CZ 452 VS Marlin 39A Accuracy

Just bought a NIB Marlin 39.

Problem I see with most every CZ I've ever seen is corrosion coming from the sleeve they use for the front sight and just plain overall crude fit and finish-------not that any of that makes them bad shooters.

They still have to come a long way before I'll even own one.
 
22 Rifles

I just came in the house. I shot 200 ronds of CB long's at a 2-inch gong at 50 yards with my Winchester 9422. I own over a dozen different 22 rifles. I own some Kimber of Oregon rifles, I just bought a LH CZ 452, I have a Marlin lever action 22 along with my Winchester.

First of all for ultimate accuracy the Kimber is king(Anschutz is also a dandy).

Your question is a bit unfair. IMO the bolt action will usually be more accurate than the lever. So if accuracy is strictly your criteria then you should go with the CZ.

However for me there is a fun factor in shooting a 22 rifle. That is why my favorite 22 rifle to shoot is an open sighted Winchester 9422. All of my bolt rifles are a bit more accurate than the 9422, but not as much fun to shoot or hunt with.

IMG_0195.jpg
 
I have a 452 Special in 17.HMR with a trigger job I did myself using an Eric Brooks trigger kit. It breaks the shot at 1.5 lb. It is topped with a 6-24X42 scope. From the bench, on a calm and not very hot day I can put a hole in a golf ball with the first shot, every time at 200 yards.

How's that for junk?

P.S. Those who call CZ "junk" out of ignorance: CZ was founded in 1919 as a military small arms factory and it has a long tradition in firearms innovation. For example the CZ75 semiauto pistol they make (one of the original wonder-nines) it is so successful, it has long passed the 1,000,000 production mark, it spawned several clones (Baby Eagle and Armalite AR-24 are just two of them), it is in service with more Governments, Militaries, Police and Security agencies than any other pistol in the world and it is the standard-issue NATO sidearm. Would you call that junk too?

Oh, and if it makes your nationalistic pride feel better: CZ is American owned and American managed. It is the only small firearms company in the world owned and operated by a woman. Her name is Alice Poluchova and she's a heck of a hunter and a shooter.
 
77/22

Typical group from my Ruger 77/22--just as it came out of the box with NO modifications---10 shot group @ 50 yards with inexpensive bushnell banner straight 4X scope---just under 1/2"---it does this very often with a number of different loads.

IMG_0066.jpg


Dipper
 
Also stock out of the box – including stock trigger:

target410192007-1.jpg


Looks like whatever one gets will work fine; but the price/performance of a 452 can’t be beat.

The bone-stock (including trigger) Varmint is also accurate:

452varmint17hmrtarget10252007.jpg


I have other CZs and Brnos that perform as well.
 
Problem I see with most every CZ I've ever seen is corrosion coming from the sleeve they use for the front sight...
Click to expand...
I noticed a white substance exuding around the joint, but it didn't appear to be corrosion. I cleaned it off and there was no pitting or other damage under it or in the joint between the barrel and the sleeve. Applying a good bit of CLP, letting it set and then wiping off the excess seems to have cleared things up--there's been no recurrence.

By the way, the joint between the sleeve and the barrel on my rifle is so well executed that I didn't even realize the sleeve wasn't part of the barrel until the incident with the white exudate.
 
I've got a CZ 452. It's a GREAT 300 dollar rifle(kind of sick when your scope costs more then your rifle)
CZ4523.jpg


Yes, it drives tacks.
It's not a 50 yard Anschutz 64 or 54.....

And, it costs 1/3 the price. If you can shoot better then a 1/2 inch, get a real rifle...

PS
It's a great training rifle for it's bigger brother:
Grouplightershot4551035722lr.jpg

Jackshooting375inrecoil.jpg
 
I have the CZ 453 American myself- the version with the set trigger and without the iron sights that my eyes can't see well enough to use any more anyway. Insert big sigh here. Anyhoo, as far as apparent quality, fit and finish go, it's as good as anything I've ever handled. And it groups well enough to make me ALMOST look like a good shot, say about half an inch for five shots at 50 yards when I do my part. I think it might open up a bit if you shoot fast enough to heat the barrel, but it's hard for me to tell. Maybe the heavy barrel varmint model is better in this regard. If anyone knows, please tell me.

I have also always lusted after the Marlin 39. This is, and always has been, a premium rifle. In the old days their ads were along the lines of "Yeah, it costs more, but so what? It's worth it."

There have always been shooters who agreed with that. One such was Annie Oakley; it was her exhibition rifle of choice. 'Nuff said on whether the Marlin is accurate, I think.
 
Mine shoots the Wolf Match Target well. It will put them all in the same ragged hole @ 50 yards if I can manage it.
 
where are the pictures of the group spots from the Marlin 39a's out there???
(I just bought one....cant wait):)
 
The United States Bench Rest Association has an official bench rest target that consists of 28 bulls (3 for sighters and 25 for score) that each have a tenth of an inch 10 ring. It is fired at from 50 yards in 20 minutes with a possible score of 250-25X using heavy weight unlimited, medium weight custom, and factory sporter weight .22 rimfire rifles. We have been having local rimfire benchrest matches for almost a year now. My shooting passion is all about rimfire sporters and I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the high and low end factory sporters shoot it out.

For what it's worth, here are our results in Sporter Class since we started these matches in 2007:

November 2007

223-2X Danny Creasy, CZ 452 American, Swift 6-18X44, SK Pistol Match
215-4X Barry Holmes, Cooper 57-M, Leupold Vari-X III 4.5-14, SK Pistol Match
214-3X Willie Rhodes, CZ 452 American (left hand model), Simmons Master 6-18, Wolf ME
44-0X David Hollimon, Marlin 39A, Bushnell 3.5-10X40, CCI Mini Mag (Equipment Issues)

December 2007

Barry Holmes, 219-1X, Cooper 57M, Leupold VariXIII 4.5-14, SK Pistol Match
Danny Creasy, 216-2X, Anschutz 1710, Weaver V-16, Eley Biathlon EPS
Willie Rhodes, 215-1X, CZ 452 American, Simmons ProHunter 6-18, Wolf ME
David Hollimon, 212-0X, CZ Varmint, Redfield Accu-Trac 6-18, SK Std Plus
David King, 193-0X, CZ 452 Special, Leupold 4X, Winchester Supreme

January 2008

called over weather (I never will hear the end of that one)

February 2008

220-1X Willie Rhodes, CZ 452 American Barska Black Hawk 8-32X42, Wolf ME
218-1X Danny Creasy, Kimber Hunter, BSA Platinum 36X44, SK Std Plus
215-2X Barry Holmes, Cooper 57M, Leupold Vari-X III 4.5X14, SK Pistol Match
189-0X Peary Willard, Savage MKII FV, Barska Varmint 6.5-20, Federal Champion
186-0X David Hollimon, Thompson Center R-55, Simmons 22 Mag 3-9X32, CCI Std Vel

March 2008

219-1X Danny Creasy Kimber Hunter SK Pistol Match
213-1X David King CZ 452 American SK Std Plus
188-1X Tony Gilmore Savage Mk II Classic Aguila Golden Eagle

April 2008

Dwight Pilkilton, 216-0X, Biathlon Basic, Weaver V-16, Wolf MT
Danny Creasy, 214-1X, Remington 541-THB, Swift 6-18X44, Eley Biathlon EPS
Tony Gilmore, 202-1X, Savage Mk II BV, Tasco World Class Target 6-25X44, Fed Gold Metal
Willie Rhodes, 201-1X, CZ 452 American, Barska 8-32X42, Wolf Match Extra
David King, 200-1X, CZ 452 Lux, Nikko Stirling Nighteater 4-10X40, Wolf MT
Peary Willard, 199-1X, Savage Mk II heavy barrel accu-trigger, Barska Varmint 6.5-20, Fed Champion SV
Richard Strickland, 196-2X, Biathlon Basic, Swift 6-24X50, Aguila

May 2008

229-1X Tim Blacklidge CZ 452 Varmint BSA 6-24 Lapua
225-2X Danny Creasy Kimber Hunter BSA 36X44 Fiocchi 340 Biathlon
213-1X Tony Gilmore Savage Mk II Tasco Federal Gold Metal
213-1X Willie Rhodes CZ 452 American Barska 8-36X42 SK Std Plus
210-2X Paul Enlow Biathlon Basic Swift 6-24X50 Aguila Std Velocity
209-0X Barry Holmes Browning A-Bolt Leupold Vari-X III 4.5-14 SK Pistol Match
209-0X Dwight Pilkilton Biathlon Basic Weaver V-16 Wolf MT
202-1X Richard Strickland Biathlon Basic Swift 6-24X50 Aguila Std Plus
200-2X Charlie Seigfried Mauser Leupold Lapua
194-0X Jon Stratton Remington Model 5 Nikon fixed 4X40 Remington Sub Sonic
174-1X David King CZ 452 Special Nikon Monarch 3-9 SK Std Plus
174-0X Peary Willard Kimber 82 Leupold Federal Champion Standard

June 2008

220-3X, Tim Blacklidge, CZ American, Weaver V-16, Lapua Midas L
219-3X, Danny Creasy, Anschutz 1710, Weaver V-16, Lapua Master M
214-0X, Willie Rhodes, CZ American, BSA 3-9, SK Match
210-0X, Bart Harkins, CZ American, Leupold VX II 6-18X40, ammo ?
209-1X, Charles Seifreid, CZ American, Pine Ridge 6-18X40, Lapua M
203-1X, Tony Gilmore, Savage MK II BV, Tasco World Class 6-24X44, Federal Gold Metal
202-0X, Peary Willard, Savage Mk II FV, Barska 6.5-20, Federal Champion Target
198-2X, David King, CZ 452 American, Nikko Sterling 4-10, SK Std Plus
197-1X, Dwight Rickard, Anschutz 1416 HB, Leupold 6.5-20, Eley EPS Black Box
191-0X, David Hollimon, CZ 452 American, Simmons 22 Mag, Wolf ME
188-0X, James Kimbrough, Savage Mk II, Tasco World Class, ammo ?
180-0X, Jack Belew, Savage Mk II, Tasco 40X, Eley Club
178-0X, Barry Holmes, Cooper 57M, Leupold Vari X III 4.5-14, SK Std Plus
177-1X, Anedra Gilmore, Savage Mk II, Tasco World Class 6-24X44, Federal Gold Metal
157-0X, Reece Stewart, Ruger 77/22, Aguila Match Black Box
118-0X, Gene Nobinger, Marlin 39, Simmons 3-9, Remington Yellow Jacket

July 2008

229 – 0X – Tony Gilmore – Savage MKII BV – Tasco World Class - Eley Match
228 – 1X – Willie Rhodes – CZ 452 American – BSA – SK Match
227 – 1X – Anedra Gilmore – Savage MKII – Tasco World Class - Eley Match
224 – 2X – David King – CZ 452 Ultra Lux – Tasco – SK Std.
223 – 3X – Richard Strickland - CZ 452 Varmint – Tasco – Eley Club
221 – 0X – Dwight Rickard – Anshutz 416D HB – Leupold – Wolf ME
207 – 1X – Peary Willard – Savage MKII FV – Barska – Aguila SE std.
197 – 3X – Ricky King – CZ 452 – Center Point – CCI Blazer
194 – 3X - Tim Blacklidge – CZ 452 American – Weaver – Lapua M
144 – 0X – Gene Nobinger - Marlin 39 – Simmons – Fed. Auto Match

August 2008

231-1X, Tony Gilmore, Savage Mk II, Tasco 6-24, Eley EPS
224-1X, Danny Creasy, Kimber Hunter, Weaver T-36, SK Subsonic
219-0X, Tim Blacklidge, CZ American, Weaver 6.5-20, SK Pistol Match
215-2X, Barry Holmes, Cooper 57M, Weaver V-16, Lapua Master M
214-1X, Bart Harkins, CZ American, Leupold 6-18X40, SK Match
212-0X, David King, Weatherby Mk XXII (Anschutz), Nikko Sterling, SK Std Plus
207-2X, Peary Willard, Savage MK II, Barska 6.5-20X50, Aguila SE Std Velocity
206-3X, Randy King, Savage Mk II, Tasco 24, Wolf MT
197-1X, Willie Rhodes, CZ American, BSA, SK Match
195-0X, David Hollimon, CZ 452 American, Bushnell 4.5-10, Win T-22
191-2X, Ricky King, CZ Ultra Lux, Center Point 4-16, CCI Blazer
163-0X, Gene Nobinger, Marlin 39-A, 9-32, CCI Std Vel
162-1X, James Kimbrough, Mossberg 802, Simmons 3-12X50, Remington Thunderbolt

Please note that the two different Marlin 39 rifles finished dead last three times in Sporter Class. They never even broke 200. I had written "equipment issues" by the 39 in the first match. But, the shooter later stated that he simply could not get his Marlin grouping tight enough to zero on the evil little green bulls. That is why he later ordered a TC R-55 and after that a 452 American. His high score was a 212 in the second match with a borrowed CZ 452 Varmint. Evidently he knows how to shoot.

I own a Marlin 39A and it is one of my favorite rifles but the ultimate test for the raw accuracy of a .22 rimfire is the USBR target and held to that standard, the 39A pales in comparison to the CZ 452 (which I own five of).

Yall be safe and have fun shooting.

Danny Creasy

PS: You are more than welcome to come shoot with us on third Saturday mornings in Sheffield, Alabama. Pics:

BRJune2006sizedforweb.jpg
 
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My brother's 452 American shoot about half of its 3 shot groups under MOA @100 yards with Federal American Eagle. Match ammo shoots about the same in that rifle and is more $.

I use my 452 trainer with open sights but have gotten 2-3 inches @100 yards and the rifle can do better.

The only 39a I have shot does similar to my trainer with open sights so I would assume my shooting is the limiting factor. I think this rifle could use a scope to really test the accuracy.

A side note: nether of the cz rifles will group CCI CB longs so the Marlin 39 has an advantage there.
 
Well said Danny.

I would much rather own a Marlin 39A than a CZ. But I can tell you the 39A won't out shoot a good shooting CZ.

When you get down to it, for the price, the CZ 22lr factory rifles are probably without question one of the best shooting rimfires on the market. The only other one that I can think of that would give them a run in 22lr is Savage as far as current offerings. The old Rem 541S rifles I would bet will beat them.
 
I have never shot the 39A, but I do love my CZ. Although, on range day my 1948 Rem. 511 always finds its way there.
 
Having spent time with both rifles in question, I would rather have the Marlin, no contest. That said, the CZ shoots tight little groups. In fact, in a recent magazine rimfire comparison, the CZ came in second place behind Anchutz for accuracy. And yes, it beat Savage.

If all you care about is accuracy, the CZ is a best buy. As far as it being junk as someone said, I disagree. Is it comparable in quality to the Marlin? Of course not. If it was, it would cost much more. The one thing you might want to watch though is that the bolt rusts easier than any I've ever seen. I live in the northwest and the CZ that I've used had to have some serious polishing done. It's owner neglected to clean and oil it after handling it in his house. At any rate, this rifle has several thousand rounds through it and still shoots sub half inch groups at 50 yards.

In comparison, my father has a Marlin 39a that he bought in the 60's. He hasn't given it any special treatment and it still looks new. In fact, it was stored under the bed for over 20 years with no case and has never had any visible rust. It will print 1 inch groups if I do my part with the right ammo.
 
Brad C said:

"Oh and Danny, 250-25x is what you meant for the USBR perfect score."

Thanks for catching that error Brad. I corrected my post accordingly.

Danny
 
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