I was comparing rimfires today at the gunshop. I'd like to believe I have it narrowed down to either a Ruger 77/22 heavy barrel model or a CZ 452 varmint.

Just lookin' at the fit and finish, the Ruger definitely has a slight edge and bloody well should for the extra $. My main concern with the Ruger is the lousy trigger. Are they easily adjustable or is there something a 'smith can do, possible aftermarket fix like a Timney replacement. Anyone know if something can be done with the 77/22 trigger?

Thanks,

GordM

quote:

Originally posted by GordM:
I was comparing rimfires today at the gunshop. I'd like to believe I have it narrowed down to either a Ruger 77/22 heavy barrel model or a CZ 452 varmint.

Just lookin' at the fit and finish, the Ruger definitely has a slight edge and bloody well should for the extra $. My main concern with the Ruger is the lousy trigger. Are they easily adjustable or is there something a 'smith can do, possible aftermarket fix like a Timney replacement. Anyone know if something can be done with the 77/22 trigger?

Thanks,

GordM

Brownell's had a Moyers trigger for this gun which was quite easy to install and helped a lot.

doing a trigger job on a 77/22 is one the easiest thee is. for $35 or therabouts any good smith can fix you up. a bit o honing and a new spring is all that is needed

That's good to know, I would really prefer the Ruger if that trigger can tamed. Do you suppose it would have any negative effects if that long 24" barrel was cut back 3" and recrowned?

GordM

I have both a 77/22Mag HB and a CZ 452 in 22 Mag. I like both, but it was easier to get the CZ to shoot.

The Ruger is so easy to tune it is hard to believe people buy these kits which I have done until I figured it out.Looking at the front of the trigger at the very top it angles up to the rear of the trigger,get a fine pattern file and file it square.Then put a slight bevel on the front.Sometimes I cut on turn of the trigger spring off.w/regards

Or you could opt for the CZ453 Varmint with a single set trigger. This is the best trigger I have shot on ANY out of the box rifle, period. My CZ527 Varmint in .223 FLAT SHOOTS.

The CZ453 Varmint should be less $$ than the Ruger, too.

---Mike

I have the Ruger as well and tuned the trigger myself. I would consider my skills pretty limited when it comes to triggers (have only done 3-4) and found it very easy to tune.

As a side note, I have the stainless laminated model with the "target gray" finish. It has been extremely durable, no signs of corrosion (since 1995), and it looks great too.

Good luck with your choice!

quote:

Originally posted by butchloc:
doing a trigger job on a 77/22 is one the easiest thee is. for $35 or therabouts any good smith can fix you up. a bit o honing and a new spring is all that is needed

About 30 minutes worth of work on mine, and I honed the trigger down myself and it turned out great.. I have done about 15 Rugers like that..

I had a 77/22 in 17 HMR that keyholed, and when not doing that, would put the first shot on, and spray the rest of them all over. I replaced the trigger with an aftermarket unit that wasn't ideal, but an improvement, anyway, but only on the trigger pull. While removing the barrel it fell out of the receiver, I wrapped a piece of .004 shim stock around the tenon to tighten it up, no improvemment.

the gun never shot worth a damn, I gave it away.

I bought a CZ 452, and have had nothing but good results with it- now they come with a set trigger, all the more reason to own one.

Ruger, no.

CZ, yes.

Bought a Timney from Midway. Money well spent. Took about 30min to get the safety right. It shoots good groups at 100yds with the cheap Federals. Guess I just got a good one, circa 1990.