First rifle; which CZ?

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NoirFan

NoirFan

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Hello,

I will soon be getting my first rifle, a .22 bolt-action from CZ. I will work on mastering iron sights first before thinking about any kind of scope. My question is which one to get: 452 or 513? For a complete beginner, are the better trigger and other features on the 452 worth the extra cost over a 513?

Also, does anyone make an M1A-style sight for the CZ .22's? Not sure exactly what it's called, it's the one with three prongs in front and a ring in the back.

Thanks,
 
One word: YES

Hold two side by side, there is a very noticable difference. Better sights, adjustable trigger, longer stock (don't quote me on that one). When I got mine, I dont think the price was much more than $40 difference anyways.
 
The 513 is a fine rifle, I own three; they are also known as the ‘Farmer’ for good reason: they efficiently kill varmints on your farm you spot at 25 or 30 yards. Bang. Put the rifle up. But if you’re learning to shoot, planning on shooting for a longer period of time - at or over 50 yards - maybe a scope and/or bags at some point, get the 452.

I would recommend a Lux, a bit pricey but well worth the investment; the irons are so good you won't need anything else.




(it won't be your last CZ, btw...:evil:)
 
I agree. Think of any cz you buy as an heirloom, and buy the best you can possibly afford ... and a little more.
 
I bought a 452 varmint and it is an absolute tackdriver. My nephew and I were shooting 5 shot groups at 50 yards with it a couple weeks ago that could be completely covered by a dime and we were using cheap American Eagle ammo to do it with. I kind of wish now that I'd spent the extra dough and got the 453 with the set trigger, but the stock trigger is still pretty good and there are other aftermarket triggers available too.

I really like the accuracy, but I'm not sure if the heavy barrel was the right way to go or not. It does make the rifle front heavy. Maybe someday I'll get a 453 American as well and I'll be able to say if the heavy barrel is any more accurate.
 
The 513 is CZs lower entry level rifle. The 452 and 453 are the higher end models. Accuracy is supposed to be excellent. If i were you i would get the 452 because i want the nicest gun i can buy so that it will last a whole lot longer and have a better gun. Either rifles are good though so id reccomend trying to see the fit of the gun to you before you decide.
 
For the price of a 513, get the 452 Trainer - just like a Lux (great sights, integral scope base), but with a beech stock. They run ~$275 at gun shows, and I don't mind the beech stock at all.
 
The 513 is a good shooter, but has terrible sights and a non adjustable trigger. Got one for my son as his first 22. Like my 452 a lot better. Go either 452 or 453.
 
Thanks for the responses guys.

So it would be safe to say that there is no *inherent* accuracy difference between the two, but that the 452 is much easier to shoot well? It looks like the 452 is the clear winner here.

Does anyone know the answer to my second question: are there aftermarket aperture sights for the CZs?
 
In performance, the Basic should group as well as the other 452/453s. They should shoot comparably off of the shoulder or bench.

The 452, IMO, is certainly the much better gun. The Basic's rear sight is not readily adjustable for windage. It will require being drifted with a hammer and punch. The sliding collar for the rear sight to adjust elevation merely sets into transverse grooves below the sight cut into the barrel. It is held in place by the leafspring pressure of the sight (the entire sight is the spring). The front sight is fixed but is dovetailed into the barrel and can also be drifted for windage if needed (this is what I did with one of my Scouts). Only way to add an aperture to a 513 rear sight is to weld or glue one on or replace the entire rear sight altogether.

The rear sight of the 452 is adjustable for windage with a small screwdriver using opposing set screws as well as elevation (the sight ladder is graduated for distance). The adjustment collar locks into place in notches cut into the ladder. Below the collor is a sloped surface that raises/lowers the rear sight. The rear sight assembly is held down onto the slope under spring pressure but it is seperate from the rear sight ladder. The front sight is longitudinally dovetailed into a graduated fron sight base. It can be adjusted for elevation with a small screwdriver.

The only way (at the moment) to adjsut the Basic's trigger is to manually work on it (filing, polishing, etc.). No aftermarket part for it yet (that I'm aware of). The 513 fire control system is much different from the 452's (and 453's) so they are not interchangable. There are plenty of aftermarket parts for the 452 nowadays. Eric Brooks sells apertures for the CZ's rear sight.
 
I really like the accuracy, but I'm not sure if the heavy barrel was the right way to go or not. It does make the rifle front heavy. Maybe someday I'll get a 453 American as well and I'll be able to say if the heavy barrel is any more accurate.
Click to expand...

They are both accurate but if you do a lot of bench/bag shooting the Varmint is the way to go. The heavy bbl and wide forestock keep the rifle steady. When I switch out my Varmint for my American on the bags the American takes some getting used to as it wobbles a bit more.

Love them both, though.
 
My 452 Style is a real tack driver. Trigger was heavy out of the box, but that was easily remedied and it's been a good rifle for smallbore silhouette.

The 452 is a terrific value - get one!
 
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