Rifles

CZ Varmint Classic rifles - by John Enright

It’s now more than 30 years since I was introduced to what were then Czech Brno rifles and later shotguns. Today, the rifles are now made by CZ, also of the Czech Republic. I have used these rifles and guns for many years, always with complete satisfaction. I mention this only because my experience may have prejudiced this review.

The two rifles under review are the CZ Classic .22 WMR and the CZ Varmint .22 LR. I have never liked or been comfortable with the term ‘varmint’, preferring instead the term ‘vermin’ or ‘verminging’. This is, of course, a personal view and in no way relates to the rifles’ performance. The rifles are somewhat of a departure for CZ and are no doubt influenced by the US market, which is not too different to our domestic one.

The CZ Classic is available in both .22 WMR and .22LR. Other than the calibres, there is no difference, so what follows applies to either rifle. The CZ Varmint rifle is currently available only in .22 LR.

Both rifles feature walnut stocks, with the familiar composite buttplate. Both have classic-type stocks with a straight high comb rather than the now familiar hog’s back type. The comb elevates the face higher than any previous CZ stock shape, which is all to the good, as these rifles have no open sights fitted, consequently, the high comb is required.

A panel of chequering is on each side of the rifles’ pistol grip. The Classic has a slightly more defined pistol grip than the Varmint, but both put the hand in the correct position.

The similarity between these rifles, and any other rifle produced by CZ, ends there. The semi Schnable fore-end, so long a feature of the Czech rifles, is gone. In its place, the Classic .22 features a long, rounded fore-end, reminiscent of their standard model from about 1954-1958. Some will say it is not dissimilar to the Kimber Model 82 but the earlier rifle was made at least 30 years before the Kimber’s appearance.

The Varmint rifle’s fore-end is wider and has a flatter profile, which is both hand filling and slightly easier to use over a rest, as it has more bearing surface. Both rifles are equipped with sling swivel studs.

The Classic has the two-screw fore-end, as is usual with the later CZ Model 2E. With the Varmint, CZ has reverted to the three-screw fore-end, where the third screw is forward of the receiver and is a bedding screw. This screw can be used in conjunction with different brands of ammunition and when tightened can regulate or completely alter the point of impact of any cartridge. Usually, it is advisable to leave the screw alone if the rifle is shooting well.

In contrast to the usual CZ Model 2E and its 25" (630mm) barrel, the Varmint rifle is fitted with a 21" (532mm) heavy profile barrel, while the Classic is fitted with a 22.5" (595mm) sporting barrel. It has been a long time since the Czech rifles were available here, as target rifles with heavier barrels and many younger shooters would never have seen them. As with all CZ rifles, these models have the barrels screwed into the receiver rather than the more common pinning method.

The actions are the now familiar CZ Model 2E type. They feature twin extractors and the dual opposed locking lugs at the rear of the bolt. In accordance with usual practice, both bolts were removed and bearing blue applied to the locking lugs. The bolts were then replaced in the rifles and closed in the locked position. The locking area was then examined and both bolts were found to bear equally.

It doesn’t matter how many locking lugs are employed in any action. If they are not all bearing or in correct alignment, they are superfluous. Lugs have a twofold purpose. Besides locking the action so that the rifle is safe to fire, they also contribute rigidity or stiffness to the action. This rigidity can be achieved by a single locking lug or, if fitted, by multiple ones. Regardless of how it is achieved, and keeping in mind there will always be bolt compression under discharge pressure, bolt or action rigidity is one of the essential ingredients that is necessary to an accurate rifle.

When familiar with the rifle, the cocked or uncocked status of the bolts can easily be ascertained in lowlight conditions merely by feeling the rear of the striker mechanism. As with other CZ rifles, the striker and safety work in reverse of what most shooters are used to with other rifles. When the striker is forward, it is cocked. When it is rearwards, it is not. The safety is forward for safe and rearward for fire. One feature I have always liked about CZs is the bolt handle to trigger angle. The bolt handle is in the ideal position, above the trigger, so that after firing the shooting hand only has to move upwards to grasp the bolt handle and cycle the action with a minimum of effort rather than having to extend or move the hand forward.

The Classic has a blued trigger guard and trigger plate, whereas the Varmint has a semi-Parkerised finish on the same area. Both triggers broke evenly at 3.75lb (1.7kg). I don’t advise altering the trigger.

Both the rifle barrels were slugged with the appropriate projectiles, with no tight or loose spots being detected. The Varmint rifle’s bore is slightly undersized but within specification. The Varmint doesn’t appear to be fitted with a minimum specification or target chamber.

Both rifles were taken to a private range where they were used with a Meopta Artemis 6x42 scope. Before shooting, the bolts of both rifles were removed and given a light rub over with a lubricant. The locking lug area was given special attention so that the new bolt could settle smoothly into the locked position without having to force it. A rifle is a precision instrument and proper lubrication allows the moving parts to ease in rather than be forced in. Both rifles were fired 50 times for precise sighting and to allow the rifle to ‘settle in’. On any rifle this lubrication should not be overdone, as the excess will squirt in any direction. A little bit goes a long way. On both, it was possible to feel the action and trigger becoming smoother as the shooting progressed. All the ‘running in’ cartridges were loaded from the magazine and feed and ejection were positive and flawless.

The two barrels were then given a light wipe out and the bolts dried and lightly lubricated. The Varmint rifle was then tried with a variety of commonly available .22 LR cartridges. Every rimfire rifle, of whatever make or model, is an individual to itself regarding the preference or best results from a given cartridge. What gives superlative results in one rifle/barrel may be an ‘also ran’ in the next one off the assembly line. Since rimfire cartridges cannot be reloaded or ‘tailored’ to an individual barrel, the importance of trying a number of individual brands and types of cartridges, until the right one is found, cannot be over emphasised.

The rifle showed a preference for Winchester PowerPoints. It was then fired at 25m with those cartridges, which were singly loaded into the chamber. At 25m, all groups were ragged one-hole affairs, averaging .73" (16mm). At 50m, groups were .80" (20mm) and at 75m, 1" (25mm). At 100m, average groups were 1.30" (32mm). This was great but not a totally unexpected performance from an out-of-the-box rifle.

The rifle may have a dual role for target/benchrest shooting, so it was also tried with Winchester ‘Xpert Premium’ target ammunition. At 25m, average group size was .60" (14mm). At 50m, average group size was .75" (18mm) and at 75m, .90" (22.5m). Group size at 100m was 1.10" (27.5mm). This performance from an ‘un-enhanced’ rifle is, to say the least, extraordinary. It is not fitted with a ‘target chamber’ but perhaps the tight bore makes up for that. The course of fire was re-shot with the same results.

The CZ Classic was then fitted with the scope and resighted. It had already been fired with various ammunition and had given good results with Federal cartridges loaded with the 50-grain projectile. Best results were with the Winchester jacketed hollowpoints. At 25m, average group size was .75" (18mm). At 50m, the group was .90" (22.5mm); 75m, 1.1" (27.5mm); and at 100m, 1.6" (39mm). That, for a .22 WRM, is a pretty impressive performance. I have no doubt that further experimentation with ammunition, bedding and other factors would enhance its performance.

I have long stated that the CZ rifles are the best bargain dollar for value that have ever been offered to Aussie shooters. I see no reason to change my opinion.

The Classic model would be suitable for a hunting and informal target rifle. It would also be suitable for use in SSAA field rifle or SSAA silhouette shooting. The Varmint would be equally at home for those same uses, for professional small game shooting and with slight modification, for SSAA rimfire benchrest competition. Both rifles combine good looks, function and practicality.

At a glance

• Make: CZ, Czech Republic
• Importer: Winchester Australia, Geelong, Victoria
• Action: Bolt action repeater
• Calibre: .22LR (Varmint), .22LR and .22 WMR (Classic)
• Weight: Classic - about 6.6lb (3kg), Varmint - 6.8lb (3.1kg)
• Stock: Walnut
• Barrel Length: Varmint - 21" (532mm), Classic - 22.5" (595mm)
• Magazine: Detachable box. Capacity five plus one in the chamber (both rifles)
• Approximate Retail Value: Varmint Model (.22LR) - $720, Classic Model (.22LR) - $720 and (.22 WMR) - $790