Description
I was chasing a squirrel that had been taunting me from the oak tree for weeks. My old rimfire just wasn’t cutting it for that kind of precision work. That’s when I decided it was time for a serious upgrade—a rifle built for accuracy, not just plinking. I settled on the CZ 457 Varmint .22 LR, 20.5″ Barrel, Turkish Walnut, Blued, 5rd, and let me tell you, it changed the game. The first time I took it to the bench, the difference was immediately obvious. This isn’t just another .22; it’s a purpose-built instrument for the shooter who demands consistency and a solid foundation. At $486.35, it sits in a sweet spot between budget rifles and high-end custom jobs, offering phenomenal value for what you get.
What is the CZ 457 Varmint? The CZ 457 Varmint .22 LR is a bolt-action rimfire rifle designed for precision shooting. It features a cold hammer-forged 20.5-inch barrel, a premium Turkish walnut stock, a blued steel finish, and comes with a 5-round magazine. It’s a benchmark for out-of-the-box accuracy in its class, built on CZ’s proven and versatile 457 action platform.
Built on a Legendary Action
The heart of this rifle is the CZ 457 action. It’s smooth, it’s robust, and it’s incredibly reliable. I’ve put over a thousand rounds of mixed .22 LR ammo through mine—from standard velocity to hyper-velocity—and it’s cycled everything without a hiccup. The bolt lift is crisp, and the lockup is solid, giving you that confident feeling before every shot. The single-set trigger is a standout feature; in its standard mode, it’s a clean, predictable pull, but engage the set function and it breaks like a glass rod. This is a huge advantage for benchrest shooting or when you need that perfect, surprise break. The action is also designed for easy barrel changes, which is a nod to the system’s versatility, though the factory barrel it comes with is more than capable on its own.
Where the Weight Pays Off
Let’s talk about that “Varmint” designation. It comes from the substantial 20.5-inch, cold hammer-forged barrel. It’s not light and whippy like a sporter barrel; it’s thick and rigid. This heft, combined with the well-contoured Turkish walnut stock, gives the rifle a total weight around 7 pounds. That weight is your friend. It settles the rifle down on bags or a bipod, soaking up vibration and reducing muzzle jump. It makes you a steadier shooter. The walnut stock isn’t just for looks, either—the checkering provides a positive grip, and the raised comb offers a natural, repeatable cheek weld for scope use. The barrel is capped with an 11mm dovetail for scope rings, and it’s drop-in ready for popular rimfire optics from brands like Vortex, Leupold, or Bushnell. You just need to torque the rings and you’re zeroing.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 Long Rifle |
| Barrel Length | 20.5 Inches |
| Overall Length | 40.2 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 7 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 Rounds (Detachable Box) |
| Stock Material | Turkish Walnut |
| Finish | Blued Steel |
The Honest Take: Pros & Cons
Pros: The accuracy is simply outstanding for a factory rifle. I’m consistently getting sub-MOA groups at 50 yards with quality ammo. The single-set trigger is a premium feature you won’t find on most competitors. The fit and finish are excellent—the walnut and blued steel look and feel like a real firearm, not a plastic toy. The action is a proven, reliable design that’s easy to maintain.
Cons: That accuracy comes with weight. At around 7 pounds, it’s not a rifle you’d want to carry all day on a long hike. It’s a bench or prone rifle first. The 5-round magazine is fine for precision work, but you might wish for a 10-rounder for extended plinking sessions (thankfully, they are available separately).
Who This Rifle Is For
Look, if you’re just banging soda cans at 25 yards, this is overkill. This rifle is for the shooter who appreciates mechanics and results. It’s for the small game hunter who takes ethical, longer-range shots. It’s for the new shooter learning proper fundamentals on a stable platform. And it’s absolutely for the seasoned rimfire enthusiast who participates in or practices for NRL22-style competitions. It’s a rifle that rewards good technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
A: The standard Varmint model as described typically does not come with a threaded muzzle. It has a crowned, blued barrel end. CZ does offer threaded versions in other 457 configurations if that’s a priority.
Q: Can I use CZ 455 magazines in the 457?
A: No, the 457 uses its own magazine design. They are not backward compatible with the 455, so make sure you purchase 457-specific magazines. The good news is the 457 mags are widely available.
Q: What kind of scope rings does it need?
A: The receiver has an 11mm dovetail. You’ll need scope rings designed for an 11mm (or 3/8″) dovetail rail. Many rimfire-specific scope packages include these rings, or you can purchase quality sets from manufacturers like Warne or Leupold separately.
If you’re ready to step up your rimfire game with a rifle that offers serious performance without a custom price tag, the CZ 457 Varmint is a compelling choice. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases.
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