Rimfire rifle with styling inspired by classic American hunting and sporting rifles. The American-style stock is crafted from premium walnut, finished with a high-gloss lacquer, and features fleur-de-lis checkering on the gripping surfaces. The lightweight cold hammer-forged barrel measures 630 mm (24.8") in length and is supplied without iron sights.
In the segment of rimfire rifles, Česká zbrojovka has long ranked among the world's leading manufacturers. More than that, however, the company has established itself as a trendsetter. Following the legendary CZ 452 series and its highly successful successor, the CZ 455, a new generation of CZ bolt-action rimfire rifles has arrived: the CZ 457 family.
The new CZ 457 series features a thoroughly refined modular design that delivers significant improvements over previous models and competing products in every key area, including safety, accuracy, and service life.
Many of the new CZ 457 rimfire rifles return, to varying degrees, to the original purpose for which this category of firearms was created—and the reason they continue to enjoy such enduring popularity. Rimfire rifles are frequently chosen by owners of centerfire hunting rifles for economical practice, recreational shooting, and introducing younger generations to the fundamentals of marksmanship and hunting. The design of the CZ 457 family reflects this philosophy exceptionally well. Another major advantage is the partial design and component commonality with the successful CZ 557 centerfire rifle series, particularly the fully adjustable trigger mechanism with its outstanding performance.
Equally important is the retention of the proven magazines and barrel attachment system from the CZ 455 platform, allowing existing owners to upgrade to the new generation easily and economically while retaining compatibility with many of their existing components.
The advantages of the CZ 457 series can be divided into three principal areas:
Safety First
In keeping with modern expectations for the operation of bolt-action rifles, the CZ 457 features a positive safety located on the right side of the receiver. The safety is disengaged by pushing the lever forward, while a visible red dot on the receiver clearly indicates when the rifle is ready to fire.
Another new feature for CZ rimfire rifles is a cocking indicator that provides both visual and tactile confirmation of the firing mechanism's status. When the firing pin is cocked, a red indicator pin protrudes from the rear of the firing pin assembly.
Safety during handling has also been enhanced by incorporating a dedicated bolt release on the left side of the receiver. As a result, removing the bolt for routine maintenance no longer requires pulling the trigger.
Finally, in accordance with the preferences of most modern shooters, the CZ 457 allows the bolt to be opened and removed while the safety remains engaged.
Enhanced Accuracy
CZ rimfire rifles have always been renowned for their excellent accuracy. However, the inherited trigger design from the CZ 452 ZKM limited the extent of trigger adjustment. CZ successfully addressed this limitation in selected CZ 455 models, and the experience gained has led to the development of an entirely new trigger mechanism for the CZ 457.
The trigger pull weight can be adjusted between 8 and 15 N, while trigger travel is adjustable from 0.5 to 7 mm. This enables shooters to configure the rifle anywhere between a practical field or training setup and a highly refined target rifle.
Another often overlooked but important contributor to accuracy is the firing pin mass. Compared with previous generations, the firing pin in the CZ 457 has been reduced in weight by more than 60%. The lighter firing pin moves faster while simultaneously reducing vibration and disturbance during firing.
Significant advances have also been made in stock design across the CZ rifle lineup, and the CZ 457 benefits greatly from these improvements. A newly developed bedding system ensures consistent action screw tension within the stock, contributing to repeatable accuracy. At the same time, ergonomics have been further refined, providing an exceptionally comfortable and secure grip.
The dedicated target model, the CZ 457 MTR chambered in .22 LR, also incorporates a precision match chamber manufactured to the lower limit of allowable tolerances. Combined with the rifle's other refinements, this enables CZ to guarantee 15 mm (0.59") five-shot groups at 50 meters.
Improved User Experience
Over recent years, CZ has made substantial investments in manufacturing technology, including advanced surface treatment processes for steel components. As a result, the CZ 457 series benefits from one of the most durable corrosion-resistant finishes currently available on the market.
Shooters will also appreciate the smoother bolt operation made possible through a redesigned receiver and bolt body. In addition, the bolt lift has been reduced by 30 degrees compared with previous CZ rimfire rifles, allowing comfortable operation even when using riflescopes with large ocular lenses.
During the development of this new generation, CZ also refined numerous smaller components, including the trigger guard, magazine well, magazine catch, and a newly designed interface for Weaver scope bases.
As previously mentioned, the key advantages of the previous generation have been retained. The modular system still allows straightforward barrel replacement and caliber conversion, while both barrels and magazines remain fully compatible with the CZ 455 series.
A New Generation
The CZ 457 family, chambered in .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR, is gradually replacing the CZ 455 lineup. Beyond one-for-one model replacements, the advantages of the new design have also enabled the introduction of entirely new variants with unique features that were previously absent from the CZ portfolio. An overview of the first wave of these new models is presented on the following pages.
After becoming familiar with the CZ 457 family, you will undoubtedly agree that these rifles represent a new benchmark for modern rimfire firearms within their price class. At present, they stand among the finest rifles available on the global market, offering a combination of safety, accuracy, versatility, and value that is exceptionally difficult to match.
Parameters:
• Caliber: .22 WMR
• Thread: 1/2x20 UNF
• Twist: 1:16
• Barrel length: 24.8" (630 mm)
• Overall length: 1088 mm
• Weight: 2.9 kg
• Magazine capacity: 5 rounds
• Trigger pull: 11-14 N
• Sights: Mechanical
• Accuracy: 1 MOA
• Adjustable trigger
• Lacquered walnut stock
• Cold forged barrel
