I've owned and really enjoyed my CZ 453 American .22 LR for about 10 years now and after cleaning it today I figured I'd post this helpful hint.

The CZ rimfire's SHOULD be cleaned from the breech using a .17 caliber rod and NOT the standard .22 caliber rod which will scrape the inner parts of the rifle. The .17 caliber rod will give you the much better clearance that it requires and Dewey Mfg. makes a nice stainless .17 caliber rod that works terrifically. You should also purchase the conversion fitting which allows standard .22 jags, loops, and brushes with an 8-32 thread to be used on the .17 caliber rod that has different and finer threads. The whole set up from Brownell's will run you around $35 Bucks (not too bad) and will keep your fine CZ rifle from being damaged and scratched. Oh, by the way, since the .17 caliber rod is more flexible, I use a Brownell's "special line" all brass .22 PISTOL size bronze cleaning brush which is easier to push & pull than the rifle length brush and the all brass construction will better protect the guns barrel.

I discovered this myself about 4 or 5 years ago and it works like a charm.

Chief38

No rods through mine.

The Otis pull through system is the only method I trust.

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GOA
USA Shooting Supporter

The Otis method is the safest - but the largest P.I.T.A. also.

The fact remains (at least for me), in 49 years of cleaning guns with QUALITY MADE RODS I can honestly say I have never scratched or in any way ruined a barrel, cylinder or chamber on any gun I have ever cleaned. I have been using the Dewey One Piece Rods pretty much since they have been available, but prior to that when I did use sectional rods (not recommended anymore) I was careful and have not done any harm with those either. My sectional rods are now just collectibles as I don't use them for cleaning anymore.

The Otis system works well and I do own a few but the truth of the matter is I just don't have the patience to use them on any sort of a regular basis. They basically go along for the ride in my Hunting gear bag but rarely get used anymore. YMMV.

Regards,
Chief38

All due respect, but how difficult can it be to pull a coated flexible cable through a barrel?

I use the same standard home cut patches and chemicals that I use with my one piece steel rods. The Otis is very simple for my app?

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GOA
USA Shooting Supporter

Not difficult, just time consuming especially when cleaning multiple guns. While I have no problems with the way Otis works I can not find a viable reason not to use the one piece stainless rods that have always worked so well and have never caused a problem for me.

Nothing wrong with your method - I just never found it necessary. I have not needed to solve a problem that doesn't exist for me.

I shoot .22 BR Factory class with a worked on, CZ 453 Varmint.
After every 50 shots I clean with a weed eater string.
Take weed eater string. Place an empty, lubed .22 lr in your pliers. Insert end of line into case. Heat case. End of line will be aprox. 22. when cooled. Sharpen the other end so as to stab your patches. Done. Cost? 10cents. Can't even imagine using a rod and guide anymore.

big&slow, been using this same method for years also. Ever since I got a custom barrel for a HS Victor with the cleaning instructions from the maker I adapted to all my .22 RF's. I haven't used a "brush" on a 22 RF in so long I can't remember.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

big&slow, sounds like a neat deal. Whats the deal with the "lubed". 22LR. Why the lube? Also, wouldn't any 22 casing work?

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War Eagle!!!

I suspect the lube would act as a release agent for the plastic line inside the spent brass.

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GOA
USA Shooting Supporter

Thanks, I thought I was just not getting it....guess I wasn't huh?

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War Eagle!!!

thanks chief, a tip i can take away with me, my 22 rod wont fit in my m 17 a 17 cal rod would though..why didnt i think of that . ive been using a string and split shot.

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the rules? there are no rules

I have a CZ 453 Varmint in .17HMR. What rod should I use?

I do use a .17 cal rod in my CZ 527 in .204 Ruger

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Memory of Randy Freas-Rimfired

What he said.

22 cal Dewey rod with a bore alignment tool works fine for me.

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Front sight and squeeze

Seems to me we had a discussion a few years back on this topic and some of the guys thought no point in cleaning 22s since the bullets are lubed...

I pull an oily patch followed by dry ones through Annies and CZ's.

After our many hot days and sweaty fingers single feeding them, it's mostly for their chamber's benefit.

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GOA
USA Shooting Supporter

Thanks for the tips. Love the weed eater line trick.