Which .22LR for ~$900 or under?

[Yellowhammer]

Local place just started a monthly precision .22LR shoot and I'm thinking about trying it out. I'm not serious enough about it to get a vudoo. From what I can tell the 3 to choose from are: CZ, Bergara, Tikka. I'd like to stay in the 16-18 inch barrel range & prefer to shoot CCI SV (not sure if any of those brands are partial for/against CCI).

Suggestions?

Feel free to recommend a scope to go with it too.

 

[nakoa01]

Owned about 15 457s, 2 tikka, 3 bergaras. Bergara hands down without a doubt. And get the steel version. Stock is good to go right out of the gate. You will need a trigger.

2nd pick would be the cz 457 pro varmint 16in barrel

 

[nakoa01]

My bergaras will shoot right with my vudoo at 50 if I am using center x

 

[Yellowhammer]

On a scope let’s say vortex, Leupold, nightforce are where I usually shop due to their .mil price program.

 

[littlepod]

Precision matches, like bench rest or like PRS?

CZ 457 MTR is the best shooter. I would have said get a CZ 457 LRP, but they are no where to be found. Next best would be a CZ 457 MTR for $700 and then get a KRG Bravo for $350...

The B14R is a pretty nice and complete package at that $900 range... but I think the CZ 457 MTR outshoots it.

 

[littlepod]

On a scope let’s say vortex, Leupold, nightforce are where I usually shop due to their .mil price program.

Favorite scope for me is the Razor HD AMG for its light weight and great reticle for holdovers. The cheaper version of it would be like a PST II, though I like the older reticle the EBR-2C more than the EBR-7C that's in them today.

For mil program... get the Leica PRS.

 

[Yellowhammer]

It’s PRS style, which I know nothing about but looks fun.

 

[TIMMYTOY]

Nightforce Atacr !

 

[Yellowhammer]

What magnification range is the norm on a .22?

 

[A&8's]

What magnification range is the norm on a .22?

Magnification range varies with target size, yardage and how many are on a stage. I personally stick to 8-10x until I get to tiny targets (.25” at 35-50 yards.). But everyone is different. Most always use way too much power when they 1st start shooting PRS style.It takes them awhile to realize power can hinder them. No only in decreasing the field of view, making it harder to find targets quickly. But also, power magnify’s your wobble, too. Which, usually, makes you try harder to stop the wobble, which ultimately makes it worse.

 

[nakoa01]

I have had 3 cz mtrs and while nice guns could not carry the jock strap of my steel bergara regardless of ammo. Bergara easier to shoot, way more consistent, and just sits there with little to no movement on bags. I do not shoot prs.

Scope choice, if I were on a budget the midas tac or the new strike eagle.

 

[ta6ppc]

Begara B14r steel barrel, everything else is a toy the feel of the rifle and mass is really nice.. mags are slick as well easy to handle, I put a Jewell trigger in mine and with premium ammo shoots close to my Vudoo

 

[nakoa01]

Begara B14r steel barrel, everything else is a toy the feel of the rifle and mass is really nice.. mags are slick as well easy to handle, I put a Jewell trigger in mine and with premium ammo shoots close to my Vudoo

What he said

 

[littlepod]

What magnification range is the norm on a .22?

I run usually at 12-14x. If I'm not using any holdovers, then I'll run down to 8-10x sometimes, but if I'm doing holdovers I find my speed to be much quicker at around 12-14 so I'm not squinting at the little reticle lines.

 

[Kisssofdeath]

Get this CZ 457 but with a KRG Bravo chassis and different optic and stay under $900. Barrel is an IBI with Calfee 4 chamber.

To do this.

Or get this. Tikka T1x with IBI barrel and KRG Bravo. Different scope though, this one cost more than both rifles together.

To do this. (Only plate shot this evening with the T1x)

The Bergara B-14R is excellent also. I don't have one in operation atm but it will shoot and function fantastic. Honestly I wouldn't get too hung up on the rifle. Any of the three you mention will serve you well.

 

[Bob Mckenzie]

CZ is hands down your best quality per dollar spent with these options

 

[Yellowhammer]

I run usually at 12-14x. If I'm not using any holdovers, then I'll run down to 8-10x sometimes, but if I'm doing holdovers I find my speed to be much quicker at around 12-14 so I'm not squinting at the little reticle lines.

How does a 3-18x sound? I’m a fan of the mark5 and the mil pricing on them is excellent

 

[littlepod]

How does a 3-18x sound? I’m a fan of the mark5 and the mil pricing on them is excellent

For me... I never run below 7, so my idea scope would be 7-35x, just so if I'm spotting or looking at groups on paper I can. I then would be running maybe 8x for offhand standing shots, 14x for general usage, 20x for KYL 1/4", 35x for paper spotting groups.

 

[AGrizz]

CZ 457 Pro Varmint completely. Or something like this. CZ Varmint Precision Chassis, CZ Varmint Precision trainer. They have a controlled round feed with the ejector and extractor. Trigger that comes with it only needs a spring change it is completely adjustable from the factory. 60 degree bolt throw and it is very slick after break in. Ability to replace or change barrels at HOME. Pull the 2 screws in the underside of the barrel slide the old one out and slide the new one in place. Torque the screws and reassemble and shoot. Calibers from 22lr, 22 WMR, 17 HMR. IBI Barrels, Lothar Walther barrels available if you want to play. All these calibers will fit the same basic rifle. Stocks and Chassis available from a number of companies. Magazines easily available.

Tikka weak point is the ejector spring other than that it is a great rifle. Bolt lift is 60 degrees. Inter-changeable barrels with drop in units from other companies IBI and Lothar Walther if you wish to play. Stocks, Chassis available from a number of companies. This rifle has all the same barrel change ability the CZ 457 has. All with the same action and stocks. Magazines are available

Bergara has a week firing pin. The trigger group should be replaced. Barrels have had some issues and it takes a gunsmith to have them replaced. The action has controlled round feed. Bolt lift is 90 degrees. Good rifle however it does have a number of drawbacks. Magazines difficult to find at times. Not as versatile as the CZ 457 or the Tikka T1x.

Optics you should spend some time with and pick one you can live with. Vortex and Athlon have been a good alternative for the 22lr market. First focal plane with an outside adjusting parallax and the ability to be adjusted to 10 yards.

CCI Standard Velocity is a mediocre ammunition. You should be looking in the SK Ammunition series for something that shoots in your rifle choice.

 

[slickalaus12]

I can't say much about the 457, or Bergara, as I haven't had enough time behind either. I do own a T1x. and in stock, it'll shoot sub-moa at 50yds with CCI SV if I do my part.

I have an Athlon Midas Tac on top of it, and am very happy with it.

 

[melglass]

Local place just started a monthly precision .22LR shoot and I'm thinking about trying it out. I'm not serious enough about it to get a vudoo. From what I can tell the 3 to choose from are: CZ, Bergara, Tikka. I'd like to stay in the 16-18 inch barrel range & prefer to shoot CCI SV (not sure if any of those brands are partial for/against CCI).

Suggestions?

Feel free to recommend a scope to go with it too.

I have all three and would choose the Bergara over the others. Liked it enough to get a second one. Don’t know what kind of accuracy you are looking for but all of them do pretty good with CCI SV. They will all do around 1/2 inch at 50 with the CCI . Best average was the first 6x5 I posted with the B14 Carbon . I think it was .367 but could be wrong. All will shoot better with other ammo even though I haven’t done much testing with any of them.

 

[A&8's]

CZ 457 Pro Varmint completely. Or something like this. CZ Varmint Precision Chassis, CZ Varmint Precision trainer. They have a controlled round feed with the ejector and extractor. Trigger that comes with it only needs a spring change it is completely adjustable from the factory. 60 degree bolt throw and it is very slick after break in. Ability to replace or change barrels at HOME. Pull the 2 screws in the underside of the barrel slide the old one out and slide the new one in place. Torque the screws and reassemble and shoot. Calibers from 22lr, 22 WMR, 17 HMR. IBI Barrels, Lothar Walther barrels available if you want to play. All these calibers will fit the same basic rifle. Stocks and Chassis available from a number of companies. Magazines easily available.

Tikka weak point is the ejector spring other than that it is a great rifle. Bolt lift is 60 degrees. Inter-changeable barrels with drop in units from other companies IBI and Lothar Walther if you wish to play. Stocks, Chassis available from a number of companies. This rifle has all the same barrel change ability the CZ 457 has. All with the same action and stocks. Magazines are available

Bergara has a week firing pin. The trigger group should be replaced. Barrels have had some issues and it takes a gunsmith to have them replaced. The action has controlled round feed. Bolt lift is 90 degrees. Good rifle however it does have a number of drawbacks. Magazines difficult to find at times. Not as versatile as the CZ 457 or the Tikka T1x.

Optics you should spend some time with and pick one you can live with. Vortex and Athlon have been a good alternative for the 22lr market. First focal plane with an outside adjusting parallax and the ability to be adjusted to 10 yards.

CCI Standard Velocity is a mediocre ammunition. You should be looking in the SK Ammunition series for something that shoots in your rifle choice.

Here’s an obvious CZ owner.

 

[Kisssofdeath]

FWIW, I like my B-14R steel barreled version so much I also bought a CF barrel version. I believe whatever you are shooting and if you have a miss, you would have missed with any of the three you mention.

 

[nakoa01]

FWIW, I like my B-14R steel barreled version so much I also bought a CF barrel version. I believe whatever you are shooting and if you have a miss, you would have missed with any of the three you mention.

I agree with KOD on all this. I bought both. And a barreled action too