CZ Rimfire Accuracy: New vs Old

[Dr T]

Are the new switch- barrel CZs as accurate as the old fixed- barrel rifles?

While I am reluctant to get a single purpose 17 HMR, I could be tempted by a CZ with a three barrel set.

 

[jdc1244]

I've got a 17 HMR/22 lr 455.

Yes, it is as accurate as my other CZ rim fires.

 

[Gerald Dickerson]

I own something on the order of 20 CZ 452's in most of its iterations, I have 7 or 8 455's and so far at least only one 457, a varmint. If you get a good barrel in any of them it will shoot well, bad barrels do exist but are pretty much a statistical anomaly. I do still own a couple of switch barrel Sako Quads and while I have several more barrels than rifles I seldom switch, but that's just me. The CZ line in general are very good values, as I own over 100 long guns total from several well known makers I feel my experience is broad enough to give me a pretty good data base.

 

[czhen]

It will be, hopefully a great debate.

 

[czhen]

Gerald Dickerson
btw, welcome to The High Road Org.

 

[Picher]

The CZ 455 I have was bought slightly-used, as a .22 WMR with the standard barrel. I wasn't crazy about the accuracy of the cartridge and only made one or two MOA groups with it.

Then, I bought a bull, fluted CZ barrel in .17 HMR and with that cartridge, the rifle shoots MOA groups fairly-consistently with CCI ammo. However, different lots and different brands shoot better or worse. Hornaday has been accurate with some lots also, but others are sometimes 1 1/4" shooters.

NOTE: I don't rely only on the factory attachment method, but add "Locktite Stud and Bearing Mount" to prevent any wiggle at the joint. If I wan't to remove a barrel, after removing the factory connecting gear, it's fairly easy to heat the joint and pull the barrel out.

 

[czhen]

I am a great fan of the linage of 452 and 550 CZ rifles (have several in different calibers and pistols) they are well done, on price range that justified to buy.
CZ factory when they've got discovered by the US market find themselves with the needs of churn as much they can in few years.
New equipment, new products (pistols and rifles) means no time to make it perfect.
However, CZ absorbed mistakes as a serious Co. backing up with warranty
their quality and traditions, good to said that Czech Republic has been in firearm industry for a long longtime.
What I am going to say now will get me some flames, (ready for that) CZ rifles are successful in the market because the big ole brands factories aka Winchester, Remington and many others don't want the headaches of dealing with unions, laws and politicians.

Note aside: I am not a big fan of interchangeable barrels on rifles, maybe it's just me and my lack of experience about them.
So, the CZ 455 line did not get me any uncontrollable buy impulse yet (holding myself).

 

[d2wing]

I am so happy with my 452's I have not ventured to try a 455 or 457. But I am tempted.

 

[Gary W. Strange]

I bought a CZ 455 American ,.22 lr, with a walnut stock, a few months back. It was on clearance, at a good price. When I ordered it, I was expecting maybe a bit more than a Marlin. I was very surprised to see the quality of this little rifle. The stock has lots of grain and just enough figure to be a real looker. The bluing was very well done and the fit was excellent. The trigger guard was stamped steel, at least it was steel, but it was a bit cheesy looking. I found a nice blue, milled steel one from Coal Creek, on line. It is very nice and makes the little .22 look much better. The factory was ok, a bit mushy and creep. I ordered a Timmey trigger and installed it and it gives it a great trigger pull. I also ordered some steel magazines to replace the polymer magazine that came with it. With these few changes, it made it into a fine looking little .22 at a very good price, it is on par with some of the higher end.22 bolt action rimfires out there. And it is as accurate as I am. The quality you get for the price is way above what you would expect.