CZ 455 Varmint Tacticool vs. Varmint Precision Trainer

[OzzyO20]

I've been lurking a little in this section, but never posted in Rimfire. I'm sure this question has been beat to death, but I wanted to get some opinions from you all.

Is the juice worth the squeeze with the Manners stocked trainer, or would the Tacticool suffice? I shoot an AI AT in centerfire, so neither will transfer ergonomically but will none the less require the fundamentals off marksmanship to shoot well. I know, the Vudoo V-22 would go in an AICS chassis, and as chub-worthy as it is if I bought one I'd go in a pine box when it arrives. My goal is something that's fun, quiet (TBAC 22 take down), and accurate enough to train without having to run to a 700+ yard range. I'll take my dog whos gun shy squirrel hunting occasionally, but that's not even remotely the primary use.

I've got an old Marlin from my childhood, and I've owned many 10-22's. Never had a 'precision' rimfire so my expectations aren't too high, but I also don't mind to spend a few hundred more on something that I'll likely have for a very very long time.

Thanks everyone.

 

[Sieg]

I'd lean towards the Manner's because it's structurally more stable and you know what it will look like. CZ wood is mediocre unless you're one of the few that hit the CZ Wood Lottery. I'd also hope that someone stepping up for the Manner's option would possibly get an action that passed quality control checks at a higher level than average..... the CZ Accuracy Lottery.

The question is: Does buying up get you more CZ Accuracy Lottery Tickets? I'd hope it would but who knows.

I was considering the same rifles and leaning towards the Manner's version, until I ordered a Vudoo because I have no luck when it comes to gambling.

FWIW: My brother has a stock CZ 455 Sporter that comfortably out groups my Modified 10/22 and stock Ruger Precision Rimfire on paper @50yds.

 

[lte82]

I would get the cheaper tacticool and spend the extra on a trigger, adding weight to the stock, and good ammo. That manners isn't going to help you with the fundamentals or skills.

 

[OzzyO20]

I'd lean towards the Manner's because it's structurally more stable and you know what it will look like. CZ wood is mediocre unless you're one of the few that hit the CZ Wood Lottery. I'd also hope that someone stepping up for the Manner's option would possibly get an action that passed quality control checks at a higher level than average..... the CZ Accuracy Lottery.

The question is: Does buying up get you more CZ Accuracy Lottery Tickets? I'd hope it would but who knows.

I was considering the same rifles and leaning towards the Manner's version, until I ordered a Vudoo because I have no luck when it comes to gambling.

FWIW: My brother has a stock CZ 455 Sporter that comfortably out groups my Modified 10/22 and stock Ruger Precision Rimfire on paper @50yds.

The Tacticool actually as some synthetic stock, and a 16.5" barrel. I'd assume a Boyds Tacticool stock, but it doesn't say that explicitly. The weight difference is a pound or so between the two, with the Manners being heavier.

What are some things 455 guys change first? I see 30 MOA rails tossed around a lot, and trigger springs. Honestly I'm not looking to go much further than that. I have a good connection for excellent rimfire ammo cheap, so I'm not worried about that much in the overall cost spectrum.

 

[Sieg]

The Tacticool actually as some synthetic stock, and a 16.5" barrel. I'd assume a Boyds Tacticool stock, but it doesn't say that explicitly. The weight difference is a pound or so between the two, with the Manners being heavier.

What are some things 455 guys change first? I see 30 MOA rails tossed around a lot, and trigger springs. Honestly I'm not looking to go much further than that. I have a good connection for excellent rimfire ammo cheap, so I'm not worried about that much in the overall cost spectrum.

I handled a Tacticool as I was thinking of buying one, it didn't feel substantial enough. I "think" the Manner's stock would change that perception.
I'd definitely put a 30MOA rail on it (factor your scope elevation range first) and the Yo Dave trigger kit seems to get a lot of praise from numerous CZ owners. The stock CZ triggers I've felt aren't very good compared to my Ruger American Rimfire .17HNR or Precision Rimfire.

When it comes to getting a basic affordable rimfire rifle that's typically above average accuracy I do believe a CZ with a modded trigger is the safest bet.

(FWIW - I bought the Ruger Precision Rimfire with the intention of converting it to .17HM2 due to the AR barrel attachment design.)

Regarding overall costs..... I bought a new plastic stocked heavy barrel Savage B-mag .17WSM for $280 I'm still throwing time and money at it trying to get it to shoot. In todays market it's easy to throw $800 in parts and labor at a $300 dollar gun and still have a $300 gun. That inspired me to order the Vudoo.

 

[Sieg]

Ozzy,

I'd also look at the new Tikka T1x .22LR
http://www.tikka.fi/en-us/rifles/tikka-t1x

 

[Hairy Biker]

CZ then use the $$ cost savings to buy the expensive ammo you need to get the results you will need from a 22lr.

 

[padom]

So I went through this same decision over the past month and ordered the CZ 455 Varmint Tacticool Supressor Ready last week. It will be here tomorrow from DEGUNS.net for $434.99. Cheapest I could find. I also got an Area419 30moa scope base, YoDave trigger kit, pillars kit. I am going to pillar and bed the stock myself but shoot before and after to see what difference it makes.

I specifically didnt get the Precision Trainer because Im not a stock guy and will be dropping this in a XLR Element chassis. I understand the Tacticool comes in a Boyd's stock. Probably should have just got a Varmint and saved $50 - $75 but Im not getting the XLR right away so I wanted something better than the Varmint wood stock. Im bedding it myself with the CZ 455 pillar kit off ebay with the SS action bolts and Devcon 10110

Got this stuff in the mail today. Also have some Lapua Center-X and Polar Biathlon, Eley Tenex, Norma Tac-22, Norma Match, Federal UM, Match, and a few others. Will be shooting 2x 5 shot groups of each ammo in stock config, with upgrades mentioned including stock pillar and bedding and XLR to see how big of a difference, if any, they make.

Hoping CCI SV or SK Rifle Match shoot best as they are super cheap...

 

[MarkCZ]

Ozzy,
I have a CZ 455 Varmint. I changed the trigger spring and, I am good to go. Shoots great 0.5 moa with good ammo. The Varmint, Tacticool and Prec. Varmint Trainer is the same barreled action . The Manner is a good, but I can nearly buy two Varmint's for the cost. Get you a Varmint and go for it.

Mark

 

[2Akeepers]

I have both models and the walnut stock on the Varmint broke before I could really shoot it to any great degree.
I put it in a Boyds stock that is very similar in design to the Manners stock the VPT comes in. The VPT had to go back to CZ because the bolt was shaving metal off the receiver. When both rifles had their respective troubles resolved, they both shot fantastic, with the slight edge going to the VPT. The Manners stock is really a joy to use. I have the old tan Manners, but I think the new camo is pretty sweet too.
Like Bob has pointed out, neither is really a competition rifle, but both shoot great off the bench for me. Of course, I'm a casual shooter not paying any entry fees. I bought the Varmint after the VPT and I should have just been satisfied with the VPT because the actions are identical. Eventually the Varmint will go in a Evo style stock, when I get bored with the tacticool.

 

[OzzyO20]

I appreciate everyone's input. I'm leaning closer to the Tacticool after some feedback. I like to tinker, and the Tacticool seems to offer a few opportunities for that. I don't see myself shooting to many bullseye matches, never been my thing. I'm sure the Tacticool is more than up to the task of a mini PRS style match if I can convince some buddies down the road.

 

[padom]

I picked my CZ 455 Varmint Tacticool up today from my FFL. I installed the Area419 30moa scope base, Harris Bipod, Vortex Viper PST Gen1 6-24x50 MRAD in Seekins PMR rings. I then took it to the range to shoot a bunch of different ammo out of it to get a baseline of how it shoots in its factory configuration. I shot it at 50yds from a bench and rear bag. I immediately noticed even though Im using low rings I need to get my cheek up to see through the scope. I have a cheek riser on the way. Bolt was very rough to start but got smoother as I put more rounds through it. Trigger is heavy but that will change with the YoDave kit.

After shooting all the different ammo Federal Gold Medal Match shot the best with Lapua Polar Biathlon being a close second. Had a bunch of really tight 4 shot groups with crazy fliers. I ran a 20 dollar bill down the barrel and it doesnt appear to be completely free floating as some have reported with the CZ 455 Varmint.

Next up, I will be opening up the barrel channel slightly to ensure the barrel is 100% free floating, installing the Anarchy bolt handle with a spiral fluted bolt knob, Yo Dave trigger kit, cheek riser, pillar and full bedding. I will then shoot the same ammo tests with the mods installed.

 

[Sieg]

Based on the target configuration, you're shooting 5 fouling shots the 5 scoring shots? Any type of cleaning in between ammo changes?

 

[padom]

I put 50rd of CCI SV and 25rd of Norma Match-22 through the new gun. I then proceeded to shoot 2x5 shot groups of each ammo. No cleaning between. This isnt a scientific review or anything. Just shot groups of each ammo to see how they shot in the new gun after 75rds down the bore.

 

[Sieg]

I put 50rd of CCI SV and 25rd of Norma Match-22 through the new gun. I then proceeded to shoot 2x5 shot groups of each ammo. No cleaning between. This isnt a scientific review or anything. Just shot groups of each ammo to see how they shot in the new gun after 75rds down the bore.

Thanks, I was just curious.

I like that target format, is it available in a pdf?

 

[padom]

So my knuckles are beat to shit from hitting them on my scope with the stock bolt handle. I just ripped that thing off and installed the Anarchy Outdoors swept bolt handle and a small spiral fluted bolt knob I got off Ebay for $25.

Holy shit it's like a different gun. Bolt cycles 100x smoother, more clearance from scope so no banged up knuckles, more positive feel on the spiral fluted bolt knob. This is a must upgrade for the CZ 455.

 

[2Akeepers]

My 455 Tacticool is my most accurate .22 . I've got very nice Winchester 75's and a couple of Mossberg 44US's and other CZ's and Brno's to compare it against. I've done little except clean it good from new out of the box, added a Harris bipod, a Nikko-Stirling 4-16x44 Targetmaster scope and an Ace Hardware #144 trigger spring. While the 75 is no slouch, the 455 is the heaviest .22 rifle by far, nothing I'd consider humping around the woods if I hunted. From a bench its perfect though.

 

[padom]

Today I milled out the stock and fit the pillars. Applied release agent and filled holes in the receiver with clay. Mixed up 10110 to glue the pillars in place and bed the receiver. This is my first bedding job but I'm happy with it.

It's been drying for 4hrs, just cleaned up all the edges from what squeezed out. Looks really good. Will pull it out of the stock tomorrow once its fully cured.

Still waiting for DIP magazine box, metal magazine insert, extended magazine release, and YoDave trigger kit.

 

[padom]

Just got back from testing it out after the bedding job. The bedding made a huge difference. Barrel does not sag anymore as it did before bedding when you put pressure on the barrel or front of the stock. Nice fully free floated and supported barrel now. Im very happy with the results. All around the groups are smaller than shooting in the stock configuration.

I cleaned the barrel by pushing 1 wet patch of Butch's through then dry patched it out before going to the range today. I then shot 25rd of CCI SV and 25rd of Norma Match-22 before testing the ammo.

After testing all the ammo I zero my Vortex Viper PST 6-24 with CCI SV and put the velocity off the box into JBM to bang some steel. Said 7.4mils to 200yds using 1070fps off the box. That was way high. 6.9mil had me printing nice groups on full size IDPA then went 10 for 10 on 8" circles. Moved over to 300yds to shoot the pig. JBM said 14.3 but that was high as well. 13.9 was dead on. Hit the pig a good 25x than called it a day.

All shooting done today had the upgraded swept bolt handle and spiral fluted knob. What a difference compared to shooting it stock the other day. Still has the heavy factory trigger. Cant wait for my YoDave springs to show up because that trigger is just too heavy for this little rimfire. My trigger gauge says its 2.5lbs. Would like to get it down to 12-14oz like my TT and Jewel's but will be happy with a lb. Also still no cheek weld either, need that cheek riser to show up. Haha

 

[DXT_Shooter]

I bought the Tacticool and then got a Manners from eBay which was bedded and pillared and I immediately noticed a difference in accuracy. I love the Manners stock it is sturdy and a bit heavier but I only shoot from a bench or prone.

I have a Area 419 15MOA rail which helps with clearing the objective.
Vortex PMR Medium 30mm rings
Sightron SIII 10-50x60 LRMOA
Aftemarket bolt handle

It is so much fun to shoot I would highly recommend the VPT ??

 

[Sieg]

Congratulations @padom

 

[padom]

 

[padom]

I bought the Tacticool and then got a Manners from eBay which was bedded and pillared and I immediately noticed a difference in accuracy. I love the Manners stock it is sturdy and a bit heavier but I only shoot from a bench or prone.

I have a Area 419 15MOA rail which helps with clearing the objective.
Vortex PMR Medium 30mm rings
Sightron SIII 10-50x60 LRMOA
Aftemarket bolt handle

It is so much fun to shoot I would highly recommend the VPT ??

View attachment 6927175

Looks good

What height rings are those? Mine are way too high..

 

[DXT_Shooter]

Looks good

What height rings are those? Mine are way too high..

They are Vortex PMR Medium rings

 

[DXT_Shooter]

So my knuckles are beat to shit from hitting them on my scope with the stock bolt handle. I just ripped that thing off and installed the Anarchy Outdoors swept bolt handle and a small spiral fluted bolt knob I got off Ebay for $25.

Holy shit it's like a different gun. Bolt cycles 100x smoother, more clearance from scope so no banged up knuckles, more positive feel on the spiral fluted bolt knob. This is a must upgrade for the CZ 455.

Looks awesome ??

 

[padom]

Ringing steel at 300yd with CCI SV 13.9mil

 

[DXT_Shooter]

Ringing steel at 300yd with CCI SV 13.9mil

Awesome padom ??

 

[OzzyO20]

Ringing steel at 300yd with CCI SV 13.9mil

How hard was the Anarchy Outdoors bolt hand install?

 

[padom]

How hard was the Anarchy Outdoors bolt hand install?

Super easy if you know how to remove the handle which I had to research. I can do a video of you need to see how to remove

 

[OzzyO20]

Super easy if you know how to remove the handle which I had to research. I can do a video of you need to see how to remove

I'll keep that in mind when the time comes. Great work on this project.

 

[Afkirby]

Super easy if you know how to remove the handle which I had to research. I can do a video of you need to see how to remove

Have you seen any change in headspace with the aftermarket handle?

 

[DownhillFromHere]

Good thread re 455 Tacticool. My experience with this rifle:

• Yodave kit will make the trigger great. But it will also introduce a liklihood that, with light-pull-weight shim/spring combinations, the bolt will occasionally pull right out of the gun when cycling. This is not an anomaly with my gun - it's very very common. Just be aware of it. I had my (open) bolt literally fall out of the rifle as I was coming off a stage in a match. One guy I know installed an external bolt stop in his stock; my barreled action is in a chassis and I'm hesitant to drill/tap it for a stop but it could happen.
• Shipping from Canada on Yodave kits is greatly mitigated by buying multiples. It is (or was) $9 US for one kit or three. I sold my extras on my first range trip.
• On the Boyd/Tacticool stock, a cheek riser will almost certainly be needed.
• On the Boyd/Tacticool stock, rasping out the barrel channel is likely to be needed.
• I have a 20MOA DIP rail on mine because a friend had one he set aside in favor of a 30MOA one. Yeah. Get a 30MOA rail. I can dial to 300 with 20MOA rail but scope is at limit of elevation travel with all that entails. Area419 rails look nicer --> more $. Probably worth it.

I wanna find a better bolt handle after reading this thread.

 

[padom]

Have you seen any change in headspace with the aftermarket handle?

Anarchy Outdoors tells me its a direct replacement. Im not sure how you "see" a change in headspace but I think the targets above show what I cant see I dont care because its shooting tiny little groups. Better all around accuracy and smoother than factory config for sure.

 

[Afkirby]

Anarchy Outdoors tells me its a direct replacement. Im not sure how you "see" a change in headspace but I think the targets above show what I cant see I dont care because its shooting tiny little groups. Better all around accuracy and smoother than factory config for sure.

I wish the anarchy outdoors handle was available while I still had my VPT, I’ve since switched to a KIDD 10/22 but wouldn’t mind having another nice bolt action 22. I was never happy with my CZ Bolt, was prone to hanging up and didn’t leave much to grab onto. I tried a glades armory handle but that left much to be desired.

 

[Afkirby]

I used a yo-Dave Trigger kit in my CZ and my results were phenomenal. It was at least as good as the Timney’s that I tried. I never had issues ripping the bolt out when I had the proper shims installed. A fiend had issues with a Timney allowing the bolt to be pulled out unintentionally, and if required some modification to the trigger.

 

[Ric O'shay]

Ditto on the Y.D. Trigger Kit ^^ what a difference and inexpensive. My VPT is so much fun, and shooting lights out today, makes me wonder how I lived without it.
I will likely feel the same way when I spring for a Voodoo someday.

 

[10xk9]

That’s exactly how you’ll feel when you spring for a Vudoo! I just got my Vudoo a few days ago and it’s already caused my CZs, my Ruger 10/22s, my KIDD Supergrade, my Remington 40 XB, and my Winchester 52D to go back in the safe until further notice! What a nice shooting / nice feeling rifle!

 

[padom]

I got out again today to shoot a new brick of Federal Gold Medal Match which has shot the most consistent smallest groups in my rifle (besides Lapua Biathlon and Eley Tenex). CCI SV and SK Rifle and Pistol Match are not far behind but produce unexplained flyers after shooting one hole. Got this brick of FGMM for $46.50 which is a steal for how good it shoots.

I put a few wet patches of Butches through the bore and dry patched it out before heading to the range today. I shot the top row then started testing different torque settings on the action bolts to see if that made a difference. Using my Fix-It-Sticks kit I found that all the smallest groups were shot with the 45in lb torque limiter.

 

[theaoguy]

So my knuckles are beat to shit from hitting them on my scope with the stock bolt handle. I just ripped that thing off and installed the Anarchy Outdoors swept bolt handle and a small spiral fluted bolt knob I got off Ebay for $25.

Holy shit it's like a different gun. Bolt cycles 100x smoother, more clearance from scope so no banged up knuckles, more positive feel on the spiral fluted bolt knob. This is a must upgrade for the CZ 455.

I am new to the hide, but I am the owner of Anarchy Outdoors. Could you please leave this review on our product page for the CZ handle it means the world to us.