GTW CZ
FEATURE
C Z 4 5 5
L O N G L I V E M O D U L A R I T Y
Basically, fi nding the right weapon is
not as easy as it sounds. However, one
can receive a little bit of help in this
somewhat traditional dilemma by so-called
modularity. And it is modularity that is the
key feature of a family of bolt action rimfi re
rifl es, the CZ 455.
In this case, modularity means a modular
design and construction that not only
leaves the choice of the fi nal confi guration
largely up to the customer, but it also
allows him to carry out extensive additional
adjustments. Th ese adjustments can be done
by the user himself or he can convey his
wishes to a gunsmith, including a simple
switching of calibres between three basic
rounds –
the .22 LR, .22 WMR and .17 HMR.
Th e CZ 455 series has become part of
the CZ portfolio for this very emphasis on
variability. It is a signifi cant diff erence to
the previous family of CZ 452 ZKM. Due
to their old design, that collection could
only be expanded by off ering a completely
new variant. And there surely were quite a
few of those over the last fi ve decades! In
this regard, the 455s have made life much
simpler for the manufacturer and made the
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choice and possible later adjustments much
easier for the customer as well.
ONE HEART
At the heart of the CZ 455 rimfi re rifl es
lies a uniform receiver and bolt, which are
identical for all versions in all three currently
used calibres. Th e magazine well is also
universal, its dimensions are suitable for .22
WMR and .17 HMR cal. magazines; for the
.22 LR calibre, they are reduced in size with
a simple plastic insert.
Th e barrel is secured by a system of two
screws with a defi ned torque which push
the barrel onto the mating surface in the
receiver by pressing against two prismatic
grooves under the cartridge chamber. Apart
from other things, this means that the barrel
can oscillate freely, which is a prerequisite
for high accuracy, and in addition it makes
converting the weapon to another calibre
very simple.
Regarding the design and technology
uniformity, for the CZ 455 rimfi re rifl e
family, a 525mm long cold hammer forged
barrel has been selected. When compared
with the previous basic length of the barrel,
which was 630mm, the accuracy has not
been aff ected and with modern d ammunition
iti
there is hardly any diff erence in muzzle
velocity.
What is more, the shorter barrel has made
the weapon more compact. Nevertheless,
CZ has also complied with the wishes of
more conservative minded customers and
gradually added longer barrel versions,
including the ultra-long Jaguar model with
an impressive 726mm long barrel.
COUNTLESS VARIANTS
In the CZ 455 series, the barrels are fi tted
with mechanical sights (either an LPA or
a steel tangent rear sight, one model is also
fi tted with a dioptre sight) and without
them (intended for shooting with a scope).
Th e barrels are of the regular type as well as
thick-walled varmint type, the latter is also
fl uted. In addition, the latest one is available
in stainless steel. Likewise, the muzzle
thread for the attachment of accessories,
such as a silencer, is slowly becoming a
standard.
Th e design of the barrel is then
complemented by the design of the stock.
For the modular CZ 455, the thickness is
probably the most limiting factor. Th e reason
Choosing a weapon is oft en not an easy matt er. It is a
lengthy process that involves endless reading of reviews,
asking lots of questions from others, examining weapons
in shops, att ending demonstrations and having many
sleepless nights...
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