Bergara/CZ/KIDD rimfire

[Judge]

I am thinking of getting a precision rimfire for max 100 - 200 yards target/Competition. Can anyone advise which of these 3 would be the most reliable/accurate:

Bergara B14 R in steel or carbon fiber
CZ 457 MTR
KIDD supergrade complete build.

 

[Kadams1563]

Vudoo of course but if you can’t swing it then get one if the others.

tikka T1X
CZ 457

 

[Frankr]

I am thinking of getting a precision rimfire for max 100 - 200 yards target/Competition. Can anyone advise which of these 3 would be the most reliable/accurate:

Bergara B14 R in steel or carbon fiber
CZ 457 MTR
KIDD supergrade complete build.

Ask
@padom
@Eoddave27
@nakoa01
@Kisssofdeath

they probably all have Or have had the guns you are talking about.

If you aren’t going to do really any mods then the Bergara or Tikka gets the nod.

if you love to tinker and swap things out the CZ457 is the way to go imho.

if you want full size the bergara is it (or vudoo/RimX)

Cz vs Tikka is Chevy vs Ford stuff.

 

[Eoddave27]

I am thinking of getting a precision rimfire for max 100 - 200 yards target/Competition. Can anyone advise which of these 3 would be the most reliable/accurate:

Bergara B14 R in steel or carbon fiber
CZ 457 MTR
KIDD supergrade complete build.

Judge, I can give you some input but we need a little more info. What kind of competition are you thinking about doing? If you are interested in F class or some kind of bench rest our recommendations are going to be completely different then if you are doing NRL/PRS style competitions. My second question is which style rifle do you have more fun shooting? After all that’s what this is all about. Personally I prefer bolt action rifles but some people love semi auto.

With those questions out of the way for now I will approach this from a PRS style competition perspective because that is what I know. Of the ones you listed I would probably select the Bergara. The reason is it is very easily upgraded because it is a Remington 700 footprint which gives you a ton of aftermarket support. If I enjoyed shooting semi auto more than the Kidd would be the obvious choice. You want a rifle you can get comfortable behind and that can be configured to suit your needs. That means something with adjustments and the ability to add accessories if necessary If you want. Really any of the above rifles have that ability. For the MTR I would want to change out the stock right away. The factory MTR stock is really nice but not ideal for positional shooting. I’m not saying it will not work. I’m simply saying it is not ideal. All the above rifles have lots of aftermarket upgrades available if you should want them. The big consideration will be what style shooting you want to do and what type of rifle you enjoy shooting the most.

 

[Schütze]

I am thinking of getting a precision rimfire for max 100 - 200 yards target/Competition. Can anyone advise which of these 3 would be the most reliable/accurate:

Bergara B14 R in steel or carbon fiber
CZ 457 MTR
KIDD supergrade complete build.

Judge, there are literally hundreds of post's / review's for these 3 rifles on this forum.
Some of these members have a lot of time and passions doing that, and I'm very thankful about it.
If you can not make up your mind after reading all this detailed information I'd suggest you purchase all 3 rifles to find out on your own.

 

[GetReal]

Bergara's are unobtainum, right now, far as I've been able to find. That might simplify your decisioning process.

I was not favorably impressed with my 457 MTR. Maybe I was expecting too much, but certainly better than 15 mm at 50 m.

No experience with Kidd, but I've heard lotsa good about them.

Or just get the Vudoo. If you stay with rimfire, you will eventually anyway.

 

[IronOperator87]

I have experience with my tikka T1x, a buddy’s cz455 and Kidd. I would go Tikka or Kidd depending on what action you want. The Kidd shoots so well it is like cheating compared to my tikka given you don’t have to take your hand off the trigger to run the bolt.

 

[Frank_Castle]

Although all choices are great. I like KIDD supergrade complete build. Reason is semi auto with a lot of support aftermarket parts /modularity.

I added Kidd parts piecemeal to a Walmart 10/22. Amazing transformation. Still accurate with bulk ammo.

• Kidd Bull BBL threaded 1/2x28
• Kidd trigger
• Kidd extended bolt catch with bolt spring
• Kidd rubberized pin
• Magpul hunter stock (added cheek riser)
• Extended short mag release
• DIY bolt release file job
• "Cheap charlie" bipod (DYI drilled out sling mount) works
• Mueller Scope

 

[Judge]

Thanks everyone for the input. I noticed Vudoo has a Raven for $1,795 but it only comes with 16.5” ranch contour barrel and Bentz chamber so not made like the match models they build.

There are no reviews on this particular Vudoo model, so would you guys think it would outperfrom the others I mentioned (Bergara,CZ,KIDD)?

 

[MarkCZ]

I am thinking of getting a precision rimfire for max 100 - 200 yards target/Competition. Can anyone advise which of these 3 would be the most reliable/accurate:

Bergara B14 R in steel or carbon fiber
CZ 457 MTR
KIDD supergrade complete build.

I have a Kidd Supergrade. I got a complete barreled action with 2 stage trigger and put it in a Titan stock with Titan's rear action. I also have a CZ 455 Varmint, it is a great shooter. I also have a Tikka T1X also a great shooter. I have been looking at the Bergara. I think anyone you pick would be good.
Mark

 

[Eoddave27]

Thanks everyone for the input. I noticed Vudoo has a Raven for $1,795 but it only comes with 16.5” ranch contour barrel and Bentz chamber so not made like the match models they build.

There are no reviews on this particular Vudoo model, so would you guys think it would outperfrom the others I mentioned (Bergara,CZ,KIDD)?

If you are going to spend the money on a Vudoo I would say get exactly what you want. If you stick with rimfire long enough and really get into competition you will probably end up with a Vudoo eventually anyway. I messed around and customized several other 22‘s for the first year I competed For myself and boys. I have a custom CZ457, custom Tikka T1x and a custom 10/22. I also had a few others which I have since sold. I finally broke down and bought a Vudoo a few months ago. I like my other rifles but the Vudoo is just a class all it’s own and is worth every penny and then some. The only way you will get something equal will be with one of the other custom 700 based actions.

 

[littlepod]

Agree with about everything everyone said above. Required questions are -

What kind of shooting exactly are you doing? Benchrest style or PRS style?
How much money do you have to budget? (Rifle only, excluding optic)

 

[Judge]

Hi everyone, would really be into PRS shooting and $1,795 would be max (which is pricing for that Vudoo i mentioned with small diameter barrel & Bentz chamber) I already have some Steiner, S&B scopes ready to install.

 

[littlepod]

Hi everyone, would really be into PRS shooting and $1,795 would be max (which is pricing for that Vudoo i mentioned with small diameter barrel & Bentz chamber) I already have some Steiner, S&B scopes ready to install.

Make sure your scopes can parallax to 25 yards if you're shooting rimfire PRS.

For utmost enjoyment, I wouldn't buy a Raven as the stock, balance, setup is not suitable for rimfire PRS.

For $1795, I'd consider getting a
Bergara B14R $950
Trigger $200
Get behind the rifle and see if you like the balance feel etc... if not then you'll be budgetting another $600-1000 on a new chassis that you really enjoy.

Don't forget a good bipod, possible arca rail for configurability, and a good shooting bag (game changer, fortune cookie, etc)

For a Vudoo minimum setup, I'd say
Vudoo Barreled Action - Kukri/MTU 18" $1770 (or find one on sale, used one for $1400-1500)
Trigger - $200
KRG Bravo - $400

 

[littlepod]

IMO, a CZ is the best for the money. You could do a pretty tricked out CZ for $1700. And they will shoot with a V22. Go check the 6x5 threads. My dream CZ 457 should cost around $2200 retail or $1450 with discounts. And a stock VPT will easily exceed NRL22 requirements.

With the aftermarket barrels for the Tikka T1Xs they could be just as viable but I don't have any first hand experience with them.

Edited to add to Littlpods suggestion of saving money for the unexpecteds:
1. Heavy fill pint sized waxed Game changer $150
2. Some sort of ballistic app $20 - $700
3. Magneto speed V3 $350
4. Some sort of data card holder. This one is really cool https://www.cole-tac.com/product/cheat-sheet/ $30
5. A case of SK Standard plus $525
6. Quiet Bore .22 trap $350 w/ tax stamp
7. 2 extra mags $75
8. Sling $150
9. Scope $350 - $700
10 Atlas Cal bipod $250
11 Fixit sticks kit $175

I really like how simple that cole-tac one is! I was about to place an order for a tripod saddle, time to add another item to the cart

 

[nakoa01]

Okay I am late to the party but at the 1700 figure I am going to 100% agree with littlepod here. I have had every rifle you have mentioned. Multiple CZ457s, tikka, a supergrade, and bergara. They will all shoot the same with good ammo. But it's the ease of shooting that has to be taken into consideration. For me its bergara and a trigger upgrade hands down. I absolutley live the rifle. 4 457s with custom drop in barrels on them. They shot very well but fr some reason the bergara was more consistent in my hands. A buddy of mine has one of my CZs now and I cant shoot with him. What he does at 50 I can do 35 regularly. But doing it all over again its bergara.
As for the Vudoo. I have 2 of them. Love them. Love their people. The sporter rifle they are offering is not on the same level as their match guns. For example, if you want to just own a harley Davidson then buy a sportster, in this case the the 1700 spotter. Want the ride if a life time but a custom shop street glide i.e. one of their match guns.
Willing to bet the bergara or cz woth bartlein will be worlds more e accurate bc easier to shoot. This is all from bench or position. If your offhand and hunting that 1700 vudoo would fit the the bill nicely. But anything else, going with littlepod here. Bergara and trigger

 

[Judge]

In regards to Bergara, would you choose steel barrel or carbon fiber?

 

[Schütze]

It may be difficult enough to find the rifle in stock somewhere, they are always sold out fast.
Right now budgunshop shows them in stock.
Isn‘t only the barreled action from brownells offered with a carbon barrel, and are they available yet?

 

[Schütze]

Found them with carbon wrapped barrels in stock https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/232512

 

[Eoddave27]

In regards to Bergara, would you choose steel barrel or carbon fiber?

If you plan to use the rifle for competition weight is your friend. That additional weight that steel barrel gives you adds stability. Light guns are great for mobility and offhand shooting but shooting off barricades with a light rifle is not ideal.

 

[nakoa01]

In regards to Bergara, would you choose steel barrel or carbon fiber?

I love the looks of the carbon but after the way the steel performs and the heavier the rifle the easier it is to shoot off. a rest accurately I would go steel. But since I have one, carbon fiber is next

 

[Schütze]

I love the looks of the carbon but after the way the steel performs and the heavier the rifle the easier it is to shoot off. a rest accurately I would go steel. But since I have one, carbon fiber is next

Depending on your choice of chassis you could ad weight, it’s only a little over a pound difference per sales info.

 

[nakoa01]

And yes but that's a pound upfront. Big big difference

 

[Schütze]

And yes but that's a pound upfront. Big big difference

And the problem is??? Ad the weight to the front of the chassis, many ways to do so.
Lower center of gravity could even turn your "big big difference" into an advantage.

 

[Eoddave27]

And the problem is??? Ad the weight to the front of the chassis, many ways to do so.
Lower center of gravity could even turn your "big big difference" into an advantage.

I can see several issues with the carbon fiber barrel. My rifle has an 18” heavy barrel so it’s very similar to the Bergara Weight wise. I had to add every bit of weight I had room for up front to balance my rifle in a MPA chassis. If I had a carbon fiber barrel on my rifle I would have a very difficult and costly time balancing the rifle. The carbon fiber barrel also hasn’t been proven yet. The initial reports I have heard on Bergara‘s 10/22 clone carbon fiber barrel have not been great. I would personally not want to be one of the first to buy it. The last reason for me would be an issue of cost that I already touched on. Carbon fiber barrels look cool. In my case I know it will be too light up front and need weight added to balance. Obviously not everyone will have this issue but if you are competing you probably will. In my case however, this means I am going to pay more for my rifle to get carbon fiber, then turn right around and pay more for my chassis to add weights. I will more than likely need to add internal and external weight to get enough. This will probably end up costing me an extra $200-300 in the end just in weights without the additional rifle cost. The front of my chassis will more than likely be much more bulky due to the external weights as well. It just seems much easier to me to start with a heavier barrel That has a proven track record.

 

[Schütze]

I can see several issues with the carbon fiber barrel. My rifle has an 18” heavy barrel so it’s very similar to the Bergara Weight wise. I had to add every bit of weight I had room for up front to balance my rifle in a MPA chassis. If I had a carbon fiber barrel on my rifle I would have a very difficult and costly time balancing the rifle. The carbon fiber barrel also hasn’t been proven yet. The initial reports I have heard on Bergara‘s 10/22 clone carbon fiber barrel have not been great. I would personally not want to be one of the first to buy it. The last reason for me would be an issue of cost that I already touched on. Carbon fiber barrels look cool. In my case I know it will be too light up front and need weight added to balance. Obviously not everyone will have this issue but if you are competing you probably will. In my case however, this means I am going to pay more for my rifle to get carbon fiber, then turn right around and pay more for my chassis to add weights. I will more than likely need to add internal and external weight to get enough. This will probably end up costing me an extra $200-300 in the end just in weights without the additional rifle cost. The front of my chassis will more than likely be much more bulky due to the external weights as well. It just seems much easier to me to start with a heavier barrel That has a proven track record.

I agree with everything you say here and share the exact same opinion with you on this issue.
I just mention what can be done if someone really wants to try the carbon wrapped barrel, I certainly have or will not.

 

[Eoddave27]

I’ll be really interested to see how the Bergara CF barrels shoot. Most of the Bergara rifles I have seen with the exception of the BXR seem to be great rifles. I don’t know what happened with the BXR but I have yet to see one of those that perform. I have only seen the CF models first hand though and only two. Based on the feedback I have seen here though it seems pretty common. Let’s hope the B14r CF barrels perform better.

 

[EscapeVelocity]

I'd vote Bergara. I have had the Tikka, CZ 455, 457. Man the Bergara just is super accurate. It seems more consistent than the others. The other rifles are great of course, but they were lacking in feel for me as well. The Bergara just feels like a center fire, and I see the appeal to 700 patterned 22lr rifles.
Here's a few types of match ammo I did with my Bergara.