I am planning to order a S&W model 617 6" 6 shot .22 revolver from my local gun store, and plan to add a .22 rifle and scope to my order. As this will be my last gun purchase I would like to get it right.

What rifle and scope would you buy for target shooting?

Well you didn't mention price.

Anschutz in whichever style you prefer if cost isn't a problem.

Scope depends on type of target shooting. If target only try one of the fixed 24x scopes from the usual sources. Leupold, Weaver, or Sightron. If fixed isn't your choice 6-24x Nikon Monarch, Bushnell Elite 4200 or Zeiss Conquest.

I had excellent results with a Remington 700 BDL in .223 with a Bushnell Trophy 6-18x variable scope years ago. At 200 yards with loads developed myself, a tiny ragged hole on a target 200 yards away became the norm. At a moment of weakness a few years ago it was given to my older son.

I do not have a strict budget to live with, but
using rim fire factory .22 rounds, the realistic range limits how much I am willing to spend. Is 100 yards a practical goal?

If you want a factory rifle that shoots very well, try the CZ 542. Shooter.com has them for @ $300. If you like to tinker, a 10/22 receiver ($??), with VQ trigger group ($50), Green Mountain barrel($110), extended bolt+extended mag release+automatic bolt release ($25), and CPC bolt job ($58). Both will shoot very well, and are used regularly in Silhouette shooting. Kudude

kudude gives some good advice.

I would say the Anschutz is something you will always feel proud to own. But those CZ 452's are the best bang for the buck. Darn near as accurate as the Anschutz. All wood and steel.

Having just checked out the CZ website three models caught my attention:

CZ 452 American
CZ 452 FS
CZ 452 Varmint

They all look good. Decisions, decisions, you have to love it.

Anschutz and Cooper also seem to make top end rifles.

CZ 452 is the best bang for the buck out there. Next step up is a Kimber, although Kimber stopped production about a year ago.
Finally the top of the heap are Coopers. Are Coopers worth the price? If you are looking for a very classy rifle, yes. Will they shoot just a tiny bit better than a CZ or Kimber? Probably. CZ will set you back about 300-500, Kimber 600-1,200 depending on grade. Cooper, new about 1,400 and on up. I own all the brands and if money were no object they would be all be Coopers (have another on order).
But still, as I mentioned before the CZ is the most rifle for your money.

I have a kimber classic varmit. Great 22. It's weight is right between my 2 8400's, makes for great practice. 4x12 vxII. Shoots very well.

I am off to a major sports show and Thursday and will test and probably buy the CZ 452 then.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I have a CZ 452 in 22 Rimfire. The last group I shot with it measured 3/16" at 50 yards, the very best group I ever shot with any sporter including an Anschutz I did own at one time.

Don

The only 22 L.R. that I will own today is the Win. M-63 auto pre 64...I have never shot one that wouldn't do an easy inch at 50 yds. and most do better than that...They never jam and they shoot like a bench rifle, they are light, clean and the lines are excellent..They will also make up into one of the most beautiful custom rifles you can imagine..

My Sako Finnfire [hunter model] never disappoints, I use a 6.5 X 20 Leupold for silhouette .