Got an urge for a .22 rifle

[Super Dave]

Hi Guys,

You folks seem like the best group of shooters to ask about what .22 rifle I should spend some dough on.

I have the urge for a high quality, all around .22 rifle. I enjoy shooting pistols but don't know much about rifles. I would like to add a really nice .22 rifle to my toy box. After a lot of research on the forums it sounds like the Anschutz 1712 is a great choice. The thing is I don't plan to compete and I'm looking for something that will be versatile....good at the range on a bench and occasionally plinking with buddies at a camp.

Accuracy and quality are a priority, but so is just having fun. So, the other gun I'm considering custom 10/22 like a Kidd or Clark custom.

Could you guys give me some direction on which way to go. I understand that the Anschutz will be more accurate...but if you could only have one for all around fun which would you choose?

Thanks for your input,
Dave

[Bob259]

Well that's pretty subjective to personal choice.... but as you stated the Anschutz 1712 is a top choice, but there are others. One that comes to mind is a Mel Forbes Ultra Light Arms .22 http://www.newultralight.com/ why, they are custom built, can hang any Remington 700 type trigger on it and as Mel told me, "Well that Anschutz is nice, but mine shoots better" I know mine was super accurate and they are still less than an Anschutz. A less expensive option is a CZ, but not as accurate as the two above. If money is no object there are several custom options to choose from. If I was looking for another all around accurate rifle, light to carry I would get another Ultra Light Arms. YMMV as will the answers.

PS: I have a Kidd .22 I use for CMP that he built for me to meet the rules and it is flawless and the best trigger going, but it was for that purpose only and if I was looking for a sporter I'd go with the 1712 or the Ultra LIght.

[ter]

Fun is accurate, so less accurate is frustrating. I would stick with the 1712. I doubt you would sell the 1712 for a ruger, and I really think down the road you would be selling the ruger for a 1712. Cry once and get it done right. Good luck in your choice. Ter

[Super Dave]

Right on guys. Thanks for the info. Heading to working now but looking forward to learning about the custom makers.
Thanks,
Dave

[pbansen]

Wow - seems like a big jump from a 10/22 (even a Kidd or Clark) to a 1712 or a $1850 ultralight!

I'll throw in a plug for an inexpensive, accurate CZ. There are about a dozen variations including beech, walnut and synthetic stocks, heavy barrel, hunting taper, full-stock (Mannlicher-style), thumbhole, 'trainer', etc. Good shooters right out of the box; easy and inexpensive to improve accuracy from there.

Here's a link to a gallery just to give you some ideas. There are 132 pages, plenty of options.
http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/sh ... hp?t=86203

Have fun!
Pete

[kevinbear]

I have this rifle for sale, it's like new and a real tack driver. http://www.steelchickens.com/forums/vie ... f=3&t=6594

[Super Dave]

Hey, thanks for the info. I agree it's a big jump for my first .22 rifle...but I'd rather buy once / cry one.

I'm not in the market right now, planning for the future...

Thanks,
Dave