CZ 452
Ceska Zbrojovka Uhersky Brod · Rifle · Discontinued · 1954
Also known as: ZKM 452, BRNO Model 2, CZ 452-2E ZKM
Overview
The CZ 452 is a Czech magazine-fed bolt-action rimfire rifle that first appeared in 1954 as a development of the earlier ZKM-451 training rifle designed by the Koucky brothers at Zbrojovka Brno. Built on a two-lug bolt with a carbon-steel barrel threaded into the receiver, it was offered for decades in numerous configurations chambered for .22 LR, .22 WMR, .17 HM2 and .17 HMR, fed from 5- or 10-round detachable box magazines. Prized for its accuracy, adjustable trigger and traditional walnut or beech stocks, it became one of the most popular rimfire training and sporting rifles in the world before most variants were discontinued in 2011 in favor of the modular CZ 455.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2770 g (97.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1080 mm (42.52") |
| Barrel Length | 572 mm (22.52") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 188 J (139 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
- .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire — also known as .22 WMR, .22 Mag
- .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire — also known as .17 HMR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Adjustable Trigger, Two Lug Bolt, 11mm Dovetail Rail, Barrel Threaded To Receiver, Interchangeable Magazines, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel
Variants
- CZ 452 American - American Style Stock
- CZ 452 Lux - European Style Stock
- CZ 452 FS - Full Mannlicher Stock
- CZ 452 Ultra Lux - Long Barrel
- CZ 452 Scout - Youth Trainer
- CZ 452 Military Training Rifle - Trainer
- CZ 455 - Successor
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sport and hunting market · adopted 1954
- Czechoslovak military marksmanship training · as ZKM 452
Production
Estimated total produced: 1,173,727 · Production years: 1954-2011
Total production at the Uhersky Brod factory reached 1,173,727 rifles. Most variants were discontinued in 2011 and replaced by the CZ 455; a left-hand American model continued briefly afterward.
Origin
Country of origin: Czech Republic
Designer: Koucky brothers
Discontinued: 2011
Notes
Receiver carries an integral 11mm dovetail rather than a Picatinny rail. Sold in the United States by CZ-USA. Total Uhersky Brod production reached roughly 1.17 million rifles.
Background
Descended from the post-war ZKM training rifles built to teach Czechoslovak conscripts marksmanship, the CZ 452 grew into a global rimfire icon. Generations of shooters cut their teeth on its crisp adjustable trigger and walnut stock, and its reputation for out-of-the-box accuracy made it the rifle many first learned to shoot with.