What rifle?

[sometime shooter]

Pugster .22's you need to try various different brands and velocity's to find what your rifle likes. .22's vary some shoot pretty much anything you feed it well whilst others show a bias towards one brand or velocity. I have a CZ 455 that shoots better in the 1050 to 1065 fps range with either HP or match solids. The other question is what are you planing to use the rifle for, hunting, plinking or target shooting in comps. If your going small game hunting then HP's are the go, just plinking tin cans or paper what ever it likes and target comps well again what ever it likes the best. There are some really fun comps that SSAA runs and most have a rimfire comp as well as a centerfire. Field rifle and metallic shillouette are two that I used to shoot all the time when I was in Brisbane.

[The Raven]

Thanks for the advice. I am thinking of getting a savage mk11 .22 w/ 4-12 x50 red field and a bipod stand (don't know which one) thoughts on that setup?
I won't get a .223 yet as I want to get a .22 rifle.

What ammo should I be looking for or is this trial and error to get the best ammo for your gun?

Further, do you have any recommendations on earmuffs and glasses?
Should I also get a carry gun case?

Furthermore, I am also looking at the lok3 safe. What are lokaway safes like?

Last but not least I am looking at getting a spotting scope achutz thoughts?

Answering in order:

I haven't used that particular savage, but would suspect it's just as good as most.

I have a Redfield scope in 4-12x40 on my 308W. Not a bad scope but I think a 50mm objective is a bit much for a 22LR. 3-9x40 is pretty much the standard sized scope for 22's.

You can't go wrong with a Harris bipod. If you have the extra cash, get the S model with the swivel. Various sized bipods are around. 6-9inch will suit bench shooting. If you're going to use it for hunting consider your shooting position (taller bipods are better for me as I find shooting prone uncomfortable).

Plenty of ammo choices exist. I'd suggest buying one brand to initially get used to, then as you figure out how good you/it shoots you can then try others (buy a pack of each brand/type to try). I'd stick with high velocity stuff, not impressed with subsonics rounds myself.

Quality earmuffs preferably Australian Standard approved. I have some electronic Peltors (a 3M brand) which I'm happy with, cost about $70.

I don't wear glasses for shooting. It's not necessary for 22 (In my opinion).

Buy a safe at least one size larger than you ever expect to fill, noting most 5 gun safes will struggle to hold 3 comfortably. Lokaway with the slide locking door are good!

I don't have a spotting scope as I don't need it with a 22LR at 50m. My rifle scope is good enough to see everything at that range.

[curan]

Answering in order:

I haven't used that particular savage, but would suspect it's just as good as most.

I have a Redfield scope in 4-12x40 on my 308W. Not a bad scope but I think a 50mm objective is a bit much for a 22LR. 3-9x40 is pretty much the standard sized scope for 22's.

You can't go wrong with a Harris bipod. If you have the extra cash, get the S model with the swivel. Various sized bipods are around. 6-9inch will suit bench shooting. If you're going to use it for hunting consider your shooting position (taller bipods are better for me as I find shooting prone uncomfortable).

Plenty of ammo choices exist. I'd suggest buying one brand to initially get used to, then as you figure out how good you/it shoots you can then try others (buy a pack of each brand/type to try). I'd stick with high velocity stuff, not impressed with subsonics rounds myself.

Quality earmuffs preferably Australian Standard approved. I have some electronic Peltors (a 3M brand) which I'm happy with, cost about $70.

I don't wear glasses for shooting. It's not necessary for 22 (In my opinion).

Buy a safe at least one size larger than you ever expect to fill, noting most 5 gun safes will struggle to hold 3 comfortably. Lokaway with the slide locking door are good!

I don't have a spotting scope as I don't need it with a 22LR at 50m. My rifle scope is good enough to see everything at that range.

I agree with Raven, but would add to consider the wooden stocked Savage over the plastic if you're going to run a bipod (it's stiffer).

I have owned a MK2, and I liked it for a "budget" 22lr. I have had 50mm scopes on 22s for target work, and they go okay with the right rings, but I do prefer less than 42mm objectives simply because I reckon they look better and feel more balanced.

What others have said about trialling different ammo is spot on. The Savage rimfires I own (or have owned) all shot CCI standard velocity fairly well (under 20mm groups at 50m), so there is a starting point for bunnies.

I use earplugs, as I don't like the feel of earmuffs, and I'm used to plugs from work. Each to his own.....

As for the spotting scope, there is plenty in other threads. The other thing to consider is that if you're going to be doing mostly hunting, a good set of binos might be a better choice.

Just more stuff to think about.......

cheers, curan