I am going to get going in this sport this year. sold off both rifles I intended to use last year. Anyways
Is an Anchutz 1712 that much better than a Weatherby XXII?

Is the Weatherby XXII that much better than a CZ 452 (if you add a trigger and float the barrel)?

Thanks
chuck

you're comparing a $450 cz, to a $750 weatherby, to a $1750 Anshutz. I would say "handle all three rifles and see which one fits you personally" All three are excellent values for the money. If you don't have alot of shooting experience the Savage mk III is a good entry level rifle that compares to the CZ. With these two fine rifles you can shoot them for awhile and if you want to move up you won't lose much money on resale, where with the Anshutz you can expect to lose more money than most of the other rifles cost and have a hard time finding a buyer to boot. If money is not a concern, just go all the way because you will always be wondering and wanting.
ifldned

I would say that yes, the Weatherby/Anschutz 64 is "that much better" than the CZ 452. It is better made, usually more accurate, and is waaaaay more beautiful to look at. I picked one up used a few weeks ago for $625 (was in new condition though). CDNN was recently selling them for $590 because of blemishes, but evidently the blemishes were very minimal.

I haven't shot many groups with my Weatherby yet, but I was able to shoot a .694" group with Wolf MT at 104 yards a couple of weeks ago with it. I'll be doing more test groups this week to see if there is going to be consistency with those size groups. I sure hope so!

The 1712... that is just too much money for my pocket book, and to whether or not the 1712 (54 action) is "that much better" than a 64 action... personally I don't think it is, but then again I am limited "fund-e-mentally". I'm not mental enough to spend that kind of funds... yet.

I think any of the firearms you mentioned are easily capable of hitting all the targets all the time (with premium ammo). I think the actions and barrels are pretty close. To me the biggest difference is ergonomics. The 1700 series has great balance, great head placement, and a great palm swell. I think the 1700 is easier to hold. The time you can hold on a target is a bigger factor than locktime or slightly better benchrest groups.

The balance of the 1700 is better and with the just released new ones now capable of having the 54 match triggers fit to them sounds like the way to go. But the CZ and Weatherby/Anschutz 64 are also good, depends on what balances best for you and how much you want to spend. with the Anschutz 1700 though you'll always get your money out of it. I'd look for a good used one if money is a factor.

trent,
I have both 64 and 54 Anshutz m.s. The locktime difference is substantial,along with the overall feel of the firearm. But it is not inconcievable to me that a expert shooter with a 64ms can outshoot a expert shooter with a 54m.s. as long as he has a lot of experience with that action. Locktime isn't everything but it sure helps to have the fastest.
just my 2 cents, ifldned

I'm not saying that the 54 isn't better. It absolutely is. I'm just not sure that the 1712 is double the price better. The original poster's question was "is it that much better?". In my opinion (and it is only that... just an opinion) I don't think it is that much better.

If I had the expendable income to buy one, would I? Hell yes!

Nomad??? you are being very quite.
chuck d, get what feels right to you. Having instructed many a 'lady' who has been stuck with what her husband picked out for her, and watched more firearms get traded for something that feels better, has better balance, less recoil etc is unbelievable.
I shoot the Jap remake of the WInchester 52, first time I picked one up I swiped it from the owner. I have at least one of every other action mentioned so far in this thread and then some additional ones such as the biathalon, Remington 40X and 541, Mauser 98 action, CZ's (452Lux, American, Cub) and so on in various stock configurations and some with Hart and other barrels, I still fall back to old faithful that has over 150K rounds through her so far and is still ticking. Needs cleaning a bit but she still just plain fits me. As for the resale value, most of the strong metal actions hold resale value fairly well, but then I never really looked at buying something I intended to sell.

So in answer, if bling is important to you then pay for the high finish, but if you just plain enjoy the smell of burning powder and watching the animals fall, get what fits you the best. In 99% of the firearms given the right ammo/scope combination the rifle will out shoot the owner.

Mary

Every rifle mentioned so far is excellent, so find one you like, get a case of ammunition it likes, and practice.