CZ452 vs Ruger 77/22....?

frichtie

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Hello all,

I will soon be looking for a replacement for my early (and trusty) Winchester model 69 that I'm giving to my son. (Like it was given to me by my godfather).

Let's make it short: Ruger 77/22 or CZ452? Is the Ruger worth the extra money? Note that I'll be looking for a used rifle. (No way I'm gonna spend $1000.00 on a .22lr)

Your opinions greatly appreciated!

-Eric
 
Its been a desire of mine (for years) to build a 77/22 into this....
greenhornet3_zps2baa01f0.jpg


You can't go wrong with a used 452 if you're not looking to spend too much on a .22lr.
 
Either are a good choice, the Ruger American with the wood stock is also an option . Just keep an eye on the EE .

I prefer the Rugers for the magazine, however all the the CZ 452 (7) I've owned have shot well.

You need to handle both prior to making your decision.

357
 
I have a 77/22 and a 455 lux. I like the the Ruger better personally, but I wouldn't spend that much either. I've had it about 25 years, and had my gunsmith improve the trigger long ago.
The CZ is really nice too. Can't go wrong with either.
 
I have a number of rimfire - Ruger 77/22 22 Magnum, CZ452 Silhouette, Nylon 66, Cooey 60, Cooey 39, Husqvarna octagon single shot "Sakrat", plus a Savage 24 22LR/20 gauge. The Ruger has the Leupold VX-2 3-9 Rimfire scope, the Silhouette has both a Mueller APV 4.5 - 14 and a Leupold VX-1 2-7 rimfire, the Nylon 66 and the Cooey 60 both have the old school Bushnell Banner 4 power 1" .22 Scopes and the single shots have iron sights.
The Ruger and a decent scope are going to get uncomfortably close to that $1,000 that you don't want to spend. Generally, really nice looking guns. (I also had a 77/22 LR that I traded towards a Savage PC in 223). The CZ452 is dandy, very accurate except for its backwards safety - forward is "safe" and pull back to fire (I have to think like cocking a hammer to make it go). There is an inexpensive trigger upgrade kit available if you don't like the CZ factory setup. However, it is the Cooey 39 that rides behind the seat in the half-ton, and the Cooey 60 that I take on the side-by-side to go shoot gophers. Go figure...
 
I expect to pay between 450 and 600 for this next rifle.
I'll keep it simple, no heavy barrel, bipod or anything. It's going to replace a model 69...
 
I've owned a 452 American. It shot great but it didn't feel substantial if that makes sense. Too light for my tastes... bolt felt cheap and small. Not ergonomic to me.
Acquired a used 77/22 off the ee ( a heavy barrel laminate). It feels great to me. Accurate too. Acquired a new sporter 77/22 off the ee and it a shooter too. Something about their balance and meatier bolt that just works for me. Id go 77/22.... for the right price.
 
I'll have to handle both the Ruger and the CZ to make a final decision. I'm in no hurry. Can always rely on either my mossberg 151 m-c, my 10/22...the Winchester 69 is still mine!
Many thanks for your help.
 
I currently have a beautiful 69a with peeps on it, love that rifle .Your son is very lucky to get it passed down. I've also owned a cz452 and 455 with the HB. There OK rifles if you only want to spend 5-600. I would be looking for an American as it will be reasonably light. The 69a is very light and no plastic. With that said I doubt I would part with my 69a. The CZs are long gone and I don't miss them.I know it's a lot of money but an anschutz 1416 classic sporter goes on sale for $999 and that's a rifle you would be proud to keep. I have no history on the ruger other than I've owned a few center fires and the too are long gone.
 
I have to say I hate the plastic stock on the american rimfire (Ruger) are they available with a wood stock or would I have to go aftermarket? (Wich is not gonna happen)
 
I have both, use the Ruger ss boat paddle for hunting and the 452 Style for making small groups on paper. I'm planning on doing some small mods to the Ruger like trigger and bolt shims to see if I can get it into the 1/2" challenge. It's real close with one or 2 shots messing it up. It's a 3/4" gun easy where the CZ will average under 1/2" consistently out of the box stock.

Both won't be going anywhere, the problem is they don't/might not make them anymore so its a hard decision. The CZ is better value IMO, accurate and smooth if you like shooting rimfire you should at least try a CZ to see.
With the dollar the last couple years Rugers are getting a little expensive for what you get I think, the 300 ish extra for the 77 is not worth it I believe when comparing the two, used ones should trade in the 650 range which is maybe fair in todays world.

Only one pick - The CZ.
 
I have owned both. My CZ452 American was not very accurate, neither was my Ruger77/22. I installed a GM fluted SS barrel & a SpecTech trigger on the Ruger & turned into an accurate rifle. That said, for $$$ involved I would have been very close to the price of an Anschutz 64, better accuracy, trigger & ergonomics out of the box.
 
Had both still have the 452 varmint. Dip steel bottom metal. Target trigger. Amazing shooter. Cci blazer into less than 1/4" at 50-60 yards no joke. That's 5-10 shots in same spot. My 77/17 shouldered better than any other rim fire with my long arms. But the action was clunky feeling, and accuracy sucked nutz! Massive shotgun groups at 100 yards on a calm day with 3 or 4 types of hmr ammo. Even after I put a jard 1lb trigger in it. That did it for me. I free floated the barrel and everything and it was awful. Not even minute of a massive crow at 100 yards. Older cz guns are best game h for the money. I also owned cooper rim fire, Anschutz 1710's and now am Anschutz 1727. That cz 452 is best bang for your buck under 1000$ in my opinion. I've had all the flippin rimfires pretty well lol.
 
Thank you all for your interesting answers. I have a feeling the CZ will take it. We'll see. I have two other .22 both semi-autos and i prefer a bolt action clip magazine for hunting. And I just realised i didn't tell you my other son got a Brno .22 from my father-in-law....i need to take this one taget shooting and maybe that's when the final decision will "surface"!
 
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