Copyright 2024 – Stephen Redgwell

If you’re a rifle looney, you probably have several rifles of the same action type and cartridge. 22 rimfires are one of those cartridges where having only one just doesn’t seem right.
I started with a Cooey single shot and progressed to a number of 22s, most of which have gone down the road to others. These days, I have four – a Marlin Model 60, a Henry 22 pump, a CZ 452 American and a Tikka T1x.
Of the four, the Marlin is the oldest and the least expensive. It has always used a 4 power scope and is all original.
It’s also my favourite when it comes to small game hunting. Over the years, it has taken 100s of pounds of edible meat like rabbits, squirrels and ruffed grouse. It was great for eliminating pests like skunks and groundhogs (Marmota monax). And last but not least, my Model 60 has been a constant plinking companion. In short, it’s fun to shoot and the most useful of my rimfires.

CZ 452 American
About 30 years ago, I decided to try postal matches. I bought a Model 64 Lakefield bolt action repeater. It didn’t seem to perform, at least, not to the level that I expected. I traded that with some cash for a CZ 452 American. A big step up from the Lakefield (now Savage)!
A few years ago, I was at a gun shop and they had a couple of rimfires lying on the counter. The clerk was trying to get them back on the rack while dealing with customers. One of the rifles was a Tikka. A 22LR! I had to pick it up for a look. Well, wasn’t that interesting! Needless to say, it came home with me.
This purchase was the start of an expensive journey down the road of rifle upgrades. Not counting ammunition or government taxes, this is what it has cost me so far.
Tikka T1x Rifle Build
Tikka T1x MTR rifle – $825.00
MDT Oryx bipod – $129.95
MDT 20 MOA Picatinny Scope Base – $79.95
Discovery HD- 5-30×56 GEN2 scope – $439.99
Discovery scope rings – 34mm – $89.99
Atlasworx bolt handle – $87.01
Vertical pistol Grip – $33.99
Beavertail Forend – $54.99
Spearhead Tuner – $199.99
Total before taxes and shipping $1940.90 Considering how far down the rabbit hole you can go with any rifle, I think I showed restraint! I should mention that I had considered an MDT chassis, but common sense stopped me from shelling out another $650.
After adding all the accessories, my rifle weighs 10 lb 6 oz.

So, after attaching all this stuff, how did things work out? Good, thanks.
I started trials with a Spearhead barrel tuner. Here are two different loads – CCI Standard Velocity and SK Rifle Match. Both shoot .4 to .5 inch, 50 yard groups. CCI SV has the occasional flyer, but despite that, it’s a good practice round. It also makes a capable hunting cartridge when the bullet is modified to a flat nose.

Spearhead Barrel Tuner

CCI SV Flat Nose beside an unmodified cartridge.


Tikka makes rock solid rifles. Mine was no exception. I think part of the reason that it shoots respectable groups is that it has a CIP (European) chamber. It is tighter than what is seen with most US made rifles. The craftsmanship is better than most of what we see in off the rack 22s as well.
If I was shooting competitions like rimfire NRL22 or PRS, I might consider putting an aftermarket chassis onto my action, in order to take advantage of the available rifle accessories. For club matches and hunting however, I don’t believe it’s necessary. According to those in the know, the chassis doesn’t offer any accuracy advantages. Although, I am certain that some might disagree.

