The purpose of this project is to build a .22LR benchrest rifle that will, "put the first 100 rounds through the same hole" . The specifications were simple and succinct, large stock in a benchrest style, heavy free-floated barrel, smooth action, great scope. No other details were expressed, other than for accuracy. Initial thought was of using a press fit pinned barrel system for the building block of the rifle. But after a week of tossing ideas around in my head, I decided that a unique opportunity had arisen and I should make the most of it, a chance to build a rifle without precedence, without a mold. I decided to start with a CZ-452. The CZ actions are made from solid bar stock and the barrels are threaded which allow for a solid barrel to receiver fit. The CZ is also very user friendly, with the requested "smooth action".

Bedding

Grey Marine-tex was used to bed the rifle. I used two pillars in the stock to avoid different pressure points that might effect accuracy. The front pillar system is described above. Space was at a premium for the rear pillar. The pillar was installed into the hole for the rear action screw. After bedding the action into the stock, I  carefully milled away a portion of the upper half of the rear pillar to allow room for the sear to rotate. The barrel was free-floated.

 Crowning

Much deliberation was taken in deciding what type of crown to use. In the end, I decided on a "Deep Dish" 11 degree target crown which protects the crown better than most, shoots fantastic, and deadens the nose to a certain extent by directing the noise forward. It also looks good and it is unlike the normal type of crown used on a benchrest rifle.

The Old vs. the New

The original barrel system used an under-lug that was part of the rear sight assembly for the front lock-down screw. The new barrel has the same idea but in a more simplistic fashion. The under-lug was made from a section of the barrel that was threaded internally and then dovetailed to the bottom of the Lilja barrel. A second section of the barrel was used to make a permanent pillar that was bedded into the forend of the stock. A screw goes up through the permanent pillar and locks into the under-lug on the barrel holding it securely in the stock. The new under-lug on the barrel acts as a recoil lug and is very effective in this purpose. Another unique feature of this rifle is the scope mounting setup. Originally the receiver had a dovetailed rib that was integral to the action. The new improved receiver mount had the dovetail re-machined to create a straight sided rib. A custom weaver type scope base was then manufactured with a slot milled in the bottom that interlocked the rib perfectly. Five 6-48 machine screws firmly hold the scope base to the receiver.

 Final Finishing

With the bedding completed, the stock shaping came next. The front portion of the comb was cut into a long gently flowing curve to allow for unimpeded removal of the bolt handle. The bolt handle cutout was carved into a " scooped out " diamond pattern which allows easy access and uninhibited operation. The area of wood surrounding the bottom metal was cut flush for easier use and aesthetics. A different approach to the forend tip style was employed, no straight angles, it was contoured to a half circle, 90 degrees parallel to the top surface of the forend giving it a bold look. The decisions on the shaping were each made in an effort to accentuate and expose the multiple laminate layers, as is demonstrated clearly on the grip (see photo)  The stock was finished using numerous coats of Permayln gunstock finish which was then hand buffed using a 3M product to give it an ultra smooth satin feel and look A flat 1/8" piece of finely bead blasted aluminum was used to fashion the buttplate. The length of pull was kept slightly short, appropriate to bench rest shooting, which will allow the shooter closer proximity to the scope from the seated position.

The End Results