“The Very Best Value in a 22LR Bolt Action Rifle”
The CZ-455 American 22LR is 99% of everything I want in a 22LR rifle. My most important requirements are accuracy and great looks, and the CZ-455 delivers both.
This rifle features a nicely finished walnut stock with cut checkering and beautiful matt blue solid steel action and hammer-forged barrel. For about $400 street price, this rifle gives you the accuracy associated with names like Anschutz or Cooper, or high dollar custom Ruger 1022’s. Even the standard model like the American in 22LR will produce 1 MOA or better groups with off the shelf ammo like CCI standard velocity. If you are looking for a very accurate rifle at a very reasonable price, the CZ-455 is for you.
The CZ-455 replaced the 452 series (although special 452’s are still listed on their website), and features interchangeable barrels between 22LR, 22Mag and 17 HMR. You can even get the 455 with both 22LR and 17 HMR in a combo rifle set. Just remove the stock, loosen two set screws that retain the barrel and exchange the barrel. The barrels are pre-fit with proper headspace to make the change easy, and the combo rifle comes with one 5-round magazine in each caliber. Of course, you will have to re-zero the scope because of the big differences in ballistics of the 22LR and more powerful 17 HMR or 22Mag.
The 455 models feature an integral 11mm dovetail for mounting scopes, so some rimfire rings will not work. I like BLK rimfire scope rings best for rimfire rifles with dovetail available from AMAZON . These rings will work on 3/8” or 11mm base and are perfectly machined to align with your barrel.
The Classic style stock is Turkish walnut and my rifle has a nice finish and attractive straight grain. You can get many variations of the 455 including, varmint, trainer, suppressor-ready, stainless steel, and more. If you hurry, there is still a limited quantity of 452 Grand Finale’s available. The CZ-452 Grand Finale is built using the last 452 actions ever produced, embellished with hand-engraved scroll work on the action, barrel, bottom metal and included 1” scope rings. The upgraded American walnut is trimmed with an ebony forend and grip cap, the bolt is jeweled and it has a deep glossy blue finish to the metal. This model is about $1150, over twice the price of a standard CZ-455.
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Table of Contents
Vortex Diamondback 3×12 HP Scope
Vortex Diamondback 3×12 HP Scope ON SALE At AMAZON
I mounted a Vortex Diamondback 3x12x42 HP Scope on the CZ-455 and it has turned out to be an excellent scope for the rifle. The Diamondback HP series has the Vortex extra-low dispersion (XD) glass to increase resolution and color fidelity, and fully Multi-Coated lenses with XR proprietary coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.
The Diamondback HP offers extremely clear, extra-low dispersion glass with XR multi-coated lenses to allow hunters to squeeze out every bit of shooting light from the day to bag their trophy. The side parallax adjustment, this rifle scope keeps a trim profile and gives you all of the features you need to be successful.
The side focus lets you shoot parallax-free down to 30 yards so it is a great scope for at 22LR or more powerful caliber. The finger adjustable turret knobs are great for making quick changes when target shooting and the Vortex Deadhold BDC (bullet drop compensation) reticle makes it easy to shoot accurately in the field. This Vortex Diamondback HP series is also available in 2×8 or 4×16 power, depending on your needs. The scope worked so well on my CZ-455, I bought more for my other 22LR and centerfire rifles. The street price is about $300.
Shooting The CZ-455 22LR
The CZ-455 is a pleasure to shoot. It just has that perfect feel of a classic hunting rifle. Everything feels right and operates smoothly. The rifle functions perfectly, the mags load easily and feed flawlessly, the trigger has no creep and breaks very well. The trigger was a little heavy, so I replaced the trigger spring with the ACE #144 spring to bring it down to 1.5lbs. There are other trigger kits like the YODAVE that has 3 springs and pin shims to give you a choice of trigger pull options for about $18. YODAVE also has bore guides, scope levels, and other handy items for the CZ-455 shooter.
I went by the range between showers today to shoot a few groups with CZ-455 and managed to shoot 3 groups worth posting. The targets below were shot at 100 yards with a 10 MPH headwind, so in good conditions and the right shooter, it should really shine. The three groups averaged just under 1 MOA. That’s really good with me behind the wheel. Ammo was my favorite, SK Match Rifle. Guess it is time to cut the cards at 100 yds again.
Leupold Mark AR 6-18×40 Scope
A Leupold Mark AR 6-18×40 Scope arrived today, so I decided to mount it on the CZ-455 and see if I can improve the 100-yard groups. It has a fine duplex reticle an a few more power to work with so I hope to shoot better at the 100-200 yard range.
WOW! Going from a 12x to 18x scope makes so much difference at 100 yards and beyond when shooting a 22LR. Zero at 50, 15 clicks up on the P5 dial, one full turn for 200 yards with Aguila HV Super Extra. First impressions of the scope are very good. You can aim at a 22 caliber bullet hole at 100 yards and the CDS type elevation dial tracked perfectly moving back and forth between yardages.
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Scopes For 22LR Rimfire Rifles
The primary difference between a rimfire scope and a high-power rifle scope lies in their intended applications and the specific features designed to accommodate those applications. Rimfire scopes are without a paralax adjustment have are paralax free (in focus) at around 50 yards. High-power rifle scopes are paralax free at about 150 yards.
If you want a scope for your rimfire rifle, make sure to get a rimfire scope or a high-power rifle scope with a paralax adjustment or your image in the scope will be out of focus at short range, ie 25-75 yards.
Let’s explore the key distinctions:
Caliber Compatibility:
Rimfire Scope: Rimfire scopes are specifically designed for use with rimfire cartridges, such as .22 LR. These scopes are optimized to withstand the lower recoil and unique ballistics of rimfire ammunition.
High-Power Rifle Scope: High-power rifle scopes are designed to handle the recoil and performance of larger, high-powered centerfire cartridges, such as .308 Win or .30-06 Springfield.
Magnification Range:
Rimfire Scope: Rimfire scopes generally have lower magnification ranges, typically a 4X or variable ranging from 3x to 9x. This is because rimfire cartridges are typically used for shorter-range shooting.
High-Power Rifle Scope: High-power rifle scopes offer a wider range of magnification options, often starting around 3x or 4x and reaching higher levels, such as 12x, 16x, or even 24x. These scopes are intended for longer-range shooting where precision and target identification are crucial.
Parallax Adjustment:
Rimfire Scope: Rimfire scopes may or may not have parallax adjustment features since rimfire cartridges are typically used at shorter distances where parallax is less of a concern.
High-Power Rifle Scope: High-power rifle scopes often feature parallax adjustment knobs or side focus controls to help eliminate parallax error, especially when shooting at longer distances. Do not choose a high-power rifle scope for your rimfire without a paralax adjustment.
Turret Adjustments:
Rimfire Scope: Rimfire scopes usually have capped turrets or turrets with low-profile adjustments, as they are designed for shorter-range shooting where frequent adjustments are less common.
High-Power Rifle Scope: High-power rifle scopes often have exposed or tactical-style turrets that allow for quick and easy adjustments, facilitating precise shots at varying distances.
Reticle Options:
Rimfire Scope: Rimfire scopes typically feature simple reticles, such as duplex or basic crosshairs, suitable for shorter-range shooting and general target acquisition.
High-Power Rifle Scope: High-power rifle scopes often offer a wider selection of reticle options, including bullet drop compensating (BDC) reticles, mil-dot reticles, or even illuminated reticles, providing additional features for long-range shooting and holdover estimation.
It’s important to note that these differences are not absolute, and there can be variations within each category. Ultimately, the choice between a rimfire scope and a high-power rifle scope depends on your specific shooting needs, preferred shooting distances, and the caliber of your firearm.
Why The 22LR May Be Most Popular Cartridge In The World
The .22LR (Long Rifle) cartridge is often considered one of the most popular cartridges in the world for several reasons:
Versatility: The .22LR cartridge is highly versatile and can be used for various purposes. It is commonly used for plinking, target shooting, small game hunting, pest control, and even in some competitions. Its versatility makes it appealing to a wide range of shooters, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts.
Availability and Affordability: The .22LR cartridge is widely available in most regions of the world. Its popularity has led to widespread production and distribution by numerous ammunition manufacturers. Due to its popularity and high demand, it is generally more affordable compared to other centerfire cartridges, making it an accessible option for many shooters.
Low Recoil and Noise: The .22LR cartridge generates minimal recoil, which makes it comfortable to shoot, especially for beginners and those who prefer a milder shooting experience. Additionally, it produces relatively low noise compared to larger calibers, making it suitable for shooting in areas with noise restrictions or populated areas.
Firearm Options: The .22LR cartridge is compatible with a wide range of firearms, including handguns, rifles, and even some semi-automatic and bolt-action rifles specifically designed for this cartridge. The availability of different firearm options, ranging from small compact pistols to full-sized rifles, contributes to the cartridge’s popularity.
Skill Development and Training: The .22LR cartridge is an excellent tool for developing shooting skills and practicing marksmanship. Its low recoil, affordability, and reduced noise make it ideal for beginners to learn and improve their shooting techniques. Additionally, the low cost of ammunition allows for extended practice sessions without breaking the bank.
Recreational Shooting: Plinking, informal target shooting, and recreational shooting are popular activities among firearms enthusiasts. The .22LR cartridge’s affordability and versatility make it a preferred choice for these types of activities, as shooters can enjoy extended shooting sessions without spending a significant amount on ammunition.
It’s important to note that while the .22LR cartridge is popular for the reasons mentioned above, its effectiveness for certain purposes, such as self-defense or long-range shooting, may be limited. Shooters should always choose a cartridge appropriate for their specific needs and requirements.
History of CZ Firearms
CZ firearms, also known as Česká zbrojovka, have a rich and storied history. Here is an overview of the history of CZ firearms:
- Origins and Early Years (1919-1945): Česká zbrojovka was founded in 1919 in Czechoslovakia, shortly after the end of World War I. The company initially produced military and civilian firearms. One of their notable early designs was the CZ Model 27 pistol, which became the standard sidearm for the Czechoslovak Armed Forces.
- Post-War Developments (1945-1989): After World War II, CZ firearms continued to evolve and expand. They manufactured a range of firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and pistols. One of their significant contributions during this period was the CZ 75 pistol, introduced in 1975. The CZ 75 gained international recognition for its innovative design and reliability.
- Privatization and Expansion (1990s-2000s): With the fall of communism in Czechoslovakia, Česká zbrojovka underwent privatization. The company underwent a reorganization and focused on modernizing their manufacturing processes. They continued to produce a diverse range of firearms and gained popularity for their quality craftsmanship and competitive pricing.
- Global Success and Expansion (2010s-present): In recent years, CZ firearms have experienced significant global success. They have expanded their product line to include various models of pistols, rifles, shotguns, and submachine guns. CZ firearms have gained a reputation for their accuracy, reliability, and ergonomic designs, attracting a growing number of enthusiasts, competitive shooters, and military and law enforcement agencies worldwide.
- Innovation and Future Outlook: CZ continues to innovate and introduce new firearms to the market. They have developed cutting-edge technologies, such as polymer-framed pistols and modular rifle platforms. Additionally, CZ has acquired several other firearms manufacturers, expanding their portfolio and establishing a presence in different segments of the market.
Overall, the history of CZ firearms is characterized by a commitment to quality, innovation, and meeting the needs of shooters around the world. From their humble beginnings to their global success, CZ firearms have established themselves as a respected brand in the firearms industry.
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