Bolt action 22LR with nice irons - CZ 452 ?

[jad0110]

I've only got one 22LR at the moment - everyone needs at least one. And though it is a nice one (S&W K-22 4 screw), one just isn't enough . 22s are just way too much fun!

For years, I've wanted a tack driving 22 Bolt Action that I can plink with for hours on end without having to refinance my house. Sometime this summer, I plan on rectifying that. Here's what I'm looking for:

- Budget of $300-ish
- Bolt action
- Wood stock
- Blued finish
- Mag fed (not a single shot)
- Really nice iron sights

That last one is pretty important to me. Though I may mount a scope one day, I just really enjoy a nice set of iron sights. I don't know, it's just more fun and challenging to me that way.

So far, I think the CZ 452 Trainer with beechwood stock matches up with my needs very well. CZs are rare in my area, but I was fortunate enough to handle a Scout last year - very nice sights. Plus it's a nice bonus that the action feels like a baby Mauser. But I wanted to make sure I wasn't overlooking anything.

Are there any other bolt action 22s for $350 or less that are equipped with iron sights as nice as the CZs? The Savage MK II seems to be a solid rifle, but I've yet to handle one to check out it's sights.

Also, from what I have read the CZ 452 single stage triggers are "fair" to "acceptable" out of the box, but there is an inexpensive kit that greatly improves the trigger. Can anyone point me in the right direction there? How hard is it to install?

Thanks very much for all the suggestions.

---

EDITED TO ADD: BTW, from what I can tell, the CZ 452 Trainer has a beechwood stock while the Lux is walnut. Is that the only difference?

 

[grimjaw]

I would think anything with a long sight radius is going to lend to practical accuracy. One rifle that comes to mind is the Marlin 39A with a 24" barrel. Some of the older Marlin 60s might also qualify.

I think there are detailed instructions of the various trigger kits for the CZs on rimfirecentral.com.

jm

 

[waterhouse]

Also, from what I have read the CZ 452 single stage triggers are "fair" to "acceptable" out of the box, but there is an inexpensive kit that greatly improves the trigger. Can anyone point me in the right direction there? How hard is it to install?

http://cz452.com/

Eric Brooks sells the kits, $14 and worth every penny.

The iron sights on my 452 Lux are about as good as you will get, at least in your price range, IMO.

 

[hksw]

- Really nice iron sights

...I think the CZ 452 Trainer with beechwood stock matches up with my needs very well.

Absolutely. Best open sights for a rimfire rifle under $500. If you would like a longer sight radius, get a 29" barreled Ultra Lux.

...but I was fortunate enough to handle a Scout last year - very nice sights.

If you liked the Scout sights, you will love the Training Rifle/Special/Lux/Ultra Lux sights. The Scout sights are different. They are rudimentary, a simple leaf with integrated notch and an adjustment collar that rides serrations on the barrel at the rear and dovetailed front with hood.

The bigger guns will have a ladder rear with opposing set screws for windage adjustments as the rear and an elevation adjustable front that rides in a longitudinal rail. Also hooded.

I would suggest getting proper screw drivers that fit the set screws as CZ's bolts and screws aren't always the most robust and can be easy to snap or break if you overtorque them. Broke the set screw in the front sight of my first Training Rifle one time. CZ sent replacements free of charge.

 

[hksw]

Be forewarned that Eric Brooks on occassion gets behind on shipments. His stable of suppliers aren't always the most reliable. Currently, the ghost ring rear sights (that replace the stock blade sights) are backordered and many folks, including myself have been waiting weeks to get them. Got an e-mail last week (after 7 weeks when the order was placed) that they should be in soon. Other parts like the trigger tube kit seem to be arriving to folks OK.

 

[John828]

I just got a Trainer about two weeks ago for $313 out the door. It's a tack driver as far as I am concerned.

At 25 yds, I shot ragged one hole groups, less than an inch at 50 yds. That's bench rest and bulk ammo. Not bad for someone who hasn't shot a rifle in over ten years and hasn't used iron sights on a rifle in twenty years.

As far as I am concerned, the 452 Trainer is the cat's meow. Next up is an American with a scope. But for now, that little Trainer is a hoot to shoot and accurate to boot.

 

[GILROY]

I have a CZ 452 Standard. It is an excellent rifle with all the amenities you listed. I also have one of those milsurp Romainian trainer .22s that you run into in gun shows every now and then. Got mine for $75. Iron sights, mag fed, wood and blue, mauser action, rough wood, some pitting. But for some reason I am a bit more accurate with it than the CZ. When I want to pop a critter in the back yard, the Romy gets the call every time. I picked up a second Romy a few weeks ago just to have a spare for parts if needed. The CZ is nice though.

 

[El Tejon]

I have bought CZ 452 Scouts for my nephews. I liked the rifle so much that I purchased one for myself.

CZ 452 Scout: http://www.danwessonfirearms.com/product_detail.php?id=5

It needs a sling, but they come with decent triggers and the actions slick up with the round count.

 

[Schleprok62]

Remington Model Five

I have looked at these... and have heard nothing but good about them. I have one ordered... out the door, $265 with European Walnut...

Beware of the "Youth" model... they are about the size of a BB gun... make sure you look at a STANDARD model...

Also, look for an old Glenfield Model 25.
I paid $59 for one a number of years ago, and it was more accurate than it had a right to be for the $$ I paid for it... but, alas... I lost it in a house fire...
I bought another one recently, but haven't gotten to the range with it yet...

 

[retgarr]

Dunno about the model 5, it would be good to check out. The sights on the cz's are excellent though and I love the long barrels.

 

[MrBorland]

Also, from what I have read the CZ 452 single stage triggers are "fair" to "acceptable" out of the box, but there is an inexpensive kit that greatly improves the trigger. Can anyone point me in the right direction there? How hard is it to install?

Whittaker's sells the trigger kits as well. The backlog at cz452.com is unpredictable, so I'd recommend Whittaker's for these.

They are easy to install, which is good, since you may have to try different shim/spring combos to get the (safe*) trigger you want. It might take some effort getting the peened pin out the first time, though. Follow the instructions on cz452.com.

*It's quite easy to go crazy and try to get as light and creep-free a trigger as possible, and with the right combo of thick shim and light spring, you can get it. Trouble is, you can easily get an unsafe trigger in the process. After installation, be sure to do a safety "bump" test (read about it at rimfirecentral.com). Wouldn't be a bad idea to do one on a regular basis as well. Your best bet is to be conservative with your choice of shims and springs, especially if this is going to be something other than a bench-only rifle.

 

[Dollar An Hour]

CZ with a Timney Trigger or other trigger improvement. Mine is a tack driver to 100 meters.

 

[esq_stu]

I have a 452 trainer and one of Eric Brooks' aperture sight inserts for the rear sight. It is IMO better than the v-notch. But I would prefer a peep sight behind the chamber instead of in front.

I know of at least one dovetail peep sight from http://newenglandcustomgun.com/ but don't know whether it is compatible with the trainer's front sight.

 

[22-rimfire]

You want accurate and you want a modest priced 22. I'd go with the CZ452 American or a Savage with the set trigger. Another alternative is the TC R-55 which sells for around $300-$325 area.

 

[marineman]

You will be extremely happy with the CZ, especially its accuracy.

 

[hksw]

You want accurate and you want a modest priced 22. I'd go with the CZ452 American ...

To reiterate the OP's initial post:

- Budget of $300-ish
- Bolt action
- Wood stock
- Blued finish
- Mag fed (not a single shot)
- Really nice iron sights

 

[jad0110]

First, thank you to all who have posted. You have been very helpful.

One rifle that comes to mind is the Marlin 39A with a 24" barrel. Some of the older Marlin 60s might also qualify.

The 39A is one sweet rifle. When I get around to adding a 22 lever to my collection, the 39A will be at the top of my list. The Henry levers are pretty nice too though. And I'll have to keep my eyes open for a used Marlin 60. Never seen one in these parts, people must hold on to them.

Eric Brooks sells the kits, $14 and worth every penny.

Yep, that's what I was thinking of, thanks!

Absolutely. Best open sights for a rimfire rifle under $500.

That's what I've heard. And as far as I know, the Trainer has the same sights as the Lux series.

If you liked the Scout sights, you will love the Training Rifle/Special/Lux/Ultra Lux sights.

Right you are, I discovered this while doing research shortly after my OP. That's a welcome surprise!

I would suggest getting proper screw drivers that fit the set screws as CZ's bolts and screws aren't always the most robust and can be easy to snap or break if you overtorque them.

I've added that to my list, thanks for the heads-up .

I also have one of those milsurp Romainian trainer .22s that you run into in gun shows every now and then. Got mine for $75.

Crap, my list is getting longer by the minute ... thanks guys!

It's quite easy to go crazy and try to get as light and creep-free a trigger as possible, and with the right combo of thick shim and light spring, you can get it. Trouble is, you can easily get an unsafe trigger in the process. After installation, be sure to do a safety "bump" test (read about it at rimfirecentral.com). Wouldn't be a bad idea to do one on a regular basis as well. Your best bet is to be conservative with your choice of shims and springs, especially if this is going to be something other than a bench-only rifle.

Another great tip, thank you. In a trigger, my first priority is a smooth pull and a clean, crisp break. Minimal creep is good too. But pull weight has never bothered me, as I enjoy shooting my S&W wheelguns DA.

Thanks again for all the help. Time to start saving!

 

[kamagong]

- Budget of $300-ish check
- Bolt action check
- Wood stock check
- Blued finish check
- Mag fed (not a single shot) check
- Really nice iron sights check

Here's a few pictures of the CZ 452 Trainer that I bought five months ago. It's my second favorite gun, second only to my Les Baer 1911.

 

[glockman19]

I just bought a Marlin 981t tube fed bolt action rifle and it is very accurate and has nice iron sights. $149

 

[Diggers]

Beautiful......I almost went down to the gun shop to day to see if they have any in.

Now I am going this week for sure.