.22LR CZ 452 vs 455

HamsterHamster · September 21, 2012, 02:10 PM

I am in the market for a .22 bolt action. I was initially interested in the 455 Lux, but going to the local gunstore I was intorduced to the 452 military trainer.

Mostly I am interested in durability and quality woodwork. Which one is better built? I heard 455 is corner cutting version of 452.

I have a soft spot for beautiful woodwork too.

aarondhgraham · September 21, 2012, 02:16 PM

I believe the difference is that with the 455 you can change barrels to accept different cartridges (.22 LR, .22 magnum, 17 HMR).

At least that's what a CZ-rifle fanatic told me.

My 452 (.22 LR) has more inherent accuracy than I can utilize,,,
The birch wood stock is very elegant,,,
I love the schnabel fore-end.

Mine is fairly new,,,
I have less than 500 rounds through it,,,
But the gun is solid and I can't imagine it wearing out in normal use.

Aarond

.

jef2015 · September 21, 2012, 02:45 PM

My 452 trainer is a great rifle. Keep in mind, although you can scope a trainer, its purpose is more for iron sights. The tangent rear sight adjusts from 50 -200 meters. I believe you can't get a better 22 for the money.

The 452 is birch so the wood isn't the same quality as the 455.

onemsumba · September 21, 2012, 03:54 PM

452/453 are great rifles. the difference between the 452/53 is that the 453 has a single set trigger.

i have a 453 varmit and love it.

I looked at just about every bolt action .22 when I bought it and felt that it was by far the best made and most durable out there. The only one I felt that was close was the Ruger 77/22. The rest to me seem cheaply made thin stamped metal etc...

Sadly it seems the 455 is replacing the 452.

I'd get a 452 while you still can they are excellent.

Link to a good article on the 452
http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums...d.php?t=110211

Microgunner · September 21, 2012, 04:21 PM

I own a 452. No plans of trading it off.

HamsterHamster · September 21, 2012, 05:06 PM

I am pretty much set on the 452 based on what I read on these forums. However what is the difference between all the options?

I shot .22 bolt action many years ago when I was in the Army and pretty much use whatever they gave me.

Open sight is perfect. Just what is needed to keep the eye and mind sharp.

So what should I start looking at? Military trainer? Lux? Super lux?

2damnold4this · September 21, 2012, 05:38 PM

I own a CZ452 American with a Nikon fixed 4X scope and I couldn't be happier with it. My daughter has been shooting it since her arms got long enough to fit the rifle and she is a crack shot with it. Ammo (even match) isn't expensive. I don't think there is another firearm in the safe that has brought me more enjoyment than the CZ.

jef2015 · September 21, 2012, 08:01 PM

I suggest checking out rimfire central: http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/index.php. More information than you could possibly need in the cz section.

The big difference, as I understand, between the 452 and 455 is the ability to change calibers by changing the barrel. The new 455's give you the option. Some say accuracy may be the trade off. I don't know as I don't own the 455.

The difference between the Trainer and the other models (American, Varmint, etc) is the type of wood and the sights. The trainer has birch and tangent sights. I am not sure about the 455 lux sights. I think the 452 lux and ultralux had the same sights as the trainer. It sounds as if you have the ability to put your hands on the rifle before you purchase so check out the quality of wood and sights.

You may have a hard time finding a 452 in a model other than the trainer.

Edit: caution - the are highly addictive!

Pond, James Pond · September 22, 2012, 02:55 AM

I have to agree with the opinions of the 452.

I was in the market for a .22 rifle and it seemed that only the 455 was becoming available. I found a 452 Standard with threaded barrel (fits my MkIII silencer). I cannot be happier. For the price, it really does feel like excellent value.

If you can find a 452 for a similar or even cheaper price (if they are being phased out) I'd advise jumping on it!!

wingman · September 22, 2012, 07:23 AM

I went with the 455 thumbhole stock, set trigger, fluted barrel, overall the quality of work is very good,set trigger is smooth while the regular trigger is very stiff but I have not made any adjustments at this point waiting for a period of break in,after sighting in first 50yard group with wolf match was .560 this is a heavy rifle not for hunting but I purchased for targets. All the CZ's I looked at were good quality don't think you can go wrong with any model you buy.

Redneckrepairs · September 22, 2012, 09:31 AM

I have 3 452s and see the whole 452/455 thing about like i see the pre/post 64 winchester mod 70 . While the 455 is a fine rifle , and likely will shoot good they in my opinion cheapened the line up a bit and are trying to sell the changes as " features " .

cpt-t · September 22, 2012, 04:02 PM

HamsterHamster: That 452 TRAINER really felt good didn`t it. My Son and I have been shooting the 452 Trainers for several years now. Mine is the most accruate 22 I own, the birch stock is very well made and fitted on mine, and the rifle just says quality and you can feel it when you hold one. You can put a scope on a CZ 452 TRAINER a couple of the guys I shoot with have done it. The mounts are high models that they ordered, so it can be done. The trigger can be adjusted and the sights mean just what they say slide them up to 100 yds and then to 200yds and see where you are hitting. I found that hard to belive but both of ours will break clay pigions laying on the 200 yr berm with out any problems. I have no experience with the CZ 455 so I can`t personly comment on them, but the guys I know that have both say the 452 is better. GOOD LUCK TO YOU: ken

EAJ702 · September 23, 2012, 10:30 AM

You really can't go wrong with any CZ rifle you select.

Here's a CZ 453 Varmint with set trigger which is excellent.

stubbicatt · September 23, 2012, 06:01 PM

I do not know anything about the 455. I do know that my 452 FS is a fantastic rifle. I shoot it more than any other firearm I own. It will be one of the last I ever trade or sell.

Presently has a Burris 3-9 on it, which may come off for my Mannlicher Schoenaur, but what a magnificent piece.

Regards,
Stubb

mike7.62 · September 23, 2012, 11:37 PM

I would get the 452/453 before there gone, any 452/453. I've had my 452 American in .22lr for about 5 years now and my 452 American in .17hmr for about 3 years. both shoot sub moa avg. 5 shot groups at 100yds.

Willie D · September 24, 2012, 11:21 AM

Quote:

in my opinion cheapened the line up a bit and are trying to sell the changes as " features "

That's the way I understand it as well. Supposedly they shoot just as good.

This thread shows some of the details:
http://www.czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=32042.0

I'll add that the 455 Lux doesn't have the nice ladder sights of the 452.

As far differentiating the 452 models

452 Lux - Iron sights, walnut stock
452 Ultra Lux - Irons, walnut, 4" longer barrel
452 Special Military Trainer - Same as Lux but Beechwood stock (not as nice as walnut but no one has ever called mine ugly)

All the above have a "hog's back" stock which lines up nicely with irons but some people find harder to scope. There is also a Mannlicher "Full Stock" model.

The 452 American and Varmint have straight comb walnut stocks and no iron sights. Varmint has a heavier barrel.

If the model says 453 it has a single set trigger.

September 21, 2012, 02:10 PM	#1
HamsterHamster Member Join Date: February 21, 2010 Posts: 33	.22LR CZ 452 vs 455 I am in the market for a .22 bolt action. I was initially interested in the 455 Lux, but going to the local gunstore I was intorduced to the 452 military trainer. Mostly I am interested in durability and quality woodwork. Which one is better built? I heard 455 is corner cutting version of 452. I have a soft spot for beautiful woodwork too.

September 21, 2012, 02:16 PM	#2
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	I own a 452 Military Trainer,,, I believe the difference is that with the 455 you can change barrels to accept different cartridges (.22 LR, .22 magnum, 17 HMR). At least that's what a CZ-rifle fanatic told me. My 452 (.22 LR) has more inherent accuracy than I can utilize,,, The birch wood stock is very elegant,,, I love the schnabel fore-end. Mine is fairly new,,, I have less than 500 rounds through it,,, But the gun is solid and I can't imagine it wearing out in normal use. Aarond . __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

September 21, 2012, 03:54 PM	#4
onemsumba Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2006 Location: Back In Oregon now! Posts: 314	452/453 are great rifles. the difference between the 452/53 is that the 453 has a single set trigger. i have a 453 varmit and love it. I looked at just about every bolt action .22 when I bought it and felt that it was by far the best made and most durable out there. The only one I felt that was close was the Ruger 77/22. The rest to me seem cheaply made thin stamped metal etc... Sadly it seems the 455 is replacing the 452. I'd get a 452 while you still can they are excellent. Link to a good article on the 452 http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums...d.php?t=110211 __________________ No Wife

September 21, 2012, 04:21 PM	#5
Microgunner Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 3,324	I own a 452. No plans of trading it off. __________________ *Proud NRA Benefactor Member*

September 22, 2012, 02:55 AM	#9
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	I have to agree with the opinions of the 452. I was in the market for a .22 rifle and it seemed that only the 455 was becoming available. I found a 452 Standard with threaded barrel (fits my MkIII silencer). I cannot be happier. For the price, it really does feel like excellent value. If you can find a 452 for a similar or even cheaper price (if they are being phased out) I'd advise jumping on it!! __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.

September 21, 2012, 02:45 PM	#3
jef2015 Member Join Date: September 23, 2011 Posts: 34	My 452 trainer is a great rifle. Keep in mind, although you can scope a trainer, its purpose is more for iron sights. The tangent rear sight adjusts from 50 -200 meters. I believe you can't get a better 22 for the money. The 452 is birch so the wood isn't the same quality as the 455.

September 21, 2012, 05:06 PM	#6
HamsterHamster Member Join Date: February 21, 2010 Posts: 33	I am pretty much set on the 452 based on what I read on these forums. However what is the difference between all the options? I shot .22 bolt action many years ago when I was in the Army and pretty much use whatever they gave me. Open sight is perfect. Just what is needed to keep the eye and mind sharp. So what should I start looking at? Military trainer? Lux? Super lux?

September 21, 2012, 05:38 PM	#7
2damnold4this Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2009 Location: Athens, Georgia Posts: 2,526	I own a CZ452 American with a Nikon fixed 4X scope and I couldn't be happier with it. My daughter has been shooting it since her arms got long enough to fit the rifle and she is a crack shot with it. Ammo (even match) isn't expensive. I don't think there is another firearm in the safe that has brought me more enjoyment than the CZ.

September 21, 2012, 08:01 PM	#8
jef2015 Member Join Date: September 23, 2011 Posts: 34	I suggest checking out rimfire central: http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/index.php. More information than you could possibly need in the cz section. The big difference, as I understand, between the 452 and 455 is the ability to change calibers by changing the barrel. The new 455's give you the option. Some say accuracy may be the trade off. I don't know as I don't own the 455. The difference between the Trainer and the other models (American, Varmint, etc) is the type of wood and the sights. The trainer has birch and tangent sights. I am not sure about the 455 lux sights. I think the 452 lux and ultralux had the same sights as the trainer. It sounds as if you have the ability to put your hands on the rifle before you purchase so check out the quality of wood and sights. You may have a hard time finding a 452 in a model other than the trainer. Edit: caution - the are highly addictive!

September 22, 2012, 07:23 AM	#10
wingman Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2002 Posts: 2,108	I went with the 455 thumbhole stock, set trigger, fluted barrel, overall the quality of work is very good,set trigger is smooth while the regular trigger is very stiff but I have not made any adjustments at this point waiting for a period of break in,after sighting in first 50yard group with wolf match was .560 this is a heavy rifle not for hunting but I purchased for targets. All the CZ's I looked at were good quality don't think you can go wrong with any model you buy.

September 22, 2012, 09:31 AM	#11
Redneckrepairs Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2006 Posts: 666	I have 3 452s and see the whole 452/455 thing about like i see the pre/post 64 winchester mod 70 . While the 455 is a fine rifle , and likely will shoot good they in my opinion cheapened the line up a bit and are trying to sell the changes as " features " .

September 22, 2012, 04:02 PM	#12
cpt-t Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2012 Location: South Central Kansas Posts: 125	CZ 22 LR 452 vs 455 HamsterHamster: That 452 TRAINER really felt good didn`t it. My Son and I have been shooting the 452 Trainers for several years now. Mine is the most accruate 22 I own, the birch stock is very well made and fitted on mine, and the rifle just says quality and you can feel it when you hold one. You can put a scope on a CZ 452 TRAINER a couple of the guys I shoot with have done it. The mounts are high models that they ordered, so it can be done. The trigger can be adjusted and the sights mean just what they say slide them up to 100 yds and then to 200yds and see where you are hitting. I found that hard to belive but both of ours will break clay pigions laying on the 200 yr berm with out any problems. I have no experience with the CZ 455 so I can`t personly comment on them, but the guys I know that have both say the 452 is better. GOOD LUCK TO YOU: ken

September 23, 2012, 10:30 AM	#13
EAJ702 Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2007 Posts: 448	You really can't go wrong with any CZ rifle you select. Here's a CZ 453 Varmint with set trigger which is excellent.

September 23, 2012, 06:01 PM	#14
stubbicatt Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2007 Posts: 1,707	Love the 452 I do not know anything about the 455. I do know that my 452 FS is a fantastic rifle. I shoot it more than any other firearm I own. It will be one of the last I ever trade or sell. Presently has a Burris 3-9 on it, which may come off for my Mannlicher Schoenaur, but what a magnificent piece. Regards, Stubb Last edited by stubbicatt; September 23, 2012 at 06:02 PM. Reason: spelling

September 23, 2012, 11:37 PM	#15
mike7.62 Member Join Date: May 25, 2012 Location: Down South Posts: 95	I would get the 452/453 before there gone, any 452/453. I've had my 452 American in .22lr for about 5 years now and my 452 American in .17hmr for about 3 years. both shoot sub moa avg. 5 shot groups at 100yds.