Hard to return unfired if you have to know how it shoots. Check the crown, if it's good, do the deed, see how it performs.

 

... There seem to be lots of posts about the inaccuracy of the CZ 455 Ultra Lux, ...

I don't own one but think that's mostly internet BS.

And, regarding bedding, no rifle "must" be bedded. Most will probably be more accurate after bedding, so that's just up to you to see how much accuracy you want to squeeze out of it. CZs are not Anschutzes, but for the price, are known for their accuracy.

 

Dancer: I bought a 452 UL used off a forum member (for more than you paid new . . . they were scarce on the ground at the time), and it has shot great from day one. Here's a target from testing out some ammunition:

The UL targets are the stick-on bull on the left and the two bull's on the right. The two bulls on the left marked "Lux" are the 455 Lux, not the Ultra Lux.

The only thing that has been changed on mine is the trigger spring was lightened from factory to about 1 1/2 lbs. Fantastic rifle. I shoot mine scoped. I have been thinking of getting a 455 Ultra Lux just to be able to play with both. I doubt you will find many UL-haters here. . . just a guess, mind you.

 

Dancer;

I don't know why you thought you needed an Ultra Lux for that job, any of the CZ line up will do, though some better than others I'd think. The first thing to determine to my mind is do you need glass or not? That depends more on your eyes than anything else. The range for woodpeckers is what? Fifty yards absolute maximum and probably half that the large majority of the time? Considering that, you don't need bench competition accuracy anyway, minute of junior jackhammer will do.

In your case, if glass is needed, go to the American. If you wish to stay with irons, the U.L. is great, but for your purpose the Lux or Trainer would easily do as well. The sole difference between the Lux and the Trainer being a walnut stock for the Lux and Beech for the Trainer. Just make sure you get the good ladder type CZ iron sights. The American has no irons, it's meant to be glassed.

In reality, ammo testing will almost certainly do more for your purposes than rather esoteric gunsmithing procedures. Find out what gives good accuracy & buy a brick of it. That should result in an unperforated chimney for years to come. And I know from personal experience just how startling and annoying that can be.

900F

 

I've been trolling the Impact Guns website for some time and I often end up having a long look at the CZ 455 Ultra Lux, for $428.00. I dropped by the local gun store last Friday to see if they have any .22 rounds, saw the CZ rifle for sale at $379, and bought it. I figured I should know more about what I bought so of course, I started searching this forum. But after my search, I'm feeling like I made a big mistake. There seem to be lots of posts about the inaccuracy of the CZ 455 Ultra Lux, and several other posts about how the stock must be bedded, etc, etc. The gun store has a policy that allows me to return it (within 14 days and so long as it hasn't been fired) for another gun of equal or greater cost. I still think the CZ 455 Ultra Lux is a great looking rifle, but I need accuracy. The woodpeckers will be here soon. It happens every spring - they rap on my metal chimney flue at 5:30 am (which sounds like a machine gun). I'm sick of it and I need something that is really accurate (I want to kill the woodpeckers, not the flue). Anyway, since I really don't want to bed the stock (and all those other accuracy producing tricks), would I be better off returning this CZ 455 Ultra Lux? (Maybe you could recommend something that doesn't need to be re-engineered to produce accuracy).

One more thing. IF I keep this rifle... the gun store sold me a couple of Leupold scope rings because "that is the only thing that will fit this European rifle". I don't mind them making a profit but $50 for a couple of scope rings???

1. It is illegal to shoot woodpeckers. Do a Google search, find out what the laws are in your state.

2. It sounds like you are contemplating an unsafe shooting practice, shooting into the air with no backstop.

Spring can be a noisy time, it certainly is here in NH. Woodpeckers can do damage, the interweb can offer some solutions.

 

1. It is illegal to shoot woodpeckers. Do a Google search, find out what the laws are in your state.

This was my first thought, as well, but I wonder whether or not Dancer has a rural landowner exemption on shooting birds and animals that consitute a significant nuisance? I've heard such exemptions exist, but I've never spoken to anyone that could confirm it.

In any event, Dancer, I agree with Steve in In that much of the alleged inaccuracy issues are internet BS. I would shoot your UL and never look back. Besides, unless you're shooting from a very long rimfire distance, it's hard to imagine a CZ not providing MOW (minute of Woody) accuracy.

TBR

 

hasn't happened for a few yrs but one spring had one going at my gutters every morning, after a few sprays w/ a garden hose it moved on. did make quite a racket.

 

That is one of the suggested methods of discouraging the critters, good for you! Woodpeckers occupy a niche in God's plan, they are, overall, beneficial creatures and beautiful to boot.

 

Assuming you will need a scope on it for all applications, there is no need for the UL, either 452 or 455 EXCEPT the rifle is very quiet when fired. The advantage of the 28.5" barrel is the longer distance between the rear and forward sights.

I have a 452 UL with peeps far back on the rear and it is very accurate with them.

As to a scope, CZ's have a high bolt throw and this can be gotten around in a few ways. 1. Use a scope with a small ocular bell, or 2. use higher mounts. The scope will sit higher and the bolt will not interfere with the rear ocular. See scopes and mounts on the stickies at the top of this page.

 

Woodpeckers can be a pain but I wouldn't resort to snuffing one out. Depending on how close your neighbors are you could get in trouble with the USF&WS. And they don't take you to state court but the federal court in your district. A federal judge is no fun to be in front of. Use a water hose on the offending criter.

 

I'm not so sure it is illegal to shoot a critter that is destroying your property.
Again it probably depends in what state your in. You could easily google it and find out. I had one that worked my house over good when I lived in Tennessee. I bought an airsoft pistol and bounced a few off him and around him and he found someone else to terrorize. You can get an adaptor for the airsoft magazines that allow you to fill using a small propane tank. Really adds some power to them. Good luck.

 

Not a State issue, a Federal issue. See some posts above.

 

Woodpeckers are a'peckin because they think insects are there. I'd check the area they're a'peckin -- carpenter ants (wet wood), termites, etc. It's possible there are no insects but the peckers may be your least problem, and can be a good 'canary in a coal mine'.

 

There is that. This bird though is hammering on the flue pipe to announce that he is the master of his domain and is open for breeding. In a few weeks domestic bliss will return, in the meantime a powerful water hose and perhaps earplugs will help.

 

Birds at close ranges and shooting up in the air this sounds like a job for an air rifle.

 

The peckers are apeckin' at our place because of the carpenter bees. The bees bore into the wood, lay their eggs and leave. When the bees hatch out the Pileated woodpeckers either smell them or hear them and peck through the top of the board or boards to get to the larvae. In the process of doing this they DESTROY lumber. We were gone for three days last spring and they did over a $1000 dollars worth of damage. I love animals and birds, but I have no use at all for woodpeckers. I don't hug trees and I don't shoo woodpeckers away with a water hose. Yes we have done all we can to prevent the bees from laying.

 

You could shoot the bees.

 

I figured I should know more about what I bought so of course, I started searching this forum. But after my search, I'm feeling like I made a big mistake. There seem to be lots of posts about the inaccuracy of the CZ 455 Ultra Lux, and several other posts about how the stock must be bedded, etc, etc. I still think the CZ 455 Ultra Lux is a great looking rifle, but I need accuracy.
One more thing. IF I keep this rifle... the gun store sold me a couple of Leupold scope rings because "that is the only thing that will fit this European rifle". I don't mind them making a profit but $50 for a couple of scope rings???

I own a few CZ rimfires, and none have been bedded, pillared, actions torqued or triggers modified. All are capable of hitting an object the size of a woodpecker within the confines of my yard.
You could find the Leupold rings a little cheaper on line, but I don't believe the LGS overcharged you. Seems to be a good price on the Ultra Lux, however.
http://www.opticsplanet.com/leupold-22-rimfire-no-tap-ring-mounts.html

 

+1 on a good-quality air rifle for this application:

• stealthier
• lower chance of collateral damage - both going up (shooting very close to the house) and coming back down (i.e. gravity)

 

You did not make a mistake-- especially at the price you paid. Besides, I don't think the 455 ULs have been out long enough for a definitive statement about their accuracy in comparison to the 452 ULs. Don't let what somebody writes about another model of 455 dissuade you from shooting yours. Shoot it first with the irons-- you may not even want a scope with the UL. I've got 2 452 ULs and will probably get a 455 UL when I have the funds.

Oh, and BTW, don't shoot the woodpecker.

 

Instead of trying to kill a woodpecker. Pet stores sell a device that you attach a water hose to, and has a motion sensor inside that will spray water on the flue and woodpecker They work well when dogs try to take a dump on your lawn. Can't see why it would not work on a woodpecker. That way you could bring back the rifle and sell rings here on RFC.

 

...well, most things covered, so I'll just add:

Accuracy to this crowd, and likely any .22 enthusiast, is measured by what denomination of coin will cover one's group at 50 or 100 yards.

Bird problems on your roof/house?
Dead bird is dead bird.

A.W.D.

 

A couple years ago a fisherman was exercised about loons catching "his" fish on the big lake here. His response was to shoot at one early one morning. He was seen, reported, arrested. NHF&G, perhaps the Feds too. He used a gun, it may be that he doesn't have that right anymore. Some birds are accorded more "rights" than starlings, so you see, it may be that "a bird is a bird" to some but not to all.

 

I have found this stuff to work very well. You will need to reapply each year but it does work. We use it at work to keep pigeons off of signs.
http://www.bird-x.com/bird-proof-gel-products-37.php?page_id=66

 

It is very much illegal to shoot woodpeckers, or any native non-game songbird. Federal law and this is one area where states rights are trumped by federal rights (much wildlife law is like this and it has to be since the birds migrate, just like waterfowl and other game species. Otherwise one rogue state with their own rules could ruin it for everyone). anyway as was said it is federal law, so the state matters not one tiny bit. Except if your state happens to have laws above and beyond that, in which case you could be even worse off .

If someone reports you or for whatever other reason the federal game warden (yes, they exist) pays you a visit, there will be no hiding and you will be VERY regretful. I'm not preaching, just trying to save anyone from a huge mistake. Find another way to keep the woodpeckers away. The only non-game birds legal to shoot are non-natives.... european starlings, english sparrows, etc.

There are sometimes exemptions for damage but that is generally crop damage
and other things that affect overall livelihood. And more often against birds like grackles. I haven't known of any homeowners granted one to shoot woodpeckers, jus saying.

source- my degree was in wildlife biology

 

Excellent! It is probably not wise to discuss committing a Federal crime on an open forum. In the end, do the right thing, think about the problem and devise a non-lethal and legal way to solve it. The automatic hose device is not cheap but I understand lawyers and fines aran't either. Stay legal and reflect well on the shooting community.

 

As for shooting the woodpeckers, unless you have a permit for depredation/damage, it's risking a lot.

As for the alleged inaccuracy of the CZ 455, that's inaccurate information. You made no mistake with the rifle purchase. There are cheaper rings of high quality...Warne 7.3 22 rings, Burris deluxe steel Rimfire rings, BKL rings, all priced around $30.

 

If many more members of this site jump in advocating committing state and Federal crimes I'll have to conclude that a significant number of members are, well, peckerheads. . ...

 

There are certain things you can assume without checking it out. Like if a metal chimney flue has a wooden inner liner.

 

Or passes thru the roof -- which rumor has it does occasionally happen, and which occasionally can have wood components!

But hey, the thing the peckers are a'peckin is metal, and peckers never peck thru something to get the tasty bits underneath, so it's impossible for there to be insects, right?

 

I am SOOOOO lost in this thread. I am now glad I am an urban guy.

 

A friend wanted to stop a bird problem without killing them. His solution was his paintball gun. A paintball, when landed very close to said bird, splashed paint on them and encouraged it to leave the area. The paint, I understand, is water soluble.
FM