Description
The CZ 457 American is a bolt-action rimfire rifle chambered in .17 HMR. It features a 24.8-inch cold hammer-forged barrel for superior accuracy, a classic American-style walnut stock, and a 5-round detachable magazine. This model represents a significant value in the precision rimfire market, blending Czech engineering with a traditional hunting rifle aesthetic for under five hundred dollars.
Key Features
- Cold Hammer Forged Barrel: The 24.8″ barrel is forged for exceptional longevity and consistent accuracy, a feature often reserved for much more expensive centerfire rifles.
- Classic Walnut Stock: The American-style stock provides a timeless look and a solid, comfortable platform for off-hand or rested shooting.
- Precision Bolt Action: The smooth, short-throw CZ action is known for its reliability and is user-configurable for different rimfire cartridges.
- .17 HMR Chambering: This high-velocity round offers a flat trajectory and explosive terminal performance on varmints out to 200 yards.
- Detachable Magazine: The 5-round magazine is easy to load and swap, making range sessions or pest control more efficient.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber | .17 HMR |
| Action | Bolt Action |
| Barrel Length | 24.8″ |
| Barrel Type | Cold Hammer Forged |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 Rounds |
Weighing in at approximately 6.6 pounds, the CZ 457 American balances well for a rimfire rifle, feeling substantial without being cumbersome. The overall length with that long barrel is about 43.5 inches, so keep that in mind for storage. The real story is the barrel—cold hammer forging work-hardens the steel, creating an incredibly durable and accurate bore that resists wear. This process is a major contributor to the rifle’s value, as it’s a manufacturing step many competitors skip to hit lower price points. The single-set trigger is adjustable, letting you fine-tune the pull weight to your preference, which is a feature you simply don’t find on rifles in this class. The stock is a straightforward, no-frills American pattern walnut that fits out of the box for most adult shooters, requiring no gunsmithing for a solid, repeatable cheek weld and shoulder fit.
Who Is This Rifle For?
This rifle is built for the shooter who needs reliable, repeatable accuracy without a four-figure price tag. It’s a perfect match for the Missouri varminter dealing with groundhogs or coyotes at extended rimfire ranges. It’s also an ideal first “serious” rifle for a new shooter interested in precision or a fantastic foundational platform for a .17 HMR enthusiast who appreciates traditional wood and steel. Target shooters who enjoy rimfire benchrest or silhouette competitions will find the CZ 457’s inherent accuracy a strong starting point. Here’s the thing—if you’re just plinking cans at 50 yards, this rifle is overkill. But if you demand small groups at 100 yards and beyond, it’s a tool that won’t hold you back.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The cold hammer-forged barrel is the star, providing match-grade potential at a sporter price. The adjustable trigger is a huge benefit for precision work. The classic walnut and blued steel construction offers timeless appeal and durability. At $480.99, it undercuts many comparable rifles while offering features they lack. The action is famously robust and can be easily swapped to other CZ 457 barrels in .22 LR or .22 WMR.
Cons: The 24.8-inch barrel can feel a bit long and unwieldy in dense brush or a cramped blind. The walnut stock, while handsome, is more susceptible to dings and weather than a synthetic option. The .17 HMR cartridge itself is more expensive to shoot than .22 LR, so practice ammo costs add up. Some may find the classic styling a bit plain compared to more tactical rimfire options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I convert this rifle to shoot .22 Long Rifle?
A: Yes, one of the major advantages of the CZ 457 platform is its modularity. You can purchase a separate .22 LR barrel (from CZ or aftermarket brands like Lilja) and often swap it yourself. The magazine is different, so you’ll need a .22 LR magazine as well, but the action is designed for this flexibility.
Q: Is the .17 HMR round good for anything besides varmints?
A: Its primary design is for small to medium varmints like prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and foxes. It’s not recommended for larger game or for use where over-penetration is a concern, as the bullet is very frangible. For target shooting, it’s excellent due to its high velocity and flat trajectory.
Q: What kind of scope base does it use?
A: The CZ 457 American uses a proprietary 11mm dovetail rail machined directly into the receiver. This is a common rimfire mounting standard. You can attach rings that clamp directly to this dovetail, or you can install an adapter picatinny rail from companies like Area 419 or DIP for more mounting options. An FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases when ordering online.
When you stack up the features—the hammer-forged barrel, adjustable trigger, and solid walnut stock—against the competition near its price, the CZ 457 American stands out as a workhorse that doesn’t cut corners. It’s a rifle built to last and perform, not just to meet a price point. For the shooter who values precision engineering and classic aesthetics, it delivers a level of bang-for-your-buck that’s hard to beat in the modern rimfire market. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. See the full details on our site.
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