CZ Varmint: 452 vs 457

slinkylegs said:
So $750 for one with rings that has been fired an unknown amount of times would be too much then?
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It's down to a personal choice and an itch to scratch. Have a cooling off period. Rings may be worth $50. While it's hard to shoot out a 22LR barrel, for $100-150 more one can get a CZ 457 Varmint variant (not MTR) new. What's the incentive to get a 452 varmint then?
 
slinkylegs said:
So $750 for one with rings that has been fired an unknown amount of times would be too much then?
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That's on the outer limit IMO. What kind of rings? Is the stock real nice? One of mine came with an amazing stock that is really beautiful. One has more of a blued finish, and the 453 has an almost phospate like finish. Like they blued over glass beading unstead of polished steel. I like the polished blue better.
 
You can buy a Brand new 457-American for that $750-ish plus tax plus low-cost rings.
Just saying . . . I bought a Used 455 SS Lux for $500 last year, and a used 457 VMTR for $1000 also. 'Pends on your desire, but on the two I saved over $1000.
 
slinkylegs said:
Are the Match chambers that much more accurate? If they are only marginally, I likely would never notice! The MTR's don't look like they'd be a gun I'd be wanting to lug around gopher fields or hunting areas haha
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The "CZ match chamber" (there are many kinds) is found in the 457 Varmint MTR but not the regular CZ 457 Varmint. It's also in the CZ 457 LRP, AT-ONE, and Range. The match chamber doesn't automatically make any CZ rifle more accurate. Assuming equal quality bores, that's more to do with the ammo used. Of course, CZ factory barrels are not always equal; some are better than others and no one knows until they are tested.

If you are on a strict budget like many shooters are, don't overlook the necessity of a good scope. A poor scope choice will be regretted more than which model of CZ is chosen.

The weight differences are not significant. The CZ 455 and 457 Varmints both have heavy cylindrical barrels. The CZ 452 Varmint has a heavy but tapered barrel.

Elsewhere you asked about price. That's always a good question. Some used CZ 452 are a decent buy around $650, give or take a double sawbuck or two. New CZ 457 rifles will be more, but it's usually best to spend what's needed, if possible -- buy once, cry once.

In the end, if accuracy is what matters most, the differences between most typical CZ .22LR rifles is mostly a wash. The best accuracy performance will depend on the ammo used. Variation in ammo performance will be greater than variation between accuracy performance of different CZ bolt action rimfires.
 
Has anyone with a CZ Match Chamber attempted to use Stingers in it? I know they can be an issue with Anschutz chambers, not sure how the CZ one compares for dimensions. Something to consider is that "match" chambers can limit the variety of ammo that is usable in the rifle. Even standard rounds like CCI SV can present an issue in really tight chambers just because their bullets have a longer driving band compared to the Eley, Lapua and RWS fare. A match chamber is unlikely to make a noticeable difference out on the gopher patch with the ammo that would be used there, it's just one thing to shave a few hairs off the spread shooting from the bench. Plenty of standard chamber CZ's shoot very well, provided that the barrel is a good example.
 
I would only buy a match chamber if you only shoot bench, use ammo over $10/box and care about score.

For using it as a tool, go normal. Remember, even normal chambers are able to shoot MOA or less with the right ammo.
 
Leuchtkafer said:
Has anyone with a CZ Match Chamber attempted to use Stingers in it? I know they can be an issue with Anschutz chambers, not sure how the CZ one compares for dimensions. Something to consider is that "match" chambers can limit the variety of ammo that is usable in the rifle. Even standard rounds like CCI SV can present an issue in really tight chambers just because their bullets have a longer driving band compared to the Eley, Lapua and RWS fare. A match chamber is unlikely to make a noticeable difference out on the gopher patch with the ammo that would be used there, it's just one thing to shave a few hairs off the spread shooting from the bench. Plenty of standard chamber CZ's shoot very well, provided that the barrel is a good example.
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I've "read" that Stinkers don't chamber well, but for a $1K+ rifle I wouldn't try. JMO - I have a VMTR and I only shoot SKs, Lapua AND CCI-SV. Maybe Stinkers won't hurt, but it's my money. I have several rifles to use Stinkers in, if I'm desperate for ammo (ain't gonna happen) .
 
vp6111 said:
It's down to a personal choice and an itch to scratch. Have a cooling off period. Rings may be worth $50. While it's hard to shoot out a 22LR barrel, for $100-150 more one can get a CZ 457 Varmint variant (not MTR) new. What's the incentive to get a 452 varmint then?
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A cooling off period is sound advice. I suppose that the appeal of the gun was increased due to it being local, but the I know I'd prefer the 60 degree bolt throw and familiar safety of the 457.

Grizzlypeg said:
That's on the outer limit IMO. What kind of rings? Is the stock real nice? One of mine came with an amazing stock that is really beautiful. One has more of a blued finish, and the 453 has an almost phospate like finish. Like they blued over glass beading unstead of polished steel. I like the polished blue better.
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The stock seems average by 452 standards, not sure on the kind of rings that it has. I believe I'll pass on it and wait for something that checks all my boxes
 
grauhanen said:
The "CZ match chamber" (there are many kinds) is found in the 457 Varmint MTR but not the regular CZ 457 Varmint. It's also in the CZ 457 LRP, AT-ONE, and Range. The match chamber doesn't automatically make any CZ rifle more accurate. Assuming equal quality bores, that's more to do with the ammo used. Of course, CZ factory barrels are not always equal; some are better than others and no one knows until they are tested.

If you are on a strict budget like many shooters are, don't overlook the necessity of a good scope. A poor scope choice will be regretted more than which model of CZ is chosen.

The weight differences are not significant. The CZ 455 and 457 Varmints both have heavy cylindrical barrels. The CZ 452 Varmint has a heavy but tapered barrel.

Elsewhere you asked about price. That's always a good question. Some used CZ 452 are a decent buy around $650, give or take a double sawbuck or two. New CZ 457 rifles will be more, but it's usually best to spend what's needed, if possible -- buy once, cry once.

In the end, if accuracy is what matters most, the differences between most typical CZ .22LR rifles is mostly a wash. The best accuracy performance will depend on the ammo used. Variation in ammo performance will be greater than variation between accuracy performance of different CZ bolt action rimfires.
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Thanks for the great info here, I really appreciate it. Lots of variables to consider, and I appreciate the reminder of the optics... I tend to overlook that aspect.

Jahnj0584 said:
I would only buy a match chamber if you only shoot bench, use ammo over $10/box and care about score.

For using it as a tool, go normal. Remember, even normal chambers are able to shoot MOA or less with the right ammo.
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Yeah, I don't see the need for a Match chamber for myself. When I'm in a gopher patch I'm not using Eley or Wolf or SK, I'm using bulk Federal or Winchester
 
Buck1950 said:
I've "read" that Stinkers don't chamber well, but for a $1K+ rifle I wouldn't try. JMO - I have a VMTR and I only shoot SKs, Lapua AND CCI-SV. Maybe Stinkers won't hurt, but it's my money. I have several rifles to use Stinkers in, if I'm desperate for ammo (ain't gonna happen) .
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Buck1950 said:
PS - I won't shoot 'em in my other CZs Or even my Sav-B-22 .
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I've never bought Stingers, but I had a friend buy a small box and he let me shoot a few in my CZ 457 Synthetic. No issues chamberings, and they 4 out of the 5 were touching (the 5th was not far off). I was impressed with the accuracy, but I don't think I'll be running out to buy any just yet
 
You can always shim the bolt to tighten up your headspace on a regular Varmint barrel. In my experience that has had the most impact to squeezing a bit more accuracy out of the platform. I've shimmed mine to 0.043. Still chambers all the "cheap" bulk stuff I've tried (CCI SV, Blazer, S&B, Winchester), albeit a little tighter to close the bolt. Shoots sub moa at 100y all day with a good lot of eley match.

I'd go 457 for the aftermarket options. I've never really heard anyone complain of accuracy issues with a 452, 455 or 457. They are just a great line of rifles and the action is super reliable so I'm sure you'd be happy with any of them.
 
I have the CZ 452 varmint model and it's great little rifle. The one thing that's come to mind between the 452 and 457 is the safety feature. The 457 has push to fire opposite of what the 452 is.
 
Buck1950 said:
I've "read" that Stinkers don't chamber well, but for a $1K+ rifle I wouldn't try. JMO - I have a VMTR and I only shoot SKs, Lapua AND CCI-SV. Maybe Stinkers won't hurt, but it's my money. I have several rifles to use Stinkers in, if I'm desperate for ammo (ain't gonna happen) .
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CCI Stingers do feed tight into the CZ452 chamber.
They still shoot minute of vermin with devastating results.
Rob
 
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