Description
Picture this: you’re at the edge of a Missouri woodline at dawn, the air is still, and a distant groundhog is silhouetted against a dewy field. You need a rifle that’s steady, precise, and carries enough authority for small game at extended ranges. That’s the scenario where the CZ 457 American, .22 WMR, 24.8″ Barrel, 5rd, American-Style Turkish Walnut isn’t just a tool—it’s the right tool for the job. This bolt-action rimfire rifle combines classic American stock aesthetics with Czech precision engineering, creating a platform built for serious field accuracy.
Answer Capsule: The CZ 457 American in .22 WMR is a bolt-action rimfire rifle featuring a 24.8-inch cold hammer-forged barrel, a 5-round detachable magazine, and a classic American-style stock crafted from Turkish walnut. It’s designed for hunters and precision shooters who demand reliable, sub-MOA accuracy in a field-ready package straight from the factory.
Let’s talk about what makes this rifle stand up to practical use. The heart of the system is CZ’s renowned 457 action, known for its smooth operation and consistent lockup. That long, 24.8-inch barrel isn’t just for looks—it allows the .22 WMR cartridge to reach its full ballistic potential, maximizing velocity and flattening trajectory for more predictable hits out past 100 yards. The barrel is cold hammer-forged, a process that yields exceptional durability and inherent accuracy, and it’s a feature you typically find on rifles costing much more. This one is drop-in ready for a scope, with an 11mm dovetail receiver that accepts a wide range of rimfire-specific mounts from brands like Warne and DIP.
The stock is where tradition meets function. Carved from genuine Turkish walnut in a classic American pattern with a straight comb, it provides a solid, repeatable cheek weld for scope use. The checkering is cut, not pressed, offering a positive grip in all weather conditions. At its price point of $437.94, finding a production rifle with real walnut of this quality is becoming rare. The overall balance, aided by the longer barrel, is superb for offhand shooting and steady rests. Weighing in at approximately 6.3 pounds, it’s light enough for all-day carry but has enough heft to dampen the modest recoil of the .22 WMR for faster follow-up shots if needed.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) |
| Barrel Length | 24.8 Inches |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 Rounds (Detachable Box) |
| Overall Length | 43.7 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 6.3 lbs |
| Stock Material | American-Style Turkish Walnut |
Pros & Cons
Pros: Exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy potential. Premium, real walnut stock at a competitive price. The versatile .22 WMR caliber is potent for varmints and small game. The cold hammer-forged barrel ensures long-term consistency. The 457 action is famously reliable and allows for easy barrel swapping.
Cons: The .22 WMR ammunition is more expensive than standard .22 LR. The 24.8-inch barrel can be slightly unwieldy in very thick brush. The 5-round capacity is standard but limited compared to some semi-autos.
So who is this rifle for? It’s for the Missouri hunter who respects tradition but demands performance. It’s for the shooter who wants a single, do-everything rimfire for dispatching pests around the barn, hunting squirrels or rabbits for the pot, or simply enjoying the discipline of precision shooting on a budget. It’s also an ideal first “real” rifle for a young hunter, built to last a lifetime. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, following all applicable regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use .22 Long Rifle ammunition in this .22 WMR rifle?
A: No. The .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) chamber is specifically sized for that cartridge. Firing .22 LR in a .22 WMR chamber is unsafe and can cause catastrophic failure. Always use only the caliber marked on your firearm.
Q: Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
A: The standard CZ 457 American model does not come with a threaded barrel. CZ does offer suppressor-ready models in their lineup, but this classic configuration prioritizes the clean lines of the sporter profile.
Q: What type of scope mounts does it use?
A: The receiver features an 11mm dovetail, the standard for many rimfire rifles. This makes it compatible with a vast array of rimfire rings from manufacturers like Warne, Leupold, and Burris, requiring no additional base for most setups.
Look, if you need a rimfire rifle that bridges the gap between a plinker and a serious field firearm, the CZ 457 American in .22 WMR warrants your attention. It’s a purpose-built instrument where every detail—from the walnut to the hammer-forged steel—serves the goal of putting rounds exactly where you aim. See the full details and availability on our site.
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