Update: I got my CZ 452 back today with a 2 lb trigger and free-floated barrel. Weather permitting, tomorrow is range day! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I have the same gun and had the same accuracy issues at first. I removed the action and barrel, took an appropriate size dowel-wrapped it in fine sandpaper and sanded down the inside of the stock until I could slide a piece of paper between it and the barrel when the rifle was re-assembled. 1/4" 50yd groups

I asked Wayne how he did it. He has this antique curved blade hand plane that just planes it out until the barrel no longer contacts the stock. It was a tool used for moulding. (He runs an antique shop). Then he puts some laquer on the trough as a sealant. It looks really pro. He got the trigger dead on 2 lbs with no creep. Slick.

Well I made it to the Range at Green Swamp Road today, and after about 60 shots with different ammo. I finally got a 1" group at 100 meters. This rifle likes CCI ammo. Mosquitos were bad in the swamp, but I had ESE breezes at 10-20 mph on the firing range.







First try at 100 meters. First shots at center dot were high and to the right, probably due to rebedding after free floating the barrel. I adjusted left and down. Then when I went for groups they were not consistent. The lower left group is 1" with CCI.


This is at 40m to test ammo. My Ruger 77/22 can put them all in one jagged hole at this range with PMC Target ammo. The Hornady 17 gr V-Max did 3/4" and 13/16". The CCI 17 gr V-Max did 1/2", but none of the holes are touching. Not very impressive, I'm afraid.



[img]http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/rivershaman/CZ014.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/rivershaman/CZ016.jpg[/img]
I really don't know what the rifle is capable of. I shot a lot of extra shots just to break it in, even busting a few at 200 yds. My average group size today was about 1 1/2" @ 100 meters. I did get one four shot group of 13/16". This rifle isn't as tight at 40 m as my Ruger 77/22 Target is, but it shoots as well as the 22LR at 100m. I think that on a calm day it can do 3/4" groups. I got one 5 shot group of 1" and one of 1 1/16" at 100m. For an old man with cataracts, it will have to do for now. I just expected more accuracy than my 22 LR has. Even my old regular barrelled CZ 452 in 22 WMR shot as well. My hold was solid and at 24x the penny sized dot looks like a beach ball at 40 meters. The trigger broke clean with the fine cross hairs in the middle of the dot. The scope mounts are tight and so are the bedding screws. I guess bedding it is next. It still won't shoot as well as my Marlin.

Sorry to hear your new rifle didn't meet your expectations Vic. Bedding and barrel are about the only variable left given everything else you've done. I would suspect something to do with the bedding. Did you try torquing the action screws to different settings? That might give you a hint. Good luck and hang in there!

It's junk. I'm selling it and keeping the Marlin. A rifle that expensive should shoot moa right out of the box.

I agree, several people have said other than the trigger the Marlins are the way to go and by far the most accurate. They also are a realative bargain.

My previous CZs were accurate out of the box. They weren't even the more expensive heavy barrel varmint models, either. But the new ones from Kansas City are sloppy. Probably assembled by union slackers who used to work for Briggs & Stratton before they moved to China. Just kidding, those old Briggs motors were just fine. Whatever the reason, the quality has gone down as much as the price has gone up.

I just got a reply to my inquiry to CZ. My rifle meets specs. Here is what Mike E. wrote back,

[color:"gold"]"Factory specs call for a maximum acceptable group of 50mm (1.96") @ 50m. If your not getting at least this you can send the rifle back to CZ-USA.
Before shipping call 1-800-955-4486 ext-336 (mon-fri), with the searial number for authorization." [/color]

Gosh, a mini-14 could meet those specs. Accurate enough for bank robbers in Miami engaging FBI agents at close range, but hardly varmint rifle performance. Maybe I'll try bedding it, and if it doesn't shoot better, I can sell it and still claim that it shoots groups 38% of the maximum size allowed by CZ specs! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Bipod and off a weathered wood bench which I'm guessing is not rock solid. I'm no bedding guy but a free-floated 452 .17HMR Varmint with a trigger like yours using a front rest and rear bag on a fairly steady bench could help tighten groups..a wind flag is always a worthwhile aid,IMHO.

My other rifles shoot sub moa off the same bipod and bench. The bench is stable despite its weathered appearance and the trigger breaks clean with the cross hair in the bulls eye. In dozens of trials, I get better groups off the Harris bipod, which is designed for benchrest shooting, than I do with the sandbag. The Harris is much more consistent as it always is at the same part of the forearm when I fire. Any pressure on the forearm is consistent. Besides, the barrel is free foated and does not contact the forearm. But I do appreciate the suggestion. I dropped the rifle off at my gunsmith this afternoon. He has rebedded a number of CZ 452s for our club silhouette shooters. Maybe that will do it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

Now the wind flag is a great idea. I think they keep those locked up for the matches, but I am going to check into it. I know that I am a picky shooter. As an old squirrel hunter and match shooter, I expect high accuracy in a rimfire.

You know I bet you are right about the KC deal. You are not the first I have heard say this. I will make sure I look where it is made when I decide on another one. In fact, you got me thinking about the Marlin too.

HornDog, defer to your bipod experience, as to sand bags, not the same as a front rest,IMHO.

I have a hunting partner who does very well on bipods at the bench however he uses what I can only describe as the waxed paper floor mats car dealers put in when servicing your car - his rational is that the rubber feet consistently recoil on that surface as opposed to bare wood. Of course he is pretty much a free-recoil shooter.

I'm taking my CZ 452 .17HMR Varmint to the range Tuesday to re-verify zeroes for an upcoming PD trip..if I shoot particularly well, might tell you/all..if you don't hear from me..it will have been the wind or...