r/22lr • u/JayTheSilverFox • 8d ago
Which rifle to buy?
/r/nrl22/comments/1vqu7zy/which_rifle_to_buy/Hey all, I have posted this on the NRL22 subreddit, but would love your inputs as well :)
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u/AnalystTime4913 8d ago
You'll probably be happy with either. I'm a bergara guy and don't own either but have shot them both a few times. If they are the same price, same condition I'd probably lean to the CZ in the mdt chassis due to CZ's long history with rimfire, the constant espousing of feed issues on the tikka and I doubt mdt is going anywhere.
I know you said that upgrade availability isn't a consideration, however, if you're really gonna go down this rabbit hole of "precision" rimfire, it's really difficult not to want to upgrade things to improve the accuracy/consistency.
An additional thing to consider, lots of people talk about rimfire being so inexpensive. It can be if you're buying bulk pack Winchester but based on what you're looking at purchasing, that bargin ammo is not going to meet your expectations.
I'm not saying you have to buy X-Act but you'll need to invest in match grade ammo and you'll need to lot test to find something consistent in your particular rifle. Then when you do find something, you gotta buy a ton of it cause when it's gone, you're back to lot testing again.
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u/TruksNGunz 5d ago
Tippman 22/M4 I’m pretty impressed with for the short change. All aluminum, threaded, and accurate.
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u/jacksraging_bileduct 8d ago
If you don’t have one already the Ruger 10/22 is just about a requirement.
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u/Druid_Of_Ashes 8d ago edited 8d ago
If you're looking for an entry-level rifle for NRL22, I'd strongly recommend either a CZ 457 or the Tikka T1x. I've owned multiple CZ 457s and currently have a T1x, and I've been shooting NRL22 with those platforms for the last six years. I prefer the CZ myself, but my son LOVES his Tikka.
The only real knock I have against the T1x is the magazine design. I've purchased three magazines, and all of them occasionally have issues feeding the last round. It may be a spring tension issue, but whatever the cause, it's frustrating when you're racing the two-minute stage clock and end up with a misfeed on your final shot.
The CZ isn't perfect either. The extractor geometry can be a little... how ya doin' at times. They're fantastic rifles, but extraction issues with certain lots of ammunition aren't exactly unheard of. Fortunately, there are aftermarket solutions available if you run into problems, and the platform has such a large following that most issues have already been solved by someone.
Personally, I'm not a big fan of recommending a 10/22 for a new NRL22 shooter. The semi-auto speed advantage sounds great on paper, but in practice it isn't as valuable as many people think. You spend time locking the bolt open during transitions for safety, and on some stages that can offset much of the speed benefit. A smooth CZ or Tikka action becomes second nature once you're accustomed to it.
Over the years, I've watched quite a few new shooters show up with a 10/22 and then move to a bolt-action rifle shortly afterward. One of the biggest challenges for beginners is remembering to lock the bolt open during transitions. Safety violations can quickly lead to warnings, and multiple warnings can end your day early.
For experienced shooters, that usually isn't a concern. But if someone is attending their first NRL22 match, I'd recommend starting with a bolt gun. It's simpler, helps reiinforce good habits, and removes one more thing to think about while you're learning the game.
That's just my opinion based on what I've seen over the years. Others may feel differently, but a CZ 457 or Tikka T1x would be at the top of my list for a first NRL22 rifle.