Rimfire actions - - -

[rookie7]

Morning,

Is there a 22 action besides the Vudoo that doesn’t feel cheap?

Not trying to sound rude, but just being plain about it.

I have had the pleasure of trying a Vudoo, and it was awesome. I haven’t convinced myself to spend that much $ on a rimfire, yet.

I currently have a Ruger American predator rimfire that is pretty accurate, but the action just feels cheap.

I have shot a Ruger precision rimfire - same action and I don’t like the polymer chassis.

A few years ago I did own a CZ 452 in 17 hmr, but it was a safe queen I rarely shot so I can’t compare it to my current Ruger.

Just trying to confirm the two second tier players are CZ and Tikka - and do their actions feel noticeably better than the rest.

BTW, not a Savage fan.

Thanks

 

[JG26_Irish]

Win 52
Rem 40X
Rem 37
Sako Quad
Sako Finnfire
Anschutz 54

What he said, but some of those on the list above are no longer in production so you would have to acquire a used example. I might add:
Anschutz 64
Vostok CM-2
Cooper
Kimber

On the subject of buying used 22's. They are hard to wear out. Possible but not easy. Most of the top quality units will last a few lifetimes with proper care and storage. As an example, I bought a used Winchester mod 52 in 2013. It is now 87 years old. The stock is worn, the bbl was shortened and it is not that pretty. Still the chamber is tight and the bore is bright and equipped with a 60y old scope It just won both sporter matches at my local club last week shooting a 249 out of 250 with 16x at 50y. The action lockup is as tight as a bank vault. It has been used a lot and is well worn but is still in match winning form. I paid a bit more than a new CZ would have cost but got a far better rifle that is unique and has also stood the test of time. The Vostok is no longer imported but clean ones are available for about $300-400. They look like crudely formed industrial tools. No fine bluing and not pretty wood, but they are built as heavy as a Anschutz 54 and shoot nearly as well. Single shot only though. You can also use them as a club if necessary, lol. The Cooper is a semi-custom quality piece and shoots very well. The price is not that different from the Vudoo. You get what you pay for.

It depends on what you are wanting to do. If a cool tactical looking 22 is your goal, the old traditional rifles like the Winchester are not a great fit since nobody makes chassis or cool parts for them. But if all you want is a quality firearm with good accuracy, then you could do worse. Another option is the variety of Rem 40x copies which are popular with the precision benchrest shooters. Hall, Turbo, Stiller are all similar to the 40x with certain improvements and when fitted with a match grad bbl can be amazing. But they will not be cheaper than a comparable Vudoo. They do fit into the same Remington chassis though and the Remington 700 triggers work with them too. For a tactical repeater rifle with match grade accuracy, Vudoo has their act together. You could do much worse.

 

[MarkCZ]

Morning,

Is there a 22 action besides the Vudoo that doesn’t feel cheap?

Not trying to sound rude, but just being plain about it.

I have had the pleasure of trying a Vudoo, and it was awesome. I haven’t convinced myself to spend that much $ on a rimfire, yet.

I currently have a Ruger American predator rimfire that is pretty accurate, but the action just feels cheap.

I have shot a Ruger precision rimfire - same action and I don’t like the polymer chassis.

A few years ago I did own a CZ 452 in 17 hmr, but it was a safe queen I rarely shot so I can’t compare it to my current Ruger.

Just trying to confirm the two second tier players are CZ and Tikka - and do their actions feel noticeably better than the rest.

BTW, not a Savage fan.

Thanks

Rookie,
You have to remember the Vudoo is a custom made action. The only action that are as smooth the Vudoo are other custom actions. I have a Bat and Stiller Diamondback custom action centerfires. Once you have a custom action you can't go back. I have a Tikka T!X, 2 CZ 455 Varmints. The T1x is the smoothest of the 3. The gun listed above are at the top of the class in Rimfire's, But the custom actions are in a class of their own. There other custom rimfire actions made, but they are in the Vudoo price range.

Mark

 

[Rover31]

Lithgow LA101, Izhmash variants, neither are a Vudoo or an Annie but to me better than the rest

 

[skinnj1]

@rookie7 first question is do you need a repeater? The options are from much larger pool as far as a quality choices of a singleshot meets your needs. Anschutz Match 54's can sometimes be found under a grand if you look, suhl150's, and used walthers can be viable options, Rem40x's are coming down in price since the introduction of Vudoo's but still are not cheap for compared to what you can get in a used euro target rifle. Restocked / modified stock H&R 12's (win 52 clone) are decent shooters for well under a grand for a non collector grade specimen as are ex CMP kimber 82's and various used anschutz 64 single shot target models.

If you need a repeater other posters above mentioned a lot of good options to which I would add Winchester 75's and Rem 513 and 540's to the list.

I have several high end 22 target rifles (all single shot) and when the nrl22 bug struck I built a Tikka T1X into what I want. I love the "feel" of the action. The trigger isn't a 5018 anschutz but it was still able to be adjusted to where I can live with it, but the doner rifle didn't cost much more than a 5018 trigger.

If going new but not "all in on a vudoo" I would look at CZ or Tikka but there are a lot of old 22 rifles that could get the job done (hopefully already molested buy someone else with a drill bit and tap). Biggest thing on used "old" target rifles is having a plan on how your going to scope it and ability to get 10 round mags (you will be sorely disappointed to find out the price of a 5 round Rem37 mag, plan on welding and machining a win 52/69/75 10 round mag if you go that route).

 

[rookie7]

@skinnj1 i do need a repeater. The rifle will be for trigger time and enjoyment in my backyard and for NRL22 type matches close to me.

Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing anything, and I understood what is available.

1. Spend the money on a Vudoo

Or

2. Go with a CZ 457 or Tikka T1X

If I go with door #2 understanding and accepting the compromise and difference.

 

[skinnj1]

@rookie7

A vudoo is a great choice but there a lot of other rifles up to the task of shooting a good score in a positional 22 match. A Vudoo offers the ability to exactly match a 700/clone centerfire match rifle or tap into the myriad of 700 stocks and triggers.

I have zero regrets about building a Tikka T1x and they are arugeably a better choice to build a trainer for someone who runs a tikka centerfire match rifle. When I built my son's nrl 22rifle I built it off a brno clone action as it is what I had laying around underutilized.

A old win52/win 75/rem 540x/ etc. are capable of being very competitive (good trigger, decent full size stocks, good accuracy). If you go the old target rifle route make sure you can work out mags and scope mounts...last NRL22 match I was at someone showed up with a rem513 and Iron Sights, he wasn't last but a scope would have put him way higher in the pack probably.

 

[Tiger_Shilone]

@skinnj1 i do need a repeater. The rifle will be for trigger time and enjoyment in my backyard and for NRL22 type matches close to me...

Now we have a purpose, 22LR rifle with a non Vudoo budget. The plus side of not getting the Vudoo is it will be lighter in weight and the pocketbook. That said, I grab mine out of the safe the most of my .22's.

NEW: Tikka TX1 followed by CZ455 or CZ457 variant for bolt actions, if semi-auto then the new TC R10/22, or a KIDD if you have $1k.
USED: bolt action, a Don Smith CZ455 (pop up in classified PX occasionally,) or similar CZ455, semi: KIDD built 10/22, not a frankenruger with KIDD parts.

I've gotten to shoot and handle the new Tx1 a few times now, it is on top of the list to acquire one of my own. I Like my CZ455 tacticool a lot, still think the Tx1 is a better rifle.

I am impressed with how much better quality and features are on the new Thomson Center 10/22 compared to Ruger, it is a great deal better than Ruger but still not as good as my KIDD. KIDD triggers are phenomenal.

I'd stay away from Anschutz, great rifles but their magazine design sucks ass for quick changes and they are incredibly expensive for cheap stamped sheet metal mag that fits ok at best, poorly more often than their price range justifies. They are more for silhouette, squirrel shooting and bench games, but I would love to have a fortner action as a bucket list item. Seriously, Anschutz needs to get their magazines updated, whoever makes a reliable CZ similar plastic replacement mag for Anschutz will make a lot of $$$.

 

[billmeek]

I am impressed with how much better quality and features are on the new Thomson Center 10/22 compared to Ruger, it is a great deal better than Ruger but still not as good as my KIDD. KIDD triggers are phenomenal.

While the T/CR22 is a better than a stock Ruger 10/22, there are still a few things lacking. The first is the barrel. If you want accuracy, then it needs to be replaced. A Feddersen bull barrel made a world of difference on mine. Although the stock is based on the Magpul X-22, there are some slight differences. One of them is that the channel insert cannot be flipped to utilize a bull barrel and retain the Mlok in the bottom of the handguard which is how I had the bipod mounted. The trigger in the T/CR seriously needs work. A Kidd 2-stange trigger is the best option, but then you lose one of the neat features of the T/CR22: the last round hold-open. You can Brimstone the stock T/CR22 trigger instead.

I quickly got into the vicious cycle of 10/22 upgrades with the T/CR22. "For only this much more..." or "Well, I have X amount in the rifle now. Might as well buy this too..."

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/first-10-22-build.6928705/

And I'm still not done. I'm rapidly approaching the point to where I could have just bought a VuDoo.

For all my griping and grumbling, I've actually enjoyed the whole build experience. But if you just want to shoot a stock rifle, set yourself a reasonable budget of what you can spend, and then go buy a Kidd Supergrade (if you want a semi-auto), Savage Mark II/B22 FVSR on the low end, mid-range price would be Tikka TX1, or just bite the bullet and get a VuDoo. Yeah, I remember you don't like the Savage rifles. I only mention them here for anyone else that might be looking at this thread for starting advice.

 

[JG26_Irish]

Lithgow LA101, Izhmash variants, neither are a Vudoo or an Annie but to me better than the rest

Both these are viable options. I got to see and handle a Lithgow the other day and it performed better than a CZ and slightly less than a Anschutz 54 repeater in the hands of the same shooter. Price range is between the two also. Quality was superior to the CZ. I bought a NIB Izhmash Biathlon Target a few years ago. It is cool. Interesting toggle action. Accuracy that is about the same or slightly less than the CZ 452 I have. 10rd mags were available. Used examples can be had. Hammer forged bbl etc. The stock is cheap looking. I was going to fork over the green to put it into a biathlon stock but the tgt model has the trigger in a different location than the true biathlon model. Meaning the off the shelf stocks are not going to fit.

 

[Lynn Jr]

Stiller 2500, Di Orio Turbo Baity Falcon Ten-X are all great 22lr actions you can buy.

 

[skinnj1]

Stiller 2500, Di Orio Turbo Baity Falcon Ten-X are all great 22lr actions you can buy.

You forgot Hall.Unfortunately all of these with the exception of the stiller are singleshot and are worthless for the OP's stated purpose, nrl22 . I would question why anyone would go stiller2500 repeater over a vudoo, it wont be cheaper at the end of the build and the mag is not as robust.

I get that you come from a BR background, I dont get why you list these as suitable choices for nrl22.

 

[Lynn Jr]

You forgot Hall.Unfortunately all of these with the exception of the stiller are singleshot and are worthless for the OP's stated purpose, nrl22 . I would question why anyone would go stiller2500 repeater over a vudoo, it wont be cheaper at the end of the build and the mag is not as robust.

I get that you come from a BR background, I dont get why you list these as suitable choices for nrl22.

I don't see nrl22 in the original posters post.
What I did see was he wanted a robust 22 action and the actions I listed are all robust.
They also dominate the Rimfire accuracy world and you can get repeaters if needed.
A Benchrest background means nothing as anybody can do it even yourself. You go to a match pay the fee and shoot.
I have zero NADA zilch experience with Vudoo and until visiting this forum I have never even heard of them so I can't recommend.
If they are the current nrl22 action of choice state it but the original posters post said robust to my eyes.
I try and avoid reading any posts accept the original post as some of the responses seem a touch off.

 

[Lynn Jr]

Yeah I read that after and it wasn't in his original post like I posted above. You can still get the Baity Falcon and Stiller 2500 in a repeater. So the recommendation is still valid.
He can also give Dan Killough a call at Killough Shooters as he has most of them on hand and get a recommendation.

The picture is of a Falcon Repeater. The Stiller is also a repeater and fits most 700 inlets and chassis.

 

[Lynn Jr]

Just a heads up the legendary Turbo action made now by Anthony Diorio is coming out as a repeater. I don't have any specific dates as of yet.

We are working on a Turbo in a Remington short footprint with a magazine that is designed for this discipline. The only thing I would have that would be immediately available would be one of our standard receivers with a 5 shot standard .22LR magazine, I've made these in the past. You can give me a call to discuss if you'd like, my number is listed below.

Best Regards, Anthony DiOrio

DiOrio Mfg. Co.
32 Silver Lake Road
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
(540) 438-1870 Phone
(540) 438-0766 Fax
(540) 435-7967 Cell
[email protected] Email

 

[Tiger_Shilone]

I don't see nrl22 in the original posters post.
What I did see was he wanted a robust 22 action and the actions I listed are all robust.
...
I try and avoid reading any posts accept the original post as some of the responses seem a touch off.

That is why I didn't reply until later in the thread when the OP finally stated a purpose for the rifle.

From what I've read, Seems like the OP would like to be on a smaller budget than a Vudoo (approx $2200-2600) but still retain a decent level of craftsmanship which basically leaves Tikka, CZ and KIDD in the equation.

All of the actions you stated are in Vudoo territory price wise once completed and most are single shot with a couple exceptions. I've seen most of them at benchrest matches, but haven't seen them at any other type of match. NRL22 type matches involve barricade props, I've seen a newbie with a beautiful grained Anschutz MPR throw a fit over having to use the barricade as it would scratch the finish on his stock.

I was going to go with a Stiller 2500x a couple years ago, but I found out they use savage mags which made that a non-starter. I have enough issues with my Anschutz mags and I've seen way too many ppl have problems with savage mags in matches, the biggest problem being the feed lips lose tension and open up, dumping ammo all over. It's heartbreaking to watch somebody drop over half the targets in a stage because of equipment failure.

 

[Lynn Jr]

All of the actions I suggested except the 10-X are over $1000 and are indeed available as repeaters.
I am on the west coast and nrl22 isn't as popular here yet. We shoot 50,100 and 200 yards out here.
Most of these actions have a 1.350 footprint the same as a 700 Remington and should fit any stock or chassis combination exception being non straight magazines that would need relieving.
This thread got me to visit the Vudoo action online and I wouldn't hesitate to give one a try.
Very clever to locate the action bolts for a universal fit and frankly quite good thinking.
On the magazine's I use custom made stainless steel mags for my 541 as the cheap nylon magazine it comes with isn't up to par.
Maybe someone can clone the Savage magazine if it's an Achilles heel?

 

[skinnj1]

@DFOOSKING
Don't worry some people are never wrong, even when they are not right.........Nothing like recomending $975-1200 actions when a person is balking about the price of a vudoo. I LOL when Lynn syated he dismissed ever post but the first, says all I need to know right there.

Before anyone thinks a Baity repeater is the answer, I would pick up the phone and talk to Baity... Don't misconstrue this as a slight to them as there singleshot actions is well regarded. They have made repeaters in the past with magazines kinda attached to meet the rules of some games that require a magazine but do not currently make a detachable mag repeater currently, per a phone call today.

 

[Diver160651]

All of the actions I suggested except the 10-X are over $1000 and are indeed available as repeaters.
I am on the west coast and nrl22 isn't as popular here yet. We shoot 50,100 and 200 yards out here.
Most of these actions have a 1.350 footprint the same as a 700 Remington and should fit any stock or chassis combination exception being non straight magazines that would need relieving.
This thread got me to visit the Vudoo action online and I wouldn't hesitate to give one a try.
Very clever to locate the action bolts for a universal fit and frankly quite good thinking.
On the magazine's I use custom made stainless steel mags for my 541 as the cheap nylon magazine it comes with isn't up to par.
Maybe someone can clone the Savage magazine if it's an Achilles heel?

Lynn our next NRL22 match is on this site under local matches on the 23rd near Harris Ranch. There are a couple in Southern CA, a couple around Harris range (ours is one) just south of Redding and at CalNev. Instead of traditional barricades the COF uses household stuff, Ladders, Cinder blocks, buckets, tires, etc. and then much like PRS/NRL has you move between targets and positions at each stage.

You've hit the nail on the head. The benefit of the V22 is two fold. I uses the same stocks and triggers as any 700, but more importantly has a similar sized mag. Truth be told in NRL22 every COF I've shot has not exceeded 10 rounds and the tim is generous at 120 seconds. So mag changes are not a big deal "yet". The ability though to practice rapid mag changes is still a key component because these are mostly uses are trainers to the larger centerfire matches. See the mag in my V22 image below

I could not affords a second one and instead bought a RPR-R for my son.. That didn't last long because the mags and bolts were an issue.

The end of the day the Vudoo is more about duplicating ergonomics and once again, we are shooting plates and some paper but not even close to BR conditions.

 

[4darkseid]

CZ 452 is the best .22 rifle for the money anywhere. If you cannot afford that, then go for a Savage MK II bolt action. Hard to beat those as well.

 

[Lynn Jr]

@DFOOSKING
Don't worry some people are never wrong, even when they are not right.........Nothing like recomending $975-1200 actions when a person is balking about the price of a vudoo. I LOL when Lynn syated he dismissed ever post but the first, says all I need to know right there.

Before anyone thinks a Baity repeater is the answer, I would pick up the phone and talk to Baity... Don't misconstrue this as a slight to them as there singleshot actions is well regarded. They have made repeaters in the past with magazines kinda attached to meet the rules of some games that require a magazine but do not currently make a detachable mag repeater currently, per a phone call today.
View attachment 7034287

Yeah the Baity actions are really really horrible actions and that is exactly why I don't read posts from the peanut gallery. And yes you can get a Baity repeater. A Stiller Repeater and a Turbo repeater.
The repeater you have mistaken as a non-repeater is used in the Sporter class which requires a magazine per the rules but isn't used. They make a short dummy magazine no pun intended to comply with that rule.
You ever heard of Bill Calfee? Look inside the cover of his book.

 

[Lynn Jr]

Diver
Harris Ranch is too far but the one near Redding has possibilities. I own several high-end Calfee 22's plus some fun guns in 22.
Even have a AMT Team Challenge gun sitting around here next to a 52D.
Don't worry I won't post any pictures to offend these guys.
I have never seen a Vudoo in person but it looks like a magazine in a magazine? Is that how it works?

 

[Diver160651]

Diver
Harris Ranch is too far but the one near Redding has possibilities. I own several high-end Calfee 22's plus some fun guns in 22.
Even have a AMT Team Challenge gun sitting around here next to a 52D.
Don't worry I won't post any pictures to offend these guys.
I have never seen a Vudoo in person but it looks like a magazine in a magazine? Is that how it works?

There are some other guys from your area that shoot the one near Redding, They are kinda lock step with some of the guys from Folsom -

The mag: Ya, I am sure that's how the idea started.

Left is a standard AICS mag carrier with a Vudoo mag inserted, the V22 10rnd mag, 5rnd and 10 rnd AW.

Below is the top of the V22 mag. They seem to work a as well or better than my CZ and way better than MKII did

 

[Lynn Jr]

That is some very clever thinking.
I sent you a PM and some pictures.

 

[Diver160651]

I've seen a lot of guys going from bolt actions to Kidds and the like.. to take advantage of the super light platform and semi-auto to make the offhand/unsupported stuff easier as well as beat the clock

Of course you have two camps. 1 make it as easy as possible with a super light and fast semi-auto to squeak out a couple of extra points and camp 2, make it as realistic to your centerfire as possible.

 

[Lynn Jr]

This is the home page from Baity Custom Rifles.
I don't know why I waste my time here.

 

[skinnj1]

This is the home page from Baity Custom Rifles.
I don't know why I waste my time here.

@Lynn Jr - neither do I.

I called Baity today. While I may have misunderstood his accent (almost as thick as Mr. Lynwood Harrell) and he stated the action I posted is what they are currently making , I asked If I could get a repeater with a magazine, suitable for nrl22 and the answer wasn't yes...when I asked what magazine the repeater your are referring to in Calfee's book used, his answer trailed off and he definitely didn't give the impression that one could get one any time soon from them...

 

[rookie7]

I appreciate all the responses.

I never said I didn’t have the money for a Vudoo. I do, but to drop at a minimum $2K on a rimfire I want to be dang sure. I already have a Calvin elite in the tool box.

I wanted to know if the CZ and Tikka felt better than the run of the mill bolt action 22s.

I do not want a semi auto.

I’m doing my research because I don’t want to be in the camp that turns around after buying a $400 CZ or Tikka and go “I could have just bought a Vudoo with all the $ I’ve invested.”

Just making sure I’m not missing anything, and for what I want this rifle for anything north of $1200 - it’s a no brainer - Vudoo.

 

[Lynn Jr]

@Lynn Jr - neither do I.

I called Baity today. While I may have misunderstood his accent (almost as thick as Mr. Lynwood Harrell) and he stated the action I posted is what they are currently making , I asked If I could get a repeater with a magazine, suitable for nrl22 and the answer wasn't yes...when I asked what magazine the repeater your are referring to in Calfee's book used, his answer trailed off and he definitely didn't give the impression that one could get one any time soon from them...

Tell Leonard or Jonathan that the waterboy says hello.
It sounds like a miscommunication to me the repeater has been on the market since 2012.
I only mentioned Calfee because this is what's in his book and yes that is me.
Best Rimfire gunsmith on planet earth.

OP
The actions I mentioned run $1000-$1350 a Shilen barrel another $325 and the second best Rimfire gunsmith on the planet in my opinion is Richard Gohrman and he gets around $350 for installation.
You end up with a gun that is world class for accuracy.
You can't get Calfee to put on a barrel unless you already own one of his gun because he is now retired.
Again I don't shoot nrl22 yet but after a conversation with Diver I plan on checking it out.
The most famous custom 22 Rimfire action was the Turbo made by Flash Ebert who is no longer with us. Anthony Diorio bought the rights to make them several years ago and they make a repeater.
His email states above there newest version will be suitable for NRL22 despite what others have said here.

 

[rookie7]

CZ 452 is the best .22 rifle for the money anywhere. If you cannot afford that, then go for a Savage MK II bolt action. Hard to beat those as well.

I had a 452 varmint in 17 hmr a few years back. Never shot it hat much which = why I sold it.

You state 452, but not 455 and not 457. Why only the 452? thanks

 

[bmicek]

You certainly won’t be at a disadvantage using a Tikka or CZ or similar in comparison to a Vudoo. Could always pick up a T1x and run it for a season before spending the coin on a Vudoo. I went from a CZ 455 to a Vudoo and in my mind, it’s the equivalent of going from a plain jane pickup to a luxurious SUV. Both get the job done, one offers the features that is a luxury.

I love my Vudoo and would never consider going back to a CZ for a match rifle, but right off the bat my scores aren’t any different. Definitely not a bad idea to try something cheaper to see if you like it first before dropping the money.

 

[4darkseid]

Winchester model 52......made for nearly 70 years. Has a legendary reputation and following. Different variations, pre-A, Speedlocks, A's, B's, C's, D's, and E's. Herbert Houze's book titled, "Winchester Model 52, Perfection in Design" pretty well sums it up.

 

[Erno86]

My best squirrel rifle... is my Yonkers Kimber Classic bolt rifle. Though they don't produce them any more and are low on parts.

I would love to get my hands on a Cooper semi-heavy barrel bolt rifle.

For my target work:

My peep sighted Anschutz Model 54-1407 heavy barrel single shot with a palm rest, three single shot falling block BSA Martini 12/15's with bull barrels and Parker Hale peep sights, and my falling block BSA Martini Mark II International with a Vortex Viper PST 5-25x scope.

Though the Martini's do not have a mechanical safety.

 

[Tiger_Shilone]

I appreciate all the responses.

I never said I didn’t have the money for a Vudoo. I do, but to drop at a minimum $2K on a rimfire I want to be dang sure. I already have a Calvin elite in the tool box.

Buy once, cry once. Once I got my Vudoo in a MPA chassis I haven't regretted it since. I did not care for the Grayboe stock it originally came with, I'm not a fan of the A5 pattern. If I could go back in time and had my choice of just 2 rimfires I'd get the Vudoo for bolt action and the KIDD for semiauto. They beat out all the CZ's, Ruger's, Savage, Marlin, Martini, TC's and Anschutz's I've owned IMO.

my falling block BSA Martini Mark II International with a Vortex Viper PST 5-25x scope.

I love Martini Internationals, just something cool about them. Bought a MKII last year, got burned on the sale, need to rebarrel it as the bore looks like lava has been poured down it from all the corrosion. Unfortunately it also weighs in close to 17lbs with scope so it would be a chore for a NRL22 match like the OP wants to do.

 

[rookie7]

I need to retract an original assessment and eat my words.

This morning I had the opportunity to shoot a Ruger Precision rimfire 22 next to my Ruger American predator 22 and there was a significant difference in quality of feel.

The RPRR action felt smooth and solid. Lock up was tight. With today’s low prices on the RPRR it is a very tempting option.

This one was stock from factory and shot CCI SV very well.

 

[AirGunShawn]

Buy once, cry once. Once I got my Vudoo in a MPA chassis I haven't regretted it since. I did not care for the Grayboe stock it originally came with, I'm not a fan of the A5 pattern. If I could go back in time and had my choice of just 2 rimfires I'd get the Vudoo for bolt action and the KIDD for semiauto. They beat out all the CZ's, Ruger's, Savage, Marlin, Martini, TC's and Anschutz's I've owned IMO.



I love Martini Internationals, just something cool about them. Bought a MKII last year, got burned on the sale, need to rebarrel it as the bore looks like lava has been poured down it from all the corrosion. Unfortunately it also weighs in close to 17lbs with scope so it would be a chore for a NRL22 match like the OP wants to do.

Anybody know where I might find old style scope mounts for a MK III Martini International ?

 

[JG26_Irish]

To the OP, one observation I have made is that for NRL22 matches, several things besides pure accuracy are important. A great FFP scope that is repeatable and had a good recticle that you can use and understand for rapid hold over. 18x to 24x max and 3-4x min on the optic. Laser range finder. This is a must. You will be dialing up and down with your scope on every stage. You will rarely use more than 8-10x magnification most of the time because speed of next tgt acquisition is more important than ultimate accuracy. You need flexibility and practical accuracy good enough to ding the 6" plate at 300y. 1-MOA repeatable accuracy will do that all day and even the lowly Savage can do that with good ammo. Some stated that the Sav may have magazine issues. True. But, the CZ455 has a nasty habit of allowing the bolt to come all the way out of the receiver if the trigger is adjusted too light. There are good gunsmiths who know how to fix this. The Winchester mod 52 is a great rifle but it is OLD and nothing is available to help in the way of stocks, triggers, etc. Whatever you choose should have readily available 10 rd mags available that work all the way down to the last round. You will need a few. That eliminates all single shots and most repeaters. Last match I shot, my squad was all equipped with a variety of: CZ455, Sav Mkii, various forms of 10/22. Nothing else. No Annies, no Sako's, no Lithgow's. 90% of that squad deployed FFP optics each valued at $1500-$2500. Night Force, Vortex, Schmidt & Bender, Kahles, etc. It was telling that everyone was using $400 rifles with $2000 scopes. There is a lesson in there somewhere. About half used silencers. Totally unnecessary and may or may not impact accuracy.

The Vudoo was brand new then. I expect that many of the serious shooters are transitioning to it now simply because it has many stock options, great triggers, and comes with a match grade bbl. All I wanted to offer is that if your budget is only $2k you could spend $400 on a CZ, with a few mods and get a great scope. You would be better off buying a killer optic and a CZ or Savage. If you find out that you like NRL22, you can always mount that optic on the Vudoo later. All BS aside, I am seriously looking at the Vudoo for myself since it offers a lot of features that I value and can be set up to match my Rem 700 centerfire rig. Do I need it to compete, no. Will it help? Probably, but NRL22 performance still depends more on the shooter than the rifle.

 

[Shortstack]

Lithgow LA101, Izhmash variants, neither are a Vudoo or an Annie but to me better than the rest

Have to agree there, as an Aussie the Lithgow is an awesomely smooth and tight action and a sweet shooter(see 22plinkster review on YouTube). Lithgow has been making rifles for the Australian military for over 100 years, and many of the designers are ex military target shooters so their experience shows in their product. (Patriotism out)

 

[AirGunShawn]

Morning,

Is there a 22 action besides the Vudoo that doesn’t feel cheap?

Not trying to sound rude, but just being plain about it.

I have had the pleasure of trying a Vudoo, and it was awesome. I haven’t convinced myself to spend that much $ on a rimfire, yet.

I currently have a Ruger American predator rimfire that is pretty accurate, but the action just feels cheap.

I have shot a Ruger precision rimfire - same action and I don’t like the polymer chassis.

A few years ago I did own a CZ 452 in 17 hmr, but it was a safe queen I rarely shot so I can’t compare it to my current Ruger.

Hello Rookie..... I have a CZ 457 MTR ( 700.00 ) that is very nice and shoots very well. It's only real downside is the round bolt knob that it comes with. If you get an AREA 419 knob you will be happy. I had my doubts looking at the photos but it functions great ! A Yo Bob spring kit in the 457 will allow you to get the factory trigger down to 9 oz. or less. It feels more like 6 oz. The CZ is my second favorite .22 lr.

I have two Annies that I wish I had not bought at 1650.00 and 1150.00. They have the 5098 triggers and are factory set at 6.25 oz. Their problems are the expensive magazines, smooth butt plate that slips on your shoulder and round bolt knobs. The action is also not smooth at all. Mine are the 1416 carbines. They are accurate enough and they are very very lite. Somewhere in these threads, someone said that the mag release on the Annie " Sucks Ass " ...... He was not over stating the problem.

I have a Ruger RPRR and a Ruger American. The RPRR is actually very accurate and operates smoothly.
It's magazine is very snug in the mag well.
The American is a POS. The magazines are very loose and the accuracy is very poor because of that.
I adjusted and lapped both of my Ruger triggers to 1 pound, 1 oz. They are lapped to a mirror finish shown in photo 9.

I had a Savage MK 2 for about a week and sold it. It was accurate enough but that was its only redeeming quality. Even after I put in a 100.00 aftermarket trigger I let it go for 200.00

There is really nothing that I don't like about my V22 in the MDT chassis. She has a Trigger Tech trigger set at 6 oz. and a 5-50x56 Trijicon scope and a real Atlas Bi-pod. I also bought 20 logo mags for her and she is now bristling with weights. In total she is a hair over 18 ponds.

If I could do it again, I would only buy the CZ 457 MTR and the V22. I also have six scopes that I would not buy again.




Just trying to confirm the two second tier players are CZ and Tikka - and do their actions feel noticeably better than the rest.

BTW, not a Savage fan.

Thanks

 

[Crabcore]

One option I have not seen mention: Area419 sells the CZ457 with an MPA chassis and Bartlein barrel. It looks like what a lot of guys build them into eventually, but it is already tricked out when you buy it. They are not cheap, But less than a fully built Vudoo. And it saves you from having to fiddle around with building at sourcing it over time.

Area 419 CZ457 MPA Elite

 

[bdsss]

That

One option I have not seen mention: Area419 sells the CZ457 with an MPA chassis and Bartlein barrel. It looks like what a lot of guys build them into eventually, but it is already tricked out when you buy it. They are not cheap, But less than a fully built Vudoo. And it saves you from having to fiddle around with building at sourcing it over time.

Area 419 CZ457 MPA Elite
[/QUOThat is a nice rifle. Thinking of getting into prs shooting. Thanks

 

[jmw]

CZ’s don’t feel like a custom action by any stretch, but they shoot damn good

 

[Diablo]

Interesting..........no Anschutz 54:18 MSR mentioned (or the Anschutz 1712) so I guess the silhouette shooters have been doing it all wrong for several years.

 

[Tiger_Shilone]

Interesting..........no Anschutz 54:18 MSR mentioned (or the Anschutz 1712) so I guess the silhouette shooters have been doing it all wrong for several years.

I'll stick by my statements made back in post #10, the OP wants a NRL22 rifle and there are what I consider better choices than the anschutzs mentioned. I use a 1712 AV SS for silhouette and it's a great rifle for that, but I'd never use it for any type of tac match. Current price of a 54 MSR opens up a lot of other great options

 

[Diablo]

I have a new 54:18 MSR action, been thinking about listing...........but I have another Benchmark two-groove blank.........

OK, so I went back and read your post again, and see where you did not like the Anschutz magazines, so, have you had the same difficulty with the biathalon style mags? If the 54 action is too pricey, no doubt the Fortner is too. Have wondered how well one of the current biathlon 1827's would run in a "tactical" match?

 

[Rover31]

So I can tell you from experience that both the Annie Fortney and the Izhmash biathlon rifles work well in the NRL22 matches. You will need to use the 10rd mags as mag changes will crunch you time limits.

 

[Shooter1960655]

Ruger 2277 actions are very beefy and strong and don't feel cheap at all