Hi guys. I just got my first 22 rifle last winter and started shooting silhouettes this year. I shoot smallbore silhouette & hunting rifle categories once every month. I use the same rifle (Marlin XT-22) for both categories, but as I'm starting to improve a lot and finding the comfort of the rifle bothering me, I'm looking to get a better long-term rifle. I don't want to maintain separate rifles, so I'm looking for one rifle that will classify for both categories.

There's a guy close to me who is selling a CZ 455 Lux (http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/455lux/) that has never been shot and it's a nice looking rifle, but my concern is with the design of the stock. It seems the Lux model is designed for iron sight shooters and so the comb on the butt is very low. I suspect it would be too low for use with my 40mm objective Leupold scope.

Now, I understand in hunting rifle, attachments aren't allowed on the rifle, but while searching for silhouette rules clarifications, I also noted this line: "Adjustable cheekpieces must be fixed and sealed in place.".

Is there any way I can get a good cheek weld on that rifle and still be legal for both categories without replacing the stock? Could I permanently attach a cheek riser with screws to make it legal or something?

(BTW: I'm in Canada, but as far as I know, our rules are taken from the American official rules)
Thanks.
Justin

Justin, There are many ways to adjust the comb of the stock to fit, both temporary (flip flop taped to the comb) to a build up of "Bondo"type of modification. Either are acceptable, more clearly where you run into problems is the fully adjustable cheek pieces that are made for position shooting. The 452 lux that I have has a 40mm Leupy on it with no problems, although it doesn't fit short necked people well.
Good rifle, and it shouldn't be a problem.

Mary

Innocent wrote:Justin, There are many ways to adjust the comb of the stock to fit, both temporary (flip flop taped to the comb) to a build up of "Bondo"type of modification. Either are acceptable, more clearly where you run into problems is the fully adjustable cheek pieces that are made for position shooting. The 452 lux that I have has a 40mm Leupy on it with no problems, although it doesn't fit short necked people well.
Good rifle, and it shouldn't be a problem.

Mary

Hi Mary. Thanks for the feedback, but why doesn't a flip flop taped to the comb violate this rule?

Stock: A hunting style stock. Attachments, either removable or permanent, are not allowed. Thumbhole stocks are not allowed.

I took it from this site: http://www.riflesilhouette.com/about/rifle_rules.html Is it out of date now, or is a comb attachment considered acceptable?

While I do not disagree with the rule quote, I have yet to see anyone disqualify an attachment mentioned as long as it does not exceed the centerline of the bore or the Monte Carlo roll over rules. In short, unless you have a very short neck, I do not think you will have any problems with cheek weld on a 452 or 455 lux with a 40 mm objective scope mounted. Much over 44 mm, you will probably run into cheek weld concerns.

Mary

Thanks, Mary. I really ought to just be counting my lucky stars if I ever make it to a level where my rifle needs to be scrutineered.

That's good piece of mind anyway. I'm looking at this rifle as well as a second hand Remington 541-T that has been used for silhouettes for a few years and is all ready to go. One is available in driving distance, the other would have to be shipped, so we'll see how it goes.

In any case, I hope to have a new rifle in service for my match next month. I've got to get all the 5-pins I can before I hit AAA and don't qualify for them any more.

They sell a neoprene setup that is adjustable for how much it sticks out from the side. Worked well on the 452 I used to shoot as the regular stock has zero cheek weld. I think the name if Bear Creek or Bear something another and they are around $20 at Cabelas/BassPro.

Dee

Well, as luck has it, I tried one last local place (he's only open Fri-Sun, so couldn't check until today) and he had a CZ 455 American on-hand, which has a more ideal stock design. I took it away at lunch, will be moving the scope over tonight and testing out tomorrow morning! Thanks for the help again, folks. I'm thoroughly hooked on shooting silhouettes, so I'll stick around and see what tricks I can pick up here.

You'll love that gun. Very classic and very capable. Cheers!

jrebelo wrote:Well, as luck has it, I tried one last local place (he's only open Fri-Sun, so couldn't check until today) and he had a CZ 455 American on-hand, which has a more ideal stock design. I took it away at lunch, will be moving the scope over tonight and testing out tomorrow morning! Thanks for the help again, folks. I'm thoroughly hooked on shooting silhouettes, so I'll stick around and see what tricks I can pick up here.

Excellent choice! I have a 452 Varmint and a 452 Style. If you haven't been to the CZ/Brno forum on Rimfire Central, check it out - lots of good information and helpful people.

Pete Bansen
Truckee, California