Which Model for Silhouettes?

[Powderpacker]

I am trying to decide which model CZ rimfire to purchase for sb silhouettes. After surfing the net for a week or so, and becoming thoroughly confused, I would appreciate the advice or recommendations of others who have, 'been there, done that'.
I am planning on attending the next match here in the PNW, which, I believe is at the Pe Ell range.

PP

[Bob259]

I and several others have and use the CZ452 American, there is also the CZ Silhouette. I like the CZ452 American because it uses two action screws Vs one and a barrel lug.

[Jetmugg]

I have a CZ 452 Varmint (among a couple other SB rifles). The varmint model is heavier than the American or the Silhouette, but it will still make weight, even for hunter class.

Best thing to do is find a gun shop that carries several CZ models and see which one feels best to you. I like the forward weight of the Varmint model as opposed to the lighter American or Silhouette models.

SteveM.

[BlauBear]

CZ 452 Silhouette forearms are pretty floppy, so it's impossible to effectively float the barrel, and I would avoid it. With bedding and trigger work the American and Varmint both make pretty respectable silhouette rifles.

[Powderpacker]

Hey, thanks for the replies.
I personally am leaning toward the varmint model because of the heavier barrel. My thinking being that it will 'hang' better for shooting offhand. I found references to the fact the varmint model has one action screw and one screw in the barrel lug. The american model has two screws in the action. Some shooters seem to prefer the american.

Does the varmint model, with the one action screw and one screw in the barrel lug, have issues, or am I just making a mountain out of a mole hill?

PP

[Innocent]

PP,
I have shot both the varmit and the American from the bench (as well as standing), and for the average shooter go with the one that feels the best for you. Both models with an ammo that the individual rifle likes will outshoot the shooter.
You can argue the technical end of barrel lug./one screw vs. two screws until the cows come home, in the end it is the shooter knowing and feeling comfortable with the equipment and the weather conditions, thus my arguement for the ergonomics.
I have a 452 varmit, doesn't fit me well but my better half loves it.
BTW I am a master shooter as well as a master poster.

Innocent Mary

[Gator]

PP,
BTW I am a master shooter as well as a master poster.

Innocent Mary

Innocent

Do you perhaps also enjoy fishing?

G

[hambone49]

Gator, it took me a while, but that's a good one.

[ppkny]

I have a CZ452 Silhouette that I use as a backup gun for SB silhouette and for indoor game we call NYS Sporterifle in the winter. I don't want to get into the one lug two lug debate but I prefer the silhouette model because the stock has a lower drop than the American and feels more comfortable to me. I

[Jetmugg]

The CZ 452 Varmint barrel is tapered (smaller at the muzzle) and is legal for both classes, provided that you use a scope and mount setup that allows the rig to make weight.

Steve.

[Jerry G]

Go with the one that has two screws to hold it in the stock. It is a lot easier to float the bbl and you realy want to do that.

[Jetmugg]

I did something to my 452 Varmint that some folks might consider foolish, and that others will consider only slightly kooky.

I took the front lug off of the barrel, moved it to the rear tang of the action, then welded it to the action. Now the wood screw that used to hold the rear of the triggerguard has been replaced with a flat head (countersunk) socket head capscrew that engages the repositioned lug. The key to this was to make sure that the rear lug is in careful alignment with the rear triggerguard screw hole.

I now have a CZ 452 Varmint with both front and rear action screw, and the barrel is now completely free floated. It has been pillar bedded (front and rear) and skim-coated with JB Weld. Unless the action is removed from the stock, you would not notice any modification whatsoever. I'm not recommending that you should modify your rifle in this manner, only that I have, and that I'm happy with the results. I can't say that it shoots any better (it shot great before), but I do "feel" better knowing that there are 2 solid action screws.


SteveM.

[Innocent]

Do you perhaps also enjoy fishing?

Naw Gator, thats golf.
Innocent

[BlauBear]

I took the front lug off of the barrel, moved it to the rear tang of the action, then welded it to the action. Now the wood screw that used to hold the rear of the triggerguard has been replaced with a flat head (countersunk) socket head capscrew that engages the repositioned lug. The key to this was to make sure that the rear lug is in careful alignment with the rear triggerguard screw hole.

SteveM.

Others have simply left the lug off. What I did was to float the barrel ahead of the lug and pillar bed the rest. After fitting the pillar under the recoil lug I wrapped a layer of electrical tape around the lug for clearance, packed the top with clay to avoid mechanical locks, and then bedded everything else as normal. Cosmetically I was dissatisfied with the bedding around the lug but the rifle was very, very accurate. Also fit it with a Timnney trigger and a KT15 scope for a budget backup, and then traded it to Chicken George for a Leupold FXIII 24x40.

It was an enjoyable build, and I'm getting the itch to do it again. Not from need, Evelio set up a really nice 1712 in a Nesika stock (don't ask him or Marv to do that again since fitting the 54 action in a Nesika stock is a mess) but I like to tinker, something you don't do to a custom rifle.

[jneihouse]

but I like to tinker, something you don't do to a custom rifle.

Cause if you do Evelio will break all your fingers

Kitty