Hi Guys,

You folks seem like the best group of shooters to ask about what .22 rifle I should spend some dough on.

I have the urge for a high quality, all around .22 rifle. I enjoy shooting pistols but don't know much about rifles. I would like to add a really nice .22 rifle to my toy box. After a lot of research on the forums it sounds like the Anschutz 1712 is a great choice. The thing is I don't plan to compete and I'm looking for something that will be versatile....good at the range on a bench and occasionally plinking with buddies at a camp.

Accuracy and quality are a priority, but so is just having fun. So, the other gun I'm considering custom 10/22 like a Kidd or Clark custom.

Could you guys give me some direction on which way to go. I understand that the Anschutz will be more accurate...but if you could only have one for all around fun which would you choose?

Thanks for your input,
Dave

Well that's pretty subjective to personal choice.... but as you stated the Anschutz 1712 is a top choice, but there are others. One that comes to mind is a Mel Forbes Ultra Light Arms .22 http://www.newultralight.com/ why, they are custom built, can hang any Remington 700 type trigger on it and as Mel told me, "Well that Anschutz is nice, but mine shoots better" I know mine was super accurate and they are still less than an Anschutz. A less expensive option is a CZ, but not as accurate as the two above. If money is no object there are several custom options to choose from. If I was looking for another all around accurate rifle, light to carry I would get another Ultra Light Arms. YMMV as will the answers.

PS: I have a Kidd .22 I use for CMP that he built for me to meet the rules and it is flawless and the best trigger going, but it was for that purpose only and if I was looking for a sporter I'd go with the 1712 or the Ultra LIght.

Fun is accurate, so less accurate is frustrating. I would stick with the 1712. I doubt you would sell the 1712 for a ruger, and I really think down the road you would be selling the ruger for a 1712. Cry once and get it done right. Good luck in your choice. Ter

Right on guys. Thanks for the info. Heading to working now but looking forward to learning about the custom makers.
Thanks,
Dave

Wow - seems like a big jump from a 10/22 (even a Kidd or Clark) to a 1712 or a $1850 ultralight!

I'll throw in a plug for an inexpensive, accurate CZ. There are about a dozen variations including beech, walnut and synthetic stocks, heavy barrel, hunting taper, full-stock (Mannlicher-style), thumbhole, 'trainer', etc. Good shooters right out of the box; easy and inexpensive to improve accuracy from there.

Here's a link to a gallery just to give you some ideas. There are 132 pages, plenty of options.
http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/sh ... hp?t=86203

Have fun!
Pete

I have this rifle for sale, it's like new and a real tack driver. http://www.steelchickens.com/forums/vie ... f=3&t=6594

Hey, thanks for the info. I agree it's a big jump for my first .22 rifle...but I'd rather buy once / cry one.

I'm not in the market right now, planning for the future...

Thanks,
Dave