Which CZ ,22LR American: 455 or 452?

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steven58

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I am about to buy one of these rifles for my son. My choices are down to either The 455 at $467.00 and the 452 at $377.00

The 455 is described as "the updated version of the CZ 452. the 455 takes advantage of new manufacturing technology contributing to both tighter tolerances and improved accuracy. The 455 American replaces the 452 American model for 2010, to be followed by other CZ rimfire models in the future."

My question to those of you with first hand experience: is the 455 worth the extra $90?
 
Here's what ya do: BUY BOTH! You'll wind up falling in love with your "sons" rifle and have to get another one anyway. LOL :) I have no firsthand experience with the 455, but the fact the barrels (and therefore calibers) can be changed could be worth the extra expense.
 
I probably would JUK but my son is right handed and I'm wrong handed:rolleyes:

He's turning 16, has a sporterized swede for deer and an 870 for everything else. I think its time for him to have a .22 bolt gun for small game and range time. He loves shooting my Anshutz sporter but as the crank is on the wrong side it does not help him train his muscle memory as it should be.

While the switch barrel / caliber capability is logical and economical it comes at the greater expense of loosing the excuse to buy a new gun:evil:

If I were "Mr. Spock" Id probably own a TC Encore with barrels in .22, .223, .308, .375 H&H, and 12 ga. But then I'd never have had the "opportunity" to own Anshutz, Ultra Light Arms, Sako and Beretta.
 
I'm not sure the 455 will be much better of a performer. I don't doubt the rifle will be of top notch quality but the 452 is an outstanding rifle. That said the 452 has a funny safety, forward is safe and rear is fire (kinda awkward) and with small game in mind the 455 might be worth it to have the "normal safety". Either way those CZ's are addictive so please chose with caution.
 
Thanks GIJOEL,
I didn't know about the safety. I'll verify with CZ about the safety on the 455.
As the main purpose of this is training I would not want a "backwards" safety!
 
I have not heard much of anything about the 455 yet other than it is just becoming available. My guess is that the 455 is a cheaper version of the 453. I'd personally get the 452 and then later install a lighter trigger when it becomes important to his training.
 
Looks like they both have the same goofy safety and a trigger system that's adjustable for weight.

Given the price point of rifles that in my opinion bracket it in quality: Ruger on the low end and Anshutz on the high its 1/2 the cost of the Ruger and 1/4 the cost of the Anshutz.

If all I would give up is the ability to swap barrels, I think I,ll save the $90 and go with the 452.

Does anyone make a safety reversal adapter?:D
 
The one for $377.

Why would you swap barrels on a scoped rifle that's zeroed as carefully as an accurate rimfire is? I wouldn't.

Yeah, you can get a Burris scope made for the Sako Quad, but it's an obnoxious contraption, and there are nicer scopes to look through.
 
Smart decision, the 452 is a proven workhorse, and while the 455 may be just as good or better, I wouldn't pay the extra bill to find that out for myself. ;)
 
I would go with the 452. Have 3 already and would probably buy another if the price was right. If I was going to spend the extra money, I would buy a 453.

The barrel swap idea sounds kind of interesting, but no one seems to know the cost of the extra barrels. The price of the barrel may be close to another 452..............
 
I picked up a 452 about a month ago. Haven't been able to get to the range to shoot yet, but fit and finish are excellent.
 
My guess is that the 455 is a cheaper version of the 453.

Nope. The 455 is a redesigned 452. The 453 is identical to a 452 except for the trigger. The 453 has the same single set trigger of the 527 and 550 centerfires. The 453 will be replaced eventually by the 456, which will be the same as the 455 except for the trigger.

The 455 uses the same action regardless of whether it's a .22lr/.17HM2, or a .22mag/.17HMR. The use a block in the mag well so the smaller magazine of the lr/HM2 will fit properly. That along with the change to the barrel attachement and a few other details are meant to simplify the manufacturing process and should have made the gun cheaper. That it's that much more expensive is either CZ choosing profits per unit over market share, or it's a factor of the novelty of the new model and prices may well come down to 452 levels over the next year or so. Personally I woulnd't buy the 455 if you have a line a 452. Maybe in a couple years when prices come down to more reasonable levels and the bugs are worked out I might change my mind.
 
I would get the 452 only because it is a proven winner and I have one and it is fantastic. The 455 may be a great rifle too . I have the European version the Lux and it is superb. I may get the Lux version in 22 magnum also.
 
I think the best choice would be:
1 - when using open sights take the CZ 455 Super Match -adjustable iron sights, barrel bore featuring 12 grooves instead of 6 (CZ 452), the rifle predisposed for the high precision shooting
2 - when using a scope or magnified sighting device, take CZ 453 American or CZ 453 Varmint - type 453 is made with completely new trigger mechanism (full adj. trigger pull), also available with threaded muzzle for a Still or Parker-Hale sound moderator attachment

Models CZ 452 are very accurate rifles and probably the most accurate for the USD out of the box, but - there only downfall is the trigger. They have a lot of creep in them, which is bad. That is you can feel the trigger move on the sear while you are putting pressure on it and it does not fire. Yes, the sear can be worked on to fix it but it is better to buy the CZ 453 with a new trigger mechanism.
 
KurtBach -

I cannot find the 455 Super Match on the CZ website. Can you direct me to any information about it?

I am interested in a .22 LR with open sights and a better trigger.

Thank you,

gd
 
It's not even close...a 452/453 all the way!

After shooting 452's for nearly +20 years and there originators for even longer...there is no question I would go with the 452's before a 455. The 455's are answers to questions that were never asked...except for the manufacture. The 455 may someday reach the status and capability of the 452/453's...but I doubt it achieves superiority. JMHO

Again I say go with a 452 even if $100 more...more to the point I would pay $100+ for a 452 over 455. YMMV etc.
 
Steven58;

Listen to TOU. I also have multiple CZ's, but no 455 and no plans to get one. The 452 can be an outstandingly accurate rifle provided you feed it what it wants to shoot. Therefore, be prepared to do the requisite ammo testing to get the best accuracy out of the gun.

Just a suggestion, but go over to www.rimfirecentral.com. Find the CZ section and you'll see that this subject has gotten plenty of play over there among the certified CZ nutz.

900F
 
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