What is the best .22 caliber target rifle you can buy right now?

Question

I don't hunt. I don't intend to purchase a .22 to shoot prairie dogs or birds. Just to be clear.

I am interested solely in the marksmanship aspect of the sport. What are some quality made, accurate and reasonably priced (under $500) .22 caliber rifles that are on the market right now?

Answer 1

Quality, accurate target .22
Anschutz Model 54

Reasonably priced target .22 - Take a look at one of the
Ruger 10/22 target models

The Ruger 10/22 USST(US Shooting Team) model would be one to consider, in your price range.

http://www.gunbroker.com

Answer 2

I have a CZ 455 chambered in .17 HMR. I use it for "plinking" - shooting golf balls at 100 yards. I have a 6-24X scope, and on a calm day I am pretty much 100%. I also shoot paper at 200 yards, and at that distance I can put 10 shots in the 10 ring without any problem. Notice I said on a calm day... The .17 HMR weighs only 17 grains, so on a windy day my accuracy is greatly reduced. I also have a CZ 455 chambered in .22LR. It is great for shooting at 100 yards (although not as good as the .17HMR), but go out to 200 yards and while I can get all my shots in the target, there is too much inconsistency in the manufacturing of the bullets and cartridges to be as accurate. Given the difficulty of finding .22LR these days I really like the .17HMR. I usually pay around $13 for 50 rounds, which is more reasonable than many centerfire cartridges. I do know that some competitions require centerfire ammunition. This would prevent you from shooting a .17HMR. The .223/5.56NATO is a great round for that 100 - 200 yard distance. I love my CZ rifles and would certainly recommend the CZ brand. I shoot .270 Winchester, but the ammo is more expensive than the other rifles. It has a greater recoil than the .223 so you can't shoot it all day. On the flip side I haven't had any problems finding .270 Winchester.

Answer 3

A little off topic but...
Keep in mind that your ammunition (particularly .22 lr) will make almost as much difference if not more than the rifle. There are many accurate rifles out there. The majority of .22 marksmen that I know use subsonic ammunition, as the bullet never breaks the sound barrier. For standard or high velocity rounds, pushing through the densely packed air at the sound barrier makes the bullet far less stable in flight. Once you get your rifle, try several types of ammo out, including standard velocities and subsonic rounds, and see if you don't get better grouping with the subsonic stuff.

Answer 4

Your asking for the best target rifle under $500. Buy cheap buy twice.
For my money I would go for the Sako TRG -22 or 45
Fit some decent optics and you should get some tidy groups.

Answer 5

My next .22 will be a CZ 452. Do some research and you will find they are an excellent rifle.

You will also have enough of your money to get a good Nikon scope. At around $500, it's the best setup going.

Unless you have the tolerance to be buying and installing and fitting and tuning your gun, I would strongly advise you to NOT consider a Ruger 10/22. Out of the box they are only average and take hundrends of dollars in 'improvements' to make them hit a target. Why buy a Civic and 'hot rod' it when you could have got a BMW in the first place?

Answer 6

Take a look at the Savage Mark II BVTS. It's probably the biggest bang for the buck under $500. They list for $407, but you can find them for $100 less through on-line dealers. After you pay shipping and associated costs (including a scope) you can probably come close to your $500 budget. I just checked at the link below has them for just under $300. I have no connection with this company. I have never dealt with this company. I receive no consideration from this company. I am not endorsing this company. All I am telling you is that they have it listed on their site for just under $300. I'm sure others do too.

Answer 7

If you don't shoot gophers there is not much point to life; but to each his own. Ruger 10/22 gives you the best in the world. I bought one many years ago, went shooting with a friend who had an anshutz, shot the center out of the bull and he didn't do so well, next time we went shooting noticed he had acquired a Ruger 10/22.