[Mister_22]

I have to believe everyone here loves looking at them, if not fondling or owning one (esp. in this CZ Forum!).

I have personally been wanting one since their release in late 2016. The LGS's were not getting them in. They were willing to order them and you just had to take your chances on what arrived. I was beginning to see that the wood was all over the place on the GF's, and I was just not willing to take a chance that I might end up with a dog, for what was, to me, a lot of change ($1095 retail, if I recall).

Seems the longer I held off, the more elusive they became..., then they dried up (sold out)! Then the prices started to take off on them. Purchasing one at retail was no longer an option! I kicked myself for not pulling the trigger and just ordering one. Seems like even the fence posts are now bringing high prices/high bids. According to the naysayers, these were going to be a flash in the pan and would someday bring, maybe what a guy paid for one, or even sell for a loss. I think they have been proven wrong.

Long story, even longer. I started my search for just the "right one". I am picky and have a huge affinity for High End Twenty Two's! My searches came up dry. I searched for 7 years..., looking for, "The One", and I think I finally found it! I knew I was going to have to bite the bullet and pony up a lot of that "change" I had been saving for one.

I think you might agree, this was the one!...
















(Seller's Photos, I'll post some up later)

I have scoured all of the gun forums seeking out what others have scored and thought it would be nice to have one particular place to look (I chose this forum, as it is the most specialized and most popular), to share and even track what we have. Not only pictures but the stories behind them, and serial numbers, as well. Trying to put some time-line together on these. I know there are some that balk at the idea of posting serial numbers, but I believe it's a bunch of hooey. If it makes you feel better, how about 5XX, or 57X, etc.? Most of us post pictures of our guns and the serial numbers are clearly visible.

My Serial # is: 4520109. The 109th one made! 1st month of production…, 1st week..., I wonder?!

The included target shows it was tested on Feb. 24th, 2017. That’s some cool information. Perhaps, these were not even put into production until early 2017. I can't imagine these sat around for 3 or 4 months before being tested, and then sent out to the distributers. If you have the targets or original paperwork, this information would be valuable too.

Please post up those CZ 452 GF's, Grand Finales, I really want to see 'em! Thanx and another novella comes to an end.

Take Care, All,
Robert

 

[Mister_22]

The Grand Finale comes up Down Under a fair bit. its listed on one dealers site as stil available (apparently they have a few).

The limited edition 453 and the 50th anniversary 452 come up a fair bit too - considering a 453 Limited right now.

@LewisM, I would bet that if you actually placed an order for one, it would show on backorder. A couple of sites in the states have it listed for MSRP, that are proven scam sites.

I just learned about the 50th... great, now I'll need one of these!

 

[Mister_22]

There were a couple of limited series 452's, the Grand Finale's played out slow for some reason, myself and a local friend asked the LGS to order us one, when the two came in I was the first to come by. I only live about a mile from the store. We opened both boxes and I picked the one I liked best and purchased it, he purchased the other but wasn't happy as it was rather plain. He contacted CZ and sent it back and they sent him another which he was pleased with.

This is mine.

Not the fanciest but I'm happy with it. Oh and one of the nimrods here swore the black tips were only paint or stain on the stock, lol, there are a few tools on this forum unfortunately.

Finally..., a serial#! #305, thanx @gmd1950!! You have a date off of the target for me?

Pretty piece, as well!

Yes, I read all of the BS about the "Black Paint" too!

 

[Mister_22]

@bandit1250, I don't know where you got that post from, but if @22rimfire22, sees this, I would sure like to see your 4 or 5 GF's and those serial #'s you have memorized, along with some dates. The consecutive ones are very interesting.

 

[Mister_22]

View attachment 375305

Here ya go Josh...







As you know, lighting is the whole trick. With my "one hand holds", it's impossible to get all of the nuances of the grain, etc. I wish I had a more professional set-up. People say the photos never do the piece justice..., So true!!


@Rnj66... yer post is pretty funny!

 

[Mister_22]

Nuff said...??!!





That grain is, even pretty much, a close match to the walnut... which is probably plastic.

I also own a CZ 452 Grand Finale with very nice wood which I got lucky buying blind and shipped from the warehouse. I bought it 4-5 years ago when I was looking around and saw they were on sale at one of the online Armory store and decide quickly as I knew at less than $800 it would not last long before it's all gone from the market. I was very surprised to see the beautiful wood when it took it out of the box at my FFL dealer. I don't baby it like most of the guys that posted here, I hunt with mine to appreciate the beauty and accuracy of this rifle. Mine is very accurate as well and so that put the icing on the cake of a beautiful wood. A beautiful wood that shoots like crap I know I would not own it long term as I am crazy for nice wood and accuracy both or not worth keeping in my collection.

@SneakyHunter..., how about a pix, serial number, target date, etc.?? Thanx for posting.

 

[Mister_22]

I don't know Man... that's pretty sweet!! Thanx for posting.

Why is it like pulling teeth to get a serial number & target date outta you guys?

 

[Mister_22]

Another novella..

I am really sorry to come across as "strong arming" you guys! Some of my responses are my terrible attempt at humor. No, I do not want to fight over this either. @fourbore, you say, "Did you contact CZ? I dont mean just an email to CZ USA. Really make an effort?". What else do you suggest for an extra effort??

I am always interested in the history of my firearms. Sure, they have to look good as well as being accurate. I feel the GF's are something special and I am interested in production dates (where mine falls into it), when were they first delivered, how long did production take for the 1000, etc., etc. Mine is #109 (the first 11% of production), and that just kinda fascinates me to know if it was made the first day, first week, the first month, etc. By gathering this data, I am hoping I can possibly put a time-line together to answer some of these questions. We're these made in order? Hopefully the target date will correlate w/production dates, etc. Were the 1st ones put together with more care and better wood than towards the end of the run, etc.?

So, yes, a lot of questions, primarily for my own curiosity, and hopefully, others that own GF's that may have the same curiosity/questions (I would also like to find all of this info for the 452's, 455's and 457's, as well!).

No, I have not contacted CZ, as I am sure they have more important things to do than to satisfy the curiosity of some customer. I wish they had an archive department like S&W, Colt, etc. That would be cool and, to me worth the $25-50 to obtain a certificate on my rifles.

@SneakyHunter, I too have looked at the Steyr Zephyr (the new ones) what a beautiful and well crafted rifle, and I was ready to pull the trigger, but what held me back was the same thing that drew me to it! That gorgeous cheek piece. However..., I am left handed and I researched if it came out in a LH configuration and was told it didn't. Dam... I still want one! Who, knows, if the one with some outstanding wood, should happen to cross my path... it'll make its way to the safe. I have had to pass on several with Monte Carlo cheek pieces (plus, I really don't like the look). Not to say I don't own a few right handed guns, but the cp is not that prominent. They still have to feel right. Plus, if I ever needed to part with them (rarely!), it is a lot easier. The GF is, basically ambidextrous and I love it!

To me..., this is my way of, "smelling the flowers"!

Also, thanx for the suggestion about PM'ing me instead of posting. Good suggestion, that never crossed my mind. if you are so inclined... please, do so!

End of chapter 2 (thank Gawd, huh?)