The Cz 457 platform is a solid choice along with Tikka T1X and Savage Mark II

 

Right now I'm shooting a Tikka T1X, Bergara BMR, and a Savage B22. I believe the Tikka is my favorite with the Bergara running a close 2nd. The Savage is a good shooter it's just not as smooth as one of the other two. I'm waiting now on a CZ457 American to be delivered to my FFL.

 

For the $$ your looking at a Tikka T1X is a great set up.

 

What the others have said! For a benchrest "fun" match rifle and in your price range I'd recommend the Tikka TX1 or better yet the CZ 457 Varmint the one with the 20" heavy barrel.

If you could go up a few $100 I'd recommend the CZ V-MTR or Bergara B14R.

good luck!

 

I would look at used known accurate rifles. One here in classifieds for $750 and a great deal.

https://www.rimfirecentral.com/threads/bsa-martini-international-mk-ii.1287792/

 

DMS
Looks like a fun project and challenge. I have several 457's. The Lux can be a little more problematic when mounting a scope. Do a search here for that topic. Lots of information available. Some scopes will fit behind the rear sight while others sit above. I put a Beartooth cheek riser on mine but have returned it to iron sights. For me the Varmint, MTR, or @1 are more comfortable. However, YMMV and CZ's tend to multiply.
Charlie

 

For fun
In or under your budget
For benchrest

Find Model 12 HR used.
Typically will shoot with or out perform all the ones you mentioned with the proper ammo

 

For the budget you listed any of the above listed new models are decent choices but it is completely random if you get one that shoots or not. I'd more inclined to look for an used CZ that I can slap a new barrel on and drop a Yo-Dave trigger kit in. You need to get a Krieger barrel but just a newer barrel that is tighter chambered than factory chambering.

 

That's the problem with modern 22s, especially the cz.
Everyone considered them like a erector set.
Build what you want it to be after you pay up for what they shoulda been from the factory offering.
Mayb I'm old school
But if it don't shoot outa the box?
The last thing I want is to dump more money into something.
Instead of finding a proven better vintage performer.
Not bashing
Just my observations

 

For bench rest around $600? I'd have to go CZ Varmint or possibly a used CZ MTR. The Tikka is nice, but not as well suited to BR type shooting. Personally I'd give the accuracy edge to the CZ as well.

 

Tikka T1x or CZ 457 VMTR

 

Save a bit and look for a B14R. My T1X is decent but can't run with the B14R I had.

 

From my experience (and a few friends) I'd stay away from the Ruger RPR. On the used market I'd look at an H&R M12 or a Rem 541X. New CZ or Bergara, though the Bergara will be over your budget.

 

I haven't shot as many of the others as some of these guys, but my CZ Varmint shoots very nice groups, and if you get into it down the road there are easy to swap barrels out there like Lilja. As a bonus you can pick up a 17HMR barrel and convert in 10 minutes too. I did shoot a friends Ruger Precision right out of the box and was very impressed.

 

Another +1 on the CZ 457. Almost any model will perform extremely well, but I'd stretch your budget and try to get one of the Varmint models with a bull barrel. I had a Savage MKII and it was a nice little rifle, but the CZ is a way better rifle and has been way more reliable.

 

I have no experience with Tikka, Bergara or Savage but I'm sure they are dandy. I do have experience with CZs and every one I have and/or had shoots nicely. I only have one 457, though. I had a 455 which was nice but I sold it to make room and raise money for another rifle. I have three 452s. My most accurate 22lr rifle at 25/50 is a 452 American*. I'd recommend a good used 452 American if you can find one.

*Note - I have a feeling my new-to-me Anschutz 1710 will eventually take over as my most accurate rifle. But...it's not a $600 rifle.

 

Can't go wrong with the Savage Mkii, heavy barrel, no need for the fancy stock but stay away from the plastic "Tupperware" one.

 

Upgraded the plastic stock for a laminated one, pillar bedded it and bedded action. Now it shoots groups that are half the size with the same ammo as before.

 

I bought a lightly used Savage MKII TR a few years ago to get into short range bench shooting with the intention of upgrading to a more accurate/better one. I still have it because it shoots surprisingly tight groups with bulk CCI SV's. The rifle cost me $400CDN. I might splurge on a scope designed for bench shooting vs the AR scope that I'm currently using.....

 

For the budget and use you describe, it’s CZ, CZ, and CZ, in that order. 👍

 

Whatch the RFC Classifieds. Almost daily someoneone is sellinga tricked out CZ,erc,cause theyjust boughta “ better” gun.

Have youever shota bolt gun offf bench?Cause-its a lot harder than it looks. All that extra movement, openbolt pull bolt close boltet lift head lowerhead. Refocus.

Were as on a 1022, you just ai to get into position once pergroup.
So, if youare not mechanicaly inclined, buy a Ruger 1022 LVT, andsend thhe actionoffto CPCfor the works, total ,less than $600.
If you are mechanically inclined, Buy a kid 20 inch barrel a Victor Titan stock, a kid reartang ( spike) a kidd drop in trigger kit. And build your own Using the old gun.

 

I've been extremely happy with how my Tikka shoots.

 

[QUOTE="Barrelhorses,

I have three 452s. My most accurate 22lr rifle at 25/50 is a 452 American*. I'd recommend a good used 452 American if you can find one.

What is the difference between a 452 American and a 457 American?
I'm a bit behind knowledge of the CZ 22lr models. I'm in the learning stages, however I did purchase my first CZ457 American a week ago.

 

[QUOTE="Barrelhorses,

I have three 452s. My most accurate 22lr rifle at 25/50 is a 452 American*. I'd recommend a good used 452 American if you can find one.

What is the difference between a 452 American and a 457 American?
I'm a bit behind knowledge of the CZ 22lr models. I'm in the learning stages, however I did purchase my first CZ457 American a week ago.

The 457 is the latest design. The 457's improvements include a 60° bolt throw, push-to-fire safety, easy change barrels and easy change calibers. Most people agree that these are all really nice Improvements. I just happen to like the older 452 quite a lot. I don't dislike the 457, but I only own one 457 to three 452s.

 

Lots of excellent discussion in this thread. I appreciate you all taking the time to offer your opinions. I'm working with my local FFL to see what he can source for me from the many and various rifles your folks have recommended. I'll be sure to return here once I've selected one and let you all know how well I make out with it.

Kind regards!!

 

Nice topic and nice input from readers. Now, same question but, what if we narrow it down to ARA factory class approved rifles. If I understand correctly, that rules out the Anschutz's, and the barrel changed rifles. Correct me if I'm wrong! It also rules out the older Remington and Winchester rimfire's.

 

Used to be the target shooters hereabouts were all commenting with different degrees of discontent about the 13 year old young lady that was shooting winning matches with "a CZ!"

 

I don’t know if it suits your needs, but I still love my old cz 452 ultra lux (28” barrel). it is very accurate. I think cz make s a newer version of that.