One of the many back-burner “someday” projects I’ve finally had a chance to pursue is a high-grade scoped bolt-action .22. This one has actually been sitting in the back of my mind fully-formed for a good four or five years, just waiting for the right time.
The time finally came. CZ announced they were phasing out the 452 rimfire series in favor of a revised model 455, starting with the American model this year. Other variants will make the 452 -> 455 switch next year. The revamped model adds a switch-barrel feature (which I wouldn’t use) but deletes the second bolt lug (which I definitely want). And since I had my heart set the American model, now’s the time. It also helped that my friend ernunnos finally went ahead and bought the CZ 452 FS he’s been wanting.
A little looking around revealed that Cabela’s was closing out 452 Americans for $399. After a quick phone call to confirm that they still had guns in stock, I hopped in the car and headed to the Cabela’s in Dundee. The helpful clerk even let me look at the three different guns they had in stock so I could pick out the best wood. Here’s what I got, nice Turkish walnut with some pretty, flowing grain and a bit of fiddleback. The pics flat-out suck, and I apologize. It’s overcast today so I had to use flash, hence the glare. Also, I’m a shitty photographer. But you guys know that by now. Trust me when I say it looks better in person.
The scope choice was, for me, a non-choice: Leupold’s 2-7x Rimfire Special is the only way to fly. Well, they were called Rimfire Specials for years and years, but at some point fairly recently Leupold rebranded this model as a VX-I Rimfire. I’m still calling it a Rimfire Special. It’s a neat, tidy scope that looks proportional on a .22 and offers very good optics at a reasonable price. It’s almost identical to the 2-7x Ultralight, but with friction instead of click adjustments, a lower grade of lens coatings, parallax set to 60 yards, and 1/3 knocked off the price.
Scope rings, too, were an obvious choice: I’ve been a big fan of Talleys for years. This particular set, though, is a special, almost secret thing, because they were color casehardened by Doug Turnbull himself. You will not find these on Talley’s website or listed in their catalog, but if you call them up and ask nicely, they might have a set for you. They are not cheap; the color casehardening adds a full $100 premium to the regular price, but to me it’s money well spent.
Here’s the scope secured in the Talleys. I like the bit of contrast provided by the color casehardening against the blued rifle and scope. These are medium-height fixed rings, and they’re the perfect height. The bolt handle clearance is just enough for easy cycling.
Total weight is just under 7 1/4 lbs, which is light enough to be handy but substantial enough to be a reasonable understudy for a full-size centerfire rifle. The CZ factory test target shows 4 rounds touching with a “flyer” about 1/4″ away, fired at 50 meters. I’ll be headed out to the range soon to see what it can do in my hands.
My girlfriend, who named my AR Vera, decided that this rifle’s name is Sophie. It’s fitting; an elegant name for an elegant rifle.
Get ready to hate me some more. http://www.ab-tactical.com/ is about to start making machined trigger guards and bolt handles for the 452. Can’t wait to get a butter knife handle for my FS. It’s gonna’ be so Euro-trash.
Here’s a photo tip:
Overcast days are actually GOOD for pictures. If you can take the picture outside the clouds act as a filter. Try taking the pics outside and don’t use a flash.
This assumes, of course, that you can take a rilfe outside without the SWAT team being called out. YMMV.
So now you’ve got a 7.5lbs .22LR and a 5.7lbs AR-15.
You are one weird dude.
I haven’t been to the Cabela’s in Dundee since the last time visiting my parents in Temperance a few years ago. That reminds me to make a side trip with my nephew and his boys to the store when visiting in a couple of months. Good pick on the rifle.
Beautiful. Nice acquisition. Congratulations.