[Eric0424]

If you want something to hit a nail head at 80-100 yards you should consider the 17HMR, and a lot of practice, instead of the 22lr. I would also recommend a 6-24x40 or 6-24x50 scope if that's your goal.

Marlin will soon be releasing a new adjustable trigger on their rimfire bolt-actions similar to the Accu-Trigger and they're known for their accuracy to begin with. They're also producing some heavy barreled rimfire rifles soon too. They should be under $250 depending on which model you're considering. I gave about $235 for my Marlin 917V and about $125 for the BSA 6-24x44 Catseye scope sitting on top.

[mrjbacon]

I don't know how much it would be or how easy to find one would be, but the most accurate .22 I've ever shot was a Savage Arms .22 bolt-action military training rifle. It had a 5 round clip and used a 2mm rear peep site . I could put 5 or 6 shots on a dime at 50 yards, and I probably could have done even better if it had had a scope on it.

[PigPen]

so far i think im going to get the savage i was primarily looking to see if anybody had better ideas and between you guys online and guys at my local gun stores the savage seems like a winner i was looking at 10/22s but i guess it takes more money into those in accuracy work to compare to the bolt action savage i will post a range report on it when it comes in and i get a scope and whatnot thanks again for all of your help!

[pd1hayden]

I have found the Marlins to be quite accurate--the time-honored Marlin model 60 can be incredibly accurate, and fairly nice looking as well, with the little bit longer barrel, and a nice 3-9x scope included, for under $250!
Depending on what you want, and how you want to modify it, etc., you might look into an old Winchester 67, with a 27" barrel (assuming a fairly decent bore). Put a nice looking scope mount on it, and you might have something. Just for a lark (pun intended), I shot a mid-sized bird out at 50 yards with open sights several months ago, even with my old (58) eyes! I was almost surprised at the hit! Sometime I'll have to put the guns (I've got 2 Win. 67's) on a solid rest and see what they can really do!

[pranc2]

if you could find one of those for $1k let me know. i will buy it now.
and speaking of witch..................

got to see a friends collection today and among may things this kimber 22lr bolt action was my personal favorite. walnut stock, shorter barrel, and an 11 ounce trigger!!! he let me dry fire it a few times because when you touch the trigger it goes off. he shoots 1 1/2" metal targets at 50 yards. i consider that to be damn good. hope to be able to learn from this man. im not close to that and would think that you would have to be able to do that before you make it to nail heads at 80yards. i would have been happy to make smiley face at 20 yards with a pistol.

[od green]

I'd also like a nail driver but also people in hell want ice water for the price you want to pay.

[CourtJester]

You wont get it for that price but you can get one for a bit over double that. I have a 10/22 with a 17.5" Green Mountain heavy fluted muzzle weighted barrel ($175), cheap 3x12 50mm scope off of e-bay ($56)(different one than pictured below), Fajen adjustable stock ($102), and a trigger group I did myself for ($30).
Regular ammo is pretty good depending on what you use but with match ammo I can (and have) hit 10 out of 10 spent 22 casings at 50 yards. That's laid on their sides aiming at the butt of the casing. My 11 year old can put 20 shots into a dime size cirlcle at 50 yards is I sit at his side and keep reminding him to breath out. It's what I take squirrel hunting with match ammo and I've yet to take anything but and miss a head shot.
Still a bit over $250 but it is very doable for under $600