of 17 Mach 2 ammunition is approximately $6 to $7 for 50 rounds,which means that it is not much less expensive than that for the 17 HMR.
Selection and Cost
As with any field of endeavor, the cost of the available equipment varies enormously. Since handguns will be considered in Chapter 4, let us first discuss the selection and cost situation with respect to rimfire rifles and ammunition. Many years ago, firearms (and many other things) were subject to the so-called “fair trade” laws under which the prices were set by the manufacturer. Such laws were changed long ago, but manufacturers still publish price indicators. These are simply numbers that may serve as a basis for comparison between two different models or manufacturers. Keep in mind that there is a considerable difference between the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and the actual retail price of any firearm. Currently, the very low end of the cost spectrum for rimfire rifles begins at a retail price of approximately $100 while at the upper end are models that sell for many times as much. The number of available models of rimfire rifles is enormous. In this section, only a quick overview of some of the available models and their approximate prices can be given, and manufacturer’s catalogs or web sites should be studied to see all of the options available. Another good source of information is Gun Digest. This book contains a wealth of information in a single volume that is updated annually. single volume that is updated annually.
Most people usually own a firearm for a long period of time. Before deciding to buy any rifle, look at manufacturers’ catalogs to try to limit your choices somewhat. Then, go to some stores and actually handle those rifles that interest you. You may find after handling a certain model that you especially like (or dislike) it. There may be some features or controls that attract (or annoy) you. The word “feel” is probably one of the most overused words, but it gives the correct connotation. The choice of a firearm is a personal matter and how a rifle “feels” is an important consideration.
The Ruger 77/22 will handle almost any task required of a rimfire sporter.
The CZ 452 American is a moderately priced sporter that gives outstanding performance.
We will now try to arrive at some basic ideas related to the selection of a rimfire rifle. First, consider the caliber. A wide selection that includes bolt-action, autoloaders, and lever-action rifles is available in all of the rimfire calibers (22 LR, 22 WMR, 17 Mach 2, 17 HMR, and 17 Aguila). In 22 LR, pump-action rifles are also available. If you are selecting the rifle for general use, the 22 LR should be your first choice. Another rifle in one of the rimfire magnum calibers can be added later if you get into varmint hunting. At that time, rifles with the whole range of action types can be considered again although you may want to select identical rifles in two calibers. To simplify matters, the selection process will be approached from the standpoint of cost.
If cost is no object and a price tag of over $600 to perhaps twice that figure is acceptable to you, a boltaction sporting rifle is probably your best choice. For many years, the outstanding rifle of this type was the legendary Winchester Model 52 Sporter, but it is no longer available. Elegant bolt-action rimfire rifles are represented by models like the Cooper Model 57M, which is priced at approximately $1,200 and the Kimber Classic that sells for around $800 to $1,200. Some of the fine sporting rifles produced by Anschutz are also in this price range. In this upper price bracket at the present time, take your choice of the Anschutz Models 1712 or 1502, Cooper Model 57M, Kimber .22 Classic, or Sako Finnfire rifles. All are of superb quality and will give outstanding performance. For example, the Cooper Model 57M must shoot a five-shot group at 50 yards that measures 1/2-inch or less with premium match ammunition before it is shipped, and the Kimber Classic must give a group of 0.4-inches or smaller. Test groups are included with these rifles when they are shipped. These are rifles for the most discriminating small-bore enthusiast from both performance and appearance standpoints. Some of the models mentioned are available in 22 WMR, 17 HMR, and 17 Mach 2 as well as in 22 LR.
For many years, Anschutz rimfire rifles in sporter and more specialized target configurations have been built on their famous Model 54 and 64 bolt-actions. Anschutz target rifles have been consistent medal winners in international and Olympic competition. The two series of rifles are known as the 1700 and 1400/1500 series, respectively, depending on whether the action is the Model 54 or 64. Some of the target models have dominated small-bore competition, and the accuracy of both sporter and target rifles is outstanding. Models are offered with standard and heavy weight barrels. Receivers have grooves 11mm in width for attaching scope mounts, but they are also drilled and tapped for mounting scope bases, making it possible to use many types of scope rings. Keep in mind that except for a few of the Anschutz sporters, almost all of these high-end rifles are sold without sights so a scope must be added. The price of the scope and mounts may add a considerable amount to the cost of the rifle.
The new 22 LR Remington 504 has a list price of approximately $700 (but is usually found at retail for around $600), and a heavy-barrel version of the Remington 504 has been announced that will be available in 2005. Also available in 2005 will be a 17 HMR version. Although not tested for this project, the Remington 504 has received a considerable amount of praise from other writers. It is sold without sights.
When it comes to high-performance auto-loaders, the most highly regarded (and expensive) models are those produced by Volquartsen. Some of these rifles may sell for about as much as a Kimber or Cooper bolt-action. However, in terms of performance a Volquartsen is similarly placed.
If you are limited to the retail price range of approximately $300 to $500 but still want a boltaction sporting rifle, consider the Ruger 77/22 and the CZ 452 American each of which is actually a series that includes several versions that have manufacturer suggested prices of approximately $595 and $420, respectively, depending on stock material and metal finish. The Ruger 77/22 has a list price of $595 (usually found at retail for around $425 to $450) and is available in four versions that include blued steel action and barrel combined with a walnut stock, stainless steel metal parts and composite stock with or without sights, and a low-luster stainless steel and laminated stock combinations. Information on the performance of the Ruger 77/22 will be given later in this book.
Outstanding bolt-action rifles are also available from Ceska Zbrojovka (CZ). The CZ 452 American features a well-shaped, checkered walnut stock, highly polished and blued metal parts, and true sporting rifle styling. They also have barrels that are threaded into the steel receivers. Several versions of the CZ 452 are available, but the typical retail price for the CZ 452 American is about $350 to $375. Evaluations on the performance of two of these fine CZ rifles in 22 LR and 17 HMR calibers are included in Chapter 13. Other versions of the CZ 452 series include the Lux, Varmint, Style, Silhouette, and FS, which differ in stock and barrel materials. The Varmint has a shorter barrel of heavier weight and a stock that is of a target shape. The Lux version features a longer barrel and a stock of European design, and the FS (full-stock) version has a fulllength or Mannlicher style stock. Synthetic stocks are found on the Style which has nickel finished metal and the Silhouette which has blued metal.
This listing of options should show that Ruger and CZ bolt-action rifles are available in an array of models that allow a selection to suit almost any taste. Even though these rifles are priced below the models from Anschutz, Cooper, Kimber, and Sako, do not assume that they are drab in appearance. For most of us, the Ruger and CZ models represent stylish rifles that also deliver excellent performance. Of course, models are available in 22 LR, 22 WMR, 17 HMR, and 17 Mach 2 calibers. If you want to consider them as fine sporting rifles for shooters on a somewhat limited budget, it would not be inappropriate.
Rimfire shooters
