Budget .22LR Long Range Rig

[Bull45cal.]

What do you guys think about a budget ($300-$400) .22 LR rig. I've looked at the Savage Mark II-F at Walmart $150, with Accu-Trigger. I'm going to pillar and glass bed, as well as add an adjustable check rest. That will all be stuff I make, so it don't really figure into the price that much. I need good glass and mounts. What are your recommendations?

Thanks,
Bull

[browningvarmintwssm]

you can get a nikon buckmaster 4.5-14x40SF for $300 new, maybe less used...

[katokoch]

Given a .22 has a limited "long range," something like a Mueller APV (around $130) should work. It's a 4.5-14x 40mmAO and works well for ranges that a .22 can reach. It's not extremely high quality glass, but it is very clear from edge to edge and focuses very well. I like mine.
Using Burris rings and maybe Weaver bases (what else can you use for a Savage?) that'll get your scope cost up to $160-170.

If you have a lathe or have a friend that owns one, or are on good terms with a machine shop, you could get ahold of a 10/22 aftermarket barrel and have them lathe down the barrel shank to fit the Savage reciever. Doing it with a lower cost barrel like a Green Mountain could keep you below your price limit, and if you did it with a sporter weight barrel you could keep the rifle light and have it shooting well.

I basically did that with my Marlin 980S and saved alot of money by doing all of the custom stock work and bedding myself. It shoots extremely well and you'll be saving money by using a Savage 'cause the Accu-trigger will work well. I replaced the T-900 trigger with a Rifle Basix that I got barely used but works very well.

[esshup]

I'm picking up a Savage Accutrigger MK-II-G and having a Lilja 1-9" barrel fitted to it for the Aguila SSS bullets. I also picked up a Bushnell 3200 10x - 40mm off of ebay for pretty cheap $$. That'll be my long range practice gun for the backyard. That should get me accustomed to dialing for elevation and windage. With a longer barrel it should be pretty quiet. The scope was cheaper than the gun, but not so for the barrel.

[Mysticplayer]

A CZ 452 varminter is a much more accurate rig with plenty of aftermarket parts if needed. The barrel is accurate enough to plink a very long ways out.

I would suggest you look at the Elite 3200 10X or super sniper 16X/10X. You are going to need tons of elevation adj.

I have a friend that has plinked over 600yds with his. made it out to around 700yds. Yes, you are aiming at the moon.

For 200yds, it is a no brainer. 300yds get interesting and by 400yds, you really got to watch any puff of wind.

Jerry

[katokoch]

I will agree that the CZ 452 rifles are about as accurate out of the box that you'll need... with some trigger work and a decent scope they could shoot a long ways.

[eddybo]

Watch out for those rimfires.....they are addictive....and I am a certified addict. Find something that will shoot some cheap ammo. Seems like everything I own likes the good stuff like 9 bucks a box Eley EPS. At least mine do not prefer the really good stuff 16-28 bucks a box for tenex and the new lapua.