Want to buy a 22lr so i can start shooting some local nrl22 matches. Ive been looking at the Cz457 Varmint Precision Trainer with the manners stock. Can pick one up for about $1,000. But have also been looking at the Vudoos. I have an accuracy international chassis sitting at home that i could put the Vudoo in. Should i spend the $2,000 for the vudoo and a trigger. Or should i just get the 457 VPT and compete with that? Can not make up my mind if its worth spending the extra 1k for the vudoo.
-
Having trouble using the site?
Contact support -
Not receiving emails?
We're currently aware of an issue with our email provider and working to fix it as quickly as we can! Appreciate your patience here!
View thread
Cz 457 Precision Trainer or Vudoo
- Thread starter BiggBeans
- Start date
I've bought a couple of CZ 457s - an American Sporter, and Varmint MTR. The American had lousy accuracy, while the MTR shot about as well as I'd hoped for. I really like the 457 action/trigger, as well as how attractive the stock on my particular American is - enough so that I went to the expense & effort to re-barrel the American with a Shilen blank, and it now has very good accuracy. I mention this because it's a fact that accuracy can be hit or miss with factory bbls, while you're assured of getting a Vudoo bbl'd action that will shoot up to your expectations - or VGW will make it right.
There are a lot of CZ fans here & over on RFC, and a significant number of them have decided that it's better to start off with a V-22 rather than spend a lot of time & money trying to bring a factory rifle up to snuff. I'm not knocking the CZ 457 - for what they cost, they're very attractive rifles that cycle with 100% reliability. It's just that I've gotten used to the accuracy & reliability of jelrod-converted 40X & V-22 repeaters, and a rifle that won't shoot as good as these rifles just doesn't satisfy my needs/desires. I've still got the two 457s I bought, and enjoy shooting both of them. But I'm a gunsmith, and part of the reason I bought the 457s to begin with was to learn more about them, including how to re-barrel them. There's enough demand for improved barrels for the CZ line of .22RF repeaters to have made it profitable for Lilja and Bartlein to get into the business of supplying pre-fit custom bbls for the 455/457 models. That ought to tell you something about the variability of factory bbl accuracy. No doubt the ease of changing bbls on 455/457 actions has also made buying custom bbls for them more attractive, and some guys really enjoy working on their own rifles to improve them. But if you're not someone who has the time & desire to dink with a rifle, I believe you're a prime candidate to get a V-22 bbl'd action and put it in your AI chassis.
There are a lot of CZ fans here & over on RFC, and a significant number of them have decided that it's better to start off with a V-22 rather than spend a lot of time & money trying to bring a factory rifle up to snuff. I'm not knocking the CZ 457 - for what they cost, they're very attractive rifles that cycle with 100% reliability. It's just that I've gotten used to the accuracy & reliability of jelrod-converted 40X & V-22 repeaters, and a rifle that won't shoot as good as these rifles just doesn't satisfy my needs/desires. I've still got the two 457s I bought, and enjoy shooting both of them. But I'm a gunsmith, and part of the reason I bought the 457s to begin with was to learn more about them, including how to re-barrel them. There's enough demand for improved barrels for the CZ line of .22RF repeaters to have made it profitable for Lilja and Bartlein to get into the business of supplying pre-fit custom bbls for the 455/457 models. That ought to tell you something about the variability of factory bbl accuracy. No doubt the ease of changing bbls on 455/457 actions has also made buying custom bbls for them more attractive, and some guys really enjoy working on their own rifles to improve them. But if you're not someone who has the time & desire to dink with a rifle, I believe you're a prime candidate to get a V-22 bbl'd action and put it in your AI chassis.
I was/am in a similar situation.. I have a Pro Varmint and was looking at the VPT myself.. Some guys on here say there is really no difference between the PV and the VPT except for the Manners stock.. In fact, many have said their PV shoots as well as their friends VTP.. I do a couple of NRL22 style matches for fun once in a while, and my CZ457 is basically just a fun range gun.. and I like to tinker on it.. I don't have the cash for a Vudoo so I went with a MPA chassis and plan to buy a Bartlein Barrel sometime in the future.. If you have the chassis to put the Vudoo in, and the cash... Get the Vudoo !! Buy once, cry once !!
I think it depends on your goal and what you think your capability is. I have a VPT and love it. I cannot touch the consistency and accuracy of a Vudoo with it and have no illusions about this. That said, for the NRL22 courses it is not holding me back in the least. I have learned a lot shooting that rifle and have drastically improved my skills. In the last year I've gone from consistently finishing in the bottom to consistently finishing in the top third (say 10th out of 30 shooters). I consistently get beaten by better shooters, not better rifles. The folks outshooting me have Vudoos, Savage Mark IIs, and everything in between.
And I agree what others have said about the VPT vs pro varmint, it's just a nicer stock and is no more accurate.
And I agree what others have said about the VPT vs pro varmint, it's just a nicer stock and is no more accurate.
While I don't have a v22 yet I started off with a tikka t1x. I'd say it's a pretty similar situation. I then put in a new barrel and a KRG Bravo. So about a $1200 rifle. I also spent countless hours shooting all sorts of ammo and lot finding. Tinkering with headspace and adjustments to get things to feed smoothly.
Then there's the v22 that just works out of the box. Buy some center x shoot it. Enjoy.
I would go v22 if you haven't already started down the path of trying to get your rimfire to shoot like a v22…
From my little bit of experience id go Vudoo, i did and i also like my bix n andy 3 oz trigger. If you live close enough, see whats winning the matches. I wish you were close enough to shoot mine. You might know this but wind affects 22’s purdy bad. The first two times i took my vudoo to the range, i was NOT happy. It was just a little windy but it dont take much. The third time i shot , it was no wind to nearly none and i was grinning!
Last edited:
JaoeyP pretty much nailed it in his post above. Also, you will have to get a pic rail for rings for the CZ, so add another $80-110 on that vs the the vudoo having it built in.
The 457 has really improved from the 455, pros are much better:
1) trigger, user adjustable sear engagement and weight
2) 60 degree bolt
3) shorter bolt throw
4) positive bolt stop button release on side
5) traditional right side safety lever button that is easy to use
6) knob handle is factory threaded now, can swap out if desired
not too many but still some cons:
1) factory barrel accuracy lottery, hammer forged generally ok in the heavier profiles but smaller profiles have had problems
2) mag release lever is kind of small (really not an issue for most, but still way better than an anschutz)
3) not really cons, but will still need a rail for rings and probably a cheek piece riser of some sort
It is kind of funny, but the pro's/cons list above also exactly describes the Tikka Tx1 that littlePod mentioned as well. Get a TX1 and put it in a chassis for around $900-1200 all in. I've been pretty impressed with my Tx1 so far and really like its hvy threaded sporter profile barrel choice. Haven't gotten it past 50 yards yet so I cant sing it's praises too much at this point.
I like my CZ457 , but as JaoeyP said, it is not in the same league as my vudoo as far as consistency or absolute accuracy, but it would not hold me back in a NRL22 type competition either. My only real complaint with my vudoo at this point is that it is heavy. That limits some of the weight class restricted games I want to play in with it. I'm either going to re-barrel it to a lighter profile or get another barrelled action as I have a lightweight carbon fiber stock on order and going to a lighter scope to get in my desired weight range.
The 457 has really improved from the 455, pros are much better:
1) trigger, user adjustable sear engagement and weight
2) 60 degree bolt
3) shorter bolt throw
4) positive bolt stop button release on side
5) traditional right side safety lever button that is easy to use
6) knob handle is factory threaded now, can swap out if desired
not too many but still some cons:
1) factory barrel accuracy lottery, hammer forged generally ok in the heavier profiles but smaller profiles have had problems
2) mag release lever is kind of small (really not an issue for most, but still way better than an anschutz)
3) not really cons, but will still need a rail for rings and probably a cheek piece riser of some sort
It is kind of funny, but the pro's/cons list above also exactly describes the Tikka Tx1 that littlePod mentioned as well. Get a TX1 and put it in a chassis for around $900-1200 all in. I've been pretty impressed with my Tx1 so far and really like its hvy threaded sporter profile barrel choice. Haven't gotten it past 50 yards yet so I cant sing it's praises too much at this point.
I like my CZ457 , but as JaoeyP said, it is not in the same league as my vudoo as far as consistency or absolute accuracy, but it would not hold me back in a NRL22 type competition either. My only real complaint with my vudoo at this point is that it is heavy. That limits some of the weight class restricted games I want to play in with it. I'm either going to re-barrel it to a lighter profile or get another barrelled action as I have a lightweight carbon fiber stock on order and going to a lighter scope to get in my desired weight range.
Vudoo for not other reason then the magazine.
The CZ mags are just too damn little.
Not to mention the Vudoo just over all has better parts and accessories.
The CZ mags are just too damn little.
Not to mention the Vudoo just over all has better parts and accessories.
I have as much money in my CZ457 as a V22 now that it shoots the way I want it. If I had it to do over, I'd have gone Vudoo for sure.
I mean, I like the 457, its a cool little gun, great trigger, smooth action, 60* bolt throw, but it still feels like a .22. The V-22s I've handled feel like heirloom quality rifles.
I mean, I like the 457, its a cool little gun, great trigger, smooth action, 60* bolt throw, but it still feels like a .22. The V-22s I've handled feel like heirloom quality rifles.
Last edited:
Well, here is my view. (for what that's worth) ?
Since you don't mention Tikka I won't touch on it.
For the CZ, I would buy the cheapest (including used) 457 I could find. Currently this would be the 457 Scout at $343 shipped. Take that and put it with say a KRG Bravo (when it comes out) and a barrel of your choice (cheap Lothar Walther at $299 or Expensive Lilja at $490) and you would be competitive (from what I read the accuracy requirements are). I think the key here is getting the base 457 action as cheap as possible. You don't need a picatinny rail to use picatinny or weaver rings, all you need is $10 UTG adapters to fit the 11mm rail, I use them and they work great. If you did want a rail you can get a 20 MOA from Triggers by Scar for $35 shipped.
You would be looking at:
Action = $343
Barrel = $299 to $490
Stock = $400?
Scope base = $10 to $35
Total Minimum roughly = $1,075
Total Maximum roughly = $1,275
I have thought more than a few times about doing this myself. I had a 457 Varmint once and sold it. It was the worst shooting CZ I ever shot. It was a really bad purchasing mistake and made me question my sanity afterwards.
Vudoo, well I don't own one yet but maybe someday I will. I believe its reputation speaks for itself. You have to make the decision of if it's worth it or not to get the job done.
I've just decided to buy the VPT. I want to make sure that messing with the 2 stuff is going to be for me before going all in. However, after buying a 30 moa rail, rail for my bipod and bedding material, I'm thinking I should have just bought a vudoo barreled action and put it in a chassis that I'm not using
I thought the way you are now... I'll try the CZ 455, I said. Shot a few little club matches, did OK but struggled at ranges >125-150 yards. Then I put it in a new MDT chassis with a Magpul PRS buttstock I already had. YoDave trigger kit, DIP picatinney rail. So I'm in for over $1000 including the stock. It would shoot bugholes... then not. Its accuracy is completely adequate for NRL. But it's frustrating to shoot a .25" group at 50 yards and follow it up with 3 rounds in .25" and one or two 1/4" away.
So I took the plunge and bought a Vudoo. I went through all the pleasure & pain of trying different brands of ammo and levels within those brands. Bottom line is, the chamber is designed around Center-X. Buy Center-X and go shoot.
As you've read - with the CZ, you find yourself chasing little bits of accuracy (or lots, if you go with a new barrel). You always wonder. With the Vudoo, you know it's gonna run, and if it doesn't, it's going to be taken care of.
If you can swing the extra grand, you won't regret it. And if you do regret it, you'll sell a Vudoo one heck of a lot easier than a CZ, with less loss!
So I took the plunge and bought a Vudoo. I went through all the pleasure & pain of trying different brands of ammo and levels within those brands. Bottom line is, the chamber is designed around Center-X. Buy Center-X and go shoot.
As you've read - with the CZ, you find yourself chasing little bits of accuracy (or lots, if you go with a new barrel). You always wonder. With the Vudoo, you know it's gonna run, and if it doesn't, it's going to be taken care of.
If you can swing the extra grand, you won't regret it. And if you do regret it, you'll sell a Vudoo one heck of a lot easier than a CZ, with less loss!
Last edited:
for me its about how deep are your pockets and how much you can tighten your belt before feeling the pain . I want what I can afford and still pay my bills and buy food . I like the cz and the voodo can't afford the voodo so the cz is on my wall first . The voodo will have to wait , but its time is coming and its spot on my wall is marked , well assuming the dims don't win the election and take all the other guns in confiscation raids first .
I have both. The vpt shoots well with center x. I only shoot 50 yds for groups. But it takes much more focus to do everything just right. I shoot off bags and tracking is super important. Most of the time the bullet goes where the crosshairs have stopped. The Vudoo just produces time after time after time again. It's like a machine and I love it.
Well, I have 3 CZ457's and 1 Vudoo in the safe and my second one is shipping hopefully Thanksgiving week or the following week. I can honestly say i love them all. I believe there are a few things you have to decide, what type of shooting, distances you want to shoot and how much do you want to spend? If you want to shoot long range then hands down a Vudoo is what you want, if you are not going above and beyond 175 yards or so then I would go with the CZ 457 and change the stock, i have one in a Manners stock and one in a Boyds AT one and one bone stock. At 50 yards my CZ 457's can hang accuracy wise but after that there is no comparison. At the end of the day if a Vudoo was a consideration then I say go for it, they will help you step by step to build your perfect dream rifle. They have the best customer service I have ever experienced. I ordered my first one on 10-21-19 and ordered my second one less than a month later, One is a Grayboe Ridgeback stock and the one coming soon is a MDT chassis rifle. Good luck
100% vudoo in my opinion. Love my V22 despite the heavy price tag. I have a BNIB CZ457 pro varmint 16" that I just picked up today. I'm probably just going to turn around and sell it and order another vudoo. Im not knocking CZ...i just prefer the Vudoo.
Last edited:
Well, i mounted glass on the CZ and gave it a whirl today....its a keeper. Not as refined as the V22, but definitely a shooter
I finally gave in to temptation - got a "morning arrivals" email from Lipsey's, saying they'd just received 24 of the 457 Varmint Precision Trainers with Manners stock & 24" threaded bbl. Ordered one for myself; wanting to get one in hand to test with some known good lots of several grades of SK & Lapua. If it shoots good enough to keep, so much the better - then maybe I won't be tempted to swap the factory bbl out for another Shilen, or maybe even a Bartlein. What are the chances....lol Once you get used to the accuracy of a V-22, it's hard to settle for less.
Just buy the Vudoo now if not you’ll be buying it later. I would have saved money by buying it in the beginning. I did the CZ thing With lilja barrel and much more. Tried the Kidd Supergrade which was better than the CZ. Got the Vudoo and been kicking my own ass ever since because I didn’t buy it in to start with.
I don't like the Manners stock since there's not enough adjustability. 24" is too long for NRL22. Not sure why people just don't buy the stock CZ 457 action, throw on an International Barrels Inc barrel for $325 and then get whatever stock they love most. A BA (barrel + action) is going to set you back like $650... that's $1000 less than a V22 and I assume it should shoot pretty similar. I don't have a CZ, only a Tikka, but the prices are the same.
The 6x5 thread has many CZ/Tikka's that can compete with the V22's. And they both have the 60 degree throw. If you don't want to put in the time, you can get a MPA 22BA for $1750 with a PRS discount. $1000 less than the built V22 w/ MPA, and doesn't require any time/tinkering. Throw in center-x and it'll shoot.
Now if you want AICS and R700, then yes just get a V22.
The 6x5 thread has many CZ/Tikka's that can compete with the V22's. And they both have the 60 degree throw. If you don't want to put in the time, you can get a MPA 22BA for $1750 with a PRS discount. $1000 less than the built V22 w/ MPA, and doesn't require any time/tinkering. Throw in center-x and it'll shoot.
Now if you want AICS and R700, then yes just get a V22.
Last edited:
Oops, I meant just an Action + Barrel. So together would be a Barreled Action (BA). $650 vs the $1750 for a V22 Barreled Action.
Gotcha.
Is there some place in particular that sells just the CZ action / barreled action? I've only ever seen them for sale as complete guns. If you have to buy the whole thing, part it out and build it up... is there any significant difference between the 457 models as far as the action 'features goes, besides maybe the bolt handles?
Is there some place in particular that sells just the CZ action / barreled action? I've only ever seen them for sale as complete guns. If you have to buy the whole thing, part it out and build it up... is there any significant difference between the 457 models as far as the action 'features goes, besides maybe the bolt handles?
I don't believe there's any differences in the actions between any of the models - if you wanted an action to start your own build, might as well buy the scout, which is the least expensive version I've seen listed anywhere. You might be able to peddle the youth model Scout stock online to recoup part of your investment...
I've still got the OEM bbl that I removed from my Varmint MTR when I re-barreled it with a Shilen. I just ordered a VPT w/Manners stock, in the 24" bbl version; have no intention of keeping the bbl length at 24". Will shoot it before making any modifications, as I've got some very good lots of SK Std+, Rifle Match, Pistol Match, and LR Match. If that 24" bbl isn't a hammer, the MTR bbl will get installed & tested. If that doesn't turn out well, I've got a Bartlein blank ordered, but it won't be here for probably 4 months. I'd have preferred to buy the 20.5" version of the VPT, but knowing there was a good chance I'd wind up using a custom bbl on it anyway, it really didn't make much difference which bbl I got. Don't have any real use for the 16.5" version, so waited until Lipsey's got a shipment of the 24s in. This was the least expensive & quickest way for me to get into the Manners stock, even with getting a dealer's discount on them.
I've still got the OEM bbl that I removed from my Varmint MTR when I re-barreled it with a Shilen. I just ordered a VPT w/Manners stock, in the 24" bbl version; have no intention of keeping the bbl length at 24". Will shoot it before making any modifications, as I've got some very good lots of SK Std+, Rifle Match, Pistol Match, and LR Match. If that 24" bbl isn't a hammer, the MTR bbl will get installed & tested. If that doesn't turn out well, I've got a Bartlein blank ordered, but it won't be here for probably 4 months. I'd have preferred to buy the 20.5" version of the VPT, but knowing there was a good chance I'd wind up using a custom bbl on it anyway, it really didn't make much difference which bbl I got. Don't have any real use for the 16.5" version, so waited until Lipsey's got a shipment of the 24s in. This was the least expensive & quickest way for me to get into the Manners stock, even with getting a dealer's discount on them.
International Barrels Inc will cut a CZ barrel. Shipped it's like $325, a pretty good deal and they're performing really well. If you didn't want to wait the 4mo for the bartlein.
I've used Shilen select match ratchet rifled blanks on my 457 American & Varmint MTR. If I weren't wanting to wait on a Bartlein, I'd just go with another Shilen, which I can get in less than a week - if the contour I want is in stock. Someone here tried to tell me that Shilens were made more for point blank BR use, and that I'd be disappointed with one if I were shooting 200yds with a 22RF. Seemed to be a weird opinion at the time, and I've had very good results at 200+yds with both the #5 that I contoured to use on the American, and the .850" straight that I put on the Varmint MTR. I don't have quite as much confidence in the Shilens as I do in the Bartlein & Kriegers I have on my V-22s, but feel the V-22 action is part of the reason for that. I haven't shot either of the 457s as much as I've shot the V-22s, so putting more rounds downrange with the 457s might change the way I feel about the differences between the two actions.
I've seen threads about Vudoo people having issues as well so there is still chances. Now having said that, you are asking if you should get a CZ or a Vudoo. The fact that the Vudoo is an option says that you can afford it just fine so ya, get that.
