I'm looking for a .22 magnum to shoot groundhogs at 50-150 yards accurately, with a smooth action. Is the Cooper worth the extra $1000 over the CZ? Is the heavy barrel that much better?

My CZ 452 American in (HMR) shoots great and looks it. After a $10 spring kit, it's trigger is every bit as good as the one in my original Kimber. A heavy barrel is largely meant to disapate heat and a bit to hold steady. It all depends on how you'll be using the gun. Off the bench, a heavy barrel may be better. But for walking around, the sporter barrel may be more appropriate. The 22 mag is essentially a 150 yard gun, barrel diameter won't change that.

Have owned a Cooper, and shot CZ's. Coopers are very accurate and very well made. Excellent fit and finish. Will probably be smoother than the CZ can be made, though they aren't terrible by any means. And also more accurate than average.

CZ's are bargains for the accuracy. The Cooper might be a touch more accurate off a bench. For shooting in the field likely not enough to matter. It will be smoother, $1000 smoother, I don't know.

Comments about the weight are well considered too. Though you can get a Cooper that weighs no more than the CZ just get the Classic rather than an LVT.

If you are asking if the Cooper will in the end be more effective than the CZ for your purposes, I would say probably not.

I agree with Esldude. Coopers are of higher quality, but CZ's are perhaps the best bang for the buck. And, when you're talking rimfire shooting (.22lr or mag), accuracy is generally not nearly as tight as with centerfires. Therefore, I've found that the quality of the action is less of an issue with rimfires than with centerfires. This is not to say that CZ is not of good quality; they're just not in Cooper territory. So, is the Cooper worth the extra $1000? IMO, not to shoot groundhogs.

depends on if you have an extra grand burning a hole in your pocket

Thanks all, I really appreciate the info. Great point about the rimfires. I'm just looking for something that will kill groundhogs quietly so I don't rile up the neighbors, and humanely. We looked at a CZ 452 this week--this one's wood was real pretty, and it was the first one we've seen that the wood wasn't touching the barrel on the right side.

I have a CZ American in 22 lr and a Cooper Varmit extreme in a 22-250 If you a looking for a beautiful well made rifle then the Cooper is for you. The CZ, is good looking but not in the same class as the Cooper. Whether looks are that important is up to you. I second what the other posters have said about fit, finish, smooth action, accuracy etc. DW

In the last year I bought a LH CZ 452, LH Cooper .22 mag, and 2 RH .22 Kimbers. Without a doubt the CZ is the best bang for the buck.
The Kimbers cost about $375 more than the CZ. Actions are nicer and rifle seems to be better balanced but plain wood (Hunter versions).
Add about $700 to the Kimber price and you have a Cooper and they are nicer still. With each price increase there is a improvement in quality.
Is it worth it? Good question. Only you can decide but whatever you choose, you will get what you paid for.

I have a CZ 452 in 22 wmr and I think it is the best bang for the buck out there, I bought mine for 325 and put a loopie vx2 2-7 on it and love it.

This line of thinking always makes me laugh. "It's only a rimfire". In my opinion, it makes more sense to invest in a gun that I'm going to shoot 20x's more and more often than a centerfire. You'll enjoy it that much more.

Same argument can be made with Savages and Sakos. So, if you enjoy quality and supporting an american company, go cooper. If you enjoy quality and economy, go czech. I bought a Savage/Anschutz 54 sporter and love it. It's got a permanent home in the safe and field.

I have 2 .22WMRF rifles. One is an Anschutz, the other a Marlin.
The Anschutz is beautifully made, very accurate horrendously expensive, and handles very well.
The Marlin is plain to look at, feels 'loggy', is very affordable and outshoots it by 0.20 MOA.

The others? I cannot comment except to say, get the one you like most. That way, you will be happy, and you will probably never notice the difference in the field, anyway.
Up to you, best of luck with your choice.