CZ varmint or American?

Polar Man

Polar Man

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Took the marlin 60 out today and wasn't too pleased with the accuracy,
lucky to get 3 inch groups at 50 yards. I love shooting rimfire as its cheap as heck, so I may as well put the savings into the best.
Which would you guys pick? I like the idea of the heavy barrel, but whats your input?

Also, any after market mags for it? It only comes with a 5 rounder I believe.
 
If you do a lot of walking while hunting a bull barrel get mighty annoying. From what I have read on rimfire central the American is usually more accurate than the varmint, something to do with the placement of the action screws I guess. You should check out the cz section on that site before you purchase, lots of info over there.
 
I have a 452 American .22 and a 452 Varmint 17 HMR. If you want a nice trigger, you will need to spend $50.00 on a smith or get some jobber stuff to do it yourself. I had a smith do both of my 452's.
The American is a prettier rifle with nicer wood. Well balanced. Mine shoots 1/2" (5 shot) groups fairly consistently @ 50M with Power points..
The Varmint has "plain" wood and is also well balanced. The .17 shoots 0.4"
(5 shot) groups fairly consistently @ 50M.
If I were buying another .22, I would go for the American. When shopping, ask to see the test targets. Personally, I would not purchase a .22 unless the test target was under 0.75" C to C. For the .17, I would require a group of less than 0.5" C to C. There is always potential to improve groups but a rifle with a factory group that exceeds an inch may take a lot more work.
 
I love my varmint, I like the shorter barrel on it. They do require at least a change of the trigger spring. By changing springs I dropped it from 5.4 pounds to 1.5 pounds and it shoots great. I doubt you'll go wrong with either of the cz's. I don't know anyone with one who isn't happy. There are 10 shot mags out there but they are plastic, I havn't tried them, I just carry 3 5 shot clips.
 
I am a rimfire Junky, and own a lot of rimfire rifles, including several high-end match chambered rifles. I also own CZ 452 Americans in 22 Long Rifle, 22 WMR and 17 HMR. All are surprisingly accurate, with only trigger work (Eric Brooks kits) needed to get them on board. My 22LR CZ will shoot under ½" at 50 yards with ammo it likes, and I have shot a couple of just sub MOA 100 yard groups (.966 & .989") with pricey Match ammo. This is respectable, since the smallest 100 yard group I have fired with one of my Remington 541's measures .522" [Lapua Midas M ammo] I feel that those CZ are quite a bit of rifle for the bucks. Regards, Eagleye.
 
Whats been said so far is correct. The action screws, the weight, etc. It all breaks down to which one gives you a woody. As for clips the 22 cal has a variety of clips available. 5 shot metal and plastic, 10 shot metal and plastic, and 15 shot metal. The plastic 10s is what I use and can easily be purchased from wholesale sports for about $30. The 15 shot metal are available from bits of pieces in BC. They run quite a bit more and usually need a few strokes from a file on the latch to work. Make sure you go to www.cz452.com and order a trigger kit from eric, its the best $15 you will ever spend. Be patient with him. He's very busy and it may take awhile------Cowboy

Here's what the 15 shot Kmag looks like in black bart(brno #2)

100_06511.jpg
 
I just got a CZ 452 American in .17 HMR and love it .
I have no idea what the Varmint is like but mine is just plain amazing .
Fit and finish is mostly excellent , the only complaint I have is the barrel channel cut into the stock is considerably off to one side .
On the plus side it is an absolute tack driver .
 
yes

I have both, and depending upon what you are using it for, each has its own positives and (no real negatives). The American is much nicer for a carry rifle, the Varmint is more suited for range work, although mine has killed many a gopher. Accuracy is about the same, but my Varmint is more accurate at 100 yards than the American is. Your best bet is to handle both, as they both have a different feel to them. I cannot steer you one way or the other, as I know neither is a bad choice. Good luck.
 
I love my cz 452. By far the most accurate rimfire I own. I personally would get the 452 style though. But I am partial to the nice nickle barrels. Like everyone else has said, get the trigger done. I bought an adjustable sear off of e-bay and put it in easily myself and feel it's the best $75 dollars that I've ever spent. Also change the trigger spring. Beautiul guns, but from factory the trigger really sucks.
 
Just purchased the CZ452 model with the Manlicher stock. It's still in the box and I hope to shoot it soon. The enclosed traget with it is under an inch at 50M. I wish I knew what ammo was used. This has got to be the most delightful rifle to carry on a fall day plinking rabbits and grouse. I used to own the Varmint and it was a great rifle too. These are fine rifles that more than rival a Winchester 52 at a 1/3 of the cost brand new.


good luck, Darryl
 
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