Small-game and varmint setups for the T1x and CZ 457, including suppressed hunting
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What makes a good small-game rifle?
Light enough to carry all day, accurate enough for head shots, quiet, and quick to the shoulder. Bolt actions are popular because they're accurate and encourage deliberate shots. A bolt also makes a suppressed rifle quieter than a semi-auto.
Which T1x or CZ 457 model for hunting?
- Tikka T1x MTR 16 in (.22 LR or .17 HMR): threaded, synthetic, handy. One owner who uses a T1x for hunting suggests the 16 in to cut weight [1].
- CZ 457 American, Synthetic or Jaguar: sporter weights. One owner found the 24 in barrel slow in brush and preferred shorter barrels [1].
- CZ 457 Scout: 12 in length of pull, 16.5 in barrel, about 5 lb [2]. Great for youth hunters.
- Heavy-barrel Varmint and MTR models suit stand hunting and varmints from a rest, not long walks.
.22 LR or .17 HMR?
| .22 LR | .17 HMR | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Squirrels and rabbits to ~50–60 yd | Varmints, longer shots (100+ yd) |
| Typical load | 40 gr HV hollow point (CCI Mini-Mag HP) | 17 gr V-Max (17 HMR V-Max) |
| Trajectory | Drops ~7.6 in at 100 yd with a 50 yd zero (CCI SV data) | Hornady data: ~8.5 in at 200 yd with a 100 yd zero |
| Suppressed | Very quiet with subsonic loads | Supersonic crack remains |
| Meat damage | Low with head shots | Higher; can be explosive on small game |
American Hunter advises high-velocity .22 LR hollow points for squirrels to about 50–60 yd with head shots, and avoiding .22 Short beyond 25–30 yd [3]. Drop data: zeroing.
Our range results (coming soon)
This box will hold our own groups, chronograph data and photos for this topic once we've shot and recorded them. Until then, every accuracy number on this page comes from the published source cited next to it. We have not tested these rifles or products hands-on for this article.
Suppressed hunting: what changes?
- Ammo: standard-velocity subsonic (CCI SV) is far quieter than HV, but it expands less. Keep shots close and use head shots. CCI Quiet-22 is the quietest but only for very close range.
- Point of impact often shifts with a can on, so zero with the suppressor you'll hunt with.
- Light cans keep the rifle balanced: BANISH 22 (4.1 oz) or TBAC 22 Take Down (4.8 oz). See suppressor hosts.
- Law: check your state's rules on hunting with suppressors; most US states allow it, but some don't. Federal status: suppressor picks.
Scopes for hunting
A fixed-parallax rimfire scope is fine within its set distance: Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire ($129, 50 yd parallax) or Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40 ($299.99, 60 yd parallax). For varmints at mixed distances, use a side-focus 4-16x such as the Primary Arms SLx 4-16x44 or Arken EPL-4.
Carry and support
- A sling: Magpul MS1 ($37.95) with swivels that match your studs.
- A light bipod for varmint stands: Harris S-LM ($121.99).
- Shooting sticks or a tree rest for squirrels.
More: bipods, bags and slings.
Cold-bore first shots matter most
A hunter often gets one shot from a cold, possibly clean barrel. Confirm where your first shot goes, and don't clean the bore right before a hunt. See cold-bore flyers.
Ethics and safety
Know your backstop: a .22 LR bullet can travel more than a mile. Take only shots you can make on paper at that distance. Follow your state's seasons and limits. Hunter education is required in most states for new hunters, and it's a great first step for young shooters (budget builds and youth notes).
Field zero and shot placement
For .22 LR small game, many hunters zero at 25–50 yd so the bullet stays within a small kill zone across typical squirrel distances. Check your actual drop with your ammo at 25, 40 and 60 yd rather than trusting a chart, because rimfire velocity varies by barrel and lot. Head shots preserve meat and give clean kills. If you can't see the head clearly, wait for a better shot.
Other hunting rifles to consider
Lightweight sporters from other makers that suit small game:
| Rifle | Action | Barrel | Trigger | Magazine | Optic mount | Weight (lb) | MSRP (source, date, confidence) | Aftermarket depth | NRL22 fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savage Mark II FV-SR | Bolt; thread-in headspace | 16.5 in heavy fluted, 1/2x28 | AccuTrigger 2.5-6 lb | 5-rd box | EGW one-piece rail included | 5.5 | $329 Savage MSRP. source, 2026-10-12, conf: high | High (Boyds/MDT stocks, triggers, rails) | Base: leaves ~$1,321 for scope |
| Ruger American Rimfire | Bolt; 60-degree throw | 18 in 1/2-28 threaded (8305); other lengths by model | Marksman Adjustable 3-5 lb | 10/22 BX-1 rotary | 3/8 in rimfire base machined in; drilled and tapped for Weaver #12 | 5.5 | $509 Ruger suggested retail $509 (model 8305; other RAR models vary). source, 2026-10-12, conf: high | Medium (some stocks; uses 10/22 mags) | Base: leaves ~$1,141 for scope |
| Bergara BMR Steel | Bolt; match chamber | 18/20 in threaded | Bergara trigger | 5 and 10-rd slim mags | Pic rail | 5.5 | $699 Bergara MSRP (Carbon $799; BMR-X $799). source, 2026-10-11, conf: high | Low | Base: leaves ~$951 for scope |
| Sako Finnfire II | Bolt | 22 in cold hammer-forged free-floating | Adjustable single-stage | 5-rd detachable | 11 mm dovetail | — | $789 Dealer price $788.99 (.22 LR); no US MSRP confirmed. source, 2026-10-12, conf: low | Low | Base price-eligible |
| Mossberg 802 Plinkster (38230) | Bolt | 18 in free-floating, 1:16 | Factory | 10-rd box | 3/8 in dovetail; fiber-optic sights | 4.0 | $231 MSRP as listed by retailers. source, 2026-10-12, conf: med | Low | Base price-eligible (not competitive) |
MSRPs from the maker where available, otherwise labeled retailer listings, checked Oct 2026. Aftermarket depth and NRL22 fit are our editorial summaries (NRL22 Base: rifle plus scope MSRP up to $1,650). Specs are published figures, not our measurements.
FAQ
What is the best 22 ammo for squirrel hunting?
Most guides, including American Hunter, recommend high-velocity .22 LR hollow points (e.g. 40 gr) with head shots out to about 50–60 yards.
Is a 17 HMR good for squirrels?
It's flat-shooting but can be destructive on small game. Many hunters keep .17 HMR for varmints and longer shots, and .22 LR for squirrels.
Can I hunt with a suppressed 22?
In most US states yes, but check your state's hunting regulations. Use subsonic ammo for quiet, and keep shots close.
Which Tikka T1x is best for hunting?
The 16 in T1x MTR is the lighter, handier choice. It's threaded and available in .22 LR and .17 HMR.
Sources
Confidence: maker specs and prices are high confidence as of the date seen; forum and owner reports are low–medium confidence and labeled as such.
Not affiliated with Sako/Tikka, CZ, Bergara, Ruger, Savage or any retailer. We have not tested products hands-on for these guides; figures come from cited sources. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy · Terms · Rimfire Builds is operated by Tomahawk Designs LLC, Utah · contact@rimfirebuilds.com