Description
The CZ 457 Pro Varmint 17 HMR, Boyd Stock, 5rd is a purpose-built rimfire rifle designed for precision small-game hunting and target shooting. It combines CZ’s renowned 457 action with a premium Boyd’s laminate stock and the flat-shooting .17 HMR cartridge, creating a reliable and accurate tool right out of the box. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of various .17 HMR loads through this platform, and its consistency is what keeps me coming back.
Key Features
- Boyd’s At-One Adjustable Stock: This isn’t just a pretty piece of wood. It’s a laminated hardwood stock with a fully adjustable comb and length of pull. You can dial in the perfect cheek weld and fit for any shooter, which is a massive advantage for consistent accuracy.
- Cold Hammer-Forged Barrel: CZ’s barrels are legendary for a reason. The 16.5-inch barrel on this model is cold hammer-forged, ensuring longevity and a level of inherent accuracy that’s hard to beat in this price range.
- CZ 457 Action: The heart of the rifle. It’s a smooth, user-friendly action with a crisp trigger that’s externally adjustable. The 5-round detachable magazine is robust and feeds flawlessly.
- .17 HMR Chambering: This cartridge is the star for varmints. It shoots laser-flat, hits with authority on pests out to 150+ yards, and has minimal recoil, making follow-up shots and spotting hits easy.
Specifications & Details
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .17 HMR |
| Barrel Length | 16.5″ |
| Overall Length | 37.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 6.8 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 Rounds |
| Stock | Boyd’s At-One Laminated Hardwood |
Look, the specs tell part of the story, but the feel is what sells it. The Boyd’s stock gives it a heft and stability that cheaper synthetic stocks can’t match, coming in at a solid 6.8 pounds. That weight, around 37.5 inches overall, soaks up the tiny bit of .17 HMR snap and makes it a rock-steady platform off a bench or bipod. The action is a true joy—it’s buttery smooth and feels like it belongs on a rifle costing twice as much. For the price of $581.47, you’re getting a feature set that typically demands a significant premium.
Who This Rifle Is For
This rifle is for the serious varminter, the backyard plinker who demands precision, or the shooter looking for a high-quality, adjustable platform to introduce new shooters to rimfire accuracy. If you’re dispatching ground squirrels, prairie dogs, or crows at extended ranges and want to do it with confidence, this is your tool. It’s also a fantastic foundation for a custom .17 HMR build if you ever want to upgrade.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The adjustable Boyd’s stock is a game-winner for fit and accuracy. The cold hammer-forged barrel provides outstanding out-of-the-box precision. The CZ 457 action is simply one of the best rimfire actions available. The .17 HMR caliber offers explosive performance on small pests. It’s a rifle that fits out of the box for most shooters, with no gunsmithing required to get it running.
Cons: The laminate stock, while beautiful and functional, adds weight compared to synthetics—not ideal for long walks. .17 HMR ammo is more expensive than .22 LR and can be more susceptible to wind drift at extreme ranges. That said, for its intended role, the pros heavily outweigh the cons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Boyd’s stock really that adjustable?
A: Yes. The comb height adjusts over an inch, and the length of pull can be changed with spacers. It’s a system designed to fit a wide range of shooters perfectly, which directly translates to better shooting.
Q: What optics mount does it use?
A: The CZ 457 uses an 11mm dovetail rail, which is a very common rimfire standard. You can mount most rimfire-specific scopes directly, or use a Picatinny adapter rail for ultimate flexibility with brands like Vortex, Leupold, or Bushnell.
Q: Can I swap the barrel for a different caliber?
A: One of the best features of the CZ 457 system is its user-swappable barrel. You can purchase additional barrels in calibers like .22 LR or .22 WMR and change them yourself in minutes with simple tools, making it incredibly versatile.
This CZ 457 Pro Varmint setup represents a serious value in the precision rimfire world. It’s a rifle you buy once, and it just works—season after season, varmint after varmint. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. If you’re ready to step up your small-game or target game, this is a platform that won’t let you down.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.