Description
The CZ 457 Varmint .22 WMR, 20.5″ Barrel, Turkish Walnut, Blued, 5rd is a purpose-built, heavy-barreled rimfire rifle designed for precision and stability. It’s a centerpiece of CZ’s 457 series, blending a robust cold-hammer-forged barrel with a classic Turkish walnut stock to create a rifle that’s as capable on a varmint stand as it is pleasing to the eye at the range. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of various .22 WMR loads through this platform, and its consistency is what sticks with you.
Key Features
- Heavy, Cold-Hammer-Forged 20.5″ Barrel: Provides exceptional rigidity and accuracy potential with the .22 WMR cartridge.
- Turkish Walnut Stock: A classic, hand-finished stock with a raised comb for a solid cheek weld and a rubber buttpad.
- CZ’s 457 Action: Renowned for its smooth operation, user-adjustable trigger, and interchangeable barrel system.
- Blued Finish: A durable, traditional finish that protects the metalwork and looks sharp against the walnut.
- 5-Round Detachable Magazine: Offers reliable feeding and easy carry of spare ammo.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR) |
| Barrel Length | 20.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 40.5 inches (approx.) |
| Weight | Approx. 7.3 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 Rounds |
| Trigger | Single-stage, user-adjustable (2.5 – 4.5 lbs) |
The heart of this rifle is that 20.5-inch varmint-profile barrel. It’s not just for looks—the extra mass dampens vibration and manages the .22 WMR’s report, making follow-up shots on prairie dogs or ground squirrels a steadier proposition. The action is a jewel. It’s a single-shot feed design that, with the included 5-round magazine, cycles with a satisfyingly precise feel. The adjustable trigger is a standout feature right out of the box; you can tune the pull weight to your preference with a simple hex key, no gunsmithing required. That’s a huge value-add on a rifle at this price point.
Who This Rifle Is For
This CZ 457 Varmint is for the shooter who views rimfire as a serious discipline, not just plinking. It’s for the Missouri hunter who needs a dependable, accurate tool for dispatching pests out to 125 yards with authority. It’s also a fantastic entry point for a new shooter into the world of precision shooting, thanks to its forgiving nature and top-tier build. If you appreciate traditional wood-and-steel craftsmanship but demand modern performance, this rifle bridges that gap perfectly.
Let’s talk about that stock. Turkish walnut has a warmth and grain character that synthetic stocks simply can’t match. The fit to the action is typically excellent from CZ, and the raised comb positions your eye naturally for scope use. Mounting a scope is straightforward on the 11mm dovetail receiver—it’s compatible with CZ scope rings or many aftermarket options designed for the 457 series. The total package weight, around 7.3 lbs unloaded, is substantial. That’s the trade-off: the heft that steadies your aim off a bipod or bag can feel a bit much for extended offhand shooting. That said, for its intended role as a supported varminter or bench rifle, the weight is a feature, not a bug.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy potential. Superb, adjustable trigger system. Timeless walnut and blued steel aesthetics. The robust 457 action is famously reliable and accepts aftermarket barrels. The .22 WMR cartridge offers significantly more punch than .22 LR for small game and varmints.
Cons: The rifle is heavy for its caliber, which limits its appeal as a lightweight walking gun. Ammunition cost for .22 WMR is higher than .22 LR. The 5-round magazine capacity is standard but lower than some competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does .22 WMR compare to .22 Long Rifle?
A: The .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) is a more powerful cartridge with a larger case and higher velocity. It extends your effective range on small game and varmints significantly, delivers more energy on impact, and is less affected by wind. The trade-off is cost per round and more report.
Q: Can I convert this to shoot .22 Long Rifle or .17 HMR?
A: Yes, that’s a major advantage of the CZ 457 system. The action is designed for interchangeable barrels. You can purchase a separate barrel and bolt face (for .17 HMR) from CZ or aftermarket suppliers to swap calibers in minutes. The magazine for .22 LR is different and must also be purchased.
Q: Is it ready for a scope right away?
A: Absolutely. The receiver has a standardized 11mm dovetail rail. You’ll need a set of CZ-specific rings (like those from Warne or CZ) or a dovetail-to-Picatinny adapter to mount your optic. A quality scope in the 3-9x or 4-12x range is an ideal match for this rifle’s capabilities.
Look, for just $523.48, you’re getting a rifle that punches well above its weight class. The combination of a true varmint-weight barrel, a genuinely excellent adjustable trigger, and honest walnut furniture is getting rare at this price. It’s a tool that respects the shooter and the game. This CZ 457 Varmint in .22 WMR is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, ready for your FFL transfer. See the full details on our site.
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