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Timney Trigger for CZ 452 Rimfire: A Detailed Fitting Guide and Review
- By Chris Parkin
- Last updated: 13/08/2025
Timney manufactures a vast array of replacement triggers for rifles of all descriptions, and I was keen to try fitting one to one of my rifles.
The CZ 452 is an incredibly common firearm, and many of us either own one, learned to shoot with one, or have at least encountered one. The thing is, they’re as accurate as you could want and will pretty much last forever, but the triggers are basic and offer no adjustability.
Now, adjusting a trigger won’t necessarily make you a better shot, but metallic components wear, and when a rifle can last tens of thousands of rounds, that wear leads to creep and grittiness. Let’s be honest: these rifles were designed in an era of hand finishing, long before the precision tolerances we now expect.
The Timney arrives in a small box, with instructions, some stickers, and a “go-for-it” mindset. Step one, of course, is to clear a workspace and ensure your rifle is unloaded, with the bolt removed.
There are three screws to remove from the underside of the rifle, although this can vary depending on your specific CZ variant and stock. These screws hold the trigger guard in place, but the action itself is secured to the stock with two machine screws spanning the magazine well. Nothing will spring out, so just be patient.
It’s worth noting that although Timney says “no gunsmithing required”, they’re assuming you’re familiar with basic hand tools.
Fortunately, there’s nothing to lose from your new integrated unit, but the old trigger must be removed. It’s pinned into the action with two main pins. You don’t need specialist tools, but a 3/32” or 2.3mm punch is mandatory. Use it carefully (without brute force) to drift out the two pins holding the trigger components in place.
Once out, the old parts fall free, and these are the only bits you’ll reuse, so don’t lose them. I recommend placing a soft cloth under the receiver to catch anything that might fall, preventing it from bouncing off the workbench and disappearing forever.
At this point, give the receiver a good clean and ensure no compressed dirt remains in any of its slots. I used a rubber-jawed bench vice, which made the job easier, but if you don’t have one, improvisation will do.
The Timney Trigger for CZ 452 rimfire unit comes pre-adjusted from the factory and features two basic adjusters. The larger one at the top is for pull weight, which is adjustable from 2–4lbs (~900–1800g) and includes a locknut. The lower one is for sear engagement and is thread-locked in place, so I’d leave that one alone for now.
It’s pretty clear where the Timney slots into the action. Once aligned, the original pin holes become apparent. Drive the pins back in using the punch and light taps with a small hammer. Before doing so, loosen the trigger mounting grub screw underneath.
I often find it helpful to insert a slightly undersized drill bit through the holes to help with alignment before inserting the interference-fit pins. Take your time and let the trigger unit seat itself naturally. The front pin is slightly longer than needed, so just tap it until it sits evenly on both sides. It’s not critical to be perfectly even.
Once the pins are back in, the trigger may feel a bit loose. Don’t panic, as this is expected. Use an Allen key to tighten the mounting screw from underneath while gently wiggling the trigger. You’ll feel it gradually centre itself and tighten in place. No specific torque values are given, so use common sense. Once the wobble stopped, I added an additional quarter-turn. It’s a small Allen key, so don’t overtighten.
The Timney unit has different dimensions than the original trigger, so you’ll probably need to do some minor inletting to the stock. This is where common sense and hand tool skills come in. CZ stocks do vary slightly in shape and size internally, but you’ll likely need to widen the trigger pocket a bit and possibly lengthen the front edge by about 1mm.
Timney recommends a Dremel, but I used fine files. Seeing as the Timney has two spur-like extensions on the internal sears that project rearward, you’ll probably also need to relieve some material at the rear of the inlet, adjacent to the rear action screw.
These operations have to be done gradually and in coordination, as you can’t fit the action into the stock until both front and rear clearances are correct. Don’t rush, remove minimal material, and check the fit frequently. The CZ 452 doesn’t produce recoil heavy enough to crack a stock easily, but you still want to avoid removing more than necessary.
Once everything fits and you can cycle the bolt freely, make sure the bolt can be removed and reinstalled with the action mounted in the stock. This is critical because if the bolt is inserted before the action is secured, those two rear sear spurs may prevent removal or reinstallation later.
I think the whole job took me about an hour, but I was photographing and filming along the way. Once the sawdust is cleared and the action is clean, it’s time to reassemble everything.
Many people caution against dry-firing rimfires, and technically, it’s not ideal, but I’ve done it thousands of times with this tough old CZ, and it’s never shown signs of damage. That said, it’s your responsibility to follow all standard safe-handling procedures and get familiar with your new trigger before making any adjustments to pull weight or sear engagement (which is likely thread-locked for a reason).
The rifle now feels more refined and precise, making it easier for novices to handle with confidence. The trigger blade shape is more defined, and I measured the breaking weight at 1300g (2lbs 13oz) as supplied, which works well, even when I am shooting with gloves on.
Later adjustments are straightforward if desired; you just need to follow the instructions. A crisp trigger truly transforms the CZ 452, and I would thoroughly recommend considering one for your rifle. GM
Reviewer: Chris Parkin
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