Looking at a base class build as NRL22 are the only winter matches that interest me in my area. I much prefer the chassis type rifles, so it's between the Ruger Precision Rimfire and the Savage B22 for me. I've seen the RPR discussed a bit here, but would like to hear about any experience with the B22. Also, if there is another chassis type rifle to consider, I'm all ears.
Posted Nov 24, 2022, 12:46 AM UTC
Do you already own a 22LR rifle? If you do, I'd just use that instead of getting something new on a whim.
I've seen a couple or RPRs at my matches in my squad, and I recall they both had the occasional misfeeds.
I do have a 22, and will be shooting that for my first few matches. But its not a very accurate rifle. I'm just keeping my eyes open for deals around the holidays.
Savage has weird Savage mags. It's really too bad they don't use 10/22 mags.
RPRs can be extremely hit or miss on the quality control. Some people have them and love them. I've seen others at matches that are absolutely terrible. This isn't a "will my rifle be particularly great and allow me to hang with the high end open rifles?!" question; it's a more a "will my rifle be functional" question.
I don't think I've ever seen an RPR at the higher levels of the game.
We have a lot of threads about getting a rifle for this game and getting started in it. u/ocabj is correct - start with what you have and don't wait to buy something. If you need to get a new gun to get started, look at CZ 457s or Tikka T1Xs.
MDT has their Oryx line of chassis. They are very solid, an amazing deal for the $, and a better option (IMHO) versus some of the lower-level plastic aftermarket options (which are also good).
ETA: CZ 457 has a Boyd's At-One option that you might find splits the difference. (I can't comment on use, as the 24" I ordered in June is still backordered.)
There is a guy in our clubs base class that uses a B22. It seems to do OK . I haven't heard him complain about his rifle and when I asked him how he liked it he didn't have anything especially negative to say about it. He shoots in the 300s fairly consistently. That being said a sample size of 1 isn't a great sample size. We have a ton of folks running CZs [ very consistently solid rifles] and have seen a few RPRs [ all over the place as far as accuracy/precision].
I’d strongly suggest you read up on the bullet scratching / gouging issue with the B22 Precision. When the bolt feeds a cartridge, it gouges the bullet of the next cartridge in the magazine. Not much of an issue at 50, but becomes an issue at 100+. It’s a well documented issue with no solid fix that I’ve yet discovered. I really wanted to love the B22 P but this issue is problematic. I’ve heard so-so things about RPRR. It’s not built like the centre-fire version (I’ve read) but I don’t have first hand experience with it. And it seems accuracy is a crapshoot with the RPRR. I’d look at the Tikka T1X or CZ 457 as the platform to go for if you want an NRL firearm. Both have good aftermarket support / plenty of upgrades available. If you ever plan on swapping barrels go for the 457 as the T1X is notoriously difficult to barrel swap. Both are great though, both very accurate with smooth bolts and good / very decent triggers. I don’t think it’s yet in N America, but CZ has (or is making) a 457 MDT in the same MDT chassis that the B22 Precision comes in. This would be an excellent choice if / when available. https://www.czub.cz/en/firearms-and-products-product/cz-457-MDT
Edit: Grey Birch Manufacturing has 20% off currently for their chassis with code NOIR20. They make some neat chassis (“LaChassis”) for T1X, 457 and 10/22.
A 457 with a chassis would be a no brainer for me. I am going to guess that it would not be in the base class price range, but I didn't see a MSRP listed on the page you linked. Good Info on the mags, that is the kind of stuff I was hoping to learn, thank you.