Looking for a good target rifle

[Charlie B]

I’m in the market for a new target rifle. I’ve narrowed it down to a CZ 452 or 453 American or Varmint in .22 or .17 HMR or a CZ 527 Varmint in .223 caliber. Of course, the .22 is ½ the cost of the .17 and 1/5 the cost of the .223 in target ammo, so I’m leaning toward the .22.

I usually shoot at 50 and 100 yards, but thinking about 200 yards occasionally (although my vision isn’t that good any more).

I was looking at a CZ 453 Varmint and a CZ 452 Military Training rifle (both in .22) at Gander Mountain in Dixon City. They both have adjustable triggers, the 453 has a single set trigger set very light out of the box. Gander price’s at about MSRP and does not budge unless it sits there for a year. I could save probably 20% ($100 - $150 plus tax, minus shipping and transfer fee) over the internet.

Does anyone have one of the above? What are your likes and dislikes about them?

[Tomcat088]

I will start off by saying that I have never fired or handled either of those rifles, so this is NOT first hand experience with those particular rifles. Everyone that I have ever seen that has owned one of those rifles have LOVED them. I have seen many guys on forums like snipershide that is all about accuracy and consistency, and they love the CZ452 and 453. From my experience they are pretty expensive, and whether or not you want to pay that price for one would probably depend on your budget and how serious you are. If you are just wanting to have some fun with a target rifle and maybe not even compete, you might have more fun with a customized and decked out 10/22. If you're more serious then you may look at something like the CZ, anschultz or volquartsen.

If you're not going to hunt with the rifle, I would probably stick with .22 lr. I love the .17 hmr, not the mach 2 so much, but I view this rifle as having the most benefits in hunting and varminting applications. The ballistic tip bullets work well, but for punching paper, the flatter trajectory won't necessarily equal better accuracy. I've seen groups from some expensive anschultz .22 rifles that would put most big bore rifles to shame. I would also check out the rimfire forums and see what they think of these rifles and maybe even give you some other ideas. I'm not a specialist in rimfire, and those people on those forums, that's all they do. Check them out and see what you figure out.

[Lycanthrope]

5 shots at 50 yards. CZ 452 with Wolf MT ammunition.

I have the $14 Brooks trigger job on mine and it breaks at 2lbs. The 453's are even better.

I'd never give mine up.

Here is the standard for pricing:

http://www.whittakerguns.com/

Lycandon'thesitatethrope

[MTechnik]

From what I've heard almost everywhere, the CZ 452 is an amazing rifle for the money. Yes there are better ones, but you will pay more. Yes there are cheaper ones, but they won't shoot as well.

[Charlie B]

I am leaning toward CZ 453 Varmint, just wondering if the $95 difference was worth the upgrade from the CZ 452 Varmint. I liked the 453 trigger a lot, but after pulling the set position – WOW.

Although the Trainer has a great set of sights on it, the upgrade to 452 American gets Walnut instead of Beachwood for about $45 and another $45 for the Varmint barrel (brings you up to the CZ 452 Varmint). Then another $95 for the 443 Varmint and a trigger upgrade. So the difference between the Trainer and the 453 Varmint is roughly $185 (about 1 ½ times the price). I really liked the way the trigger pulled on the Trainer though. Either way, the triggers are considerably better than my Marlin 925.

Nice group Lycanthrope. How much better is the Brooks trigger job than stock? How far out do you shoot yours?

I’m going to see if Advanced can come close to Wittaker’s price (if he has a line on CZ’s), or I’ll have to have it shipped to him.

[Lycanthrope]

I've shot it to 100 yards, but you have some drop with a .22 that far. The Brooks kit is generally a shim pack and you can get 1lb triggers.....thankfully the 452 safety blocks the sear...... Still, the 453 is superior in the trigger dept.

Take into account the dovetails on the trainers. I'm not sure, but they might be 11mm and that means special mounts which could add to the cost.

Go check out the forum on CZ's over here:

www.rimfirecentral.com

Here are the 452 trigger kits:

www.cz452.com

Lycanpostarangereportthrope

[Charlie B]

Thanks for the info. I hadn’t considered the 11mm dovetail, just thinking the $ difference would buy one hell of a scope.

I usually shoot my 925 at 50 yards, but started playing around at 100 yards. I’m using a Bushnell Sportsman 4-12x40 scope and put different color nail polish to differentiate the zero elevation settings. I’ve been thinking about getting a scope with external adjustments.

I’ve been checking out the rimfire central CZ area and am definitely sold on one.

[Lycanthrope]

Get a piece of cardboard and with a dab of grease put a bunch of large pistol primers on it. Fun to see the little flash in the scope when you hit them.

Lycanweshootredhotcandiestoothrope

[seoulstice]

I own a CZ 452 American in 22LR. Great rifle for the price and a good middle ground between Savage and Anschutz in terms of price and accuracy. I shot over the weekend and hit dead center bullseye from 100yds and was hitting the gong at ~230 yds with pretty good consistency. Having a good scope helps too.

Really the only difference between the 452 and the 453 is the trigger, you'll have to decide for yourself if the single-set trigger is worth another extra $100 or so. I've heard the Brooks kit is good but have no first hand experience with it, apparently a lot of people are peeved because they sent payment but still have yet to receive their products. I guess too much demand for a good thing overwhelmed him. IMO, the trigger on the 452 is just fine if you wanted you could always upgrade to a Rifle Basix trigger for about $90.

[Swamp Yankee]

My own Personal Choice would be an H&R 223 Varmint model. Laminated stock, 24" crowned bull barrel with 1 in 12 LH rifling. Especially for shots out to 200 yards. With the money you save you could get a good scope and you are set. Only thing is no Wolf or other steel cased ammo.

Mike Mc