shootist
07-12-2003, 06:31 PM
OK then, Here goes.
My first rimfire purchase was a CZ 452 Style in .22 rf. This is the one with the synthetic stock and nickel plated metalwork. It was cheap enough that I ordered a trigger job from my local gunsmith. While it was there I also got the barrel chopped down to 19 inches, and threaded for a sound moderator. It came threaded in any event, but I wanted the shorter barrel.
The trigger job was decided upon for no other reason than the original felt rather heavy. I specifically asked the gunsmith not to remove the creep, just smooth it up a little and make it lighter. I knew that this rifle would get a lot of use and I had some idea that this would lengthen trigger mechanism life. Seemed like a good idea at the time. One benefit of this set up, once I got used to it, was a trigger that crept, but crept smoothly and lightly. It makes for a very relaxed let off and smoother shooting.
A trigger kit is available now that just replaced the spring to lighten the pull, which is user adjustable anyway. The new spring just gives you a lighter range. I personally think that this is all that is needed for the trigger.
The rifle itself was bought with a view to field use, and I don't think it can be bettered. It's as tough as old boots, looks as good as new after a year of use, and has performed faultlessly. The magazines (I bought a spare for quick reloads under pressure) work smoothly and have not let me down yet.
During the first few months I put just about every type of ammunition I could obtain through it. High velocity did not shine for accuracy, but I don't think they do in any rifle when compared with subs, although some recently purchased Velocitor have been about the best HV, and very hard hitting. It's favourite food is Eley Hollowpoint Subsonic Xtra, or Eley EPS. With EPS I have got consistent inch and a half groups at 100 yards (Prone, off a bipod in still air conditions with a 6X fixed focal length scope). A better shot than me could probably improve on this.
I have a SAK sound moderator fitted which, with the 19 inch barrel, makes for a compact and well balanced rifle. Great for shooting out the Landrover window. It's not quite as quiet as the Sako sound mod, but it's what I prefer, and it's also in aluminium finish which goes well with the metalwork.
A good thing about the stock, which does not seem to allow the barrel to free float at all, is the pistol grip. A hand injury means I have difficulty with less vertical grips, but this one really suits. If you are considering a CZ, do try the Style, as I am sure that the grip is superior.
The rifle has now had well over 5000 rounds through it minimum (500 on my first afternoon at the range) and is as good as new.
Other more expensive rifles may well have an attraction that you feel you need. I lingered long over a thumbhole Anschutz, but I couldn't bring myself to consider using it in the field with all the attendant punishment it would get. Neither could I really justify spending the extra £300 or so.
I doubt any rifle will do a better job in the field, or would look so good after years of hard use. It would be the last rifle I would get rid of.
My first rimfire purchase was a CZ 452 Style in .22 rf. This is the one with the synthetic stock and nickel plated metalwork. It was cheap enough that I ordered a trigger job from my local gunsmith. While it was there I also got the barrel chopped down to 19 inches, and threaded for a sound moderator. It came threaded in any event, but I wanted the shorter barrel.
The trigger job was decided upon for no other reason than the original felt rather heavy. I specifically asked the gunsmith not to remove the creep, just smooth it up a little and make it lighter. I knew that this rifle would get a lot of use and I had some idea that this would lengthen trigger mechanism life. Seemed like a good idea at the time. One benefit of this set up, once I got used to it, was a trigger that crept, but crept smoothly and lightly. It makes for a very relaxed let off and smoother shooting.
A trigger kit is available now that just replaced the spring to lighten the pull, which is user adjustable anyway. The new spring just gives you a lighter range. I personally think that this is all that is needed for the trigger.
The rifle itself was bought with a view to field use, and I don't think it can be bettered. It's as tough as old boots, looks as good as new after a year of use, and has performed faultlessly. The magazines (I bought a spare for quick reloads under pressure) work smoothly and have not let me down yet.
During the first few months I put just about every type of ammunition I could obtain through it. High velocity did not shine for accuracy, but I don't think they do in any rifle when compared with subs, although some recently purchased Velocitor have been about the best HV, and very hard hitting. It's favourite food is Eley Hollowpoint Subsonic Xtra, or Eley EPS. With EPS I have got consistent inch and a half groups at 100 yards (Prone, off a bipod in still air conditions with a 6X fixed focal length scope). A better shot than me could probably improve on this.
I have a SAK sound moderator fitted which, with the 19 inch barrel, makes for a compact and well balanced rifle. Great for shooting out the Landrover window. It's not quite as quiet as the Sako sound mod, but it's what I prefer, and it's also in aluminium finish which goes well with the metalwork.
A good thing about the stock, which does not seem to allow the barrel to free float at all, is the pistol grip. A hand injury means I have difficulty with less vertical grips, but this one really suits. If you are considering a CZ, do try the Style, as I am sure that the grip is superior.
The rifle has now had well over 5000 rounds through it minimum (500 on my first afternoon at the range) and is as good as new.
Other more expensive rifles may well have an attraction that you feel you need. I lingered long over a thumbhole Anschutz, but I couldn't bring myself to consider using it in the field with all the attendant punishment it would get. Neither could I really justify spending the extra £300 or so.
I doubt any rifle will do a better job in the field, or would look so good after years of hard use. It would be the last rifle I would get rid of.