Looking for a new CZ 452

[brockgl]

Okay, I have never owned a .22 before, and from all the research I've done I have found a lot of people love the bolt action CZ 452 rifles. So I am probably going to buy one. However, I have some decisions to make. First off, I want to decide whether to get it in .22lr or .22 magnum. I always buy the most versatile guns I can because I cannot afford to buy more than one of any given style of rifle. So I was definitely leaning towards the .22 magnum, because even if I don't need the power it is there if I do need it. However, I am willing to listen to any input on this. Such as, is the .22magnum as accurate as the .22lr? Also, does the CZ 452 come in different styles? I have read there is an American model. How does this compare to other styles? One last question, how much should I look to spend on a new one? My local gun shop says they are selling one new for $329. Is that a decent price, or should I keep looking? Are these commonly found at gun shows? I am going to a statewide gun show at the end of may, so I may wait till then as well. Just looking for the best price.

Thanks so much!

 

[SJG26]

First - what is your intended use?
For just punching paper and/or minor varmint - stick w/ .22 LR - much less expensive to develop your skills.

If you want more for small game - go w/ a .17HMR - better ballistics than 22WMR - still pricy for plinking.

22LR is your best overall choice IMO.

 

[esq_stu]

There's a bunch of models. There are more choices in .22LR than in .22 WMR. And .22LR is way cheaper to shoot.

Here's the catalog:
http://www.cz-usa.com/data/downloads/common/CZUSA Catalog 07.pdf

I have the "Training" model. I bought it because it has open sights and a scope dovetail and is very affordable (I paid around $235 new about 2 years ago).

I agree .22 is a much better value. I love my 452 and can afford to shoot all day long with .22LR.

 

[hksw]

Such as, is the .22magnum as accurate as the .22lr?

From the reports I've read, the .22 mag has not been as consistantly precise as the .22 lr (even in non-CZ guns). Another option, if you are still looking for power, is the .17 HMR. They have been performing as well, if not better, than the .22 lrs and .17 HM2s.

Also, does the CZ 452 come in different styles?

Check out CZ's website. They show photos of most of their rimfire offerings.

I have read there is an American model. How does this compare to other styles?

The American and Varmint lend themselves better for scoping applications with their straight and higher comb. The curved hogback styled comb of the Basic/Lux/Training Rifle/etc. are a little more difficult to use for this but they do have one of, if not, the best iron sight set-ups for rimfires (of their price range).

One last question, how much should I look to spend on a new one?

between $300 and $400 (maybe $450 now). Bud's also has some good pricing.

My local gun shop says they are selling one new for $329. Is that a decent price, or should I keep looking?

Depends on what model. For a Scout, not so good a price. For a Training Rifle, a good price. For a Lux, a very good price. For an American or Varmint, an exceptional price. (NIB)

Are these commonly found at gun shows?

Can be found but not as popular as the domestic offerings.

 

[brockgl]

I just bought a CZ 452-2E that says Super Exclusive on the barrel. The box says Ultra Lux .22 LR golden features. It is an awesome looking rifle. The store had it for $350 brand new. I can't wait to shoot it. The iron sites look great. Not gonna scope it for a while I don't think. But I may eventually. The best thing I like about it is the barrel which looks to be at least 28" long.

 

[GunTech]

Congrats on your new rifle. As long as you like it, that is all that matters.

The 22 LR is by far the most utilitarian choice. Ammo is still relatively cheap compared to the magnums - about $12 for 500 rounds. You'll pay $9 per 50 for 22 mag.

22LR develops maximum velocity in barrels between 14 and 16 inches, so long barrels actually result in lower velocities. However, with iron sights a long barrel gains you a longer sight radius, and typically a much lower report.

The one weakness of the CZ-452 rifles is their trigger, which is only adequate, IMO. This can be fixed with a $16 Brooks trigger kit, or by installing a good aftermarket trigger.

You might want to visit rimfirecentral.com. There is an active CZ section where you can pick up lots of great info.

I am currently down to only 2 CZ-452s. but they are by far my favorite rimfire rifles.

Welcome to the club.

 

[MrBorland]

This can be fixed with a $16 Brooks trigger kit

+1 on the Brook's kit. I used them on all 3 of my CZ 452s. A word of warning, though: It's tempting to try to get a very light creep-free trigger, which is obtainable, of course. Trouble is, you can go too far and wind up with an unsafe trigger. Once installed, safety test then re-test occassionally. More on rimfirecentral.

 

[Dithsoer]

Although the .22 magnum is an interesting option, I'd get the .22 l.r. I'd say that today's .22 long rifle is more versatile than both the .17 and .22 W.M.R. combined but with a lower range of versatility (if that makes any sense). I mean you can shoot practically silent, lower-powered b.b. caps for back yard informal practice, use cheap 500-to-the-box loads for plinking and hypervelocity for longer range varmiting. They even make a 60 grain version intended for guns equipped with silencers. You'll definitely shoot a .22 l.r. more than the W.M.R. unless ammo price is of no consideration. The .22 W.M.R. can also shoot the slightly cheaper and less powerfull .22 W.R.F. cartridge.

 

[brockgl]

Thanks everyone. I can't wait to shoot it. I cleaned it inside and out and top to bottom (yes I know it's new, but I do that with all my new guns before I shoot them). Here is a picture of it.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Caliber: .22 magnum is indeed more versatile, so you're on the right track, espec. if you already have another .22. Either is great, but .22 mag is very versatile - powerful enough to cleanly take larger game with a head shot or well-placed vitals shot (coyotes, beaver, hoglets).

Model: Go to the CZ website and decide which model you WANT (Lux, American, American 16, FS, or other). The trainer is a Lux with beech wood, so it's a good deal.

Look at the MSRPs there, and try not to pay more than 80% of the MSRP buying new.

http://www.cz-usa.com/products_rimfire_rifles.php

Oh, no, actually .22 magnums tend to be a little LESS accurate than .22 lrs, but with CZs, they are so good that you will still get good accuracy, unless you have bad luck and get a lemon.

Oops, now I see you got the Lux in .22lr - great rifle, and you won't be disappointed. Now just start saving for a 452 in either .17 hummer or .22 mag to go with.

I think you got a *fine* price on the SE version of the Lux.