I do love my 455 Varmint. But then I also love any rifle that actually IS accurate.

But that is the only new rifle I own with a bolt.

 

These are 25y 5 round groups out of my cz 452 varmint. That is with batch tested ammo, but the barrel had more than 10k rounds through it when it did this. I say buy a CZ, or an Anschutz 64 MPR, as my MPR will occasionally shoot groups like that at 50y.

 

Wanting to target shoot longer range with bolt action. (Pretend I'm a sniper...)

Your short list is a pretty good list.

What range are you thinking? 100m? 200m?

Know you the Savage is made in Canada? Would that matter to you?

 

I would probably pick Savage over Ruger. So either the CZ or a Savage would be a great first bolt action.

 

I second that.

 

Buy a Savage Mark 2 BV in the laminated stock. Buy good glass , with an AO.highest magnification you can get. The Muellers are good .
Get a front rest, Caldwell Rock. And a rear squeeze bag. And a case of CCI SV and a bunch of Two inch reactive sticky targets. Andgo to the range , a lot.

50 yards 5 shot groups, until you can stack them one on top of the other.

 

Buy a Savage Mark 2 BV in the laminated stock. Buy good glass , with an AO.highest magnification you can get. The Muellers are good .
Get a front rest, Caldwell Rock. And a rear squeeze bag. And a case of CCI SV and a bunch of Two inch reactive sticky targets. Andgo to the range , a lot.

50 yards 5 shot groups, until you can stack them one on top of the other.

[/QUOTE

Toomany22's thanks for the response. Looks like I could pick up a mark II BV for $553 after tax.
Seems I should be able to get a decent 22lr under $600. Lookslike you get the higher end savage for the low end of CZ prices.
I just don't know the differences with all the savage models. Stocks and barrel lengths/finishes (blued or hammered).
Lots to learn

Please keep ideas coming

 

My first thought, when somebody is asking about an affordable, AND accurate rifle, both rimfire and centerfire, is Savage.

They won't win any beauty contests, but as far as a combination of what you get for the (less) money you pay, they are hard to beat.

I just don't know the differences with all the savage models. Stocks and barrel lengths/finishes (blued or hammered).
Lots to learn

Just go to the Savage subforum here, or any of a handful of other good Savage forums, and start exploring.

Yes, they have a lot of options, but it's not too hard to start and whittle the list down pretty quickly.

Good luck and have fun!

 

That’s a nice gun too. But I don’t like thumbhole stocks. Also it’s priced too high. Do you have small local gun stores in Canada? Go there and see what they have . The mark 2 fvs are goood and the TRR s are good , but I paid the following for my savages. BV 250 , fv sr 250 and TRR sr 400. At that price yes I would go with the CZ, but if you shop around the Savage should be better priced.

 

Im pretty much a traditionalist so I was surprised back in 2007 when I handled the Sav MkII 22lr, Accutrigger in the lam thumbhole (Boyd's?) stock. Ignoring the 'look' and just shouldering it felt much like my classic, vintage Stevens 47/44 target rifle. Bought it, brought it home, threw on a cheap scope and within 10 shots had a dime at 50yds off the back deck rail.
Ive now got it set up as my sporter class bench rifle with an AO scope and a few other bits & bobs and have only about $400 in it. As a comparison, I have about that in a slightly modded 10/22 that is still (and likely always will be sans BIG money) a fun-gun/plinker.
Imo, any 'decent' bolt gun that appeals to you will be a good start (though do remember, every brand has some poor ones get through qc). The biggest expense after rifle and good optics is going to be finding the 'right' ammo, The Ammo, that rifle likes.
Spend some time reading Jaia's 200yd ammo tests (on paper) on this site and dont get sucked in by accounts of silver dollars at 200yds, or more, every day/all day long. Beyond gun and ammo (and a qualified operator), at long distance it becomes reading wind and mirage. Tight clusters at 25 and 50yds are challenging and satisfying and you dont have to walk far (or atv) to set targets.

 

Lay a CZ, RAR, and a Savage out on the counter, the design and quality differences are obvious. If you can't tell the superiority of CZ and Ruger, enjoy your Savage.

 

You can tell how well they shoot, just by laying them on a counter? Impressive....

 

Cz superior fit and finish, yes. Ruger, nope. RPR, big piece of junk. RAR, on par . Ruger 77/22 pretty but problematic. I have a Savage Rascal that was better out of the box than any Ruger bolt 22 I have had , or have shot, or seen shot. The Ruger bolts are poorly machined,the receivers have correlated interiors, the have extraction and ejection issues galore. Just read the posts on the forum.just like the Ruger 1022 rules the semi auto 22 world CZ rules the bolt action 22 world. But like a Marlin 60 shoots better out of the box than a 1022 for 2/3 the price the Savage , with its accutrigger does shoot better out of the box than most CZs , plus CZs are a pia to scope, dovetail, need Trigger work, and are in my experiance more ammo sensitive.

So I think for a first bolt action 22 the savage will be fine and much more satisfying and easier to deal with. Also since the op has expressed an interest in long range shooting, he will have spent less to learn that 22 is a poor choice for long range shooting.

 

Cz superior fit and finish, yes. Ruger, nope. RPR, big piece of junk. RAR, on par . Ruger 77/22 pretty but problematic. I have a Savage Rascal that was better out of the box than any Ruger bolt 22 I have had , or have shot, or seen shot. The Ruger bolts are poorly machined,the receivers have correlated interiors, the have extraction and ejection issues galore. Just read the posts on the forum.just like the Ruger 1022 rules the semi auto 22 world CZ rules the bolt action 22 world. But like a Marlin 60 shoots better out of the box than a 1022 for 2/3 the price the Savage , with its accutrigger does shoot better out of the box than most CZs , plus CZs are a pia to scope, dovetail, need Trigger work, and are in my experiance more ammo sensitive.

So I think for a first bolt action 22 the savage will be fine and much more satisfying and easier to deal with. Also since the op has expressed an interest in long range shooting, he will have spent less to learn that 22 is a poor choice for long range shooting.

By longer range I just mean I don't want to run through a plinking course blasting rounds off.
I want to set up and see how good a shot I can make. Does t have to be over 100yrds lol
Just want something better than my current pellet gun... ha

 

CZ 457

 

Looking fo best over the counter 22lr around or under $600 Canadian.
Eventually will get bipod and scope.
Just to use the odd time but don't want to be disappointed when the gun can't shoot straight lol
If something like this savage is reliable and good accuracy I'll get it lol

https://www.cabelas.ca/product/39821/savage-mark-ii-fxp-bolt-action-rifle-w-scope

Not looking to break the bank but not wanting to waste my money.
Basically a reliable bolt action 22lr with satisfying accuracy
Thanks for the help everyone!

 

While I dearly love the fit, finish, and feel of my CZ 452V and 455 American, my two Savages had better triggers and shot tighter groups out of the box - for considerably less money. There are several options to improve CZ triggers, from hardware store springs to YoDave shim and spring kits to Timney and Rifle Basix trigger replacements. Both of my CZs now have Rifle Basix triggers with less than a pound of pull weight and exactly as much creep as I want. The Savages are both original and excellent.

Many bolt actions with heavy barrels don't have sights. Neither of my CZs and one of my Savages didn't. All four have wood stocks - I have been disappointed with every factory synthetic stock I've owned from any manufacturer. I have several aftermarket synthetics that have performed well, but the factory-supplied ones are light, cheap, and flexible.

Scopes with adjustable objectives (AO) that adjust to the minimum distance you will be shooting are really nice. Many AO scopes only go down to 50 yards, while others go to 10 yards and some as low as 3 yards. Look for rimfire scopes. In US dollars, I own rimfire AO scopes that retail from $60US to $300US. All get the job done, with imaging commensurate with price - although the $300 ones aren't 5 times as good as the $60 one on an outdoor range on a sunny day. In less light, the difference is considerable.

If my budget was $450US, I'd be buying a https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog.../products_id/57434/Savage+5+++1+22LR+w/Blue+Barrel/Brown+Laminate+Thumbhole+Sto and a https://www.amazon.com/Leapers-BugBuster-3-12X32-Scope-Mil-dot/dp/B075G8RZXV .

I would expect this combination to shoot very well, given enough light to see well with the scope.

 

If that scope does not have an adjustable objective you likely do not want it. Fwiw, I wont buy a rifle and scope package unless the scope incuded does not raise the price over that of the gun alone; I DO NOT want some cheap scope someone else is trying to dump because they cant sell it otherwise.
You, for sure and certain, want a scope that is parallax set or adjustable for rim-fire distances; that means a rim-fire specific scope or an AO. I also suggest one with at least a 4-16x, AO and those often are a 40mm obj. lens. That 40mm gathers plenty of light and the low and high range of 4-16 makes it way usable for a number of purposes while you learn the game.

 

Oh your dollar is only worth.75 cents. So the one for 389 with the scope, less the rebate.is a good starter choice.You’ll see if you like bench rest shooting at targets.

Is the rebate 50 bucks US or Canadian?


You are gonna love it!:bthumb:

gcrank ,would they really put a 100 parallax scope on a Rimfire package? I would think they’d put a 50 parallax scope in a Rimfire package.
And my first scope was a 3x7 Tasco timfire. And I could shoot the heads off zip ties with it at 50 yards, cause my eyes were good. Now I need 40x to see the 2 inch target

 

Oh your dollar is only worth.75 cents. So the one for 389 with the scope, less the rebate.is a good starter choice.You'll see if you like bench rest shooting at targets.

Is the rebate 50 bucks US or Canadian?

You are gonna love it!

gcrank ,would they really put a 100 parallax scope on a Rimfire package? I would think they'd put a 50 parallax scope in a Rimfire package.
And my first scope was a 3x7 Tasco timfire. And I could shoot the heads off zip ties with it at 50 yards, cause my eyes were good. Now I need 40x to see the 2 inch target

Here's product details.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
• Blued free-floating sporter barrel
• Mounted and boresighted 3-9x40mm riflescope
• Adjustable Savage AccuTrigger

This Cabela's Canada exclusive rimfire rifle includes all the features and performance you need for a day at the range or in the field. Includes a mounted and boresighted 3-9x40mm riflescope. Accurate, rugged and reliable thanks to a blued 21-inch sporter free-floating barrel, a one-piece durable synthetic stock and an adjustable Savage AccuTrigger. This rifle lives up to the performance reputation you expect from Savage.

Rebate is a stupid coffee thermos... lol

 

I would say cz varmint first choice, Savage heavy barrel second...and maybe a Ruger American target for third?? If a single shot would work, maybe watch for a used target rifle .

 

Things to consider: How accurate do you want to spend? How pretty do you want to spend? Are you willing to spend some of your time making a rifle better fit you and more accurate?

If looks are as important as accuracy look at the CZ 45X. If having a black wobbly stock is OK pick up a Savage MKII FV or FVSR. With the Savage you are buying decent steel and little more. You can however do a little work on these cheap stocks to make them even uglier but give better fitment and increased accuracy.

I don't know if Keystone Sporting Arms exports but the 722 series is making many of us quite pleased with or purchase.

Think about the type of shooting you're going to be doing. Don't buy a heavy varmint or target rifle if you will be shooting off hand or don't expect the best accuracy using a sporter weight rifle from a bench.

One last thing; rifle and scope packages are seldom worthwhile. The AO or adjustable objective scopes allow you to set the appropriate range on either a rotating front endbell or a side focus knob. Shooting a rifle at ranges between 25 and 100 meters will be very hard on your eyes if the target isn't in a clear focus. AO scopes are a must unless you shoot only at one distance and get the non AO scope adjusted for that distance.

 

TM22s, your question regarding,"would they?" is valid. My question is,"do you trust a marketing department?". It might be a decent scope, I (I,I,I) would want to know just what it is because there aint no free lunch, if they are including a scope you are paying something for it. IF it isnt a 'rim-fire specific scope' what would you expect the parallax to be set for?

 

I have a Savage BVT and it shot OK for a while. Then the accuracy went bad. Used the Lyman Bore Scope to see what the problem was. It was full of lead. After removing the lead, I found that two of the grooves didn't make it to the leade area at the end of the chamber. Yep, it's a lead trap. I have had two CZ's and they shot great. I have had my last Savage .22 rifle. Do yourself a favor and get a CZ. ....... AH

 

With a CZ455 Varmint you will start out with a very accurate .22lr, that can easily become a .17 HMR, a .22 Win Mag, or with some help from Lilja and a trigger, a competitive club match rifle....all without gunsmithing. None of the others can claim that.

 

... or with some help from Lilja and a trigger, a competitive club match rifle....all without gunsmithing. None of the others can claim that.

I always enjoy the CZ crowd when they explain how you can throw more money at a rifle, replacing this and replacing that to get it shooting well, but hey, you can do it yourself.

I'd be willing to wager that most CZ 455 owners, despite their intentions going in, never end up swapping barrels.

And most shooters that have any sort of mechanical aptitude, can swap a trigger in just about any make of rifle.

Another way to look at it might be... None of the others *need* help from a Lilja barrel and a new trigger to shoot well.

While I dearly love the fit, finish, and feel of my CZ 452V and 455 American, my two Savages had better triggers and shot tighter groups out of the box - for considerably less money. There are several options to improve CZ triggers, from hardware store springs to YoDave shim and spring kits to Timney and Rifle Basix trigger replacements. Both of my CZs now have Rifle Basix triggers with less than a pound of pull weight and exactly as much creep as I want. The Savages are both original and excellent.

Like I mentioned earlier, other rifles may look better, but if you're looking for out of the box accuracy, the odds are that you'll get it more often with a Savage, and at less money than almost any other option.

 

Based on my experiences with CZ .22's that's what I'd select. I would not be worrying about modifying a new CZ. Adjust the trigger pull weight, install your choice of scopes and go shooting. I prefer the American's stock design and lighter weight barrel over the Varmint model. The fullstocks are cool if you were open to that type of styling. The easily replaceable barrel would be good insurance against any possible barrel damage and could possibly be a bonus in case of another wacko ammo hoarding event. I don't know what is available in Canada for used rifles, but you might find something interesting looking around gun shops. Sometimes you can find great deals on used rifles in excellent condition, but it can take a while looking to find one you might like for a price not objectable.

 

Hey CZ guys , he’s already picked a Savage. I know it’s hard , but try and read the entire thread before you say , get a CZ. All your reasons were already stated and considered, and Savage won . Not because it’s better intrinsically, but because for the money for a first time bolt action 22 buyer it was the better choice. Easier to shoot out of the box. 1/2 the price , and for him accurate enough. It could be worse, you could have lost to a Ruger American Rimfire. Now that would’ve been hilarious!

 

Hey CZ guys , he's already picked a Savage. I know it's hard , but try and read the entire thread before you say , get a CZ. All your reasons were already stated and considered, and Savage won . Not because it's better intrinsically, but because for the money for a first time bolt action 22 buyer it was the better choice. Easier to shoot out of the box. 1/2 the price , and for him accurate enough. It could be worse, you could have lost to a Ruger American Rimfire. Now that would've been hilarious!

Oh, dear Lord.... Why does this have to be "Winners and Losers"? We all enjoy shooting stuff - he picked one he liked/was available/whichever. End of story.

 

Someone else might benefit from other info and recommendations.

How could a Savage be easier to shoot out of the box? Why would it be superior to a CZ for a first rifle? Not privy to such information, and would like to see the reason behind such a statement. And as far as being CZ fans, l don't own one. I'm one of those nasty old Kimber fans. So neenerneener.

 

Wooooosssshhhhh

The sound of the cash register when he purchased the Savage going right over my head. I thought the Savage was still a consideration? Is it a done deal?

 

The sound of the cash register when he purchased the Savage going right over my head. I thought the Savage was still a consideration? Is it a done deal?

Yup - wasn't mentioned in this thread. But that's fine - folks here are still wittering away over which scope mounts for a 30mm tube on a 11mm dovetail. Plenty of life here.

 

Like everybody here, ya pays yer money and ya takes yer chance. Yer money, yer chance.....nothing more, nothin less.

 

The Savage was a good choice. They all have their pros and cons.
The Savage will do what the OP wanted. I don’t have one, but I’ve shot them. They won’t win a beauty contest but they have decent accuracy for the money.

To the OP, enjoy your new rifle.

 

The Savage was a good choice. They all have their pros and cons.
The Savage will do what the OP wanted. I don't have one, but I've shot them. They won't win a beauty contest but they have decent accuracy for the money.

To the OP, enjoy your new rifle.

I personally think my Savage Mark II BV is a very attractive rifle. I like the look of the laminated stock and heavy barrel. But then again, there's a reason why there's both vanilla and chocolate ice cream.