CZ 457
Posted May 14, 2023
CZ 457 – A Comprehensive Look at the Evolution of the Unparalleled Rimfire Platform
The CZ 457 is one of the most recent additions in the rimfire rifle platform from CZ. The line formerly known as the CZ 452 was replaced by the CZ 457, with up-to-date features and a host of improvements intended to take the rifle to the next level. The 457 is the product of modern design practices, manufacturing technology, and functional improvements over its predecessor. Let’s take a look at what makes the CZ 457 such a great gun.
Ergonomics
The first thing that stands out in the CZ 457 is the grip. It come standard with a simple yet effective stock, featuring rounded edges and subtle contours that make holding the gun a truly pleasant experience. The grip also features a palm swell for added comfort, giving you better purchase and steadier control of the weapon. Beyond the standard grip, there are a variety of other options available, including those with adjustable length-of-pull and those with adjustable cheekpieces.
The CZ 457 also has a lighter, crisper trigger than that of its predecessor, offering a pleasing user experience when firing. With a safety located just under the rifle’s action, ease of access is no issue, making it easy to engage or disengage without having to worry about fishing for the lever.
Construction
The construction of the CZ 457 is, as expected, of the highest standard. The barrel, metalwork and woodwork on the rifle are all machined to extremely tight tolerances, meaning the rifle aesthetically pleases and—most importantly—is mechanically superb. The metalwork features a high-grade finish, while the woodwork can take advantage of the variety of attractive hardwood and laminate stocks offered.
The action is housed in an aluminum receiver, which CZ claims is stronger, longer lasting and more accurate than those of the CZ 452. As for the barrel, it is cold hammer-forged and is designed to ensure greater accuracy, due to its internal precision being held to stricter tolerances than on the CZ 452.
Ammunition
The CZ 457 is lawfully chambered in one of the most popular rimfire calibers on the market today: .22 LR. This makes the rifle highly adaptive to a variety of ammunition, and it should do an excellent job shooting any type of .22LR bullets, whether they be subsonic, standard, or high speed. This makes the 457 a great choice for those looking for a rifle that can be used for anything from small game hunting to plinking in the backyard. With the ability to switch between Bolt and Magazine Feed actions, one can be sure to find a model and set up that meets their needs.
Performance
The performance of the CZ 457 is truly impressive, as it is accurate and consistent, as long as you are using quality and recommended ammunition. The 457 groups very well at 50 and even up to 100 yards, part of which is thanks to its included screw-in muzzle brake and included match trigger. These ensure that the rifle stays well within the realm of accurate and reliable performance.
As far as reliability goes, the CZ 457 is an exemplary performer. Whether shooting at the range or in the field, you can count on the 457 to deliver. The bolt and magazine feed models both provide smooth and effortless cycling when fed high-quality ammunition, and the ability to switch between magazine and single-shot models mean that one can be sure to find the right setup for whatever application one needs.
Affordability
In terms of affordability, the CZ 457 is right around the average mark when compared with other guns in its class. This means that the gun is accessible to a wide range of buyers and offers more features than ones with similar price points. The availability of upgrades, accessories, and alternate stocks make it an even more attractive option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the CZ 457 is a great icon of the rimfire platform. Its accuracy and performance, coupled with its versatility and affordability make it an ideal choice for both leisure shooters and serious competitors alike. Its sleek design and enhanced ergonomics provide the perfect blend of form and function. Ultimately, the CZ 457 is an excellent option for those looking for a reliable, accurate and attractive rifle. Highly recommended.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Reliable and accurate – CZ’s cold hammer forged barrel helps you get precise shot placement
• Versatile caliber range – CZ offers four widely-available calibers for the 457, letting you tailor the gun to your specific hunting or target shooting needs
• Customizable stock – with options from adjustable cheek pieces to recoil opposed stocks, the CZ 457 can be fitted to your individual shooting style
• Cost– The CZ 457 is more affordable than its competitors
Cons:
• No Picatinny optics mounting – the CZ 457 has no way to mount a scope with a Picatinny rail
• No barrel threading – There is no option for barrel threading, so attaching accessories like a muzzle brake is not possible
• Struggles with bulk ammo – CZ recommends using higher-end ammo or hand-loads to get the best performance out of the 457
Who Should Buy
Anyone interested in a quality, dependable, and reasonably priced rimfire rifle should consider the CZ 457. It is suitable for new and experienced shooters, as the user-friendly features make it a great choice for plinking, small game hunting, and target shooting. However, this rifle may not be the optimal choice for tactical purposes, as it is more of a hunting and precision-shooting design.
Comparisons
| Barrel Length | Stock | Trigger Adjustable | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20" | Walnut | 2-4lbs | Manual |
| 22" | Synthetic | 3-5lbs | Manual |
| 22" | Laminated | 2-3lbs | Manual |
| 22" | Synthetic | 2-4lbs | Manual |
Features / Specs
• Barrel Length: 16.5, 20.5, 24 or 26 inches
• Caliber: .17 HMR, .22 LR, .22 WMR, .17 Mach 2
• Magazine Capacity: 5, 10, or 15-round
• Stock: Synthetic, wood, laminate
• Trigger: Adjustable
• Length of Pull (LOP): 12.4 to 13.6 inches
• Safety: Two-position, manual lever
• Sights: Sporting open sights or no sights (scope only)
Popular Accessories
- Scope - Scopes are a popular accessory for CZ 457 rifles due to their precise accuracy and long-range capabilities.
- Rifle Sling - A comfortable, adjustable and durable rifle sling helps to safely carry and maneuver the CZ 457 during hunting or target practice trips.
- Bipod - Bipods are popular accessories for CZ 457 rifles due to their stability and ability to help stabilize shots while sighting down the barrel.
- Cleaning Kit - A cleaning kit is essential for long-term maintenance and performance of the CZ 457 rifle.
- Ammo - Always make sure to have plenty of ammo to ensure consistent gun performance during target practice and hunting adventures.
Accuracy
The CZ 457 rifle is known to be extraordinarily accurate, with an accuracy range of approximately 0.5 inches at 100 yards, even in stock form. Additionally, this rifle features well-crafted barrels and ergonomic designs to ensure a shooter always obtains the very best performance. Further, the CZ 457 also contains a user-adjustable trigger that can be optimized to individual preference, making accuracy and handling even better. With all these features combined, users have reported excellent accuracy from the CZ 457, often exceeding their expectations.
