Well, I'm new here, so I thought I'd saw hello to everyone and jump right in with a question.

I've been to the silhouette range quite a few times, so I know its something I want to do. Only problem is, I don't have my own gear. The guys at my local range are more than happy to give me something to shoot(they actually insist on it), but I don't like using other peoples stuff(to the point where I actually quit going). Well, I'm looking to pick up my first rifle this week . One of the guys lets me shoot his 54:18MSR, and I REALLY like it(first time I ever shot was with that and I scored a 28...they thought I was pulling their legs), so that's what I've been looking for but I just have a couple questions before I jump:

I have around $1700 to work with, so that means I could buy and expensive gun, and get cheap glass now & upgrade later, or buy a "lesser" gun and top notch glass
What are the differences between the 54:18MSR and the 1712 (other than the stock)?
how do the cz 452 varmint(thumbhole version) and savage mkII BTVS stack up (to each other as well as the annies)?
Any other gun suggestions?

Also, I only have 1 week to find and purchase (see my WTB ad in marketplace section for explination)


Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Shawn

Shawn, I would go with the less expensive rifle and better glass. CZ452 and Leupold 6.5X20 VariX III or Weaver T series. The glass will not fail you and will not loose value, the CZ you will keep, even when you upgrade the rifle....for that loaner just like what you have been handed at the few matches you have been to.
THe accuracy of the 452 is better than at least 95% of the shooters can hold. Trigger is the first thing will modify/change but learning to shoot with some of the heavier rougher triggers will actually help you in the long run. Annies are great, don't get me wrong, but getting one with a cheap glass, you may as well shoot an off the shelf 10/22, consistency in the cheap glass will let you down at the WRONG time.

Mary

Definitely agree on the glass, and would add the Weatherby XXII as another rifle to consider.

Sightron and Weaver also makes some nice scopes, but in the long run they can actually cost more because they are less desirable than a Leupold in the resale market.

I got the good glass first and am now getting the rifle. Wouldn't change a thing. The advice they are giving you is great. Take it and run with it.

Thanks for the advice guys, just what I needed. As luck would have it, I ended up at a gun show this morning, and wouldn't you know, I stumble upon a leupold VX III 6.5-20 x40 duplex "air rifle".....for a whopping $300

Posting pics in optics forum. Now I just gotta find my CZ. (amazing, not 1 single .22 target rifle at the whole gun show???)

Anyway, Thanks much again.

Shawn

That's a killer price on that scope. Now if only I could find a boosted one for that price.

Shawn, great buy on the glass. The rifle will show up, be patient!!!
Mary

NS522 might be worth a look if you can find one with a couple mags it is chinese annie knock off of suprisingly good quality. when you do move up you will have one of the best "loaner "guns in the rack.

i was borrowing one before i got my CZ, the it was not a step up.the ns has a better out of the box trigger as well.

Dave...I disagree, having shot several of both the NS and the CZ...go with the CZ. And you do bring a out a problem with the NS and the mag availabilty, especially if you forget your mags at a match, much easier to find and borrow CZ's.

Mary

mags are a problem for sure! my CZ is sorted and shooting great. that NS was a great shooter. i didnt shoot it out of the box to be fair, may have had some $$$ into it. thanks for you input Mary, was there any thing you didnt like about the NS?

The problem with any NS rifle is you can't get parts. This includes magazines, trigger components, springs, firing pin. Otherwise, it's superior to the CZ.

I started with CZ and never could get comfortable with the stock. The Silhouette model came close, but it's too light. The next objection I had was the trigger, but this was before Timney introduced their solution and they work fine.

I suggest finding a used 1712 and pay the piper when you find it. Meanwhile, send your bargain Leupold air rifle scope to Leupold and have a dot installed. It costs all of $75 to do this.

Dave, the NS's that I have shot, the triggers were not that good, had some better out of the box 452 triggers.

Joe....I would suggest thst Shawn try the 1712. 1710 and a few other options before just buying a 1712...different stocks/configurations and BALALNCE points for different builds/health issues.
No doubt a 54 action is a great action, but then so is a WInchester 52, Remington 40X...all in the same price range by the time you build what fits you.

Mary