Originally Posted by
Westcliffe01
Living in SE Michigan, we have the problem with rimfire restrictions for night hunting, even though we are overun with coyotes (and this applies to private land). I have bought 2 different 22WMR rifles so far, the first being a CZ 512 autoloader and the second being the Savage 93 in stainless / thumbhole laminate. I had some expectations of the Savage 93, but so far it has been a huge disapointment. The only reason I didn't buy a CZ bolt gun was because they only make blued weapons and the climate here during hunting season is brutal on blued weapons when you take them out every day and sometimes twice a day. Frost, condensation etc really takes its toll fast.
The CZ 512 did not group better than about 4-5MOA at 100 yards. The Savage 93 has not grouped better than 2" at 75 yards and the average is closer to 3". Now I have a 223 and a 308 and a 243 that I can all shoot to 1/2 MOA or better, so I do not feel this is shooter technique.
I really need an accurate 22mag for nighttime coyote hunting and we are right in the middle of the "season" and right now neither rifle will connect with any reliability at 100 yards. Any coyote that you miss, you will never be calling in again. I don't know what I am going to do. Perhaps get a CZ 455 and do the heretical thing of painting the barrel and action to protect it from the elements ? I need a solution that is going to work.