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Posted: 4/21/2026 5:24:02 PM EDT
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Requirements are something around 6-7 pounds and no sights. I plan on hunting with it plus using it at the range. I have a $1,000 budget. Plain stock or checkered walnut would be nice. I know nothing about these brands. What would you suggest and why? Thanks! |
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I have a CZ 452 that I have had for 20 some odd years and is a solid shooter when I do my part. I have heard really good thing about the Tikka. That being said I dont think you can go wrong with any of those choices. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By thebert: I have a CZ 452 that I have had for 20 some odd years and is a solid shooter when I do my part. I have heard really good thing about the Tikka. That being said I dont think you can go wrong with any of those choices. I should probably get all 3 and keep the one I like best. |
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CZ 457 Pro-Varmint SR CZ 457 Varmint MTR CZ 457 AT-ONE Tikka T1x MTR Tikka T1x UPR (if you can find used) otherwise the Tikka T1x hunter is also good if you look used there are other models avail. but CZ or Tikka, you cant go wrong 
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Maybe 15 years ago, I wanted the best without going crazy. I ended up with CZ 452 Trainer. I got an aftermarket trigger for it because I'm a trigger snob. Rifle Basix. Nice little Leupold scope. It is a fantastic rifle. Many dead groundhogs, coons and squirrels. It is my second favorite rifle. |
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I only have one of those: a CZ. Mine is a 452 American. It's the only high end .22 I have, but I like it a lot and recommend them without hesitation. I bought mine, a basic Leupold scope w/rings, and had the shop mount it - all for about $700. That was ~15 years ago, though, so a comparable setup at 2026 prices is probably bumping your limit. I did upgrade the trigger soon after buying it, but other than that, I just put a sling on it and enjoyed. It's very accurate and kinda pretty.  Attached File |
Of all men’s miseries the bitterest is this: to know so much and to have control over nothing.
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For a light hunting rig, some of the best ever were older used Remington and winchesters like the Winchester 75, Remington 541 and others of a bygone era. For current production guns CZ or Tikka. If money is no object and you don’t mind some weight something on a rim x or vudoo action I shoot long range precision 22 matches, and the cool kids ( with $$$) are running vudoos - some of the rigs I see at matches top 20 pounds and run close to ten grand. |
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Originally Posted By gearjammer351: I only have one of those: a CZ. Mine is a 452 American. It's the only high end .22 I have, but I like it a lot and recommend them without hesitation. I bought mine, a basic Leupold scope w/rings, and had the shop mount it - all for about $700. That was ~15 years ago, though, so a comparable setup at 2026 prices is probably bumping your limit. I did upgrade the trigger soon after buying it, but other than that, I just put a sling on it and enjoyed. It's very accurate and kinda pretty. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/252069/IMG_20240105_121307381_jpg-3750734.JPG That is a beautiful rifle. Can't beat a nice quality 22 bolt action. |
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I went to a gun store today that had all 3 brands. The shop was busy and I felt rushed even though the counter people were helpful. I need to get there early and spend at least an hour to give them a thorough inspection. The CZ American looked promising. They also had the CZ Royal which is a fancier American but they ruined it by carving “CZ Royal” on both sides of the stock. I seen lots of 16” and 24” barrels but I want something around 20” and threaded. Still looking. Attached File |
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I have 3 CZs 452 trainer that I stole at .Gov auction 452 trainer that shoots ok, need dedicated time to work it better 457 pro varmint that is very accurate when indo my part I wouldn't feel outclassed with Tikla, just I'm in the CZ mag and they are $$ |
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You have a lot more options, and frankly better options if you'll shop the used market. But let's start with what's still in production: Bergara B14R This is basically designed to function as a .22 LR with similar weight, size and handling of the larger Remington 700 based Bergara centerfire rifles. It has absolutely nothing to apologize for in accuracy, capable of consistent 5 shot 1 MOA groups at 100 yards with mid grade SK Std Plus and not much more than that with CCI standard velocity. It'll also turn in its fair share of 5 shot .5 MOA groups, but those are maybe 1 group in 3. If there's a down side for your expressed purpose, it's that it isn't a traditional wood and walnut rifle with classic lines.    CZ 452, 453, 455, 457 Of these the 457 is the only one in current production. The CZ 453 is notable as having two action screws and a superb set trigger. The falw in the CZ 450 series is that accuracy tends to vary, although the variation is from excellent to just very good. My CZ 453 American is in the middle, along side a Winchester Model 52"R" Sporter, and a 10/22 to give you an idea of scale. It's also a solid 1 MOA 5 shot group at 100 yards rifle but much less likely to shoot much under 1 MOA.  In comparison, here is my CZ 453 Varmint. It also averages 1 MOA, but it has an annoying trait of achieving that average with a mix of 1/2 MOA and 1.5 MOA groups, and to be honest it's a 1.5 MOA rifle.  Here is my CZ 455 Tactical. It's also a solid 1 MOA rifle, but in this case one that holds it's own with the B14R.   Winchester Model 52 Sporter reissue (Miroku made) Browning, after acquiring Winchester had Miroku produce 15,000 re-issue Model 52 Sporters, 10,000 Winchester marked "B" versions and 5,000 Browning Marked "C" versions (altough they are all built on the same action with differences in fittings and stock profile). IMHO the Winchester marked versions are slightly nicer with a steel Neidner butt plate and a barrel tension screw in the fore end. But the Browning version is less common and has a raised comb some shooters prefer. All of mine are consistent 1.25 MOA shooters with SK Std Plus, and they produce their fair share of 1/2 MOA groups. I'll argue they are the best production sporters ever produced. They have a nice adult sized feel, are accurate, very well made, with classic lines, and excellently finished.  Kimber Model 82 The original Kimber of Oregon Model 82 is another contender for best production sporter. They are similarly 1.25MOA accurate at 100 yards with fit and finish on par with the Model 52 Re-issue rifles.    Remington 541S The Remington 541S was Remington's example of a premium .22LR sporter, although it missed the mark slightly with pressed checkering and machined scroll work. Accuracy, at least in my example is 1.5 MOA, which is still very good for 5 shot groups at 100 yards with .22 LR. it's biggest flaw is a plastic magazine design that likes to split and puke out the rounds. A metal magazine would have put it higher on the list. But it's still an excellent adult sized sporter.  Second from left between a Model 52"R" and a CZ453 American.  Ruger 77/22 The Ruger 77/22 (top, above a CZ 453 American and a Remington Model 5) also qualifies as a very well made adult sized .22 sporter, and its capable of very good accuracy, but you often have to work to get it. They benefit from a shim kit between the front and rear elements of the two piece bolt, a better trigger (Timney, Rifle Basix, or Volquartzen), and they often need to have the stock bedded before freefloating the barrel. But with that done they will usually produce 1.25 to 1.5 MOA accuracy at 100 yards.  One big advantage they have over over the CZ 450 series (453 center) is a wider stock profile that gives them the feel or a larger rifle, a trait shared with the B14R and Model 52 re-issue sporters.  Winchester Model 52 Last but not least there is the vintage Model 52. Original special order Model 52 Sporters are in the $4-5K range. But the initial Model 52, Unmarked A Model 52A and Model 52A target rifles all share a stock that works well for sporting purposes. They'll hold the 10 ring on an A023 target at 50 yards with iron sights with no issues and Sk Std Plus or CCI Standard Velocity ammo. It's a very well made rifle, a true classic and one that will continue to hold it's value.    |
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Originally Posted By BlackdogADV: I’m looking for an accurate premium bolt action .22 rifle. Bergara, CZ or Tikka? I have the 457 Varmint w/16.5" barrel which I like a lot but the Tikka or Bergara would be fine too. Just depends on what you prefer and which specific models you are looking at? I went with the CZ because it was a known product for me (had a couple of 452's) and because I like wood. This one weights 7lbs 8oz as shown with suppressor and 6-18x scope but with a smaller/lighter lower powered scope (which is all you need for hunting) and no suppressor would get you right at the 7lbs even mark)...  I use to have a Sako Quad with was an outstanding bolt action rimfire but I despised the cheap, hollow plastic stock it came with and replacement stocks were few and far between so I sold it. So with that in mind, if I was looking for a new rifle and didn't want wood, it might just come down to which one has the better synthetic stock (and that I can't answer)? |
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Originally Posted By BlackdogADV: They also had the CZ Royal which is a fancier American but they ruined it by carving “CZ Royal” on both sides of the stock. |
On going to war over religion: "You're basically killing each other to see who's got the better imaginary friend." - Richard Jeni
I second (or third) the suggestions for the Remington 541S Custom Sporter. Mine is accurate enough to justify Lapua Center-X and Eley Match Black Box. I have had this rifle since 1976. It usually wears a Leupold period correct 2-7x, but I use this modern Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 FFP for 100 yard target shooting at bench. Turrets and tree type reticle are MOA. |
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| I have a number of the rifles mentioned din this thread but actually use my Ruger American Rimfire Target more than the others combined. Something about the heft and balance of the laminate stock just “feels right” to me and it’s more accurate than the majority of them. It’s actually a better shooter than my Precision Rimfire and far better than either of my 77/22s |
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This will be a funny way to answer your question. We have bounced in and out over the past 20 something years making rimfire stocks for various rifles. We are going back in all the way on making rimfire rifle stocks. There was a time when the Ruger 10/22 was not just king but kind of kings. The number one rifle most requested for special rifle stocks today for rimfires is the Cz457. I would assume for a very good reason. |
| Honestly I feel like CZ is the best bang for your buck. I'd go CZ all the way unless you want something premium like an Anschutz or to build a custom gun. Ray from the X-Ring channel on Youtube took a CZ 457 Varmint MTR with factory barrel and all to a PRS rimfire comp. From what I recall he placed 2nd in the open division with it. |
| I’m probably going with the CZ, not sure what one. The Veil, Varmint or Pro Varmint maybe but these are advertised as 2 MOA guns. I want better than 2 MOA. Some guys are buying the cheapest one they can find then replacing the barrel and stock with something they like. |
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I bought the Bergara BMR-X Carbon. It’s more accurate than I am. My favorite thing to do with it is shoot golfballs at 200 yards. I put one of the Bushnell Pro match 5.5-30 on it. It loves the Eley Auto Pistol Match, and SK match. |
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I have all three. I shoot a .22 silhouette competition that goes to 300 yds. All three are competitive. The CZ is the most accurate. Usually. The Tikka is the easiest to shoot consistently. The Bergara is a great gun, just haven’t gotten it dialed in like the other two. All in all the CZ is my favorite, with the Tikka a close second. |
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