Modifications on CZ452 special

[ironglow]

  I have had a CZ 452 for some years now and always treasured it for it's quality construction and accuracy.  One thing I did not treasure however, was the extra long barrel (nearly 25").  On the target range the extra length may be worthwhile, but I don't spend that much time punching paper.  I am a hunter primarily, and the extra length was not conducive to carrying in a vehicle or carrying through brush.
     I didn't want to trust my super-accurate CZ to just anybody!  Well, my favorite gunsmith was visiting me from Missouri, so I handed him the problem.  He took it home and did the work..sending it back with my son, who was visiting him some 6 weeks later.
    Cutting to the chase, I am absolutely thrilled with the rifle now.  With the barrel at 17", it is as accurate or better than it was to start.  See photo of rifle below with remainder of the barrel placed where it used to be.  He could have installed an iron sight back on the muzzle, but I wouldn't be using it anyway.. Besides, if he wants to, he can do that someday when he inherits it.    I will now be carrying the CZ a great deal more than in the past..
     BTW:  My favorite gunsmith is my Grandson, Ironglowjr, who posts here on GBO... mainly in the AR/AK forum where some of his work is displayed...

[Ladobe]

If it works for you and your uses, it is right for you bar no other.  Thanks for the picture, easier carry and would make for a nicer truck gun.
 
My only remaining CZ (not counting the 1949 BRNO ZKW 465 Hornet) is a still new in box 452 17HM2 culled out for me by the US CZ Rep.   I never got around to shooting it due to health issues, never mounted the high end scope I bought for it with the special sleek ringset a buddy bought and picked up for me at the CZ factory (and I bought a steel spare mag).   I know without question it will be very accurate, but I also know from long experience with the both 17HM2 and 17HMR the optimum for that cartridge would be a shorter barrel - probably right around 20" or a little shorter.   Most likely will not get done simply because I will probably never shoot it now.
 
But is is nice to see somebody else take the plunge to get exactly what they want.

[ironglow]

I forgot to mention; that is a .22 LR. so the 17" is about the ideal length.  That isn't a high end scope, but rather a BSA 4X32..but being as I am a hunter rather than paper cutter..so the 4X is just about right.

[Ladobe]

I just assumed it was a 22LR by default guessing far more of them were sold than Mags.   
 
Plenty of scope if it works for your hunting, but not even close for the types of hunting I did with rimfires most of my hunting life doing ADC.   I bought a new Leupold 4.5-14X40 Matte Wide Duplex RE VX-III for my CZ 17HM2 to the tune of over $450 at the time.   Just because a rig is a rimfire doesn't mean it is not a long range rig to me if it's accurate enough within reason for the small critters I shot at long ranges.   A small digger "peeker" with a 4X scope at range is a low percentage shot IOW.   So mostly high X target scopes rode on lots of my rimfires, especially the 17's, and plenty of them cost more than the rig they went on rifle or specialty handgun.  Besides, if I sold a RF rig they could always go on a long range centerfire.   

[ironglow]

Yep; I have stronger glass on my 17s..

[SharonAnne]

ig much better

[Victor3]

 Love my CZs...


 This one (My Son's Scout) is a tad smaller than yours...








My 17 HMR Varmint...





I've replaced the OEM guard on my three 452s with machined steel ones...

[ironglow]

Real nice looking guard there victor..a really nice touch..  Although I have 5@ .22s, not counting Mags & a.17s..I think I will be using this little CZ a lot more often.

[goofyoldfart]

victor3(#6 reply) : that is a BEAUTIFUL machined trigger guard. If I may be so bold to ask, where did you purchase that guard? I have 3 Cz's, one in 223 and 2 in 452 (22 LR. I can't remember the #on the 223 and I'm too lazy to get up and go look ). that would be a class act as yours shows. God Bless to all and theirs.



                                              Goofyoldfart <aka GOF and/or Goofy>

[Victor3]

victor3(#6 reply) : that is a BEAUTIFUL machined trigger guard. If I may be so bold to ask, where did you purchase that guard? I have 3 Cz's, one in 223 and 2 in 452 (22 LR. I can't remember the #on the 223 and I'm too lazy to get up and go look   ). that would be a class act as yours shows. God Bless to all and theirs.  

 GOF,


 I bought the guards here. If you want more than one, ask for a quantity discount. Be sure to order the right model as there are various configurations of the 452. They also come in two different finishes (polished blue or matt) to match your receiver...


http://www.diproductsinc.com/products.aspx?CAT=3600


 I've also replaced the plastic mag wells on my .22 lr 452s with steel BRNO ones and use all steel BRNO mags (I don't much like plastic on these classic bolt guns)


 Your 223 is a 527.  Here's my 527 American M1 below my 452 American...

[Victor3]

Real nice looking guard there victor..a really nice touch..  Although I have 5@ .22s, not counting Mags & a.17s..I think I will be using this little CZ a lot more often.

 I've got a pile of rimfires, but ever since I bought my 1st 452 in 2003, I'm spoiled as far as bolt guns go. I've had more expensive ones but hardly none I like better. My BRNO 456 (top in pic) is one exception, but it's nearly a CZ. 

[ironglow]

Those additions  do look good..I however, am basically a hunter, so I am naturally concerned primarily with function, which explains why I am content with the plain hardwood stock.  Some time ago I purchased a spare magazine for my CZ.  Curiously, it is of the plastic variety, and I believe it works smoother than the original metal one.  Of course, the steel magazine looks more classsic, but the plastic one seems to allow the cartridges to slide in and out almost as if

the magazine were lubricated.  One thing for sure though, whether one is a paper plinker, hunter or simply  enjoys a well made piece of armament, these CZs do the job.

[Victor3]

[size=78%]Those additions  do look good..I however, am basically a hunter, so I am naturally concerned primarily with function, which explains why I am content with the plain hardwood stock.  Some time ago I purchased a spare magazine for my CZ.  Curiously, it is of the plastic variety, and I believe it works smoother than the original metal one.  Of course, the steel magazine looks more classic, but the plastic one seems to allow the cartridges to slide in and out almost as if [/size][size=78%]the magazine were lubricated.  One thing for sure though, whether one is a paper plinker, hunter or simply  enjoys a well made piece of armament these CZs do the job.[/size]

 Ironglow - A few of the mods I've done to my CZs have made practical improvements, but others are just cosmetic or my personal preference.


 Minor trigger work, a little bedding and fiddling with torque on the action screws, etc. improves accuracy. However, none of this is usually necessary for the average 452 used for hunting because they generally come very good out of the box.


 One thing you might check on yours if you haven't already (since it's common on 452s) is if the forend is touching the barrel on one side. An easy fix with sandpaper and a dowel. This can really improve accuracy, even for a hunter.


 I agree with you on the mags; the plastic ones function smoother than the steel. The wood? No difference in function between fancy & plain.

[ironglow]

  Victor;
 
  I think we can heartily agree..those CZs are a standout, any way we look at them..

[goofyoldfart]

Victor3 : thank you for the link. I too, am basically am a hunter, though I do like to punch paper also. So I like the steel trigger guards. It never hurts when you are at the range to have someone look at your rifle and go " oooow, nice". like IG, mine is sort of "plain jane" wood,but pretty. also I have several plastic mags and they do seem to feed smoother. I just baby them a little. again thank you for the link. I'll have to budget for them, but I think it's worth it. whatever trips our trigger . God Bless to all and theirs.



       
                             goofyoldfart   < aka GOF. >


ETA: also thanks for the # of my 223. I probably should name myself the "lazyoldfart"