OK - my next purchase is likely to be a bolt-action .22lr and I'm looking for suggestions. Let me be specific in my wants.

First, I don't want to spend too much money; $250 is the limit for this one (not including accessories). I will always consider buying used, but I like to know the weapon's history, so at times I'll buy new to assure the known condition.

Second, I want a reasonably accurate weapon, but it does not have to be ultra-uber-accurate, as I'm intending to shoot bulk .22 ammo and sub-sonic ammo.

Third, on the topic of sub-sonic ammo, I want a reliable feeder and extractor.

Lastly, ease of barrel removal and installation. I am going to have the end threaded for my suppressor. Sub-sonic .22lr ammo simply is not super reliable in a semi-auto weapon, so I'm going to build up a bolt action for reliability. I don't want some press-fit and pinned barrel; I need to be able to remove it to send it out for threading.

So, here are my options that I've seen with some regularity at my local gun stores: Marlin model 925, Savage with accu-trigger (forgot the model), and a Ruger 77/22.

I have a Marlin .22 Win-mag that I like a lot, but that one is very old and may not be comparable to what they produce today. I do know that the Ruger barrel is easy to remove (similar to the 10/22). I know nothing about the Savage at all.

Does anyone know of the pros/cons to these weapons? I've not had a lot of experience with bolt action .22's. Both facts and opinions are welcome.

Too high, but can be had with a factory threaded bbl. is the CZ 452. Just a bit of tweaking on the trigger, and it'll shoot with Coopers and make Annies nervous.

Bob

Well, anything that is factory threaded would save me time/money on getting an alternative threaded, however after checking gunbroker, they sure do seem to be a bit high in price.

Also, realize that the .22lr subsonic ammo is not exactly known for it's incredible accuracy. To have a weapon that is ultra accurate, and then put in cheap sub-sonic ammo makes little sense to me. That is why I has looking at a decent $250 gun, or less. I am trying to find a reliable gun that is a good match for the ammo and use with a suppressor.

My primary purpose for this rig would be to put the suppressor on it for sub-sonic plinking and pest control. It doesn't need to be sub-MOA accurate, because the ammo would never be capable of such. I suspect the ammo is perhaps 2-MOA on its best day.

Update:

Purchased a new Savage Mk II in 22lr today at Dicks for $171 out the door (on special). Nice gun. Absolutely beautiful stock; one of the nicest I've seen in a store bought mass-merchandise place in a LONG time. Also came with a 3x9 scope.

Going to break in the barrell soon, then I'll see how it shoots. After that, it's off to the machine shop to get the barrell threaded for the suppressor.

Now, if only the price of 22lr would come down and the availability go back up ...

If it is as accurate as all my Savages you are going to be very happy.

Accu Trigger?

Bob

+1

My $117 Savage without the accu trigger is a VERY accurate weapon. It has mounted a 3x9 rimfire Bushnell scope (like most of my other Rimfire rifles) and its a great weapon. I also like the plastic stock as its a throw around weapon at times.

Bill

It did not come with the accutrigger; wish it had. The stock trigger is crisp, but a bit too firm. Then again, don't know that I can expect too much for $171 out the door, including the 3x9 scope! Quite a bargin.

As long as it's accurate, I'll be happy. I broke the barrel in this weekend; lots of cleaning and copious amounts of patches. Broke it down afterward and pulled the barrel out (pinned), and it goes to the machinist this morning via the mail. Found a place in OR I'm going to try; tornado-technologies. They specifically had my barrel listed as one that they are set up for. They also offer free return shipping for LEOs, so I just couldn't turn that down.

I'll update when it returns.

Check the Savage section at Rimfire Central.com . There's excellent instructions for trigger tuning. As an armorer it should be all you need to bring it up to spec.

Bob

Thanks for the update Bob; I'll check it out.

Had sent the barrel out for threading and it's due back first part of next week. Will give a full report then.

Barrel threading came out superb!
Tornado-Technologies in OR. Highly recommend.