CZ 457

CZ 457 Models: American, Varmint, MTR, and LRP

The 457 American is the entry-level configuration — a 24.8” barrel, a classic American-style walnut stock, and CZ’s standard adjustable trigger in a package ideal for hunting and general precision shooting. The 457 Varmint adds a heavier 20.5” barrel for better harmonic consistency at the cost of some overall length. The 457 Varmint MTR (Match Target Rifle) is the precision-focused variant with a heavy threaded barrel, adjustable length-of-pull, and a chassis-style stock designed for bench and prone position shooting. The 457 LRP (Long Range Precision) is the top-tier competition configuration. For most buyers, the Varmint MTR hits the best balance of performance and value.

CZ 457 Interchangeable Barrel System

The 457’s most distinctive feature is its user-interchangeable barrel system. The barrel attaches to the receiver with a single large nut — no gunsmithing, no headspace gauges, no specialized tools required beyond a barrel wrench. This means one 457 receiver can host .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR barrels, with complete barrel swaps taking under five minutes. CZ sells replacement barrels in all three calibers across multiple lengths and profiles. For shooters who want the flexibility of multiple rimfire calibers without purchasing multiple complete rifles, the 457’s barrel system is genuinely practical and cost-effective.

CZ 457 Trigger: Adjustability and Performance

The 457 ships with CZ’s adjustable trigger factory-set at approximately 2 lbs. pull weight — already excellent for a production rimfire. The trigger is adjustable from 2 to 5 lbs. via a set screw without removing the stock, allowing shooters to customize feel for different applications (lighter for bench shooting, heavier for field carry). The trigger has minimal take-up and a clean break with a positive reset. Independent testing consistently rates the 457 trigger among the best production rimfire triggers available at any price. Aftermarket trigger upgrades are available for competition shooters who want to go below the factory minimum.

CZ 457 vs. Ruger American Rimfire: Which .22 Bolt Gun Wins?

The Ruger American Rimfire is CZ 457’s primary competition in the precision .22 bolt-action segment. The Ruger is typically priced lower and is available in more configurations; the CZ 457 offers a better factory trigger, cold hammer-forged barrel, and the interchangeable barrel system. Both are capable of sub-½-MOA accuracy with quality ammunition. For budget-focused buyers, the Ruger American Rimfire is excellent value. For shooters who want the best out-of-box trigger and future barrel-swapping flexibility, the CZ 457 justifies the premium. The 457 is also more widely used in competition where its trigger and barrel quality provide measurable advantages.

Best Ammunition for the CZ 457

The 457’s cold hammer-forged barrel responds well to premium ammunition. For competition and maximum precision, Eley Tenex, CCI Standard Velocity, and Lapua Center-X are the benchmark choices in .22 LR. For hunting and general use, CCI Mini-Mag in 36-grain HP is the most popular all-around load. The 457 is moderately ammo-sensitive — it’s worth testing several loads to find the one your specific rifle prefers, as barrel-to-ammunition compatibility varies. High-velocity loads generally produce less consistent accuracy than standard or subsonic loads in precision rimfire applications.

Frequently Asked Questions: CZ 457

What is the CZ 457?
The CZ 457 is a bolt-action rimfire rifle produced by CZ (Česká zbrojovka) in the Czech Republic — widely considered one of the finest production rimfire bolt-action rifles available. It replaced the CZ 452 and 455 series in 2019 with a new cold hammer-forged barrel, improved trigger, and a modular stock system. Available in .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR, the 457 is the benchmark for serious rimfire shooters who want match-grade accuracy from a production rifle at a reasonable price.

What makes the CZ 457 trigger special?
The CZ 457 uses a single-set trigger — a unique feature rarely found on production rimfire rifles. In standard mode, the trigger functions as a conventional crisp single-stage. When the trigger is pushed forward until it clicks (setting it), the trigger becomes an extremely light, glass-rod break requiring only ounces of pressure — ideal for bench rest shooting and maximum accuracy. This single-set capability provides two trigger modes in one package without requiring aftermarket modification.

How accurate is the CZ 457?
The CZ 457 Varmint and Match Target variants are genuinely sub-MOA rifles with quality ammunition — capable of competing with dedicated target rifles costing significantly more. The cold hammer-forged barrel, tight chamber dimensions, and excellent trigger combine to deliver accuracy that surprises many buyers accustomed to production rimfire prices. Ammunition selection matters significantly with the 457 — finding the specific .22 LR lot your rifle prefers (typically CCI Standard Velocity, Eley, or Lapua) is the key to unlocking its accuracy potential.

What variants does the CZ 457 come in?
The 457 lineup includes: American (standard sporter stock), Varmint (heavy barrel, wide target stock), Royal (walnut stock), Training Rifle (16-inch barrel, military-style stock), Scout (youth/compact), and Match Target (competition-grade). The Varmint is the most popular general-purpose target and pest control variant; the American is the hunting sporter. All share the same action and trigger.

See Also: CZ-USA Firearms • Ruger Precision Rimfire • Volquartsen • .22 LR Ammo • .22 WMR Ammo