Yet another .22 rifle, CZ 452 FS "Mannlicher" (pics)....

canoeguy · #1 01-04-2011, 05:17 PM

I have really been tickled with the CZ 452 .22 rifles I've picked up in the last two years, a .22 Military Trainer and a 452 American. Super accurate, reliable, high quality, and all at a price you can afford!

Came into a little gun buying money over the holidays, so ordered a CZ 452 FS, a Mannlicher stocked 20" carbine. Picked it up yesterday and spent a pleasant couple of hours today sighting it in, what a shooter! The 20" barrel doesn't give up any accuracy over it's 22" Military Trainer cousin.

I have always wanted a Mannlicher styled rifle, but couldn't afford to buy or feed a centerfire version, so this one is "Right on time"!

Here's some pics:

Rifle:

Target fired this morning, 10 rounds from the prone position at 50 yards, silver dollar shown to illustrate group size:

So, my .22 rifle collection grows, my Smith and Wesson collection has diminished and stabilized to the "Must Haves". Seems all I can afford to shoot these days is .22 ammo, even reloaded ammuniton gets expensive if you shoot 1200 or more rounds a month!

Onomea · #2 01-04-2011, 05:54 PM

Very nice, Canoeguy!

I bought the same rifle a coupla years back. Put a Leupold rimfire scope on it with Burris rings. I was gonna take the sling swivels off, but I kind of like the way yours looks with the sling....

I've also thought about attacking the polyurethene finish -- getting it off somehow -- and going with an oil finish. But there's that butt pad to worry about.

That rifle is a jewel!

RonJ · #3 01-04-2011, 06:20 PM

The CZ rifle stocks respond very well to a fine polishing compound. This one looked very much like the finish on Canoeguy's rifle. I used cigarette ashes and mineral oil to bring out the shine and show off the grain.

Your FS is very nice. I'd like one for myself.

OMCHamlin · #4 01-04-2011, 07:55 PM

Thats a beautiful gun, man! ( I just LOVE Mannlicher stocks) I just did finally break down and get a 452 Lux myself. Hope you all had nice holidays, oh, and... by the way...

...Keeping it real, bro....

2010 Troy Ashe, 1st Civilian Team (yep, that's Kristi)

canoeguy · #5 01-04-2011, 08:01 PM

OMC,

Great shooting, I miss all you guys and gals at the NOAA/WIVAA club. You and Kristi sure can shoot, I'll never forget the fist sized hole she put through the X-ring at the last Troy Ashe tournament with her 1911 (I think she beat you that year, didn't she?).

Canoeguy....

OMCHamlin · #6 01-04-2011, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canoeguy

OMC,

I'll never forget the fist sized hole she put through the X-ring at the last Troy Ashe tournament with her 1911 (I think she beat you that year, didn't she?).

Canoeguy....

Yeaaaaaaah, she did....

Out West · #7 01-04-2011, 09:23 PM

Those CZ rimfires are the best! I've got one in 22LR and 22WMR. They both shoot like a house on fire. Love that LUX you got! Beautiful rifle. Maybe one day.......

Out
West

Onomea · #8 01-04-2011, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonJ

The CZ rifle stocks respond very well to a fine polishing compound. This one looked very much like the finish on Canoeguy's rifle. I used cigarette ashes and mineral oil to bring out the shine and show off the grain...

Thanks for the tip, Ron. That stock looks very nice. How many hours did that take you?

Having just given up cigs -- for about the fifth time! -- last September, I probably need to use something else. Hmm. Maybe cigar ashes. So do you just mix the ashes with the oil into a paste and then with a cloth apply plenty of elbow grease until you like the result?

RonJ · #9 01-04-2011, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onomea

Thanks for the tip, Ron. That stock looks very nice. How many hours did that take you?

Having just given up cigs -- for about the fifth time! -- last September, I probably need to use something else. Hmm. Maybe cigar ashes. So do you just mix the ashes with the oil into a paste and then with a cloth apply plenty of elbow grease until you like the result?

Polished out the whole stock in about 45 minutes. I quit smoking a year and a half ago, so I feel your pain.
Actually not a LOT of elbow grease. The finish seems to be relatively soft. Otherwise your procedure is correct.

Texas Star · #10 01-05-2011, 10:05 AM

I gather that the CZ 452's are being replaced with the new 455. And the barrel seems to be secured by two pins.

I'd rather have a barrel that's screwed on right.

You know what they say: if you find something that you like, buy several. They'll quit making it. Probably applies to the 452.

ridewv · #11 01-05-2011, 07:18 PM

Canoeguy that 452 FS is sweet! Pretty good shootin too.

I bought my first CZ rimfire last year, a 452 Lux which has open sights like your FS. Liked it so much I recently bought another while they're still available. This one is a 452 American, with it's new Leupold 3-9x33 Rimfire EFR scope which I got for Christmas.

canoeguy · #12 01-05-2011, 08:21 PM

Texas Star, Ride WV....

Yes, these CZ rifles can be as addictive as Smith and Wesson revolvers. I had the 452 Military Trainer and an American, but when I heard they were discontinuing the 452 line, I bought another Military Trainer as a spare, the 452 FS Mannlicher, and a 452 Scout (the youth rifle). I don't even have any children, but I have friend with kids that I enjoy shooting with, and thier kids enjoy shooting my .22 rifles.