• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

TOP PREDATOR

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 19, 2008
4,591
83
53
SCRANTON AREA PENNSYLVANIA
A few projects posted here at the Hide concerning putting a rimfire rifle into an AICS stock had really grabbed my attention, and when I finally decided on getting a CZ 455 Varmint I figured it would make the perfect conversion.

So I scanned the airsoft suppliers websites everyday and did some research finding that the Well G96 folding stock has the most features replicated from the oringinated AICS, further reviewd here: AICS AIRSOFT STOCK for Rimfire Conversion Review

In theory, the weight and the aluminum bedding block should provide a solid platform to mount the action, which should also increase accuracy / consistancy.

The installation wasn't hard at all, It was mostly time consuming - trim a little, fit a little, assemble, disasemble, reassemble, repeat. It's really not harder than installing a doorknob, just take a little patience and time.

Remove the rear stock section from the hinge. Unscrew the 2 set screws (you'll need metric hex wrenches) and tap out the hinge pin. Be careful not to loose the pin or the metal sleeve that it goes in.

Remove the skins from the front stock section. Start by removing the screws and the latching knob that locks the folded butt stock in place. CAREFULLY seperate the skin from the aluminum block. lightly pry with a flat screwdriver the skins around the trigger guard and grip. There are several pins throughout, be careful not to crack the plastic or deform the plastic while prying apart.

spittingthestock.jpg


I originally took all of the stock apart and "shimmed" all of the interlocking parts with a quick wrap of electrical tape to make sure all the parts mated solidly. There was a little play here and there, the tape stopped that "slop" and cured a few rattles. I put the subframes back together - use clear nail polish or Loc tite on them and be careful not to strip out the screws and treads.

WHAT I CONSIDER THE MOST IMPORTANT - position the action in the aluminum block, taking into consideration the trigger position in the trigger guard. All of your other modifications will be based off that. As the action will be going in and out of the block numerous times, put a piece of duct tape at the top front end of the block to protect the bottom of the barrel from being scratched or marked up during fitting, or just wrap the barrel itself to protect it.

Also when positioning and fitting the action to the block, take your time when screwing in the action screws. Do not take a chance of stripping outthe action treads just to get it done quickly...if it doesn't line up the first or second time that you try it, don't force it.

Mark any place you have to trim, with the 455, I had to remove the crossmember shown below, then further trim out to allow clearance of the trigger sear. Those areas marked with scratched lines beow.

1STCUTOUT.jpg


2NDCUTOUT.jpg


I then beveled the edges with a file the best that I could to match the rest of the beveled edge on the block.

BEVELEDEDGE.jpg


Use the mounting blocks that was used to mount the airsoft action to mount your rimfire action. Below you can see that I chamfered the block in order to use the original mounting bolts of the CZ.

Note the extra hole on the side. It was used to allow the skin mounting screw pass through to the other side. So to help stiffen up the aluminum block and have less movement of the mounting blocks, I drilled holes in the sides of the aluminum block and put in tension pins to hold the action blocks in place.

BEDDINGBLOCKANDPILLAR.jpg


Also note above the pillars I was to use. They are called rivnuts, they have treads inside that must be drilled out. You can find these in many hardware stores, or simply use a spacer also found in the nut and bolt section.

You will have to trim these to length. Once you have a feel for how high your action will sit above the bedding block, you can cut to length. Also try to V notch them so they center themselves on the rounded action.


***CONTINUED***
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

The front pillar needs the most attention, as it is a tight fit between the action screw and the magazine well and screw, you'll have to flatten one side of the pillar.

pillarsb4andafter2.jpg


Here are the mounting blocks slid back into the frame with duct tape on either side to make sure the pins do not fall out, and a close up of the front pillar and mounting bolt. Note on the top picture the small sanded indention all the way to the left on the block. Originally, I though it would be a great way to help keep the action from moving side to side. Turns out when I put the skins back on, the bolt did not clear the stock. The action sat too low in the block. MAKE SURE OF YOUR BOLT CLEARACE BEFORE YOU GO FURTHER!
beddingblocksandfrpillar.jpg


So now I decided I had to raise up the action. I like the idea of a V cut in the pillar, then though a V shaped washer that the action can rest on will work too. So the below are actually 2 ways of mounting the action - by pillar only and by washer. As the action sat higher, I needed longer action bolts. I found 6MM pan head bolts that will do until I can get nicer ones elswhere. To measure how long they will have to be, cover the beginning of the bolt with baby powder and turn into the action. When bottomed out, you'll know how long you need them to be by looking at the amount of baby powder is missing, plus it's another good way of seeing how long your pillars should be.

A view of the V bent washer.
washerbend.jpg


An exploded view of the pillar and washer versions:
pillarandwasherversionsexploded.jpg


Mount the action, note any other trimming you may need to make.
ACTIONMOUNTEDTOFRAME.jpg



***CONTINUED***


 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

A side by side view of the pillar and the washer intalls. I later had to file one side of the round edges so that the skin can wrap around the action better without interference from the washer.
pillarandwsherinblock.jpg


A close up of the rear notched pillar. Note that it is just above a non-bent washer. The action is actually riding on the pillar, not the washer so it remained flat.

pillarsthroughwasher.jpg


Check the barrel clearance, and make sure that it is even. If tilted too much, you wil have to trim down either the front or back pillar. There is almost a 1/4" of even clearance shown here.

barrelgap.jpg


With the action tightened down, and all internal clearances checked, reassemble the skins. You may have to further open the holes on the bottom through the trigger guard for access to the rear action mounting screw. Sand paper wrapped around a 3/8 ratchet wrench extention gave me a very round and more open hole. With the skins attached, check again for bolt clearance.

boltclearance.jpg


With the skins still attached, check for fit again around the action. It is also a good time to mark the stock to allow a notch to be made for your bolt handle to close.

Once marked, remove the skins again, use a file, then sandpaper to make the notch. I liked to bevel the bottom edge for a more pleasant presentation. Once proper clearance on the plastic is achieved check that the bolt does not rest on the aluminum block and closes fully. I had to go back and make a notch in the block.
boltnotch.jpg



***CONTINUED***
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

Another pictue of it coming together.

boltnotchandaction.jpg


A bottom view shows the CZ magwell inside the AICS magwell. Note the change in the action screws, and how the front screw is easily reached through the mag well. As you can see how recessed the mag well is, the use of a 10 round mag is suggested. The added length allows you to reach it well. Before reassembly of the skins, remember to put the magazine caliber change spacer back in, along with the pin. I also added some duct tape to the pin's holes so that the pin does not fall out. it appears there is just a little more side to side open area than the wooden stock inlet.

magazinewellbottom.jpg


A bottom view with the skins on, and CZ magazine in. If you wish, the AICS airsoft mag can be "gutted" of the air resevoir leaving the dummy mag to be notched and trimmed to fit in to the mag well, basically shrouding the regular CZ magazine. I found it tough to get my finger in there to release the CZ magazine with the airsoft magazine in place, so I will remove it when shooting (neat for looks as your setting up at the range).
magwellwskinnotchedmag.jpg


sideviewwithmagshroud.jpg


A bottom view of the mag well with the "dummy" magazine inserted. Also a view of the barrel channel alignment. Lines up pretty good!
botviewshroudbarrelchannel.jpg



***CONTINUED***



 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

Now that things are getting buttoned up, check for little things around the action that may need more trimming.

rearofactionfit.jpg


Check the action height again so it doesn't look odd.
actionheights.jpg


When satisfied, press the skins back together minding the pins along the way, insert and tighten the screws that attach the skins together. Don't forget about the folding stock latch knob. Actually put a small lock washer around the threaded post to keep it from loosening.

I did notice some movement or "slop" when it came to the hinge, so I noticed the sleeve that the pin goes into was slightly larger than the hinge base. I trimmed it down to be flush (which made it wobble more), then added a round "inner star type" lock washer to shim the hinge. To make sure it was thin enough, I flattened it with a hammer and tapped it in far enough so that the pin can go through it, keeping the washer in place. The stock is now rock solid, not one hint of movement or slop in it!

Once together, check for proper functioning of the bolt, trigger, safety. Make sure the magazine ejects, and that here are no other functional problems.

fullboltsideviewandfolded.jpg


cleansideviewfullandfolded.jpg


addtionalsideviews.jpg




***CONTINUED***
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

All in all, I was very satisfied with the build, it exceeded my expectation of how easy it was (though time consuming) to install, and the aparant quality of the stock. The use of measuring tools...forget it. It is one of those things that sort of has to be eyeballed. But a little thought and some planning can turn your plain Jane rimfire rifle into the Cinderella of the range.

For well under the price of a Tacticool stock, the AICS has an aluminum bedding block, length of pull adjustment, 4 way adjustable cheek piece, a target styled grip angle with a very contoured and comfortable thumbhole, built in rear monopod, and more. It can be further bedded with bedding material, and the stock also has a groove in the bottom of the forestock for positioning bipods or handstops in various locations.

scoped.jpg


additionalview3.jpg


additionalview2.jpg


QUARTERINGVIEW.jpg


It just seemed that either the stock was meant for this rifle, or this rifle was made for the stock. Certain angles and lines just seemed to match up with each other, producing a very symbiotic look between the action and stock.

It's not just for looks either. The before (factory wood stock) and after (AICS stock) after a few days at the range proved that although there was no real clear evidence that accuracy was improved, there was no real clear evidence that accuracy was hurt either. The rifle actually shot as well as it did beforehand, .30" to .75" at 50 yards (.5" average), .75" to 1.5" at 100 yards (just a litlle under 1.25" average), and between 6.5" and 9.25" (7.6" average) using Wolf MT, CCI Standard Velocity, and Federal Bulk pack HV.

That's using both the washer only and the pillar & washer install, i think I'm staying with the washer install.

To wrap up the install, I'll take it apart again, install a trigger kit, then paint all the aluminum & steel parts so they all match for a clean look.


It's also a rather comfortable stock to shoot from the bench or prone, and the built in features are handy, although the rear retractable monopod seemed to get more in the way when using a rear bag. The monopod by itself is a little "squishy" and I wouldn't really depend on it, but something is better than nothing if your in a hurry.


All in all, no regrets on going with the AICS conversion.
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

Wow! That looks like a good project for next winter! Great step by step, with really good pictures for us folks that process things better visually.
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

Hats off to TOP PREDATOR, Blackwhiskey & TheWoodyguy.

Very inspirational to say the least.
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

awesome looking... you or someone should start charging to convert these and rem rifles into these stocks im sure folks would pay to have thre rifles returned with these stocks fitted i know i would.... look great
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: donniedee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">awesome looking... you or someone should start charging to convert these and rem rifles into these stocks im sure folks would pay to have thre rifles returned with these stocks fitted i know i would.... look great</div></div>
I'm thinking about it.
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

thanks for the atta boys. i've done some strange and / or neat things to rimfires before, but this project is at the top of my list of "holy crap, i made that?" list.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: donniedee</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> would pay to have thre rifles returned with these stocks fitted i know i would.... </div></div>

perhaps you can give me a number ($)?

i don't know how much someone would pay, it really isn't that hard to do. heck the instructions are above
laugh.gif
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

Forgot to add: Do you know if viper skins would fit?
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

i used the gas one G-96. Don't know if the spring will have the same cavity or aluminum bedding block.

no idea if the viper skins would fit, i'm guessing they would as they are going off the original deminsions of the original AICS.
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

In hind sight, do you think there would have been a way to mount the action forward more so that the bolt closed in the existing groove?
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

such a cool project, nice work and attention to detail
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SLO</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In hind sight, do you think there would have been a way to mount the action forward more so that the bolt closed in the existing groove? </div></div>

I don't think so. If you noticed the trigger is positioned in the dead nuts center of the trigger guard. By moving the action fwd you may be able to use the original notch for the bolt but the trigger would be in an unsightly awkward position.
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CL1KKL4C</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SLO</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In hind sight, do you think there would have been a way to mount the action forward more so that the bolt closed in the existing groove? </div></div>

I don't think so. If you noticed the trigger is positioned in the dead nuts center of the trigger guard. By moving the action fwd you may be able to use the original notch for the bolt but the trigger would be in an unsightly awkward position. </div></div>

I am finishing my CZ in L96 airsoft stock project. I have actually been able to move mine forward so that the bolt handle fits in the existing stock bolt handle groove. Also the action and barrel look much better as it sits forward enough to match up with the ejection cut out. TOP PREDATOR did an amazing job with his build and if it were not for his post I would not even attempt my build. There were a couple of things that I saw that to me did not look right (having 2 bolt handle notches in the stock and also having the barrel and action sit too far back so that the barrel looks like it is in the area where the action should be) so I made improvements to my build. Both of these problems were solved by moving the action forward.

Gene
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

^ thanks for the compliment.

i'm going to fill the "extra bolt groove" with some epoxy to make it look normal when the rifle is ready for paint.

still mulling over if i should go tan stock, OD green receiver, + barrel, or visa verca. wanted to do a camo pattern, but i think it may give a cheapened look. perhaps all tan or green, haven't decided. want to go with a "sophisticated" look. stil;l have a Yo dave trigger kit to install and decided to go with the cheap oversized fast steel epoxy oversized bolt handle i did on my MKII. with that i can get just the right size, angle, and shape for about $6.00

the biggest concern when it came to the groove (at least for me) was the trigger placement in the guard and how it mates with my grip. looks could be changed easily enough, it was the trigger positioning that was my biggest concern.

i actually should have put it back another 1/8" to 1/4" for more comfort, but then the receiver sat a little too far back.

can't wait to see your project when it's done..
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

The spring airsoft rifles have a plastic body and no metal in them to speak of. If you are wanting to do this mod get a gas AICS rifle.
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

This may be a completely stupid question but I will throw it out there anyway. I have a 40x remington.... could it be put into an airsoft stock? I have wanted to upgrade the factory stock but just can not justify the $850+ it would take for a "real" AICS. Not to mention, this conversion really looks like fun.....
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

What are the measurements for your bolt holes?

I have part of my stock sitting here at my desk at work, I can get you some measurements.

A quick measure and I am getting 6.5" between the mounting holes. And 7.5" from the rear bolt to the barrel lug. That is for a TANAKA AICS stock, you can find them for around $150 online from time to time.
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

Thanks Woogie_man, I am at work and will not be able to get measurements until tonight. I am pretty sure though that a short action remington 700 is 6.5 between the bolt holes. The measurement to the recoil lug I have no idea on though. I just thought someone might know off the top of their head.

I really appreciate the measurements of your stock. $150 sure does sound a lot better than $850!!!
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

I am trying to find one that is for sale, but I am having a heck of a time. Though you can usually find the entire rifle for around $400, and then sell the actual rifle to someone.
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

That was one of the questions that I had with this conversion Woogie_man is there an actual market for the gun after you canabalize the stock? That could make the entire conversion even less if some of the airsofters out there would buy the other parts. I have been doing some digging on these but have not been able to find much.
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

I can talk to some of the guys that I do work for and see what they think about that. I know many of the guys like to have custom stocks built for the rifles and what not, so they may be willing to buy just the reciever and barrel assembly.

Let me do some checking with my airsoft group of guys and I will let everyone know. I will also try and get into contact with the main company as well, and see if one couldn't get just the stock.
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

Can you find just the CZ 455 action or barreled action? I would gladly trade a complete Wells G96 new for a host rifle or barreled action! I don't feel like spending $300-$400 for the CZ just to strip it down.
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

Cant you sell the stock though?

I am sure someone would be willing to pick it up from you, or if you do plan on selling the rifle you will have two stocks to sell with it.

Or try contacting CZUSA and see if you can't get just the barreled action.
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

I simply adore it. I have played with this idea for some time now, and to see someone do it so well is amazing. Definitely motivates me to finally make it myself.
But from the start there has been a few things making me uncertain if its possible. One of which is the length of the rifle, because of stupid regulations in my country. Would you be kind enough to measure the overall length when the stock is folded? The back of the grip seems to extend furthest back. If its only 2 inches too short I was thinking I could maybe permanently attach a muzzle brake to make it meet the minimum length requirement. If more, I will have to go with a non-folding stock. And then I will also have to make my own metal insert. Actually before seeing this I didnt even know some airsoft guns had the insert, and making my own was the original plan. Thanks in advance.
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

just under 31" (inches) foled with a 20" barrel. i don't know what that translates to in your country (metric / standard)

measured fromthe muzzle to the bottom of the grip, it is the longest part when folded.

i actually just got the folder as it was another feature to make it tacticoolish. with the extra work stripping the stock and using the electrical tape as a shimming media to make sure it was solid in the hinge and subframe, i should have just gone with the non folder, as the rifle is now so darn heavy (near 15 pounds) i doubt i'll be carrying it anywhere that neccessitates the shorter length.

i think the Wells non folder has a aluminum block too.
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

Looks great TOP PREDATOR. I just scored a Well G96 Gas Airsoft Sniper on ebay a few weeks back. Looks exactly like yours - the .22. But I'm going to try and fit a Mossberg MVP 223 when it comes in from budsgunshop (with complete build post to follow if it works) and if it doesnt I guess its own to another .22 build.

Also what kind of accuracy are you getting shooting off the monopod. Mine feels very unstable.

So if you have any group pics. Im sure im not the only one wanting to see them.
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

the monopod is actually kinda sucky, i wouldn't have to depend on it, but that's ok it's tacticoolish while it's there.

actually using a bag, it's sort of annoying it seems to interfere with the bag and doesn't lock when retracted giveing a quishy feel. i'm thinking of just taking it off altogether.

groups are not much different than before the stock install, at least not noticably different.

still not regreting doing it.
 
Re: CZ455 Varmint into AICS airsoft stock P1

You are correct pred. the internal stocks of most non folders are going to have the mag well integrated into the chassis system. The TANAKA AICS stock is actually in three parts. So if you were able to machine up a different stock tube you would be able to put on any kind of M4 stock you wanted.

http://www.tacticalairsoftct.com/products/Right-Hook-Fabrication-Mantis-Sniper-System.html

Though that is a crazy price to pay for a basic rifle.
 
Question to gsetto99
Is it possible do the same (use existing handle groove and sit barrel forward) for Well G96 airsoft stock? What is full description and manufaturer name for AISC airsoft L96 you have used? I have sent you a private email, hope to get answer. Thanks for help.
 
aics, i sent a PM, but copied and pasted here:

<<<<<<<<<<i don't know of the L96, as i did the G96. but while doing research on finding the "proper" stock, i think the only difference is the L96 is a non-folder, and the G-96 is a folder.

since i've done that modification to the stock and putting in the CZ, i've sold the stock - AND REGRET IT.

i put on a tacticool stock, which is more the profile of my centerfires, and the tacticool is a whole lighter, but the tacticool could REALLY use a pillar bedding job - almost requires one.

IMO, the airsoft aics is alot more solid than the tacticool after it's converted, and well worth doing.>>>>>>>