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My new CZ455.22lr Varmint Thumbhole


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Just been out and picked up my latest acquisition. A brand new .22lr bolt action to replace my previous Smith & Wesson semi-auto. As much as I enjoyed the M&P15-22 it was primarily a fun gun, a gallery rifle. But as much as I'd like to say it was a 'do it all' gun, there was no getting away from the fact that it wasn't really suited to rabbit boshing. Looked scary to passers by, tough to make 100% safe yet useable, flexing fore-end when working off a bipod... It ticked a few boxes but missed the mark in other ways. So I decided to part company with it and go for a rabbit-boshing bolt-action that I could still use on a 25mtr range and have fun with. Enter the CZ455... Kennym on here is one of my best mates and his love of CZ's has obviously had some effect. I have to admit that it seemed very accurate and for the money it was my first choice. I got a great deal on a brand new .22lr CZ455 with a 16" barrel in a thumbhole laminate stock. Exactly what I'd been looking for and did the deal as quickly as possible before I spent the cash on something trivial like bills or food or something. Got myself a decent bipod, moderator and some more ammo to play with for a good deal less than the Smith sold for. Happy days. Got home, mounted the Vortex 4-12x44 straight on there and it's ready for a run out. Looking forward to zeroing the gun and clearing some floppy eared fluffy targets asap.

 

Initial thoughts, bolt is a little stiff and a bit 'agricultural' but I understand a polish up will help with that. Kennym has done his already so I know that's on the agenda. Also, trigger is a bit stiff, I'll try adjusting it but I think a 'YoDave!' or Rimfire Magic spring kit will find it's way onto my shopping list.

 

Stock seems a little short BUT (and it's a pretty big but) I bought the gun with a view to swapping the stock for a Boyds Provarmint. I have one of those already fitted to my Howa 1500 and love it. Order placed today. So... the thumbhole stock will be up for sale in a few days hopefully.

 

Enough chat, pics are always what you guys want to see...

 

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Will update after some shooting and modification no doubt. I'm an eternal tinkerer.

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The bolt will definitely loosen up with use, but a good polishing won't hurt either. After fitting a YoDave etc trigger kit, if you use the lightest spring, then there will be a very good chance that you'll pull the bolt straight out of the action if you get a bit heavy handed when reloading. It'll be OK as long as you take it easy, or fit a slightly heavier spring. The trigger will never be particularly good - it is the one thing that really lets these rifles down imo.

 

I'm sure you'll be knocking the bunnies down without working up a sweat as soon as you get your new rig sorted. :good::yes:

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Cheers flynny :) Those bunnies better keep pretty still and be partially deaf allowing me to get within 25ft lol. I'm no Bob Lee Swagger hahaha.

 

The bolt will definitely loosen up with use, but a good polishing won't hurt either. After fitting a YoDave etc trigger kit, if you use the lightest spring, then there will be a very good chance that you'll pull the bolt straight out of the action if you get a bit heavy handed when reloading. It'll be OK as long as you take it easy, or fit a slightly heavier spring. The trigger will never be particularly good - it is the one thing that really lets these rifles down imo.

 

I'm sure you'll be knocking the bunnies down without working up a sweat as soon as you get your new rig sorted. :good::yes:

 

Thanks Les, sure hope so. Gut feeling is that I will grow to love this rifle. Lots of guys out there with them that won't part with them. Tells you something ;)

 

I used the middle sized spring of the three that came with my rimfire magic kit, the lightest spring I felt was far to light when I fitted I felt.

 

middle one was a massive improvement from the original

 

 

I have a CZ 455 thumbhole laminate in 17hmr, a very accurate rifle once I fitted the Rimfire trigger kit.

 

Cheers guys, middle spring is probably going to be the one for me too, want it lighter but still 'bump' safe. Going to give Sheila at RM a call later.

 

Yes you are a tinkerer, but I'm pretty sure you will have help!............................. loverly stock by the way 1

 

Cheers Ken, you know it IS a lovely stock, I just have a compulsion for black tactical looking rigs. I know, gaaaaaaaaaaaaay! :P

Edited by Ginger_Swingers
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Guest stevo

I have the same set up but with the fluted barrel .

Mine dont really get on with winni subs ( New 42 grn type) but loves eley subs .

 

Well done on your new set up anyway . Love mine .

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Thanks Stevo, I do have a spare box or two of Winnies to run through before I have to open the brick, if it's not getting on well with them I'm sure my local dealer will let me swap them out for an alternative, I tried RWS a while back and thought they did ok with my last rifle and I know she has some of those in stock. I thought long and hard about the fluted barrel because it looks really nice but ultimately it came down to ease of using from a vehicle etc. Those extra 4" count.

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Guest stevo

Thanks Stevo, I do have a spare box or two of Winnies to run through before I have to open the brick, if it's not getting on well with them I'm sure my local dealer will let me swap them out for an alternative, I tried RWS a while back and thought they did ok with my last rifle and I know she has some of those in stock. I thought long and hard about the fluted barrel because it looks really nice but ultimately it came down to ease of using from a vehicle etc. Those extra 4" count.

Yep i did the same . But went for the longer fluted as i dont really shoot from vehicle tbh . I like to get out and stalk .

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Thanks Stevo, I do have a spare box or two of Winnies to run through before I have to open the brick, if it's not getting on well with them I'm sure my local dealer will let me swap them out for an alternative, I tried RWS a while back and thought they did ok with my last rifle and I know she has some of those in stock. I thought long and hard about the fluted barrel because it looks really nice but ultimately it came down to ease of using from a vehicle etc. Those extra 4" count.

yeah 4 inches longer & you could use it as a balancing stick to help you over those fences :lol::whistling:

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  • 3 weeks later...

My rifle in its new home, a Boyds Pro-Varmint stock. Trigger spring changed out thanks to Rimfire Magic. I'm really liking it now. First run out with it a week ago and it seemed to do well, grouped nicely. All in all I'm very happy :)

 

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Of course, I owe a big thank you to Kennym who kindly helped me out with polishing up the bolt and firing pin etc.

Edited by Ginger_Swingers
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