New Rifles, especially in 22LR caliber are going to be big hits this year. The first two are are coming to the US from Germany and Finland. There are other rifles in the news too for big game hunters and target shooters in center fire, most introduced at the 2018 Shot Show.
Tikka T1x 22LR & 17HMR.
The Tikka T1x is a bolt-action rimfire rifle manufactured by Sako, a Finnish firearm company. Here’s a brief history of the Tikka T1x:
Introduction of the Tikka T1x: The Tikka T1x was introduced in 2018 as a rimfire companion to the popular Tikka T3x centerfire rifle. It was designed to offer the same high-quality craftsmanship and performance in a smaller caliber for varmint hunting, target shooting, and general rimfire applications.
Development and Features: The development of the Tikka T1x involved leveraging Sako’s expertise in rifle manufacturing and combining it with the specific requirements of a rimfire platform. The rifle features a lightweight synthetic stock, a cold-hammer-forged barrel, and a smooth bolt action. It is available in both .22 LR and .17 HMR calibers.
See our Christmas Gifts Suggestions For Hunters
Accuracy and Performance: The Tikka T1x is known for its excellent accuracy and precision. The cold-hammer-forged barrel ensures consistent barrel harmonics and tight groupings. The adjustable trigger allows shooters to customize the trigger pull weight to their preference, contributing to enhanced accuracy. The smooth bolt action ensures reliable cycling and ease of use.
Ergonomics and Design: The Tikka T1x incorporates ergonomic features to enhance shooter comfort and control. The rifle has a comfortable grip, a generous trigger guard for easy access, and a detachable magazine for convenient reloading. The stock design includes textured grip surfaces and swivel studs for attaching slings or bipods.
Reception and Popularity: The Tikka T1x has been well-received by shooters and has gained popularity for its quality construction, accuracy, and value for money. It has been praised for its smooth action, crisp trigger, and overall reliability. The rifle’s ability to deliver consistent performance has made it a popular choice among varmint hunters, plinkers, and precision rimfire shooters.
The Tikka T1x has established itself as a reliable and accurate rimfire rifle, offering shooters a high-quality option for various rimfire shooting applications. Its combination of precision, features, and value has made it a popular choice among shooters who seek a well-performing rimfire rifle.
Specifications
Caliber: .22LR
Weight: 5.7 lbs.
Action: Bolt
Trigger: Adjustable 2-4 lbs.
Rifle Barrel Length: 20″
Rifle Barrel Twist: 1:16.5″
Barrel Thread Pitch. 1/2×28
Rifle Stock: Synthetic
Magazines Included: (1) 10 round
Handedness. Right Hand
Item Condition. New
UPC. 082442898353
MPN. JRT1X300
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STEYR MANNLICHER Zephyr II Retail $995
The Steyr Mannlicher Zephyr II is the modern version of the original Zephyr rifle, which was produced from 1955 through 1971. Retailing at $995, this is a premium rifle you would expect from Germany. Crafted steel and walnut to for a beautiful, high quality rimfire rifle. The style is all Steyr with a European flair to the classic stock. I expect this rifle to in the same league of the Sako Finnfire, and close to the Anschutz 1500 series.
The Zephyr II has a tang safety, detachable 5-round box magazine, and comes with a threaded barrel option for all calibers. The cold hammer forged barrel has matt finish for good looks and I am sure it will be a real tack driver. It weighs only 5.8 pounds and is available in .17 HMR, .22 Long Rifle, and .22 WMR.
The Steyr Zephyr II is a bolt-action rimfire rifle produced by Steyr Mannlicher, an Austrian firearms manufacturer. Here’s a brief history of the Steyr Zephyr II:
Introduction of the Steyr Zephyr II: The Steyr Zephyr II was introduced as an updated version of the original Steyr Zephyr rifle, which was first produced in the mid-1950s. The Zephyr II was designed to offer modern features and improved performance while retaining the classic styling and heritage of the original Zephyr rifle.
Development and Features: The development of the Steyr Zephyr II involved incorporating modern manufacturing techniques and materials while adhering to the traditional styling of the original Zephyr rifle. The Zephyr II features a classic European-style walnut stock, a blued steel barrel, and a ultra-smooth bolt action. It is available in various rimfire calibers, such as .22 LR , 22 Mag and .17 HMR.
Accurate and Lightweight: The Steyr Zephyr II is beautiful, lightweight rifle that is pure Steyr Mannlicher. The rifle’s barrel is cold-hammer-forged for exceptional accuracy and consistency. American Rifleman accuracy test produced sub-MOA 10-shot groups. The stock design and overall weight of the rifle make it easy to handle and carry, making it suitable for various rimfire shooting applications, including hunting and target shooting.
Ergonomics and Functionality: The Steyr Zephyr II incorporates ergonomic features for enhanced shooter comfort and control. The stock has a slim profile, comfortable grip, and includes an unusual checkering or stippling for improved handling. The rifle has a butter knife bolt handle, an adjustable trigger, and a detachable rotary magazine for convenient reloading.
Reception and Popularity: The Steyr Zephyr II has received positive reviews for its quality craftsmanship, accuracy, and overall performance. It has been praised for its excellent trigger, smooth cycling action, and reliable feeding. The rifle’s classic design, combined with modern features and reliable performance, has contributed to its popularity among rimfire enthusiasts.
The Steyr Zephyr II has established itself as a well-regarded rimfire rifle, combining classic styling with modern functionality and accuracy. Its blend of traditional design elements and modern features has made it a popular choice among rimfire enthusiasts who appreciate the timeless elegance and reliable performance of a Steyr rifle.
Caliber. 17 HMR , 22 Long Rifle, 22 WMR
Magazine. 5 Round, Detachable
Trigger. Single Stage Trigger
Stock. European walnut with fish scale pattern
Safety. Tang Safety
Overall Length. 39.2″
Barrel Length. 19.7″
Weight. 5.8 lbs
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Mauser M18 Rifle
Mauser has always offered a line of premium grade commercial hunting rifles, and the Mauser 98 has been the goto action for custom rifles for centuries, either route can be costly. Now Mauser is offering it’s “more affordable” hunting rifle to America in the form of the M18 at about $700 retail, $650 at Bud’s Gun Shop.
The new Mauser M18 is a synthetic-stocked rifle with a three-lug action, detachable box magazine, twin plunger ejectors and an standard extractor in place of the 1898-style “claw.” The trigger is adjustable, and a three-position safety sits in a common-sense position on the right side of the tang. The rifles are a no frills hunting rifle that promises the quality of a real Mauser. We will see in the future if the M18 will deliver on that promise.
This rifle is a light 6.5 lbs with short action and 22” barrel. Combined with a compact scope like a Leupold VX2 3×9 it would make an ideal hunting rifle for Whitetails in 308 Winchester. The longer actions will only add a little weight, but it will still be lighter than most deer rifles. It looks like a good design that will be attractive to a lot of American hunters.
These rifles are lightweight and well-balanced and are currently available in .308 Win. and 30-06 Sprg. Mauser will be adding .243 Win., .270 Win., 7mm Rem. Mag. and .300 Win. Mag. to the list of available cartridges in July. MSRP: $699.99; mauser.com.
Best Scopes For 22LR Rimfire Rifles
Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 Riflescope with DZ22 Reticle in Black – RR3940BS4
Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 Riflescope with DZ22 Reticle $99 at Amazon
BDC Reticle for 40 Grain 22 AMMO
- The Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 is Designed to deliver peak performance for the 40-grain .22 LR, this scope boasts a BDC reticle with hold positions out to 125 yards—and you’ll never miss your shot thanks to capped turrets that protect your settings in the field
- One-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum body that has no problem standing up to the elements and rough use and capped turrets to protect your scope settings in the field
- Multi-Coated Optics for improved resolution, light transmission, and contrast to you get you on target
- DZ22 Reticle is designed specifically for a 40 grain 22 LR, with drop points out to 125 yards. Ideal for: Varmint, small game, plinking
- The Bushnell 3-9×40 Rimfire is covered by our Ironclad lifetime warranty
Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Scope
Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Scope $199 at Amazon
- The Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire riflescope is ideal for use at close range on 22 rimfire Rifles.
- The V-Plex reticle is a popular all-purpose hunting reticle intended for a wide variety of hunting applications.
- Lenses are fully multi-coated for crystal clear, bright images from dawn till dusk. The fast focus Eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing.
- Metal on metal Precision turrets offer the ability to zero reset after sight-in. A precision glide erector System ensures accurate tracking and repeatability.
- A solid one-piece tube with a hard anodized finish creates a shockproof and durable scope while helping camouflage The shooter’s position.
- Argon purged and O-ring sealed the scope will deliver a lifetime of Fog proof and waterproof performance.
Leupold VX-Freedom Specialty 3-9×40 Rimfire Riflescope
Leupold VX-Freedom Specialty Scopes Rimfire Riflescope $299 at Amaon
Designed Specifically For 22 Rimfire Rifles
- Model #174181 – VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9×40 Riflescope with a Rimfire MOA Reticle, Capped Finger Click Adjustments and a Matte finish
- In Second Focal Plane (rear focal plane) scopes, the reticle stays the same size while the target grows and shrinks when you adjust the magnification. These reticles are ideal for lowlight hunting situations and in scopes that don’t utilize hash marks for range estimation.
- A 3:1 zoom ratio gives you 3 times more magnification at high power than at low power
- Designed, Machined and Assembled in the USA. 100% Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, and backed by Leupold’s legendary customer care
See our review of the Cooper M57 22LR here.
