.22LR/ .22 W.M.R./ .17 HMR/ .17HM2 Bolt Gun? Which One?

[HAWKFISH]

Curious of thoughts and opinions on what would be the best choice for a rimfire bolt action plinker gun..... I can't decide lol. Accuracy, ammo costs, dependability, and future availiability are all considerations. So what do ya'll think? I do want a bolt action to practice and help build skills for my hunting bolt rifles that I hope to acquire even further down the road.

[TAB]

what do you want to spend?

Marlin and savage, both make great bolt guns for the money, but the deal right now when it comes to bang for your buck is with CZ.

[HAWKFISH]

umm.. probably no more than $400. Especially, since it will be a plinker. I have heard that CZ cost more and are better.. I've also heard that Marlin's and Savage's are almost as good at half the price. I know you get what you pay for etc. But, I just kinda hate to pay more than $300-$400 range for a rimfire plinker.. because for a little more I could just get a bigger centerfire.. 

[TAB]

There is no diffrence in cost between the marilin and the saveage( ~$200)... get the one that fits you better.

[alfsauve]

Wait!  Wait!   I've got the answer.  Just a mere $1.5k and you can get the Sako Quad.  All four with a compensated scope to boot.

Seriously,  everybody needs a .22lr.   Then go for the .17HM2.  Finally, if you want more power but don't want to step up to say a .22 Hornet, or even a .223, then the .17HMR and lastly the .22WMR.    For me the WMR and HMR are too expensive for the return compared with reloading my own .223s.

But the little .17HM2 really rocks.  Flat shooting, good accuracy, not near as expensive as the WMR or HMR.

Alf

[Sponsor]

[m25operator]

I've got no heartburn for the Marlin or the Savage, a lot of gun for the money, I am very fond of CZ's 452, much higher quality, fit and finish, on gunbroker, 250 to 450 bucks depending on caliber and finish. I'm not big on ruger bolt guns, but there rimfires do shoot pretty well and have easily replaceable barrels to either change calibers or for more accuracy.

I know this is out of your budget, but the Anschutz .17 hmr is outstanding. I'm shooting on the 200 yard line and waiting for my turn to set my target up, am talking to the guy next to me who is shooting one. Ceasefire comes and I go down to post my target and look at his 1.5" groups ( 5 shot ), about 4 groups on the target, none of them stink. Went home an started pricing them, 700 bones or so, but if I am going to get groups like that, well maybe. Yes it was a sporter, not a heavy barrel.

As to caliber, .22lr is boring but all of the arguments are valid. I like the HMR, but if I did not have a .22lr, I would'nt buy the 17, the 17 HMR is damn fun for shooting crows, they blow up real good.

Side note: if you have a DCM club around to compete in, you can buy U.S. .22lr target rifles for a good price, Remington, Mossberg, even Kimber. Have fun making up your mind while we muddy the waters.

[addict]

No question Hawkfish, The CZ452 is what you want. My favorite is the full stock version, but if you want to scope it, the Varmint or American have a higher comb. These are built old school style with milled receivers and beautiful bluing. Some have surprisingly beautiful wood. If your dealer can't get one, look at Whittakers Guns on the net for best prices. It is not an Anschutz, but is is maybe 75% of an Anschutz for 30%the cost.
Both the Marlin and Savage can be accurate. You won't get better than the Accutrigger for the price. Neither is a rifle you will be proud of though. Made of stampings and extrusions they are produced for a price point. Spend an extra hundred and get a nice rifle!
Addict

[leatherman92]

savage 17 hmr the best fun gun ever since the dessert eagle 44 mag!!!

[Big Frank]

There's certain a time of the year I can only carry a rimfire in the woods and I want a .22 WRM. I really wanted a Ruger 77/22 until I saw the price of them. I can't afford it and may get a carbine kit for my Contender pistol instead. It's still not the cheapest option but they are accurate. I just have to make the first shot count.

[tman]

Gamo, makes powerful guns between &200-$300, the Whisper comes with a silencer and scope