My First Rimfire: CZ 452 17hmr Training Rifle

[js8588]

CZ has actually discontinued this model but a few new ones are still being imported. I got mine from BudsGunshop.com. Just picked her up today from my FFL, brought it home and thought I'd share my first impressions. (And a few pics).

First of all, this rifle just feels solid. Fit and finish are top notch. I know a lot of people don't like beechwood gunstocks but I like the weight it gives to this little rimfire. It feels like a "real" rifle. The bluing is gorgeous.

I love the trigger. I'm sure it could be adjusted to be even lighter, but I love it just the way it is.

My only complaint is the action is a bit stiff as is the safety. I'm sure both will smooth up in time.

 

[I6turbo]

Congratulations! I've never owned that caliber, but I'll bet you're going to love it the gun. I have 12 CZ rifles (just sold 3 BRNOs, still have one). The 452 Trainer in .22LR is, overall, my favorite of all. I also love the others, but the Trainer is just a great gun, and the one gun that I would feel comfortable recommending just about anybody buy one and give it a try.

The bolt will smooth up very nicely with use or just some cycling, or you can take it out and smooth up the sliding surfaces inside the receiver if you don't want to wait. If you install the ACE Hardware #144 spring in place of the OE trigger spring, it'll give it an even better trigger pull.

Next for you is a 452 American. Be prepared.

 

[cat_IT_guy]

Very nice. Been hearing a lot of good things about CZs lately, especially their rimfires. I know they are on my radar when its time to pick up a .17, though I'll probably go 455 varmint.

 

[js8588]

L6turbo,

next CZ for me is a 452 Ultra Lux 22lr. Have a Vepr 12 to pay off first.

 

[viking499]

Then you will need a set of BRNO sights for the Ultra Lux.

 

[chicharrones]

Congrats on the new 452 Trainer! I have one in .22LR.

The safety may smooth up some, but since it cams back the striker I don't think it will ever lighten up. The good thing is you have to want to take it off, and it probably won't be bumped off easily.

The trigger on mine is light enough from the factory, but has quite a bit of creep. I'll probably never change it since it seems to be a good field trigger.

I really like how the 452 Trainer stock fits me and aligns my head perfectly with the sights. When I put it up to my shoulder it mounts up as slick as a good shotgun.

 

[I6turbo]

The trigger on mine is light enough from the factory, but has quite a bit of creep. I'll probably never change it since it seems to be a good field trigger.

chicharrones,
If it has quite a bit of creep, you may have to shim it, but IME the ACE #144 spring often eliminates creep that is present on some of the 452s from the factory. Of my guns, only the Ultra Lux still had any noticeable creep after replacing the trigger springs with the ACE #144. Some of them did and some didn't have a bit of creep with the factory spring. The ACE spring is practically free ($.48 or whatever it is) so it's worth a try. I can't stand trigger creep....

 

[chicharrones]

So far, I am resisting the shim job. Time will tell if I end up changing my mind!

 

[I6turbo]

I understand not wanting to mess with the shimming, but fortunately the ACE (or Fastenall if that's easier to obtain) spring has a good probability of eliminating the creep, or at least reducing it so much that it's nearly imperceptible. 4 or 5 of mine had some creep from the factory, the spring change eliminated it in all but the UL.

 

[d2wing]

It is hard to stop at one. They are very solid and accurate rifles. The more you shoot it the better you will like it.

 

[czhen]

Congrats great buy. You did very well, the accuracy will impress you every day. Even, in your bad days at the fire lane. Got to my son a farmer 513 when he was 7 years old, thinking the 452 was too much long for him. Now, he is 17 and still love the carbine length.
Them, a baby girl was born so a trainer was given to her when she said, Dad take me to the range with you.
Finally, an ultra lux appear shortly after I bought her, and said to my self the 24 " let go altogether to plink as a family. Again, right choice, on rimfire rifle nowadays.
Post pics of targets is a must on the high road.

Ps.: Be aware my cause addiction.

 

[js8588]

I have no intention of stopping at 1

 

[ECVMatt]

I have a 452 Trainer in .22LR and it is one of my favorites! .17 HMR is a great round. It is accurate and flat shooting for a rimfire. Very good choice for your first rifle!

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I have several CZ rimfires. The Trainer is my all around favorite.

 

[fotheringill]

I have a few CZ's. Action will smooth out after about 1500 or so operations, with or without ammo.

As to ACE 144 spring. One swap resulted in no creep, another resulted in enough creep that it feels like a two stage trigger, which was just fine with me. Fastenal also has a similar spring (I don't know part #).