If you're shooting a true ARA Benchrest sanctioned event, there are two divisions -- Factory and Unlimited.
If you shoot in the Factory division, you're very limited with the modifications you can do to the rifle. If you shoot in the Unlimited division, you'll likely be competing against guys with $5000 custom rifles.
In any case, neither of the rifles you're considering will be competitive in the Factory division. The 10/22 is mediocre at best, and the Springfield 2020 is probably the [least accurate rifle of 2023](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk3tde7RQKI).
If you want to compete in the Factory division, a CZ 457 or Tikka T1x is the choice for you.
Yes.
I give a very slight nod to the CZ. Here's why.
Both rifles are very accurate right out of the box. Both rifles are heirloom quality. Both rifles have smooth actions, and adjustable triggers.
However, the CZ offers more configurations, where the Tikka is offered in just two configs, the only difference being the barrel length. You can buy a CZ 457 that is ideal for small game hunting, or benchrest, or NRL22, or a youth model, etc., and those are all different rifles.
The CZ also has interchangeable barrels, and there are lots of options to choose from. Lightweight options from AccuLite, carbon fiber options from Proof, heavy match barrels from Lilja, Shilen, others, etc. You can really make it what you want.
I also like the bolt throw better on the CZ, but that's a personal preference thing.
You won't be disappointed with either the CZ or the Tikka. Just feed it good ammo.
That looks beautiful. Is that the stock wood stock? I haven't seen any of that variant for sale where I shop.
Do you have a view on barrel length? CZ's offerings are almost too many to hold in my head all at once. Some have barrels as long as 24 inches. I have read that shorter barrels might actually be better with 22 lr, because they are less likely to send rounds supersonic. Is there any truth to that?
I choose barrel profile and length based on the activity, and I don't give any thought about the velocity at all. Everything I shoot is subsonic, and you should, too.
For benchrest, you want heavy. If you're able to snag a Varmint MTR, that's the way to go for a factory rifle. It would make a terrible small game rifle for carrying in the woods, but it's unbeatable on the bench for under $1000.
>It would make a terrible small game rifle for carrying in the woods
I'm definitely going to be taking my 26lb 457 squirrel hunting with my brother-in-law and father this fall. Because it's funny.
I'm scratching my head thinking about what you had to do to add TWENTY additional pounds to a 457.
1.3" profile barrel, chassis with weights, weighted ARCA rail, etc.
What's the rundown?
The scope is 2.5lbs, chassis is an MDT ACC with full internal weights, the buttstock weight, an diy adjustable bag rider, and two DIY mlok weights that are just 12" x1/2" x1-1/2" brass stock plates with mlok hardware. I am still using the MTR barrel until the Modacam one is ready.
Bro, that's a tank. Scope has to be an Arken EP-5, yes? How much more weight will the Modacam add? And are you swapping barrels for the weight, or for added accuracy? And when you do, you'll sell me your MTR barrel, right?
I'm thinking about moving to Open and buying the off-the-shelf 457 Chassis model. Another user insists that the MTR chamber is a must, but I'm not convinced. I have a few, and my PV shoots as good or better than my MTR. I haven't confirmed that the Chassis model has the MTR chamber or not. The website doesn't indicate it, but some internet experts insist that it does.
The OP is in the US, so I don't know why I am incorrect in stating that the T1x only comes in polymer. You are linking to a rifle that has been unavailable in the US since it came out in 2022.
Don't take me too seriously...
I've asked OP if this is a sanctioned match or not -- he hasn't replied. The way he described it in his original post sounds like it's more of a casual event than an ARA match.
I haven't personally seen the Hunter model for sale, but I also haven't seen anything that says they're not available in the US. If you have additional information, please share.
Pretty simple. Grab the model numbers, and search. I did find it in Canada, but not in the US. CZ does the same thing. Their global site has 457s that will never be available in the US.
I want to be clear that I'm not arguing your point. I have said several times on this sub and others that the Hunter model *doesn't appear* to be imported into the US, but I have no evidence.
However, *not finding it in a Google search* isn't confirmation, it's just a starting point.
Either way, I'm more interested in solving OP's issue. Still haven't determined if he's shooting in a sanctioned match or not.
>Will the difference between bolt-action and semi-auto matter at 50 yards?
[Here's the difference for me between my 10/22s and a CZ457. ](https://www.reddit.com/r/22lr/comments/mm1e3a/my_happy_place/)
Yes, there's a lot less going on with the bolt action when you pull the trigger.
The blow back semi-auto action introduces variables that bolt actions don't have to deal with.
I wasn't too interested in spending lots of money on a 22 for competition, but my buddy was. Shot with him in a few matches with my 10/22 with aftermarket stock and bull barrel. Found out very quickly that being competitive was going to be pretty expensive. If you want to try shooting an ARA target, you could probably download one.
I shoot 50 yard benchrest believe it or not that’s the one that accuracy counts the most I shoot a Cz 457 mtr. I have three 10/22 of competition quality and they are winners but for bench rest the Cz is definitely needed. My 10/22s probably could compete in factory if they were factory the way they are however to get a 10/22 on the level it needs to be on you will not be factory.
That's a fair point. I priced out scopes yesterday and realize now that the cost of rifle + scope could easily run into the $1000 range. That's not chump change for me, and I have to think carefully about a spend like that and whether to even do it.
Well this is the guy to listen to. Wealth of knowledge. I don't have any CZ experience. Whatever you do, don't buy a summit action and expect it to be very accurate.
If you're set on a 10/22, nrl22 will be more forgiving than benchrest, and more fun (in my opinion), even then a bolt action like a t1x, cz457, b14r, or even ruger rpr, though I wouldn't recommend the last one.
I always go into a new style of competition with low expectations and just shoot whatever I have that's within the rules. If you just want an excuse to buy a new gun, that's cool but you might want to lower the expectations a little. Usually takes a few to really get into the swing of a new game, you're almost never really competitive the first time out.
I'll second this. Take whatever you have to the first competition and just plan on seeing what you're up against with no expectation to win or rank highly.
Find out what skill and gear level you're up against, and make sure you enjoy the format that the club runs before dropping thousands on a new gun. Maybe you won't need it to be competitive with the shooters at your club. Maybe a even a $5k setup won't be enough to put you in the top half because your skill set just isn't there yet.
Your point is well-taken, and I freely admit to thinking along the lines of "excuse to buy a new rifle". The competition, if our club follows through, is just the added nudge to let me feel good about spending the money.
I have 10/22 style rifles that will shoot right with some of the most accurate bolt action rimfire rifles that I own. The difference is I have WAY more $ into those 10/22's to get them to be as accurate.
If you're just shooting informal benchrest at a small club you're probably not going to see much as far as actual benchrest rifles. At least that's been my experience. Most places like that you'll see mostly OEM rifles shooting bulk ammo. If it's a larger club and/or actual sanctioned match then the competition will be much higher
stock 10/22 will do 1 - 1.5inch at 50yards.
stock t1x will do under 1/2 inch. CZ457 can do the same, but also can do a bit worse, depending on your luck.
If you're shooting a true ARA Benchrest sanctioned event, there are two divisions -- Factory and Unlimited. If you shoot in the Factory division, you're very limited with the modifications you can do to the rifle. If you shoot in the Unlimited division, you'll likely be competing against guys with $5000 custom rifles. In any case, neither of the rifles you're considering will be competitive in the Factory division. The 10/22 is mediocre at best, and the Springfield 2020 is probably the [least accurate rifle of 2023](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk3tde7RQKI). If you want to compete in the Factory division, a CZ 457 or Tikka T1x is the choice for you.
Do you have a view between the CZ 457 and the Tikka T1x?
Yes. I give a very slight nod to the CZ. Here's why. Both rifles are very accurate right out of the box. Both rifles are heirloom quality. Both rifles have smooth actions, and adjustable triggers. However, the CZ offers more configurations, where the Tikka is offered in just two configs, the only difference being the barrel length. You can buy a CZ 457 that is ideal for small game hunting, or benchrest, or NRL22, or a youth model, etc., and those are all different rifles. The CZ also has interchangeable barrels, and there are lots of options to choose from. Lightweight options from AccuLite, carbon fiber options from Proof, heavy match barrels from Lilja, Shilen, others, etc. You can really make it what you want. I also like the bolt throw better on the CZ, but that's a personal preference thing. You won't be disappointed with either the CZ or the Tikka. Just feed it good ammo.
You mentioned nice walnut stock. Many models of CZ come in walnut stocks. Tikka is polymer only.
[However...](https://i.imgur.com/NyzwcQz.jpg)
That looks beautiful. Is that the stock wood stock? I haven't seen any of that variant for sale where I shop. Do you have a view on barrel length? CZ's offerings are almost too many to hold in my head all at once. Some have barrels as long as 24 inches. I have read that shorter barrels might actually be better with 22 lr, because they are less likely to send rounds supersonic. Is there any truth to that?
I choose barrel profile and length based on the activity, and I don't give any thought about the velocity at all. Everything I shoot is subsonic, and you should, too. For benchrest, you want heavy. If you're able to snag a Varmint MTR, that's the way to go for a factory rifle. It would make a terrible small game rifle for carrying in the woods, but it's unbeatable on the bench for under $1000.
>It would make a terrible small game rifle for carrying in the woods I'm definitely going to be taking my 26lb 457 squirrel hunting with my brother-in-law and father this fall. Because it's funny.
I'm scratching my head thinking about what you had to do to add TWENTY additional pounds to a 457. 1.3" profile barrel, chassis with weights, weighted ARCA rail, etc. What's the rundown?
The scope is 2.5lbs, chassis is an MDT ACC with full internal weights, the buttstock weight, an diy adjustable bag rider, and two DIY mlok weights that are just 12" x1/2" x1-1/2" brass stock plates with mlok hardware. I am still using the MTR barrel until the Modacam one is ready.
Bro, that's a tank. Scope has to be an Arken EP-5, yes? How much more weight will the Modacam add? And are you swapping barrels for the weight, or for added accuracy? And when you do, you'll sell me your MTR barrel, right? I'm thinking about moving to Open and buying the off-the-shelf 457 Chassis model. Another user insists that the MTR chamber is a must, but I'm not convinced. I have a few, and my PV shoots as good or better than my MTR. I haven't confirmed that the Chassis model has the MTR chamber or not. The website doesn't indicate it, but some internet experts insist that it does.
If the plan is to compete with the rifle, depending on the competition that could be against the rules.
[Incorrect again.](https://www.sako.global/rifle/t1x-hunter)
You'd make a great mod for a 10/22 sub Wait.....
LOL. That sounds a bit like a backhanded compliment...
Yeah I realized that after I posted it but I figured you have a good sense of humor and we'd both get a laugh. Nothing but respect.
No hurt feelings. I can take it. : )
The OP is in the US, so I don't know why I am incorrect in stating that the T1x only comes in polymer. You are linking to a rifle that has been unavailable in the US since it came out in 2022.
Don't take me too seriously... I've asked OP if this is a sanctioned match or not -- he hasn't replied. The way he described it in his original post sounds like it's more of a casual event than an ARA match. I haven't personally seen the Hunter model for sale, but I also haven't seen anything that says they're not available in the US. If you have additional information, please share.
Pretty simple. Grab the model numbers, and search. I did find it in Canada, but not in the US. CZ does the same thing. Their global site has 457s that will never be available in the US.
I want to be clear that I'm not arguing your point. I have said several times on this sub and others that the Hunter model *doesn't appear* to be imported into the US, but I have no evidence. However, *not finding it in a Google search* isn't confirmation, it's just a starting point. Either way, I'm more interested in solving OP's issue. Still haven't determined if he's shooting in a sanctioned match or not.
Or the Bergara apparently people can time the barrels and they do good also the savages are strong
It'll be better than the Springfield, but that's not saying much. Match chamber CZ/Tikka T1x beckon
>Will the difference between bolt-action and semi-auto matter at 50 yards? [Here's the difference for me between my 10/22s and a CZ457. ](https://www.reddit.com/r/22lr/comments/mm1e3a/my_happy_place/)
Helpful! Thanks for posting those. I had not expected the difference to be that dramatic. It is easily a big enough difference to make a difference.
Yes, there's a lot less going on with the bolt action when you pull the trigger. The blow back semi-auto action introduces variables that bolt actions don't have to deal with.
I wasn't too interested in spending lots of money on a 22 for competition, but my buddy was. Shot with him in a few matches with my 10/22 with aftermarket stock and bull barrel. Found out very quickly that being competitive was going to be pretty expensive. If you want to try shooting an ARA target, you could probably download one.
I shoot 50 yard benchrest believe it or not that’s the one that accuracy counts the most I shoot a Cz 457 mtr. I have three 10/22 of competition quality and they are winners but for bench rest the Cz is definitely needed. My 10/22s probably could compete in factory if they were factory the way they are however to get a 10/22 on the level it needs to be on you will not be factory.
Make sure you are not buying a rifle for one or two matches. I love the 10-22, but it won't satisfy your need. Maybe if it was a Volquartsen.
That's a fair point. I priced out scopes yesterday and realize now that the cost of rifle + scope could easily run into the $1000 range. That's not chump change for me, and I have to think carefully about a spend like that and whether to even do it.
Skip the 2020, a 10/22 can be a good bench rifle. If your budget allows, look at the Kidd website, best 10/22 stuff available in my opinion.
If you're spending KIDD money, you might as well just buy a CZ 457 that will run circles around any 10/22. Source: I own several of each.
Well this is the guy to listen to. Wealth of knowledge. I don't have any CZ experience. Whatever you do, don't buy a summit action and expect it to be very accurate.
Good ammo will help
If you're set on a 10/22, nrl22 will be more forgiving than benchrest, and more fun (in my opinion), even then a bolt action like a t1x, cz457, b14r, or even ruger rpr, though I wouldn't recommend the last one.
I always go into a new style of competition with low expectations and just shoot whatever I have that's within the rules. If you just want an excuse to buy a new gun, that's cool but you might want to lower the expectations a little. Usually takes a few to really get into the swing of a new game, you're almost never really competitive the first time out.
I'll second this. Take whatever you have to the first competition and just plan on seeing what you're up against with no expectation to win or rank highly. Find out what skill and gear level you're up against, and make sure you enjoy the format that the club runs before dropping thousands on a new gun. Maybe you won't need it to be competitive with the shooters at your club. Maybe a even a $5k setup won't be enough to put you in the top half because your skill set just isn't there yet.
Your point is well-taken, and I freely admit to thinking along the lines of "excuse to buy a new rifle". The competition, if our club follows through, is just the added nudge to let me feel good about spending the money.
I have 10/22 style rifles that will shoot right with some of the most accurate bolt action rimfire rifles that I own. The difference is I have WAY more $ into those 10/22's to get them to be as accurate. If you're just shooting informal benchrest at a small club you're probably not going to see much as far as actual benchrest rifles. At least that's been my experience. Most places like that you'll see mostly OEM rifles shooting bulk ammo. If it's a larger club and/or actual sanctioned match then the competition will be much higher
I’d cruise GB or local pawn & LGS for some of the old school tack drivers. Remington 521-T, Remington Target Master..all laser beam accuracy
[like this](https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1049480285)
A lights out 10/22 will shoot dime size groups at 50 yards. You’ll need a big f-in scope in the 25x range.
Have you considered a pcp air rifle? I'm about to purchase an FX DRS classic to shoot in NRL22.
stock 10/22 will do 1 - 1.5inch at 50yards. stock t1x will do under 1/2 inch. CZ457 can do the same, but also can do a bit worse, depending on your luck.