CZ 452 American or Varmint

[TXHORNS]

To start off I've read everything I can find regarding the subject, still not sure which way to go so I thought my own thread and perhaps a little back and forth might help. Not interested in the 453 or the 455 at this time, maybe later on those. For caliber I was thinking 17hmr. I actually sold my Savage 17hmr with plans to get a something else later so here I am. The Savage was stupid accurate but not the rifle for me.

So I think I've landed at my first CZ rifle, so I know the obvious advantages of both, anyone have anymore insight? The American looks nice but the Varmint just looks mean and sometimes shorter barrel length is better then less weight as far as handling. All I have found around here is the American so its not looking like I can see them both in person. I'd love to hear some opinions, especially regarding the handling and shooting of the Varmint. This won't usually be a bi-pod rig (maybe a little), plan to run around with it mostly so I'm leaning American but I've read enough reviews of guys who prefer the Varmint for running around with. Little help?

 

[sappyg]

probably not much help here but the 17 hmr CZ 452 American is a barn burner. it may be the most accurate rifle i own and it outshoots my savage 917 (heavy barrel thumbhole thingy) all day long. regardless of the setup you really can't go wrong with a CZ. i can't say that the varmit will be more accurate than the American but if you like the varmit then go for it.
personally i like the American over the varmit. i just don't like hauling that heavy Savage around. lighter is better.

 

[hoghunting]

You can list me as a very happy 17 hmr CZ 452 American owner. I haven't handled a Varmint model either, so I can't comment on it. But I'll never get rid of the American model. I tried a few different scope rings, and the Burris rimfire Zee rings fit the best.

 

[artee]

I too always wanted a CZ. I came across a used Varmint at a super price so I bought it. The salesman proclamined himself a CZ junkie and asked what I wanted to do with it. I mentioned I'd like to try "Sporting Rifle" matches. He said it likely wouldn't qualify as too heavy. He was right. I don't think there is any accuracy difference between the two models. The American I think has a better bedding system--the Varmint uses an extra screw into the barrel ahead of the reciever. I think this really screws with you getting a season-consistent zero. On the other hand, I like a .22 that isn't a wisp. I want my .22 to simulate my centerfire hunting rifles and while the Varmint is still small in this regard, it matches a Win 70 Featherlight and a Rugar M77 better than the American does. As a ".22 rifle", (or a 17) I think I'd enjoy the American just as much, and maybe more (it really has the superior stock/bedding design); but the Varmint sure has given me the .22 I wanted for "practice centerfire".

 

[jmr40]

I have the American, my brother the Varmit.

From the bench both are equally accurate. The American is lighter and easier to carry around. The added weight of the Varmit probably makes it easier to shoot accurately from field positions.

Can't go wrong with either.

 

[benzy2]

For me it comes down to the bulk of the use. While I haven't seen anything to say one is in general more accurate than the other the stock shape of the Varmint rides the bags better making groups from a bench easier to shoot. The American is better handling off the bench and has the ability to shoot just as tiny groups as the Varmint, though it does take a bit of work and a proper fitting front bag or one of the plate adapters that attach to give a flat surface for bench shooting. I went with the Varmint as I have other stocks with similar profiles and as such a front bag for them. When I ordered mine I shot mainly from a bench so it was the better choice for me.

I would pick either and be happy. As said though if you think you will shoot more from the bench I would look more at the Varmint. If you think you will shoot more anywhere other than the bench I would look at the American. It is a great dilemma to face.

 

[Delaware Ken]

Good Morning,

I purchased the CZ Varmint with the thumbhole stock about 6 months ago and love it. After shooting the thumbhole stock for a while, regular stocks seem awkward.
It's a super accurate little rifle. I shot a .388" 100 yard 4 shot group off a bench with it.
Bottom line, like others have said, I don't think you can go wrong with either rifle. If you want more info on the two models, swing over to rimfirecentral.com, and check out the CZ/Brno link. There's enough info over there to make your hair hurt.

Ken

 

[slabuda]

I have a .22 Varmint. I hear the .17 HMR is a more accurate cartridge, if that holds water expect one hole groups at 50 yds.

From what you say you will be walking and shooting more than bench/bipod I would go American.

From the cz board on rimfire central forum there is really nothing between them accuracy wise. It mostly depends upon the luck of the draw.

 

[viking499]

As said, no problem with accuracy. Just depends on how much weight you want.

How many shots are you going to fire over a given period?

If going shot after shot after shot etc, I would go varmint, if regular shooting, go American.

 

[TXHORNS]

Yeah I'm not really a bench shooter, I mostly just shoot targets to sight in, practice and have a little fun. Heck my bags are sewn up old jeans with sand in them.

I was totally sold on the American until I saw a few pics of some Varmints set up with bi-pods so I started thinking thats pretty cool and might be fun to try IF that heavy barrel wasn't too much to lug around like my old Savage was. The Varmint still weighs about 1lb less than my old Savage but the American probably works with my use better. Its more my style to rest my rifles on a branch or bush if needed anyway, all my other hunting rifles are light with light scopes so why start adding weight now? Now that I think about it I once dragged my heavy barrel 308 deer hunting and hated it. As cool as the Varmint looks I guess I will just stick to LW unless I come across some situations where a heavy barrel rifle on a bi-pod would serve me better. And if I understand correctly the Varmint will still be around a little longer while the American's are going bye-bye.

 

[GunTech]

I have several 452s. The varmint is primarily useful for doing lots of shooting. On a 500 gopher day, I noticed no major loss of accuracy.

Otherwise, I'd pick a standard weight and have the barrel lopped off at 19" since the 17HMR doesn't gain anything in a barrel over 19 and the shorter length feels handier.

 

[viking499]

I would probably go with the American then.

 

[waterhouse]

I've owned both, but sold off the Varmints because I prefer the America. I generally cut the barrels shorter when I have them threaded, but even at the stock length I think the American feels better. Both great options, totally a personal preference.