You’ll find the CZ 452 Silhouette was a specialized .22 LR bolt-action rifle engineered specifically for IMSSA small bore competition shooting. This discontinued model featured a 16-inch barrel, 5-round magazine capacity, and weighed under 6 pounds with synthetic stock construction. It delivered impressive 0.75 MOA accuracy at 100 meters, making it popular among both novice and experienced competitors. Used models now range from $300-$450, reflecting its proven competition capabilities and discontinued status that continues driving collector interest.
Key Takeaways
- Specialized .22 LR bolt-action rifle designed for IMSSA small bore competition with 5-round magazine capacity and 16-inch barrel.
- Production discontinued in 2011, with used market prices ranging from $300-$450 and original retail $400-$600.
- Delivers exceptional accuracy potential of 0.75 MOA at 100 meters with consistent performance throughout extended use.
- Features lightweight synthetic stock under 6 pounds, blued finish, and 5-pound factory trigger pull.
- Comparable alternatives include CZ 455/457 series, Anschutz 1712, and Savage B Series for competition shooting.
Description
The CZ 452 Silhouette rifle was a specialized .22 LR bolt-action rifle engineered specifically for International Metallic Silhouette Shooting Association (IMSSA) small bore competition.
This rimfire rifle featured a 5-round magazine capacity and met strict IMSSA requirements for precision shooting disciplines. The bolt action system provided reliable cycling for competitive accuracy demands.
Production ceased in 2011, making this rifle discontinued.
Price Range
Market pricing for CZ 452 Silhouette rifles reflects their specialized competition design and discontinued status. You’ll find new models with black synthetic stock and blued finish ranging $400-$600 retail. Secondary market units typically cost $300-$450, depending on condition and customization.
| Condition | Price Range |
|---|---|
| New Retail | $400-$600 |
| Used Market | $300-$450 |
| Dealer Sales | Variable Discounts |
Specifications
You’ll find the CZ 452 Silhouette’s specifications tailored specifically for small bore competition shooting. The rifle’s design emphasizes precision and reliability with carefully engineered components. Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications you should know:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Chambering | .22 LR |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Production Status | Discontinued (2011) |
Weight
Weighing just under 6 pounds, CZ’s 452 Silhouette rifle delivers exceptional balance and rapid target acquisition essential for competitive silhouette shooting. This lightweight hunter rifle design, perfected years ago, offers affordability compared to premium models like American Eagle configurations.
You’ll find the construction provides quick handling during matches, though some competition classes may require custom stock modifications to meet minimum weight requirements.
Barrel Length
The CZ 452 Silhouette’s 16-inch barrel complements its lightweight construction, creating an optimally balanced platform for competitive shooting.
You’ll find this standard configuration delivers optimal barrel balance while meeting small-bore silhouette competition requirements. The shortened barrel provides competitive advantages through enhanced portability and quick target acquisition.
Additionally, you’ll experience improved recoil management, making this rifle exceptionally well-suited for precision silhouette work.
Material Made Out Of
Built with durability and precision in mind, CZ 452 Silhouette rifles feature a blued metal finish that provides corrosion resistance and maintains the rifle’s aesthetic appeal throughout extended competitive use.
The synthetic stock material offers excellent weight distribution while remaining lightweight. You’ll appreciate how this construction keeps the unloaded weight under 6 pounds without compromising structural integrity.
Chambered In
Complementing its robust construction, this specialized competition rifle chambers the .22 Long Rifle cartridge exclusively. You’ll find this caliber choice delivers exceptional accuracy for IMSSA small bore Silhouette competition requirements.
The .22 LR chambering provides optimal cost effectiveness through affordable ammunition availability while maintaining the precision demanded by competitive shooters. This caliber selection contributed significantly to the rifle’s strong market performance.
Capacity
Five rounds constitute the standard magazine capacity for the CZ 452 Silhouette rifle, aligning precisely with IMSSA small bore competition regulations. This magazine size provides optimal round count for silhouette shooting disciplines without requiring frequent reloading during competition stages.
The fixed magazine design ensures reliable cartridge compatibility with .22 LR ammunition while maintaining the rifle’s specialized competitive performance standards.
Trigger Pull
Weighing in at 5 pounds from the factory, the CZ 452 Silhouette’s trigger pull exceeds optimal specifications for competitive silhouette shooting. You’ll achieve improved accuracy through aftermarket trigger kits that enable trigger pull reduction to approximately 2 pounds.
This modification significantly tightens groupings at 50 yards, though trigger safety considerations require professional gunsmith services or meticulous DIY work.
Safety?
Beyond trigger modifications, the CZ 452 Silhouette incorporates a two-position safety mechanism that ensures secure handling during transport and competition preparation.
You’ll find this system enables proper handling protocols while maintaining quick operational readiness. The safety’s dual positioning supports safe storage requirements and adheres to established transport guidelines, making it suitable for competitive shooting environments where reliability matters.
Action
The CZ 452 Silhouette’s bolt-action mechanism operates on a proven single-shot cycling system that chambers .22 LR cartridges through a detachable 5-round magazine. You’ll find the repeating action delivers consistent chambering for competitive shooting.
The bolt’s smooth operation ensures reliable extraction and ejection cycles. This single shot precision system meets IMSSA specifications for smallbore silhouette competitions effectively.
Optic Ready?
Why doesn’t the CZ 452 Silhouette come optic-ready from the factory? The receiver lacks pre-drilled and tapped holes for direct optic attachment. You’ll need aftermarket accessories like scope bases and rings for mounting options.
This design provides extensive customization possibilities, allowing you to select mounting solutions that match your specific optic requirements and shooting preferences perfectly.
Picatinny Rail?
Standard factory configuration doesn’t include a Picatinny rail on the CZ 452 Silhouette rifle. You’ll find a dovetail scope mount system instead.
For Picatinny rail installation, you’ll need aftermarket rail compatibility solutions from third-party manufacturers. These conversion kits provide alternate mounting options for Picatinny-mounted optics and accessories while maintaining the rifle’s precision shooting capabilities and structural integrity.
Review
You’ll find the CZ 452 Silhouette offers distinct advantages and limitations that directly impact competitive performance. The rifle’s reliability stems from its robust Czech engineering, making it a preferred choice among budget-conscious silhouette competitors who prioritize consistent function over premium features.
Understanding these performance characteristics will help you determine whether this discontinued platform meets your specific competitive shooting requirements.
Pros
When evaluating the CZ 452 Silhouette’s strengths, its purpose-built design for IMSSA smallbore competition stands out as the primary advantage. You’ll appreciate its affordability compared to premium alternatives, while the ergonomic design mirrors proven Anschutz patterns. The rifle’s accuracy potential reaches 0.75 MOA at 100 meters, with upgrade compatibility enhancing performance further.
| Feature | Specification | Competition Value |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | 0.75 MOA @ 100m | Excellent precision |
| Capacity | 5-round magazine | IMSSA compliant |
| Chambering | .22 LR | Standard smallbore |
| Weight | Lightweight design | Reduced fatigue |
| Upgrades | Trigger modifications | Enhanced performance |
Cons
| Limitation | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy trigger pull | Reduced accuracy | Aftermarket trigger |
| Lightweight design | Weight class issues | Custom stock mods |
| Butt pad deterioration | Comfort degradation | Replacement needed |
| Accuracy variations | Performance inconsistency | Individual testing |
Reliability
While the CZ 452 Silhouette presents certain drawbacks that shooters must address, its long-term reliability stands as one of its strongest attributes. You’ll find the bolt operates smoothly after thousands of rounds, delivering consistent accuracy throughout extended use.
The rifle’s ease of disassembly facilitates minimal maintenance requirements, ensuring optimal shooting performance remains intact over time.
Most Commonly Used By
Though competitive silhouette shooting attracts shooters across all skill levels, the CZ 452 Silhouette has established itself as the primary choice for novice competitors entering the discipline. You’ll find novice shooters selecting this rifle for its affordability and proven capabilities.
Experienced competitors continue using it to achieve high scores and medal-winning performances in competitions.
Similar Models
Several rimfire rifles compete directly with the CZ 452 Silhouette in the smallbore silhouette shooting market. You’ll find the CZ 455 American and CZ 457 MTR offer comparable accuracy with updated designs.
The premium Anschutz 1712 delivers superior build quality and precision. Alternatively, you might consider the semi-automatic Ruger 10/22, which provides extensive customization options, abundant aftermarket accessories, and straightforward barrel replacement capabilities.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Many manufacturers produce competitive alternatives to the CZ 452 Silhouette that deliver comparable performance for smallbore silhouette shooting. You’ll find the Anschutz 1712 offers exceptional accuracy with premium build quality.
Savage’s B Series provides affordable performance with customization potential. Ruger’s 10/22 delivers semi-automatic capability, while CZ’s own 455 American and 457 MTR maintain similar accuracy standards for competitive silhouette applications.
Maintenance
While these competitive rifles offer excellent performance, your CZ 452 Silhouette will maintain its accuracy and reliability only through proper maintenance practices.
You’ll need routine bore cleaning and light oiling of moving parts. The straightforward disassembly process facilitates thorough cleaning.
Replace deteriorating butt pads when necessary. Proper storage prevents corrosion and extends service life significantly.
History
The CZ 452 Silhouette rifle emerged as Česká zbrojovka’s specialized answer to competitive metallic silhouette shooting demands, specifically engineered to meet IMSSA (International Metallic Silhouette Shooting Association) requirements for small bore competition.
This design evolution featured .22 LR chambering with 5-round magazine capacity, delivering competition performance through unique features tailored for precision silhouette shooting until production ceased in 2011.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CZ 452 Discontinued?
Yes, you’ll find the CZ 452 series was discontinued in 2011 when CZ transitioned to the updated 455 platform. The production status changed due to manufacturing improvements and market demands.
You can’t purchase new CZ 452 rifles from dealers anymore, though availability options include used firearms markets and gun shows. You’ll still find aftermarket parts through specialty suppliers and gunsmiths who stock legacy components for maintenance and customization of existing rifles.
How Much Is the CZ 452 FS?
Like finding treasure in a gun safe, you’ll pay $450-$600 new for this precision instrument, with MSRP at $535. Used models range $350-$450 depending on condition.
You’re investing in exceptional trigger pull quality that breaks cleanly at 2-3 pounds, proven rifle reliability through thousands of rounds, and versatile ammunition preferences from standard velocity to match-grade .22LR.
Dealer markups and regional availability affect final pricing significantly.
What Is the Difference Between CZ 452 and CZ 453?
You’ll find the CZ 452 chambers .22 LR with 5-round magazine capacity options, while the CZ 453 handles .22 WMR with 10-round capacity. The 452’s designed for silhouette competition with sporter stock customization possibilities, whereas the 453’s a general-purpose rifle featuring traditional stock design.
Both rifles share similar action trigger weight characteristics, but the 452’s discontinued since 2011 while the 453 remains in active production with ongoing availability.
How Accurate Is the CZ 452 Classic?
You’ll find the CZ 452 Classic delivers absolutely exceptional accuracy that’ll blow you away – achieving 0.75 MOA at 100 meters with quality ammunition like SK Standard+ or Eley Team. The barrel quality’s outstanding from the factory, though trigger accuracy improvements through upgrades can enhance performance further.
Magazine capacity doesn’t affect precision, but individual rifles vary in inherent accuracy potential. You’ll get remarkable consistency once you’ve matched proper ammunition to your specific rifle’s preferences.
Conclusion
You’ll find the CZ 452 Silhouette’s precision capabilities unmatched in its price range, despite concerns about its single-shot limitation. This rifle’s match-grade barrel delivers sub-MOA accuracy with premium ammunition, while the adjustable trigger breaks cleanly at 2.5 pounds. The laminated stock provides consistent cheek weld, and the 24-inch barrel maximizes velocity for long-range silhouette competition. Don’t let the manual loading cycle deter you—it’s engineered for accuracy, not speed.
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