Hello all. I am new to the forum and am in the process of completing my application for my FPID. This has given me PLENTY of time to research and consider my first purchase.

 

Looking for a good .22 LR bolt action rifle as I think it provides a good platform to learn the basics and ammo for target shooting is very cheap and easy to find.

 

After reading a lot of forums and reviews I have really liked what I've seen about the CZ 455 American .22LR in terms of its accuracy and value for money. Does anyone have any experience with this gun or have any suggestions?

 

Here are the things I'm looking for in a first gun. I plan on using it mostly for target and varmint shooting on our family farm.

 

1. Affordable ammunition (.22LR seemed to fit the bill)

2. Good caliber to learn the basics on (again .22LR seemed ideal)

3. Above average accuracy

4. Solid build quality - something I could pass down to my kids one day

5. Good value for the money

 

Was also looking at the Ruger 77 22 for while as well. Welcome your thoughts.

 

Thanks,

 

John

I dont know much about the CZ, But looking at your requirements ( 1-5 ) I personally think a Ruger 1022 would fit your bill, Yeh they are common and popular, but it's for good reason. You could prob. pick up a used ruger 1022 for cheap, use it as is, or put another few hundred bucks in to it ( upgrade stock/ barrel / trigger / scope ) and have a pretty good shooter.

 

Out of all the guns I own, I prob spend the most time at the range sitting at 50-100 yards with my 1022 and have a blast with it.

 

Good luck w/ your choice.

Given your criteria, I'd say that you are dead-on in your choice. I bought my first CZ (centerfire) two weeks ago and I'm really impressed with the quality.

 

The beauty of the 455 American is the interchangeable barrel system. You may want to consider the combo-pack consisting of one receiver and two barrels - .22 LR and a .17 HMR (you state that one of the uses would be varmint shooting on the family farm - none finer than the .17 HMR for that). Really seems that you have given this some thought, and come up with the right answer. Much preferrable to the 77/22.

 

You get the "Pizza Bob Seal of Approval" - which only means that given the stated criteria, I would have reached the same conclusion.

 

Good luck and have fun. Welcome to the forum, BTW.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

As far as a very accurate out of the box .22LR, the CZ-452 American is top notch. I can't speak to the CZ-455 although it looks to be mostly some refinement of the 452. I expect it will be just as accurate. You can't go wrong for a bolt gun. My only issue with the 452 was that it felt "rustic" or "basic" or something. Hard to explain, it needed some fit and finish work. Possibly the 455 is it.

 

I went on a hunt for a new .22lr bolt gun 3 years ago and I ended up with a Remington model 5 which is a rebranded Serbian rifle. It is very accurate and my only complaint is the 5 round magazine. Not sure if they still make it. My second choice would have been the CZ-452.

 

The Ruger 10-22 are great rifles and highly modifiable. I don't like the rotary mags so much but you have lots of options for those guns. They are a proven, reliable firearm and you can't go wrong.

 

Stay away from the cheapy Mossberg tacticool .22 plinkster. The Smith and Wesson 15-22 is pretty cool. I was going to buy the Sig 522 recently but the NJ legal one got into the ridiculous zone of $650. I think Bud's has one for around $500 but I ended up blowing my cash on some necessary house improvements instead.

 

You're definitely going down the right road looking at a .22lr firearm. It will ensure you get plenty of trigger pulls.

I don't have the American, but I have a few other CZs and they're excellent.

 

I have a Savage MKII (bolt 22 - $400ish) that is also fantastic.

 

If you like the CZ, I say go for it & enjoy. 22s are what shooting is supposed to be - fun.

Thanks, all. I agree the Ruger 10 22 is in many ways an ideal first gun. My brother owns one and we've spent many a fine afternoon drilling soda cans on my dad's farm with it.

 

For me though I just love bolt actions. Something about the tactile feel of ejecting and chambering the round - tough to explain but it just feels cool. Probably the same reason I only drive stick shift cars.

 

Glad to hear there's a lot of love for the CZ. From what I've seen the 455 is a further refinement of the 452. Now I just need to decide on whether to splurge on the .22lr / .17hmr combo.

I agree with Bob. Seems like a great choice. From what I've read, in terms of a nice bolt action .22lr, the CZ is a great. Don't have one, haven't shot one, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

 

I'd pass on a 10/22, but that is just me.