CZ453 Varmint

[Epoxy7]

Well I'm considering getting a CZ 453 Varmint when Wholesale finally gets them in (or if I see one while I'm in the Vancouver area the next few weeks). Most people seem to have fantastic things to say about them, and the single set trigger sounds like a plus.
The other thing, is should I get the Varmint or the American?
I like the looks of both, but tend to favour a heavier varmint/target barrel. Most of my shooting will be bench target wtih hopefully the odd varmint/shot of opportunity in the future.
Then of course there is the question. .22LR or 17HMR.
I already have a very nice Ruger K10/22T that shoots a lot better than most would have you believe for a stock factory rifle. It's actually very accurate at 25 and 50 yards. That one is for fun, some target, plinking, hunting etc.
This second one will be mainly for concentrated target shooting.

Any thoughst, suggestions etc?
Yes, I'am more interested in getting the CZ453 rather then the CZ452 with the trigger job.

Thanks

 

[cz452shooter]

Both will be about the same for accuracy. Usually heavey barrels are more accurate but the Varmint and the American seem to shoot about the same.

illingworth imports lists the 453's on their websites but you may want to call and ask if they are in stock.

For target practice, I like the .22's, and for varmint shooting, the .17 Rules!

 

[CanuckShooter]

I say definitely get the Varmint. There is no barrel lug on the varmint 453 (instead it has 2 action screws) like there is on the varmint 452. The HB and 2 action screw configuration is very sought after on rimfirecentral because of it's accuracy potential being better out of the box than the barrel lugged version...

I would say 17HMR is kind of expensive to just use on paper, and kind of a waste since the bullet is actually designed for hunting. Unless I was using it as a tool against varmints, for an effective long range small calibre, I'd skip it... it's still like $13 (so about $15) plus tax here for only 50, whereas you can get really great quality 22 for 3-4 bucks a box (PMC, etc), and cheaper in a brick. Like many have said, going to .223 for just a tiny bit more money gives you way more options.

Also from what I have read,the 17HMR CZ's are not nearly as well known for their accuracy as their 22's are, and there have been complaints about the accuracy of some.

You can always pick up and american for way cheaper in a 452, as their is only one improvement (the trigger, the 452 already has 2 action screws) in that model going to the 453, but the varmint has 2 improvements (action screw and trigger).

Just my opinion.... (I'm also considering a Varmint 453, as I LOVE the HB and stock design)

 

[Epoxy7]

Thanks for the replies.
Where I'm sitting right now.
Varmint 453 in .22. What I'd also like to find preferably is the C 452 in the Sporter/Target stock. I'd buy one of those just because it's a bit different. Now if only they made those in .17HMR and with the varmint barell. Oh well.
So for now the Varmint 453 looks like the ticket in .22.

I also have a Remington XR-100 in .204 on it's way.
This gun bug is expensive.

My Ruger K10/22T and Winchster Coyote in 243WSSM needed some company.

 

[JEC]

Just purchased a 452 Varmint in 17HMR. Trigger needed work to take out the creep and reduce pull weight. With best loads it averages just over .4" @ 50M (5 shot groups). Best group so far was .15"
Shot a bunch of gophers today. 100M shots were usually kill shots but after about 125, the wind affected the .17. Guess I'll learn to shoot with the wind!

 

[Epoxy7]

Thanks for the info guys.
I'm thinking of going to a Kimber SVT in .22 .
We'll see for the .17HMR. Maybe a CZ. But preferably a cooper LVT if I can find one and afford one. We'll see.
I'm always altering my choices as I learn more.
next week it'll probably be something different.