CZ 452 vs 453: Single set trigger -- or not?

[TEC]

Got the new CZ 527 Varmint in .223 to go with the CZ 452 Varmint in 17 HMR. The 452, of course, is the same as the 453, except the CZ 452 does not have the single set trigger. So, instead, I lightened the trigger spring on the 452 and saved $100.

I made a heads up comparison on the Lyman trigger pull gauge and here are the numbers. The CZ-452V now pulls 1# 3.2oz and the CZ-527V pulls 1# 4.4oz. IMHO, the 452 with the light trigger spring is a nicer trigger than the single set trigger.

Perhaps 1# 3oz is not the trigger most would choose for hunting, and as with all triggers, the primary safety mechanism is still between your ears. But for target shooting off the bench with a bolt action rifle, I think I will prefer the lightened trigger pull on the CZ-452V to the single set on th CZ-527V. I will have to see if my opinion changes after a few hundred rounds, when the single set trigger has been broken in. But the bottom line is both are very nice triggers.

PS: the trigger on my CZ-634 is lighter than either the 452 or the 527 -- about 8 oz.

 

[Bill B.]

So, instead, I lightened the trigger spring on the 452 and saved $100.

The CZ 453 American has gone up to $589.00 locally. I would love to have one but can make do with my 452 for the price difference!

 

[TEC]

Buy the spring kit and lighten the factory trigger pull -- you won't be disappointed and you will still have $ left in your pocket. If you prefer, PM, and I will mail you an extra spring identical to the one I put in my 452 that lightened the pull to 1#3oz. I didn't use a spring guide, but I may make one out of a piece of brass tubing or plastic tube from a ball point pen if I need to revise it later. Very easy to do.

 

[benzy2]

My 527 in set mode is right under a pound and my 452 with the lightest spring and shimmed sear pin breaks at about 11oz. Both are crisp and fun. Not a complaint in either. The set trigger in the unset mode can be adjusted to a very nice break and pull. I have mine adjusted so that the set trigger is the bench trigger and the unset trigger is the field trigger. It is easier than adjusting and swapping springs. I personally feel the 453 trigger upgrade is worth the price increase if you have the money to toss at it. If not the 452 trigger can be worked just fine.

 

[Olympus]

From what I understand of the 453, it has different action screw locations than the 452 as well. I believe the change makes the 453 easier to fully float the barrel. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure I remember that from somewhere.

 

[sumpnz]

You can adjust the pull weight on both the regular and the set trigger modes for the CZ-550, so I'd imagine you could do the same with the 453. You can make the set trigger so light that bumping the butt on the bench can trip it. Or at least they warn of that possibility in the owners manual. If you want a super light pull on the set trigger you should be able to adjust that down from the factory setting.

 

[waterhouse]

I didn't have a trigger gauge, but I recently got to try out my 452 with Brooks trigger kit next to a 453 with the set trigger.

They both felt really nice, and I'd be content with either.

I preferred the way the 452 felt, the 453 owner preferred the 453. I guess we are both happy shooters

 

[EAJ]

Here's a good set of instructions on how to adjust the set and standard trigger on the CZ 453 and 527. Worked well on both of my rifles.