My Anschutz 1430-1434 22Hornet

[Martin Clarke]

Trying once again to attach photos!! SUCCESS AT LAST- Must have done something wrong - Thanks & Regards....Martin Clarke

[Mr.Shome]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

Regards.

[Vikram]

That's a very nicely made rifle. Congratulations.

[timmy]

Now that's a REAL gun! There's nothing like having something like this that's nicely made. It feels good, not just in the eyes and mind, but even to the touch.

That's a very nice rifle, Martin. I'm sure that it performs as good as it looks!

[Martin Clarke]

Hi Mr. Shome, Vikram & Timmy,
Thank you for your comments - much appreciated.

I saw this rifle about a year back, and assumed it was a 22Mag. The owner was hesitant to sell,
but did so when he bought another larger, flatter property, and went in for a 204Ruger.
Was pleased to learn it was a 22Hornet, manufactured in 1976, with a Match 54 action.
The previous owner's father bought it new in 1977, and I am assured it has not fired more than 300 rounds.
The rifle has been kept in pristine condition. It is a pleasure to own, hold and admire a rifle so beautifully made,
and amazingly accurate!

I intend changing the scope rings, as the present ones are see through, hence sit a little too high.
I have bought match rings, manufactured in the UK, and will soon fit them, and sight the rifle in.
While shooting - it shot 3/4" groups from the bench at 75M (35gr Federal) and just 7mm lower with Remington 40gr.
I am sure this will further improve once I start hand loading - have already got the bullets, powder and cases.
I forgot to mention, I also got two boxes of ammo with the gun - 50 of Federal 35gr Tipped, and 50 of Remington 40gr HP.

I look forward to using this more often in the field, having taken it out just once for foxes and bunnies.

Thank all of you once again. I feel elated that my colleagues on this Forum share my feelings.
Regards...…Martin Clarke

[timmy]

Martin, here's some more sharing:

I agree with you about "see through" scope rings. Modern scopes are quite reliable, and the see through ones are a waste of time. We have a saying, "Never trust a man who wears a belt and suspenders (braces) because he doesn't trust himself." That's what see through rings bring to my mind.

Besides, as you say, see through rings prevent one from getting the proper cheek weld.

204 Ruger vs 22 Hornet: I'll take the Hornet every time! Yes, a 204 is flatter shooting, and longer range, etc. But the Hornet is a piece of history, is quiet, the barrels last for a long time, and I'd love to have one any day of the week. I often thought, as a young man, about making one up on an old US Krag action, just like the old timers did. It's only a dream now, but still a nice one.

Have fun!!!

[Vikram]

Anschutz still make hunting rifles. Though they look engineered, they look quality. Even someone not versed with the basics of machining can appreciate the quality.

I took these photos from their website.

[winnie_the_pooh]

Martin, that is a nice rifle. I was not aware of these rifles. Normally I would associate Anschutz with .22lr rifles.Did a bit of googling after reading your post. They are said to be very well made and accurate as you yourself say. Thanks for sharing.

[Martin Clarke]

Thank you Vikram & Winnie,
Vikram, your photos say all. Just look at the machining and finish they turn out. Absolutely fabulous, hence their reputation.
Winnie,they are now making many hunting rifles, also some specially adapted for running boar.
Regards....Martin Clarke

[eljefe]

I Think Anschutz are also into big bore centre fire.
Thats a great combo you have there, Martin.
Whats your preferred powder ?
More power to your elbow

[Martin Clarke]

Thanks Eljefe,
Than you for your comments. I will use 2205, made by ADI here in Australia - 9.5 grains which they say gives around 3000 ft/sec at the muzzle using 35 gr bullets. Have not started reloading as yet, as I have around 100 Federal factory rounds to go through.
Will chronograph them when I reload & sight in again.
Regards....Martin clarke

[sikkimani]

Enjoyed the pics.Love to own one if available for sale ,as I am also scouting for a decent .22Lr .But going through various post and feed back from some dealers,foriegn made .22Lrs are exorbitanly pricy.Neverthless, I am willing to shell out more if the condition of the rifle is worth paying for,,like the Anschutz we are talking about.

[Martin Clarke]

Hi Sikkimani,

Good to know you liked the pictures of my 22 Hornet.
I was born in India and lived there for 49 years before migrating to Perth, Western Australia.
I am well aware of the exhorbitant prices of firearms in India. Prices were hitting the roof in 2004, but now they are astronomical!
I was at the gun shop last Saturday, and saw some very well maintained, secondhand .22 LRs for sale. Prices (negotiable) were:
- BSA Sportsman - 12 shot tube magazine - open sights - fair condition - AU $240/- (Around Rs.13,000/-)
- Anschutz Model 1450 - 5 shot magazine - with 3-9x40 scope by Redfield - good condition - AU $650/- (Around Rs.32,500/-)
- BRNO - Model 2 - with 2 x 5 shot magazines - open sights - good condition- AU $800/- (Around Rs.43,200) with soft carry bag by Allen
- Remington 581 - 5 shot magazine - with 4x32 Tasco(Japan) scope - very good condition) - AU $525/- (Around Rs.28,500/-) (I had same rifle in India-
paid Rs.40,000/- in 1993 for secondhand, well kept, without magazine, so had to get my sister in Australia to send me one)
- Tikka T1X - Stainless with polymer stock - 5 shot magazine - very good condition - AU $900/- - (Around Rs.49,000/-)
- CZ452 American - 5 shot magazine - open sights - good condition- AU $450/- - (Around Rs.24,500/-)
- Norinco JW-15 (Chinese copy of CZ) - 5 shot magazine - fair condition - AU $200/- (Around Rs.11,000/-)

I also saw a good condition Anschutz Model 1432 in 22 Hornet, open sights with 5 shot magazine for AU $900/- (Around Rs.49,000/-)
This has a similar action to my Hornet (Match 54) but has lower grade walnut stock without roll over cheek piece, no scope.

New 22 LR prices (without scope) in Perth, are around:
- CZ457 - AU $1,050/- (Around Rs.57,000/-)
- Ruger American - AU $700/- (Around Rs.38,000/-)
- Anschutz 1416 Heavy Barrell - 5 shot magazine - AU $1,795/- (Around Rs.97,000/-)
- Tikka T1X - 5 & 10 shot magazine - $1,100/- (Around Rs.59,500/-)
- Sako - Finnfire II - 5 shot magazine - AU $1,800/- (Around Rs.97,000/-)
- Savage MKII - 10 shot magazine & Camouflage Synthetic stock - AU $675/- (Around Rs.36,500/-)

Information provided so you and other forum members understand the comparisons made.
Regards.....Martin Clarke

[sikkimani]

Hi Martin,

Thanks a lot for the brief note on price of .22 Lr there.Have posted my requirement in the forum, but
no response till date.Ultimately, I think I have to go for the IOF made .22 Rifle.Any way would appreciate
if you could kindly suggest me as to which rifle I should buy, if I manage to find one in India?

[eljefe]

Thanks Eljefe,
Than you for your comments. I will use 2205, made by ADI here in Australia - 9.5 grains which they say gives around 3000 ft/sec at the muzzle using 35 gr bullets. Have not started reloading as yet, as I have around 100 Federal factory rounds to go through.
Will chronograph them when I reload & sight in again.
Regards....Martin clarke

Is that data from the ADI site? I am down to 2 tubs of 05. Good powder for 7x57 in cast projjies and also 7.62x39 with jacketed.
I was tempted a while ago to sink a .22 Hornet reamer into a switch barrel Rossi .410 & .22 combo i have. But the .22LR is probably is ideal for that knockabout rifle.