CZ 452 scout, ongoing review...

mikeystew

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I'm looking at picking one up but I'm curious how they compare to the lux or American in terms of accuracy. I saw Clayne B's thread below but would like a second opinion. It looks to me like the perfect camp gun, light, compact, accurate, reliable... Is there a negative? Besides the lesser grade sights and beechwood stock is there any big difference from it's bigger brothers?
 
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Cz

Nope
They all come with hammer forged barrels and the same action. Not sure if the trigger is the same on all of the models, I think it may be as well. FS
 
Timely question. I got a few Weaver mounts that have been used with Savages, Marlins and CZs, interchangeably.

I have one generic looking scope mount set where one of the mounts will only tighten on the dovetails of US made rifles. I had to do some judicious filing at strategic points on the clamp so that it will grip the CZs dovetail.

So the CZ dovetail seems narrower, and may require a specific make/model number of scope mount. I believe that scope mounts specifically made for 11 mm dovetails will likely be "centered" on the barrel better.
 
Thanks easy, I was just looking at that. I'm hoping I can just use a set I already have. I've got several different 3/8" rings that I got in a trade one time but haven't used. I get sort of queasy thinking about spending $60+ on a set of rings. But from looking at that chart, many of the recommended rings for the scout are also recommended for the American. I can live with the scope being a mm or 2 off the centerline of the bore if that's what it comes down to.
 
I find it interesting that you say the CZ seems narrower as 11mm is larger than 3/8". Is the 11mm measured from the OD and the 3/8" measured from the ID of the dovetail I wonder?
 
almost all euro 22's use an 11mm rail which is smaller than 3/8. Leuplold makes aluminum rings for $19 that work just fine.

Mikey, did you buy a scout?

I believe they are the most accurate 22 cz makes. Mine is a consistent 0.250 rifle. I dropped it into an American stock for my use, then back into the scout stock for the kids to use. It is accurate with a much wider range of ammo than any other 22 I own. And with good ammo is only slightly less accurate than the BR 22's. Its an incredibly accurate 22 for the money. Every scout I have seen outshoots the HB cz's by a fair amount, which goes against logic and conventional thinking. I believe its due to the single action screw. and Barrel harmonics, as the taper on the barrel is more pronounced than on others, making it a stiff barrel. Its a great rifle and history will prove it to be the CZ of the century. Time has a funny way of proving or disproving things. The scout is amazing and is a perfect camp 22. Hollow out the stock for storage and you will have a perfect survival rifle.
 
Dizzy, thank you for the review and yes I did buy a scout! I have to admit it wouldn't be the first time a tiny gun defied logic as my papoose will demonstrate. I believe there is something magical about 16" barrels. I did not know the scout only has one action screw though... I would initially perceive that as a hinderance to accuracy, but I have heard a few people here say that the scout is one of the most accurate CZ's built, and that's why I bought one, so I guess it can't be a bad thing.

I plan to put on a recoil pad to give me an extra inch to the LOP, install sling studs and maybe a cheek riser, and a decent scope. I'm still undecided weather I want to use a smaller 2-7x32 for practicality or use a 3-9 or 3-12 x 40 for satisfying target work. I know it will probably see as much bench time as field time and that's making the decision tough. Ideally I want something with a fine crosshair and milldots.. Decisions decisions... First world problems eh? lol.
 
I used a 36 power on mine to test accuracy and it was astonishing to say the least. I wouldn't hesitate to enter a competition with it bone stock. Mind you I did bed mine which tightened up the groups. I use leather as a bedding material and it works great even on my dedicated br suhl. A 3-12 would be fun.
 
....I'm hoping I can just use a set I already have. I've got several different 3/8" rings that I got in a trade one time but haven't used. .... But from looking at that chart, many of the recommended rings for the scout are also recommended for the American. I can live with the scope being a mm or 2 off the centerline of the bore if that's what it comes down to.

Uh... 3/8" dovetail has edges cut at 45 degrees, 11mm at 60 degrees. Using 3/8" rings on 11mm dovetail may look like they fit, but they will not fit right. The issue is less with having the optical centre of the scope aligned with the bore, but keeping it in one place after its mounted. (ie., solid.) Some rings are supposed to "fit" both, but these are always compromises, and won't give proper fit with neither.

You have a great little gun - so show it some respect and get the correct 11mm rings for it. Leupolds make some good 11mm rings. Also, look into some good quality rings designed for pellet guns. PM me if you want more info.

And, by the way - looks like CZ will not be making Scouts on 452 platform anymore. They will be 455's only. Time to lower the flags half-mast...
 
Uh... 3/8" dovetail has edges cut at 45 degrees, 11mm at 60 degrees. Using 3/8" rings on 11mm dovetail may look like they fit, but they will not fit right. The issue is less with having the optical centre of the scope aligned with the bore, but keeping it in one place after its mounted. (ie., solid.) Some rings are supposed to "fit" both, but these are always compromises, and won't give proper fit with neither.

This is very good information. Thanks for sharing.
 
This is very good information. Thanks for sharing.

I agree, thanks for that!

I may have to fork out some cash for the right stuff. I think it's worth it. I'm half tempted to turn this gun into a medium range target rifle with a 12x variable power scope as suggested above.

Dizzy, I'm curious how the bedding works considering it has one action screw? Is it fulcrum pressured for and aft of the screw at certain points? I have to admit I'm letting the "single action screw" get under my skin. Maybe I've read too much about the importance of double sometimes triple action screws for accuracy in my BR questing days. Maybe I'm jaded from the cooey's I've worked on? I'm sure my concerns will be put to rest once I shoot it. That said, the idle hands tinkerer I am I will probably bed mine also if it helps accuracy.
 
And, by the way - looks like CZ will not be making Scouts on 452 platform anymore. They will be 455's only. Time to lower the flags half-mast...

I've heard this... What i heard is the entire 452 action line of rifles has been discontinued. I'm glad I got one now as I'm assuming demand will now shoot through the roof with the price accordingly, considering the popularity and reputation.
 
I got one and was pleasantly surprised at how nice it was, same great craftsmanship and attention to detail as it's big brothers. However, I am unhappy with the bare bones buckhorn iron sites, I was hoping for something a little better.
I was looking for something like a quality peep to replace the irons, but I think I may just try to find some rings and scope it instead.

I am curious how the leather bed job was done as well with just the one action screw.
 
Apparently tech sights makes peeps for the CZ. Hi-cal could probably bring them in. The BRNO peeps should work also no?

Curious, are this sights just dovetailed in so as they could be drifted out and replaced with a set of Williams or something similar?
 
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