Small CZ-455

MAKSIMOV.SU

Russian semi-automatic rifles are known to most hunters in the form of TOZ-99.

Extremely rare products from TsKIB that are not at all “small” in price cannot be taken into account. Of the foreign-made small-caliber self-loaders in the windows of hunting stores, you can mainly find products from Remington and ChZ.

About American crafts

, despite its extreme inferiority, we will talk another time, but it makes sense to dwell on the Czech model CZ-512 in more detail.

Small caliber rifle
CZ-512

CZ-512.
Design features
Up to the 512th model

The Czechs had a wonderful semi-automatic CZ-511 in their line of small-caliber rifles, which had a compact steel design (including magazines) and excellent workmanship.
But this rifle, apparently, was too difficult to manufacture (by today’s criteria), and the creation of a new version of the self-loading “small gun” for the Czechs clearly became an urgent problem. Small caliber rifle CZ-512

Eventually

about three years ago, a curious new product called CZ-512 appeared on the shelves of our weapons stores, outwardly quite different from its predecessor.

The Czechs are positioning

the updated rifle as “a self-loading blowback firearm designed for hunting and sport shooting.” This is a neatly made semi-automatic “small thing”, the elegance of which is spoiled only by the rough shape of the massive butt and the sharp difference between the front of the receiver and the breech of the barrel.

Small caliber rifle
CZ-512

The total length of the rifle is exactly a meter.

The 525 mm barrel is cold forged, removable, and secured in the receiver with two hex socket head screws. The outer surface of the barrel is oxidized.

Open sights

are presented in the form of a “branded” adjustable rear sight and the usual “ChZ-Tov” front sight, protected by a removable front sight. To install optics on the top of the receiver there is a standard 11mm dovetail with a stopper.

Small caliber rifle
CZ-512, mechanical sight

Plastic store

removable, single-row, 5 rounds. The trigger is housed in a removable housing and cannot be adjusted. In terms of characteristics, the CZ-512 trigger is frankly lousy, differing little in this from the CZ-452 trigger, i.e. – usually requires “finishing with a file.”

In the trigger guard

There is a push-button transverse safety and a shutter release button with a delay. The butt and fore-end of the rifle are made of beech (possibly birch) or cheap tinted walnut.

Small-caliber rifle
CZ-512, muzzle

When

When you pick up the CZ-512 for the first time, at first (without reading the instructions) it’s not entirely clear how this weapon can be disassembled.
It’s no wonder - outwardly there are no “extra” flags, keys or buttons. The only screws visible are the caps in the fore-end and the end of the pistol grip of the butt. Small-caliber rifle CZ-512, middle part of the weapon, left view

Wherein

The screw head in the lower part of the forend is the largest, moreover, it is not recessed and has a wide slot, clearly intended for the use of an improvised tool like a coin. Unscrew the screw. The design becomes clearer - a powerful pin is visible in the front lower part of the receiver, which at first can be mistaken for an axis.

Unscrew

butt mounting screw, separate the last one. Now it is obvious that you need to knock out the pin, which is removed without any difficulty or effort. After which you can completely disassemble the entire structure without any problems.

Small-caliber rifle
CZ-512, weapon disassembly

Gate

made in the form of a steel bar with numerous milled grooves. There are two return springs, which is good for the reliability of the weapon, taking into account the configuration of its bolt group.

To remove the shutter

from the receiver you must first move it back and remove its handle. The trigger block is easily removed along with the plastic magazine shaft.

Small-caliber rifle
CZ-512, moving system and bolt face

The Czechs were never able to create a simple system

small-caliber self-loading. Despite the weak cartridge used, servicing the CZ-512 requires a minimal set of tools. Therefore, it is better to carry out all manipulations with weapons at home or in a workshop.

Rifle weight

is 2.67 kg. This is not so little. But the Czech semi-automatic, despite its sleekness and compactness, gives the impression of an almost “adult” rifle, so a weight of up to 3 kg is quite acceptable in this case.

If

If the CZ-512 had a steel receiver with a lid, then those same 3 kg of mass would have been guaranteed (unfortunately, it was not possible to weigh the rifle, and in several sources the mass was indicated at exactly that same 3 kg, so the issue is with the mass can be considered open).

Small-caliber rifle
CZ-512, incomplete disassembly

It's quite obvious

that the widespread use of polymer and light alloys in these weapons is due to a combination of two factors - the desire to reduce the cost of production (reduce cost by increasing manufacturability) and reduce the weight of the weapon. The Czechs clearly succeeded in both.

On the other side,

in the design of elite weapons from the world's leading manufacturers (the same concern that now unites the companies Blaser, Mauzer, Sauer and Merkel) there is more than enough plastic and duralumin. And nothing, German weapons from the listed companies are popular and are not sold cheaply.

So

There is no need to worry about unconventional materials in the design of the CZ-512. Moreover, the CZ is a “small thing”, an ordinary rifle consumer goods, albeit well made. And the previous 511 model makes a much better impression, despite all its bulkiness.

Small-caliber rifle
CZ-512, disassembling the receiver

Conclusion

Rifle cost

I wouldn't call it low. On the one hand, foreign production initially implies an above-average price. On the other hand, in Russia the “small gun” is still presented by hunters as, in principle, an inexpensive weapon. And if its cost exceeds 20 thousand rubles, then even for a wealthy hunter this becomes a reason for thought.

Small caliber rifle
CZ-512. To disassemble the receiver you need to press out two pins

Another thing,

if a small-caliber semi-automatic is purchased for recreational shooting, when the aesthetics and overall quality of the weapon are by no means an important factor. And here, when the complexity of disassembling the weapon does not play a decisive role, the Czech self-loading “small bullet” is clearly in its niche.

If desired

CZ-512 can be easily and efficiently finished: remove the varnish from the wooden parts and wash them with acetone, apply a notch to the pistol grip of the butt and fore-end, tint the wood to look like a walnut and soak it in oil or coat it with wax. You can trim the butt itself a little, make it more elegant, install a more convenient butt plate and, if desired, a socket on the modified end of the pistol grip.

Lovers

For a large number of cartridges in weapons, they purchase additional 10-place magazines for their CZ-512, but you must immediately be aware that such a protruding “horn” greatly spoils the rather elegant and strict silhouette of the classic rifle.

Small-caliber rifle
CZ-512 disassembled

"Small thing"

has a slight recoil impulse, which simplifies the selection of an optical sight. It should be borne in mind that the CZ-512 has very mediocre accuracy. Of course, you shouldn’t limit yourself to Chinese sights of the lowest price group. But fanaticism is also unnecessary here.

Self-loading small-caliber rifles

are rarely used for shooting “on paper”, so a mid-level sight (any domestic and Belarusian sights will do) from 4 to x8 times will be quite enough for this “cheese”.

CZ-512

chambered for .22 LR, it is suitable for those who like to shoot a lot (without expecting to achieve any special results). The purchase of this rifle in .22 WMR caliber can only be justified if you understand the capabilities of the weapon for this expensive and not the most common cartridge in our country.

Small-caliber rifle
CZ-512, delayed bolt

The article was published in the magazine “Hunting”, January 2014

Small CZ-455

Content

The hunting small-caliber carbine CZ 455 is a development of Czech gunsmiths and, so to speak, a descendant of another small-caliber carbine CZ 452. We can safely say that the small-caliber carbines of the Česká zbrojovka company are one of the most recognizable small-caliber carbines in the world. The CZ 455 was no exception, and in this article we will take a brief review of this little thing.

Characteristics of the CZ 455 carbine

The CZ 455 small bore carbine is available in the following calibers:

• .22 LR (5.6 mm);
• .22 WMR;
• .17 HMK

The main distinctive features of the CZ 455 carbines are:

• The receiver is made of solid billet;
• Adjustable trigger (for most models);
• Cold forged barrel;
• Detachable magazine;
• Replaceable barrel;
• Replaceable bed;
• Longitudinal sliding shutter.

As the Česká zbrojovka company itself notes, potential buyers have questions about the accuracy and features of the models depending on the design. And answering this question, the company claims that all small CZ 455 have cold-forged barrels, most have an adjustable trigger, etc., but there are certain differences that seriously affect the characteristics of the weapon. This primarily applies to Varmint models, whose barrels are stiffer and heavier. This allows them to withstand heavy loads, i.e., for example, the use of cartridges from different manufacturers of different quality and characteristics will have less impact on the accuracy of shooting with a thick barrel than when shooting with a less thick barrel.

In addition, barrel length affects accuracy. According to the manufacturer, shorter barrels have an advantage in accuracy. This paradox is explained by the fact that, with the same thickness, a shorter barrel is more rigid and, accordingly, oscillates less when fired.

Another difference between the CZ 455 series rifles is the presence or absence of a metal sight. Its absence clearly indicates that it is necessary to install sighting equipment. And as a rule, optics are installed, which naturally affects shooting accuracy for the better.

The metal sight can be adjusted in height and horizontally. The weapon is sighted by the manufacturer at a distance of 50 meters.

CZ 455 or Sable

One of the analogues of the small CZ 455 is the domestic Sobol carbine. These are carbines of the same class, the main difference being the price and bolt groups.

If we talk about price, the Sobol carbine is preferable because it can be cheaper than a Czech small carbine by about 10 thousand, depending on the version of the CZ 455.

The next difference is the shutters. The CZ 455 carbine has a rotary, longitudinally sliding bolt, while the Sobol carbine has a crank bolt inherited from biathlon rifles. The crank bolt provides a higher rate of fire comparable to semi-automatic carbines, but for civilian weapons this advantage cannot be called fundamental.

One of the disadvantages of the Sobol carbine is the need to remove the optics when cleaning the weapon. The installed optical sight will not allow you to remove the bolt. The Czech carbine is free of this drawback. The CZ 455 carbine is lighter than the Sobol, the difference is noticeable even when held in hand.

It is not possible to say anything unambiguous about the reliability of both carbines, since complaints and claims were made against both carbines. However, in fairness it should be said that both carbines deserved quite a lot of praise.

However, it should be borne in mind that the CZ 455 carbine has more designs, which allows you to choose a carabiner that best suits aesthetic, anatomical and other requirements. Unfortunately, the Sobol carbine is not represented in a wide range of designs.

Owner reviews

The CZ 455 rimfire carbine makes a serious impression and is an excellent weapon for initial training in shooting and hunting birds and small game. The learning process is relatively cheap since small-caliber cartridges can be purchased starting from 8 rubles. per piece (with steel sleeve). According to individual owners, a bullet fired from such a carbine is capable of breaking sand-lime brick at a distance of 200 meters.

The carbine bolt is made with high quality, moves easily and there are no gaps felt. In terms of ergonomics, the carbine is beyond praise. However, depending on the build of the shooters, modifications to the rifle stock may be required. Some owners recommend choosing rifles with a synthetic stock, justifying their choice by the fact that such a stock will be more durable and, unlike wood, it is more difficult to scratch. There have been complaints about the plastic store. For example, if it falls, the collar holding the cartridge may chip.

There were comments about the rifle barrel, it was noted that the barrel was poorly positioned. It is recommended to evaluate the barrel before purchasing small items. Also, before purchasing, you should check the perpendicularity of the front sight relative to the barrel. It is stated that it will be more convenient to use an open sight if you remove the earpiece (if equipped).

Tuning

Regarding the need for tuning the CZ 455 carbine, personally, the author of this article, the question arises, why? Since the range of options and designs of the CZ 455 carbine is such that it can most likely satisfy any shooter’s needs. However, as noted above, the anatomical features of individual shooters may still require modification of the stock.

Accessories

When purchasing a CZ 455 carbine, you should also take care of the accessories for it. It is recommended to purchase a case and a gun cleaning kit. The minimum price of a cover starts from 700 rubles. For cleaning you need at least a cleaning rod, the price of which starts from 200-300 rubles. It should be remembered that the lifespan of a weapon depends on the quality of care, so you should not skimp on purchasing tools and accessories for cleaning weapons.

Ammo (prices)

The choice of cartridges must be approached carefully, since they have a serious impact on the shooting accuracy and service life of the weapon. The minimum price for a .22LR (5.6 mm) cartridge starts at approximately 8 rubles per piece. This is the price of a cartridge with a steel sleeve. However, from a conversation with sellers, I was recommended to use cartridges with a brass sleeve, the price of which starts at 9 rubles. Below is a table showing prices for .22 LR ammunition from some manufacturers as of October 2022.

Price

Depending on the version, the manufacturer has set a recommended retail price ranging from $409 to $540. However, it is necessary to understand that in the Russian Federation the price of the CZ 455 may differ significantly from that recommended by the manufacturer. Depending on the version and the region of the Russian Federation, the price can range from 33,680 rubles. up to 48,100 rub.

Below are the prices for the CZ 455 model depending on the caliber and version. Prices are as of October 2022