sacrificing accuracy. However, I must sight in with the 22 WRF ammunition because the point of impact at 50 yards is 5 or 6 inches lower than where the 22 WMR hits. The 17 HMR offers no such lower-powered option in ammunition.
As will be discussed in Chapter 9, varmint hunting with rimfire rifles is an entirely different matter since recovery of edible meat is not a factor. While you will almost certainly begin with a 22 LR, there are obvious advantages to the use of the 22 WMR and 17 HMR for the varmint hunter. Either will extend the range of a 22 LR by a considerable margin and will permit taking larger species. The 22 WMR is effective to about 125 to 150 yards while the flattershooting 17 HMR is effective to perhaps 150 to 175 yards with best performance of both calibers at or close to the lower end of the ranges mentioned. As we will now discuss, this performance comes at a price when the cost of ammunition is considered. In this regard, the 22 WMR has some advantage because all ammunition for the 17 HMR is of a “premium” type, which costs more than most of the 22 WMR types, which are not designated as premium ammunition. Although the topic will be discussed in detail in Chapter 9, the 22 WMR is better suited to taking larger species while the 17 HMR is better suited to taking smaller species at longer ranges. The logical approach is probably to choose a 22 LR for plinking and small game hunting then add a 17 HMR or 22 WMR if you wish to get more involved with varmint hunting using only rimfire rifles. However, many small bore enthusiasts do serious varmint hunting with rifles chambered for the 22 LR by limiting the ranges at which shots at game are taken and choosing rifles and ammunition that are capable of giving target-grade accuracy.
If the varmints you plan to hunt are small species such as ground squirrels and crows at ranges not to exceed 125 yards or so, the 17 Mach 2 may be the round you choose. With a muzzle velocity of approximately 2,100 ft/sec, the trajectory is quite flat out to about 125 yards making hits easy. Keep in mind that this is not a powerful round so its use should be confined to smaller species of varmints. Outstanding accuracy is reported with most rifles in this caliber so it would also function well for the squirrel hunter who is willing to pass up all but head shots. As this is written, the price of a box 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