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CZ 457 22LR Tight Bore??

3.7K views 45 replies 28 participants last post by  AzShooter  
#1 ·
So, as you may have already read, I mounted the 22 LR barrel I bought here in the RFC Classifieds to my CZ 457. This was to convert from 22 WMR to 22 LR. As near as I can tell this is a factory CZ barrel. That is what the seller said. It looks exactly like the WMR barrel. All the markings on the barrel are correct. Other than engraved with a different serial number and 22 LR rather than 22 WMR, they are exactly the same.

As soon as I got the 22 LR barrel mounted, I chambered a round and ejected the round. That went perfectly. Though the bore looked shiny and clean I figured I should completely clean barrel before taking it to the range for sighting in.

I have a fine coated Dewey rod that I have used with all of my 22s for years. Most recently, it worked fine with both the Anschutz I recently bought and a recent cleaning of my CZ 452 American.

When I tried to use the same rod with the 457 in 22 LR, the rod got stuck in the barrel. With great effort, I managed to get it back out. Then I tried to run it down the barrel without a patch. Again it got stuck. this time when I got it back out I could see gouges in the coating of the rod. With that and how I had to go about getting the rod out, that rod is ruined.

So, next, I took the jag off that rod mounted it to another, less expensive and less robust rod I have from the days before I started using Dewey rods. That rod does not have the same coating as the Dewey rod. I mounted a dry patch. It went down the bore just fine. I mounted a wet patch, it went down the bore. I mounted a 22 LR brush. It went down the bore with a fair amount of resistance but it did not hang up.

So, It seems the bore in this barrel is too tight for a high quality coated Dewey rod.

Is this normal for the new CZ 457 American 24.8" barrels?
 
#12 ·
CZ .22LR bores are notoriously TIGHT.
This is a misunderstanding. As required by regulations, they are made to meet CIP specifications, and no tighter. The same applies to most rifles made in European countries, including those from Germany (e.g. Anschutz, Walther, FWB), Finland (e.g. Sako, Tikka) and Spain (e.g. Bergera).

The potentially misleading information on CZ's FAQ webpage aside, the idea of being tighter than otherwise stems from the fact that most North American-made firearms are made to SAMMI specifications. In .22LR SAMMI bores are indeed greater in diameter.

The problem of some cleaning rods not "working" in CZ rifles has more to do with the ejector interfering with the rod, not that the bore is extra tight.
 
#7 ·
Well you just learned the hard way what more reading here would have taught you the easy way. This has been common knowledge here since before I joined back in 2006. I personally have ZERO use for any coated rod and use only high end polished stainless steel rods, in my .22 CZ's its .20 ProShots.
 
#11 ·
I use a .17 rod with polished brass (non-knurled) adapter. Never had an issue. I use a Birchwood Casey rod. I also use felt pellets more often than patches for regular maintenance cleaning and oiling stuck on a button jag where I further turned down the head for even less bore interference (some jag heads can even be tight in a CZ).
 
#15 ·
Thanks for the replies.

I see my 22 Dewey rod issue is pretty common with the CZ 457. If It had not worked with my 452 American and my new Anschutz 1761 MPR, I would have known better. I also have a 17 Dewey rod that I use for my 204 Ruger rifle. As luck would have it, I do have that other 22 rod that works just fine. I am just pleased to learn there is nothing to worry about regarding the 22 LR barrel that I mounted to the 457.
 
#19 ·
I have used a SS 20 caliber rod since I bought my first CZ 452 Lux in 2006. You may not agree with the “incredible accuracy” wording but one should adhere to the .211 bore section. ;)

Per the CZ websiteOur 22 LRs use our cold hammer forged and lapped barrels, and are built a bit tighter than many other guns. In 22 LR we run a .211 bore, which is one of the reasons our .22s are known for incredible accuracy. This also means that a .17 or .20 rod and jag are required for cleaning, since a .22 rod will be too large.
Additionally, use of .22 Short, Long and ‘Sub-Sonic’ ammunition isn’t recommended because of the tight bore. This is not to exclude quality match or target ammos, which may remain sub-sonic in speed.
 
#21 ·
Per the CZ websiteOur 22 LRs use our cold hammer forged and lapped barrels, and are built a bit tighter than many other guns. In 22 LR we run a .211 bore, which is one of the reasons our .22s are known for incredible accuracy. This also means that a .17 or .20 rod and jag are required for cleaning, since a .22 rod will be too large.
Additionally, use of .22 Short, Long and ‘Sub-Sonic’ ammunition isn’t recommended because of the tight bore. This is not to exclude quality match or target ammos, which may remain sub-sonic in speed.
The insinuation in CZ website assertions aside, the fact remains that CZ firearms are manufactured to CIP specifications. They don't have a tighter bore than the regulations allow. Other European manufacturers adhere to CIP, while most North American factory rifles stick to SAMMI.

Cleaning rods that are made for .22LR should work in CIP-spec bores. If they don't, the rods are not suitable for any CIP-spec bore.

Below is a comparison furnished by CZ itself. It shows that the lands are 5.38mm or 0.2118".



 
#30 ·
As I wrote, I was surprised to find the problem as I have used the same rod with my 452 American 22 LR. In its current condition with huge gouges in the coating and damage from literally hammering it out of the 457, I will be retiring that rod and getting another. A 20 that can take a 22 jag is what I will be looking for.
 
#32 ·
Not to hijack this thread, but looks like I'll be picking up a 17HMR this week. It will be my first 17 of any sort. I have a 17 caliber rod (Rural King brand) that I've been using in my CZ 22lr rifles. I noticed it has a very slight bow in it. I may have to pick up another 17 caliber cleaning rod since there will not be any wiggle room in the pipe of the 17HMR rifle.
 
#29 ·
Just a couple FYI s - I use a cheap solid Brass rod from amazon, ca $15 CDN and it's only ca .210". And I only PULL patches thru with a loop-jag, so I never have issues with the patch folding over the jag 'too thick' and getting stuck. 22cal Brushes all seem OK, both "all-brass' and Nylon ones too. Just have to be a touch more careful with the Nylon since the 'core' is metal and can scratch bores with the tip.
 
#31 ·
As I now understand the origin of the problem and have a plan to solve the problem, I think we can retire this thread. I particularly appreciated the chart on the differences between CIP and SAAMI standards for chambers and bores that was included in Reply number 21. That was very informative and exactly the kind of information I am always hoping to get in replies to my more serious posts.
 
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#35 ·
It sure is difficult getting a thread shut down. Rather than hijack this thread, why not just start a new thread talking about the new subject. I am guilty of the same at times and am trying to clean up my act too.

By the way, I would never run a rod with a bow in it, or that I could easily give a bow through any rifle of mine. That is what I was taught anyhow. Also, I never run a rod without a bore guide in place, as I was also taught. Unfortunately all of the bore guides I have found for CZs are open in the underside, when in place such that the cleaning solvent can drip into the action. The ones for my Anschutz and Rugers are round, with rubber chamber sealers and do not do that.