Description
I was chasing a groundhog that had been terrorizing my garden for weeks. My old .22 just didn’t have the reach or the flat trajectory to connect at the distances he was working. That’s when I started looking seriously at the .17 HMR cartridge and the rifles built for it. The CZ 457 AT-One Varmint, .17 HMR, 24″ Barrel, 5rd, Boyd Adjustable Stock kept coming up as the go-to choice for serious small-game hunters and precision plinkers who wanted a factory rifle that felt custom. I finally got my hands on one, and after putting a few hundred rounds downrange, I can tell you exactly what it is.
The CZ 457 AT-One Varmint is a purpose-built, bolt-action rimfire rifle chambered in the hyper-fast .17 HMR cartridge. It features a heavy 24-inch barrel for velocity and stability, a 5-round detachable magazine, and is built around Boyd’s innovative AT-One adjustable stock, allowing shooters to dial in length of pull and comb height for a perfect fit. This setup is engineered for varmint control and long-range rimfire accuracy right out of the box.
Let’s start with the heart of the system: that long, cold hammer-forged barrel. The 24-inch length isn’t just for looks—it lets the .17 HMR’s tiny 17-grain or 20-grain projectile reach its full velocity potential, which is screaming fast at over 2,500 feet per second. The result is a laser-beam trajectory. You get minimal drop out to 150 yards, making hits on small targets at distance more intuitive. The heavy “varmint” profile also soaks up heat and reduces barrel harmonics, which translates to tight groups. I’ve consistently seen sub-MOA 5-shot groups with quality ammunition like Hornady V-Max or CCI A17.
The real game-fitting element, though, is the Boyd AT-One stock. Here’s the thing—most off-the-rack rifles force you to adapt to them. The AT-One flips that script. With its adjustable cheek riser and length-of-pull spacers, you can tailor the rifle to your body and optic setup in minutes. Getting a consistent, comfortable weld is critical for precision, and this stock delivers that. It’s a feature you typically only find on chassis systems costing as much as the whole rifle. The fit and finish are excellent, and it fits out of the box with no gunsmithing required—just a hex key to make adjustments.
CZ’s 457 action is the gold standard for utilitarian rimfire bolts. It’s smooth, reliable, and features a user-interchangeable barrel system (though that’s more of a gunsmith project). The single-set trigger is fantastic. Out of the box, it breaks cleanly at around 3 pounds, but you can engage a set function for a hair-trigger pull measured in ounces. This single feature makes a huge difference in shot execution. The rifle feeds from a reliable 5-round detachable magazine, a practical capacity for most varminting scenarios. At a price of $595.57, this package offers a level of adjustability and precision typically found in setups costing hundreds more.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .17 HMR |
| Barrel | 24″, Heavy Varmint Profile |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 Rounds |
| Overall Length | Approx. 43.5″ (Adjustable) |
| Weight | Approx. 7.5 lbs |
| Stock | Boyd’s AT-One (Adjustable LOP & Comb) |
Pros: The adjustable stock is a monumental advantage for achieving proper fit. The .17 HMR cartridge delivers outstanding ballistic performance for its size. The CZ 457 action and trigger are famously reliable and crisp. You get exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy for a production rifle. The value proposition is strong for the features offered.
Cons: The .17 HMR ammo is more expensive than .22 LR. The rifle is on the heavier side, which is great for the bench but less ideal for long carries. The full adjustability of the stock means more mechanical parts, though I’ve had zero issues with durability.
So who is this rifle for? It’s perfect for the Missouri farmer or landowner who needs to manage pests like groundhogs, raccoons, or coyotes (with careful shot placement) from 50 to 150 yards. It’s a dream for the rimfire precision shooter who wants to compete in NRL22-style matches or just master long-range plinking without centerfire costs. It’s also an excellent choice for a new shooter you want to fit properly, as the stock can grow with them. This rifle is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the .17 HMR compare to a .22 WMR for varmints?
A: The .17 HMR has a much flatter trajectory and less wind drift due to its higher velocity and better ballistic coefficient. It’s more explosive on small pests, but .22 WMR hits a bit harder on slightly larger game. For pure precision on crow-sized targets and up to prairie dogs, the .17 HMR is often the preferred choice.
Q: Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
A: The standard model as described typically does not come with a threaded muzzle. CZ does offer threaded versions in the 457 lineup, so if suppression is a priority, you’d want to seek out a specific “Suppressor Ready” model or factor in the cost of a gunsmith threading this barrel.
Q: What optics mount easily to this rifle?
A: The CZ 457 uses a 11mm dovetail rail, which is a very common rimfire mounting standard. One-piece rings from brands like Warne, Burris, and Leupold are widely compatible with CZ 457 dovetails. For maximum stability, many shooters use a Picatinny rail adapter from DIP or Area 419, which then opens up a world of AR-height rings and mounts.
If you’re looking for a rimfire that bridges the gap between a basic plinker and a custom precision rig, the CZ 457 AT-One Varmint in .17 HMR deserves your close attention. See the full details on our site.
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