Picked up my CZ 452 Americans today. These are my first bolt action .22LRs and first CZ long guns.
Due to arthritis and other joint issues I've recently been on a 22LR buying spree so that I can get more range time in and not feel the after-effects so much. I was intrigued with the "Whittaker" threads about them getting the 452 Americans and since I like guns that are a little different or hard to get I couldn't get them off my mind.....so one night I took the plunge and bought 2 of them. I've always preferred 16-20" max barrels but since I didn't really have a choice in the matter I was going to have to live with the 22.5" barrel, like it or not.
I read a thread (can't remember which forum) that the fit/finish wasn't that great on some of the Whittaker guns so I initially looked mine over carefully, at least the wood and the exterior including the bluing. I think they look just wonderful, no mars or problems with the stain on the stock or the bluing that I can see. Of course they aren't drop dead gorgeous wood like some pictures I've seen posted but for the money and buying sight unseen, they appear just fine.
The 22.5" barrel isn't as bad as I thought it would be and in fact balanced VERY nicely. I was thinking about maybe getting one barrel cut down to 20" or shorter (if that's even possible and not too costly) but have now changed my mind as I don't think it's necessary.
I shoot left handed most of the time (I'm left eye dominant) but the right handed bolt works great for me because I will only be shooting the rifle at the range with a scope (and bipod and/or rear rests).
I already bought some DIP rails to put on the rifles but don't yet have my torque wrench so I can't mount the rails yet. I plan on using Warne quick detach rings but time will tell if those are OK (I them on my 10/22s). The only scope I have right now is a Clearidge Ultra RM 3-9X AO but I have it mounted on my Ruger 10/22 takedown so I'll probably buy a Weaver V16 or V24 for these CZs (but still looking at Mueller and Vortex). I must have a scope that is AO and will focus down to 10 yards or less. Most of my shooting is at an indoor range that is only 25 yards and the outdoor range is only 50 yards.
I'll post more about these rifles as I continue to work with them...field strip, lube, scope, go to range, etc. I am really excited about these rifles and hope to be able to shoot them a lot once I retire in the next year or so. I've had CZ pistols in the past and stupidly sold them but just ordered 2 PCRs to replace some bigger/heavier handguns that I sold. So my CZ kick is in full swing
Here's a few quick pictures.........in bad lighting and slightly out of focus (I'll try to take new ones once I get the rifles scoped).
Rifle 1
Rifle 2
Any and all suggestions, comments, recommendations concerning these rifles are appreciated.
