That's what I was thinking. NW FL here.
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CZ 457
- Thread starter A-Rob
- Start date
Y’all should go to Arena in Blakley GA this sat for the NRLX22 match and settle this there. I to have a bone stock CZ 457 and a Vortex DBT scope so it’s in base class NRL22 #2563
Any of you guys have the American synthetic stock from factory? If so what bi pod are you running?
I have three CZ457s - an American, Varmint MTR, and Varmint Precision Trainer in the Manners PRS1T stock. I fell in lust with the American's appearance after seeing the initial advertisements for it in 2017, and the MTR's stock plus the match chambered barrel had a strong appeal as well. I have a one-man gunsmithing shop & ffl, and finding an American was easy, but it took a few months before I was able to find the MTR. The American didn't shoot worth a hoot, even after pulling the OEM bbl to recut a precision 11* crown (factory crown was fugly & ragged), but I kept shooting it due to the CZ fans over on RFC saying it sometimes takes 1000rds before a factory barrel comes around. The MTR OTOH, shot really well right out of the box, and adjusting the trigger for a break just over 1lb made it easier to shoot decent groups at 50yds with it.
Eventually, I decided to re-barrel the American instead of selling it off. Reasoned that I really liked the appearance of the factory sporter stock and the very smooth & reliable function of the action. I bought a Shilen ratchet in #5 contour, parted off the 1.20" shank, and turned the transition radius down to a tenon that was a nice snug fit in the action. Cut a match chamber with my EPS reamer, then milled the extractor slots, set the headspace at .043", and glued it into the action with Loctite #609. That got me away from having to cut the deep grub screw seats, and eliminated the stress on the action & bbl that grub screws create. That rifle now shoots as good as it looks (maybe better), and I'm very pleased with it. No, I don't shoot it in competition, but it's just what I was after in the 1st place - a classy looking sporter that's very accurate.
I decided to buy the VPT because of the appeal of the Manners stock - I have three V22 repeaters in PRS1T stocks, so obviously like that stock. However, the factory 24" bbl had issues, though it did shoot considerably better than the American's factory bbl had done. I put 500+rds through it at 50yds, and felt that groups had improved a fair amount since new, but when I took it out to 100 & 200yds, it fell on its face - couldn't even keep 10rds of a known good lot of SK Rifle Match on an 8" gong at 200. So another Shilen was ordered - this one a straight, no taper of .860" dia. Repeated the same process that I'd used on the American's Shilen, and wound up with another very accurate rifle.
So, in my experience, two out of three factory CZ barrels were really unsatisfactory, and had to be replaced. I don't know if CZ has improved the quality of their barrels since I bought my rifles, but have to wonder about that, with the current positive posts in this thread claiming good accuracy out of the box. I've been happy with the fact that CZ designed the 457 with a fully adjustable trigger - not many companies seem to have the courage to sell a design that allows owners to easily tune their triggers, especially in today's sue-happy society. I wouldn't have spent the time or money to re-barrel the two 457s that needed better barrels if I didn't really like the action. Granted, my experience with custom barrels that I've fitted & chambered on 22RF rifles I've built for myself (Stiller 2500XR, two CMP 40Xs converted into repeaters by Jelrod, three V22 repeaters and two V22S single shots) raised my accuracy expectations & standards to a level that very few factory repeaters in the 457's price range will ever achieve. But like I said before, I like the 457 action, and applaud CZ's efforts to bring a quality 22RF rifle to market at the price point.
Eventually, I decided to re-barrel the American instead of selling it off. Reasoned that I really liked the appearance of the factory sporter stock and the very smooth & reliable function of the action. I bought a Shilen ratchet in #5 contour, parted off the 1.20" shank, and turned the transition radius down to a tenon that was a nice snug fit in the action. Cut a match chamber with my EPS reamer, then milled the extractor slots, set the headspace at .043", and glued it into the action with Loctite #609. That got me away from having to cut the deep grub screw seats, and eliminated the stress on the action & bbl that grub screws create. That rifle now shoots as good as it looks (maybe better), and I'm very pleased with it. No, I don't shoot it in competition, but it's just what I was after in the 1st place - a classy looking sporter that's very accurate.
I decided to buy the VPT because of the appeal of the Manners stock - I have three V22 repeaters in PRS1T stocks, so obviously like that stock. However, the factory 24" bbl had issues, though it did shoot considerably better than the American's factory bbl had done. I put 500+rds through it at 50yds, and felt that groups had improved a fair amount since new, but when I took it out to 100 & 200yds, it fell on its face - couldn't even keep 10rds of a known good lot of SK Rifle Match on an 8" gong at 200. So another Shilen was ordered - this one a straight, no taper of .860" dia. Repeated the same process that I'd used on the American's Shilen, and wound up with another very accurate rifle.
So, in my experience, two out of three factory CZ barrels were really unsatisfactory, and had to be replaced. I don't know if CZ has improved the quality of their barrels since I bought my rifles, but have to wonder about that, with the current positive posts in this thread claiming good accuracy out of the box. I've been happy with the fact that CZ designed the 457 with a fully adjustable trigger - not many companies seem to have the courage to sell a design that allows owners to easily tune their triggers, especially in today's sue-happy society. I wouldn't have spent the time or money to re-barrel the two 457s that needed better barrels if I didn't really like the action. Granted, my experience with custom barrels that I've fitted & chambered on 22RF rifles I've built for myself (Stiller 2500XR, two CMP 40Xs converted into repeaters by Jelrod, three V22 repeaters and two V22S single shots) raised my accuracy expectations & standards to a level that very few factory repeaters in the 457's price range will ever achieve. But like I said before, I like the 457 action, and applaud CZ's efforts to bring a quality 22RF rifle to market at the price point.
Nice write-up and review of the 457. Like you said, results vary and "ya never know 'til ya try" always factors in. Enjoy your CZ's and the others as well.
lil'skeet - Should've mentioned that I bought two 457 Americans & a Varmint in that 1st order, thinking that one of the Americans would have a nice looking stock, and I'd sell the other one. Well, the nice stocked rifle that I kept was the one that didn't shoot, and I've never shot either the 2nd American nor the Varmint, as I bought them to sell. Evidently, western Kansas isn't overrun with shooters who're interested in the CZ rimfire rifle line-up, as I've still got both of these rifles, still NIB. I took them to a couple of the gunshows that I routinely display at - didn't get any interest in either rifle. I even took them down to a friend's shop who has a good deal of traffic through his store, with a wide range of RF & CF rifles and handguns, and who is also a Class III/SOT, and who somehow manages to keep a decent supply of handloading components in stock. I figured he'd sell both of them within a couple of weeks...wrong. Evidently, there aren't a whole lot of RFC members out here in this end of the state...
Flatland1 Just switch stocks. They are interchangable and no serialized number. Put the American you didn't shoot into the wone that not shooting well and see how it does.
Not surprised. Despite being something of a CZ fan, most non-PRS22 shooting people don't know what they are. Heck! *I* didn't before I bought one. Saw a USPSA competition guy bring his Shadow 2 into the LGS I frequent and went 'oooh purty!'
M
I suppose I could've done that, but then what would I have done with the bbl'd action that didn't shoot well? I wouldn't have wanted to have sold it to anyone else, especially not a friend. No, like I said, now I've got what I wanted in the 1st place - a good-looking sporter that's very accurate.
I agree, 'pre-loading' the action with some pressure might help it bind. I got a key the right thickness and then had to dremel tool it fit- making it more half moon shape and taking a bit off the width.
Seems to me that recoil lugs in metal chassis need some kind of mating technique.
Seems to me that recoil lugs in metal chassis need some kind of mating technique.
stupid n00b questions contd
I think my pressure on the mags was causing my rifle to mis-feed the other day. Is there something other than an ARCA rail that'll bolt to the bottom of my At-One stock that'll keep pressure off the mag?
M
I think my pressure on the mags was causing my rifle to mis-feed the other day. Is there something other than an ARCA rail that'll bolt to the bottom of my At-One stock that'll keep pressure off the mag?
M
have a bipod for when I need it.
Shooting off a ladder and a mini Game Changer or another prop and it seems to be putting pressure on the mag
M
Maybe I missed something in an earlier post, but sounds to me like you just need to not lean in to the barricade so much that you put pressure on the mag.
Just finished putting mine together. 22 WMR with a KRG Bravo, MDT base, and Vortex Diamondback 4-16 in Vortex pro rings.
Well I finally got my little cz all set up…really surprised how accurate it is.Now I got to fight my son to shoot it!
Yes, ANY barrel, in any length and in any caliber that is designated to fit a CZ 455/457 will fit on your gun. ( The 20" Varmint MTR barrel being just one of them). They all mount the same. I'm running a 22" IBI Match barrel on one of my 457's myself. This one started as a 17 HMR American.
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Long time lurker here,
New CZ LRP build in progress:
Drilled T-nut and M5 bolt,
Amazon 300mm Arca rail,
Accu-tac Bipod,
Toolless adjust for comb (M5x30mm (comb height) and M5x25mm (butt)- coarse thread pitch) knurled/machined thumb screw bolts
Added 2 factory spacers to extend LOP.
Action work: smooth/polish bolt, stone/polish sear/trigger surface, new trigger spring.
Picatinny rail cover for the rear monopod rail (reduces scuffing).
This rifle comes standard with 25MOA rail so added Athlon medium rings 1.16" height, and Vortex Eagle Strike 5-25x56.
For my cheek positioning the comb is just high enough for me to remove the bolt easily so no blockage there. The toolless adjust makes it easy for me to adjust comb if it is an issue. No need to lug around a T25 torx screw driver.
Future mods :
Neoprene wrap for adjustable cheek pad.
Trying out some soft bedding material to stabilize action/receiver but not be permanent,
Scope mounted bubble level,
Possible flush mounted QD cup in the stock fore-end, to match the rear QD cup with sling use (sling nuts removed for Arca rail - factory were loose, not aligned well and had wood screw threading).
Still debating the bolt knob. The feel is good but the rubber cover on it has decent grip but feels odd.
The LRP with the fluted barrel and match chamber came with a slight rear heavy balance, now with the Arca rail and bipod it balances nicely right in front of the magazine release. Good for tripod use and balance on barricades.
Shot this rifle bone stock to get a feel for it before making upgrades. Used Norma Tac @ 50 yards under .5moa groups (I believe it can do better but our self made rules says front tripod only no rear bag/support. Will try better ammo. Shot more consistent than a friends AT-One 24" non-match barrel with same ammo. Hoping these mods will make it feel better for me and make it easier to shoot it better. It shoots better than me for sure.
Bought it because a bunch of friends are starting a friendly weekly competition using hostage targets printed on 8.5x11. They all shoot CZ 457 in different configs. 2 x MTR, 1 LRP, American, AT-One, PV so I can test and compare them side by side. I now have the second LRP in the group. It was a toss between this and the AT-ONE. but the AT-One did not come with match barrel. May upgrade to chassis later or build a custom and keep this as is. If anyone wants additional images of the build please let me know. I'll do what I can.
New CZ LRP build in progress:
Drilled T-nut and M5 bolt,
Amazon 300mm Arca rail,
Accu-tac Bipod,
Toolless adjust for comb (M5x30mm (comb height) and M5x25mm (butt)- coarse thread pitch) knurled/machined thumb screw bolts
Added 2 factory spacers to extend LOP.
Action work: smooth/polish bolt, stone/polish sear/trigger surface, new trigger spring.
Picatinny rail cover for the rear monopod rail (reduces scuffing).
This rifle comes standard with 25MOA rail so added Athlon medium rings 1.16" height, and Vortex Eagle Strike 5-25x56.
For my cheek positioning the comb is just high enough for me to remove the bolt easily so no blockage there. The toolless adjust makes it easy for me to adjust comb if it is an issue. No need to lug around a T25 torx screw driver.
Future mods :
Neoprene wrap for adjustable cheek pad.
Trying out some soft bedding material to stabilize action/receiver but not be permanent,
Scope mounted bubble level,
Possible flush mounted QD cup in the stock fore-end, to match the rear QD cup with sling use (sling nuts removed for Arca rail - factory were loose, not aligned well and had wood screw threading).
Still debating the bolt knob. The feel is good but the rubber cover on it has decent grip but feels odd.
The LRP with the fluted barrel and match chamber came with a slight rear heavy balance, now with the Arca rail and bipod it balances nicely right in front of the magazine release. Good for tripod use and balance on barricades.
Shot this rifle bone stock to get a feel for it before making upgrades. Used Norma Tac @ 50 yards under .5moa groups (I believe it can do better but our self made rules says front tripod only no rear bag/support. Will try better ammo. Shot more consistent than a friends AT-One 24" non-match barrel with same ammo. Hoping these mods will make it feel better for me and make it easier to shoot it better. It shoots better than me for sure.
Bought it because a bunch of friends are starting a friendly weekly competition using hostage targets printed on 8.5x11. They all shoot CZ 457 in different configs. 2 x MTR, 1 LRP, American, AT-One, PV so I can test and compare them side by side. I now have the second LRP in the group. It was a toss between this and the AT-ONE. but the AT-One did not come with match barrel. May upgrade to chassis later or build a custom and keep this as is. If anyone wants additional images of the build please let me know. I'll do what I can.
yes it will fit. easy to do. I did it to my 457 Varmint Precision. Took the Barrel from my MTR when i installed a Lilja barrel on to the MRT Varmint.
I have a lefty varmint waiting for me at my local ffl. I had a lefty 452 that I souped up over time that I sold off when I did a rim x. I regret that to this day, really dumb move, that rifle was a hammer and what the hell was I thinking that I could get by with just 1 22lr rifle.
Had some correspondence with KRG and I think for now Im just gonna go ahead and mod a bravo. It's going to be a day and night field rifle so the ability to attach this and that and adjust accordingly makes the bravo chassis a favorable choice for me.
Always been a fan of cz rimfire rifles and really looking forward to this guy.
First outing today for the new 457
The 24" barrel isn't quite the handicap in a MARS match that I thought it would be. Not lots of gates or in and out of gaps in the barricades tho.
I can tell I haven't shot the rifle in a bit 'cause I wasn't building good positions today. Lots of misses because the reticle was all over the target(s)
M
The 24" barrel isn't quite the handicap in a MARS match that I thought it would be. Not lots of gates or in and out of gaps in the barricades tho.
I can tell I haven't shot the rifle in a bit 'cause I wasn't building good positions today. Lots of misses because the reticle was all over the target(s)
M
SK Pistol Match 22lr in a 24" barrel has anyone used it and what kind of results did you have
Just got 6 bricks of Tac22 for the 20" LRP. For the price its great shooting @ 50 yards. hits 200 yard 18 inch steel fairly easily but haven't worked on getting a group that far out. Will be trying to locate some SK standard plus to try out on my new LRP. A friend measured case dimensions and the Tac22 was more consistent than some SK and lapua casings (using calipers). Will need to find out which ones though.
I was shooting a ?6"? steel target at 204yds with that ammo on Sunday
It was shaped like a firecracker exploding, so hard to tell.
There is free shipping on orders over 49$ and additional 5% off if you sign up for their newsletter for tac22
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Very interested to see how the Bravo mod works out. I reached out to Manners to ask if they had any plans to make a LH 457 stock and they said no.
Are you going to thread the barrel of the Varmint? Or get a drop-in barrel?
IDK specifically about that, but Anarchy Outdoors makes a couple and mebbe CZ USA has one on their site
M
Will do.. yes aftermarket left stuff is few and far at the moment but hopefully that will change some down the road. I'm just running with the factory bbl for now, looking to finally get out tomorrow and shoot it.
I did grab a trigger spring and swapped that out, threw on a spare optic. Hoping it likes old Wolf match as I have quite a few bricks in the rear.
So today I was an idiot and dropped my 17HMR. The threaded part on the handle that the knob threads on sheared right off. Anyone know if bolts are interchangeable between actions? Doubt I'll need the 17 any time soon, but figured I've got a 457 in 22lr as well. I know the barrels are interchangeable but I can't seem to find anything with regards to the bolts themselves. I should add I don't have any headspace gauges for 22lr or 17hmr.
Had a chance to get out today, Wolf M/T looks like a winner, was not the best of conditions but am very pleased with the groups. Oddly this was the same lot my buddies 24" 457 liked after testing in his rifle. It did not prefer eley club really but that doesn't matter. Put hits out with consistency out to 318 so no complaints. It's a little scary how well it's all falling together.
Zeroed a slot into the thermal as well.
Ended up scaring the shit out of that critter down there messing around.
..
Zeroed a slot into the thermal as well.
Ended up scaring the shit out of that critter down there messing around.
.. 
Got my at-one 457 out yesterday. I'm still looking at permanent scope options and decent ammo, but wanted to play with the new toy.
Got zero'd and shot a few groups at just under an inch at 50 yards using a cheap loaner bipod, 2-7 vx3, and 40gr super-x. I'd say there's plenty of potential there.
The stock on the AT-ONE isn't free floating the barrel everywhere so I need to take down a couple high spots. No biggie.
Anyone put pillars in one of these? There isn't much meat around the action screw holes to get pillars and epoxy into.
Is every gun different as far as torque specs for action screws?
Got zero'd and shot a few groups at just under an inch at 50 yards using a cheap loaner bipod, 2-7 vx3, and 40gr super-x. I'd say there's plenty of potential there.
The stock on the AT-ONE isn't free floating the barrel everywhere so I need to take down a couple high spots. No biggie.
Anyone put pillars in one of these? There isn't much meat around the action screw holes to get pillars and epoxy into.
Is every gun different as far as torque specs for action screws?
They sure are nice little rifles. I bought a Varmint in 22mag a few months ago and have really fallen in love with it. My sample is way more accurate than I was lead the 22mag to be. Its no 22lr but still, its pretty darn accurate. It likes Speer gold dot and cci fmj. Actually those are the only two Ive tried in it but it shot both quite well.
That was sight in day with the GoldDot load at 50yds. 6 rounds a d then that so at round #16 it was shooting fine. The bore is beautiful and I hit the wood lottery with my stock. But, and this is a big but, CZ put their famous CZ mud finish over top of some really figured wood, breaks my heart. And its so dark. Ive got to figure out a way to remedy this.
Just a few weeks ago I bought a 22lr American barrel for it so I now have a 22mg/22lr combo. Im enjoying my FIRST 22wmr rifle too much right now to do a swap though.
I smoothed the bolt and the ways inside the receiver, adjusted the trigger to my liking, added a new bolt knob my big mitts can get ahold of, got a few 10rnd mags and an aluminum magwell. The best thing I think I did though was buy rings from D3Precision because there was absolutely no way I was going to ruin the look of it by putting one of those monstrosity of a rails on top of it. Petes rings are as good as there is for that 11mm dovetail, bar none. A d they put the obj of my 44mm scope about .2" above the barrel and with a Vortex Defender cap about .1" is left, perfect.
The mag release is a disappointment isnt it? Im after one but theyve all been out of stock lately. Im thinking the one from DIP.
Im pretty happy with the factory trigger so see no need to mess with the Timney, yet.
This group was at 100yds with the cci fmj load.
A out the torque setting, yes, theyre all different except from the factory. Theyre a great way to fine tune YOUR rifle and preferred load. Head over to Rimfirecentral, those folks are fanatical and Ive always learned something every time I visit.
I see that many here have totally made-over their 457's and that is fine, thats what its all about right? But for me I wanted to keep this one as traditional looking as possible, wood and walnut type of thing. Even if it is Turkish walnut. I know Im going to end up just getting the American, that is one sharp looking little rimfire, that I can actually afford.
That was sight in day with the GoldDot load at 50yds. 6 rounds a d then that so at round #16 it was shooting fine. The bore is beautiful and I hit the wood lottery with my stock. But, and this is a big but, CZ put their famous CZ mud finish over top of some really figured wood, breaks my heart. And its so dark. Ive got to figure out a way to remedy this.
Just a few weeks ago I bought a 22lr American barrel for it so I now have a 22mg/22lr combo. Im enjoying my FIRST 22wmr rifle too much right now to do a swap though.
I smoothed the bolt and the ways inside the receiver, adjusted the trigger to my liking, added a new bolt knob my big mitts can get ahold of, got a few 10rnd mags and an aluminum magwell. The best thing I think I did though was buy rings from D3Precision because there was absolutely no way I was going to ruin the look of it by putting one of those monstrosity of a rails on top of it. Petes rings are as good as there is for that 11mm dovetail, bar none. A d they put the obj of my 44mm scope about .2" above the barrel and with a Vortex Defender cap about .1" is left, perfect.
The mag release is a disappointment isnt it? Im after one but theyve all been out of stock lately. Im thinking the one from DIP.
Im pretty happy with the factory trigger so see no need to mess with the Timney, yet.
This group was at 100yds with the cci fmj load.
A out the torque setting, yes, theyre all different except from the factory. Theyre a great way to fine tune YOUR rifle and preferred load. Head over to Rimfirecentral, those folks are fanatical and Ive always learned something every time I visit.
I see that many here have totally made-over their 457's and that is fine, thats what its all about right? But for me I wanted to keep this one as traditional looking as possible, wood and walnut type of thing. Even if it is Turkish walnut. I know Im going to end up just getting the American, that is one sharp looking little rimfire, that I can actually afford.
Nice write up @Arko. Glad you hit the wood lottery with yours and I’ll admit that I’m a little jealous. Mine is nice enough and surprisingly not too muddy, but another guy I shot with a couple weekends ago has a nicely figured piece of wood. His also has that dark finish yours has.
There are a couple different ways that you can address that finish to make the figure stand out, but the best ways involve stripping off that crappy finish and replacing it with something better. I’m a fan of polyurethane, but not everyone is. Some prefer the more traditional and more time consuming finishes.
In any case, enjoy that rifle.
There are a couple different ways that you can address that finish to make the figure stand out, but the best ways involve stripping off that crappy finish and replacing it with something better. I’m a fan of polyurethane, but not everyone is. Some prefer the more traditional and more time consuming finishes.
In any case, enjoy that rifle.
The bolts are standard as well. The firing pin design is a compromise for the 22lr, 17HMR and 22 WMR, but the rest are the same. They are in stock at https://shop.cz-usa.com/5080057001.html.
This being said I have a friend who is making his own shims for the bolt to adjust headspace, and he noticed that the bolts measurements in earlier 457 Lux, and our MTR/LRP are slightly different, by a couple of thousandth of an inch. But the part you are referring to with the handle is the same.
Hope this helps.
Anarchy outdoors just remade their larger release and are using aircraft grade aluminum instead of plastic. https://www.anarchyoutdoors.com/cz-rimfire-rifle-extended-magazine-release-gen-ii/ I just ordered one of their new ones and will report back later. It only specifies that it won't work with metal 5 round mags, but the 10/25 round mags are all polymer. The American - is a polymer stock, and all parts would fit the same if I'm not mistaken. CZ doesn't specify a different mag release for them.
Thanks for the reply, and glad to hear they're interchangeable! Unfortunately I'm up in Canada so I've got to source the part through the main distributor here. I'll just have to swap bolts with my 22 if I end up needing the 17 before I can get a replacement part.
I thought most of the headspace adjustments could be done on the barrel side, a la Lilja style?
I have that same release, early production run. It runs like a champ and is the only one I’d consider now for match use.
Is the MTR the only model that comes with a match chamber? Does it affect accuracy that much? I'm thinking of picking up a Pro Varmint, does it have the potential to shoot well?
The Pro Varmint i have in 16.5 is really accurate I ordered a 24 MTR barrel for it to help get more consistent muzzle velocities other than that i am happy with the pro
There are a few that have the match chamber now, but they're all on the more expensive side of the spectrum. The cz site is pretty good about laying out which is which.
There are more now. The MTR was the first, then the LRP (Long Range Precision) and now the newer version of the precision trainer with the adjustable comb. Only the LRP has the fluted match barrel though, you can buy it from CZ as a barrel only. They list is as Long Range MTR https://shop.cz-usa.com/cz-457-long-range-mtr-sr-barrel-set-22lr-20in-nitride.html
In the US the LRP is listed as discontinued, but in Europe they just came out with the "black" version, which they may bring to the US - exactly the same as the grey version.
