get a 100% better trigger with the Anschutz. I have a '71 vintage 54 that is just as accurate as my 1808/Shilen and 2007/Lilja. The 1808 and 2007 are easier to shoot prone as the have very adjustable stocks.
Or you can step up to the plate and get a serious BR rifle - Stiller, 10X or Turbo and add a Muller or Shilen Ratchet barrel. All depends on how deep your pockets are. BTW you can get a pretty serious BR rifle built for about $1,800. Yes, it can be done. Have run the numbers several times.