First Rifle- cz 452 vs thompson contender

[BullpupBen]

Hi there, first time posting at this site and I'm hoping you guys can help me decide on what to buy for my first rifle.

I started by doing some research and decided i wanted a non-autoloader chambered in 22LR to develop good marksmanship and for cheap shooting. I read around and it seems like the CZ 452 FS was a really good buy with great wood, accurate, good iron sights, and not too expensive.

Just recently, however, I stumbled on the Thompson Encore which looks like a really nice rifle. What I like about it is that I can try out nearly every major caliber thats out there as well as shotguns but spend only $200 instead of buying a whole gun. I'm pretty much asking for advice on which one you guys think would make a better first rifle (I turn 18 tomorrow)

Heres a few questions I'd like answered:
1. Do I need to buy anything besides the barrel to convert this to a rimfire, other centerfire cartridges, or a shotgun?
2. How difficult is changing calibers?
3. Would you recommend this thing for shooting clays in 12 and 20 gauge?
4. How comfortable is the feel and how nice is the wood and finish?
5. How are the iron sights?
6. Does it have any problem digesting certain types of ammo?
7. Do you think the single shot will get boring compared to a repeater?
8. Is all the furniture like the recoil-reducing stock on the pro-hunter model totally interchangeable as well?

So go ahead and throw in any knowledge/advice you have about either of these guns.


By the way I don't hunt as of yet so the rifles main purpose is going to be hitting targets at the range and plinking.

 

[WayneConrad]

You mentioned good marksmanship. That's great!

I have a love affair with my CZ 453 American, a cousin of the CZ 452 FS you are considering. Based on my experience with my CZ, and hearing others talk about different models of CZ rimfire rifles, I can honestly say you can't go wrong with any model of CZ rimfire rifle.

Being a repeater that accepts a 10-round magazine, the CZ can be used for marksmanship exercises that a single-shot cannot be used for. For example, you can use it to shoot Fred's Quick and Dirty AQT targets (a version of the Army Advanced Qualification Target reduced in scale so that it can be shot at 25 yards). Being able to do timed courses of fire, and being able to do quick magazine changes without losing your natural point of aim are important marksmanship skills. You won't be able to develop that skill with a single shot rifle.

The CZ would be great to add a shooting sling to and take to an appleseed to get some instruction, and maybe even earn your rifleman patch.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

CZ, CZ, CZ!!! You can't go wrong with a 452/453. I love them.

I'll let the T/C nuts answer all your T/C specific questions. They're good guns to be sure.

 

[alexanderplatz]

I was considering the 452 FS to go with my 550 FS, but after posting on THR and getting various replies I went with a CZ 452 Lux. I think what got my attention was another THR user's comment that the 452 Lux was "the last gun he'd part with." Also, all the 452 FS models were sold out and nobody seemed to be able to get one for me. Anyway, I'd go with one of the CZ variants.

 

[chris in va]

I vote CZ too. My carbine isn't going anywhere, even if my other guns have to be sold.

BTW Wayne, I wasn't able to keep up with the AQT qual at the Appleseed with my Carbine. IMHO bolt actions just don't work with that exercise.

 

[WayneConrad]

Chris, It can be done. Takes a little practice. Last weekend I scored 438 out of 450 on the Quick and Dirty AQT with the CZ 453.

The way to get to there is just keep one target up, stop scoring it, and shoot one stage over and over as a drill, working on time. Shoot the centers out of the target while you keep matching yourself against the timer. Oh, and get knee pads and elbow pads.

It's a son-of-a-gun, I gotta admit. But it's doable.

 

[NG VI]

CZCZCZCZCZCZCZCZCZCZCZCZCZCZCZ!!!!!

I love mine, it was my second gun, got it in trade for $50 of debt. Who made out on that one eh?

I love that gun so much, I want to get an FS to go with it, I love the stock on those.

 

[22LongRifle]

I've got a CZ 425 Lux in left hand. It IS the gun they will take from my dead finger!

I love the 22lr round and I like 22lr rifles. I have had alot of them and I'm slowly moving the rest to the back and out. This Lux is a great rifle and is worth the trouble of getting 11mm rings for scope and whatnots.

the only thing better is this
http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=45
Oh to have one made in left hand...

22lr

 

[viking499]

Go with the CZ. You won't regret it.

 

[Fergy35]

Another vote for the CZ

I just got my 452 and took it to the range for the first time this past weekend. I have to agree with all the positive reviews. What a terrific rifle!

I don't know much about the T/C, but I do have another single shot. While it is a good shooter, it just doesn't get much use. The switchable barrels/caliber is a great idea and you may be happy with it, for a while. I am just guessing that you will find yourself wishing there was more than one round in there (or at least that's what happened to me).

There is just something very pleasurable about working the bolt. Especially on a well made rifle like the CZ. If you get the CZ, you won't be disappointed.

Good luck.

 

[jhansman]

Never even heard of CZ before my buddy invited me to shoot his 452 Lux. Three silhouettes at 50yds, bing-bing-bing with iron sights and Federal bulk ammo. Ordered mine the next day and have never looked back. Excellent value for the $$. If you need more convincing, check over at Rimfire Central.

The 452 American is getting hard to find, but the Lux and other models are available on Buds and R&R Arms.

 

[ArmedBear]

What I like about it is that I can try out nearly every major caliber thats out there as well as shotguns but spend only $200 instead of buying a whole gun.

Not really a great deal. Single-shot shotguns are $200 or less, and even cheaper, used.

CDNN has the 452 American for a great price, BTW.

 

[eastwood44mag]

T/C encores are the single biggest waste of money you will ever find. Total POS.

 

[EHCRain10]

Id vote for the CZ just because its a repeater, i started with a single shot and was somewhat frustrated having to reposition between every shot.
Also welcome to the forum, theres a lot of useful information to learn here.

 

[BullpupBen]

Alright thanks guys so I think i'm gonna get the CZ for my first rifle, but I'm still keeping the encore in mind (sorry the title says contender, my mistake) for later just because the ability to switch calibers for $250 seems so convenient. So anyone feel like chiming in with a reason i shouldn't get the encore? Say in .223 rem to start

 

[DWH]

>So anyone feel like chiming in with a reason i shouldn't get the encore? Say in .223 rem to start >

Nope, CZ