We presented a selection of 22 LR rifles in the June 2022 issue of Gun Tests. You promptly told us that you wanted more, and that the next group needed to include the CZ 457. So we secured a sample of the recently-released CZ-USA CZ 457 Varmint MTR 02345 with the walnut stock and the vertical grip, $720. We also added a Browning T-Bolt 025236202 22 LR, $880, with a stainless barrel and action along with a grey/black laminated stock. Then we grabbed a Ruger American Rimfire Long-Range Target 8378, $532, with a two-tone laminate stock and 22-inch bull barrel. Last came the Savage B22 Precision 70248, $570, with the great AccuTrigger and a one-piece billet chassis from MDT.

For the sake of consistency, we decided to stick with the same ammo selection we used for the June 2022 article. Those were SK Match, Eley Tenex, and Eley Match rounds. Our team shot accuracy groups at 50 yards, and we weren’t disappointed.

Gun Tests Grade: A (OUR PICK)

$720

CZ (Ceská zbrojovka) has been in the firearms business since 1936. Famous for rifles as well as pistols, the CZ Group now also owns Dan Wesson Firearms, along with Colt. We’ve observed them since those acquisitions, watching them put hard work into what were already good products. Our CZ 457 Varmint MTR is a good example of what comes from them today.

The standard CZ 457 is slim and sleek. Our 457 Varmint — not so much. The unthreaded barrel on our sample measured about 0.863 inch in diameter at the muzzle and around 0.870 inch at the receiver. The hammer-forged tube is 20.5 inches long and spins out the 22 LR bullets with a 1-in-16-inch twist. Barrels are interchangeable with other 457s. Some even come as packages, including both 22 LR and 17 HMR chamberings. The match chamber is cut as tight as CIP (the European version of SAAMI) will allow it. This normally creates a great starting point for the launching of match ammo.

The once more-rounded action has been slab sided to cut a bit of weight. That might be applicable on some of the other 19 versions we saw on the CZ website, but not so much on ours. Weight is okay on a varmint gun. The receiver comes with integral dovetails. We measured them at about 0.430 inch and have been informed by those who do not work in inches that this also measures 11mm. The bolt handle is somewhat short, with a slightly oversized bolt knob. One of the updates with the 457 model was changing required bolt throw from 90 to 60 degrees. Total rearward movement is just over 1.5 inches and is very fast. Bolt removal is accomplished via a small lever on the left rear of the receiver. A red outlined cocking indicator protrudes out the rear of the bolt. In an admitted concession to the American market, the safety is now a Remingtonesque two-position rocker switch just behind the bolt handle. The single-stage trigger is adjustable for weight, take up, and overtravel. Weighing in at a hair over 2.5 pounds and very crisp, we left it alone. The CZ 457 ships with a five-round magazine that fits almost flush with the stock. If that is not optimum for you, we found 10- and 25-round CZ magazines for sale at MidwayUSA.com. They were also out of stock and overdue, so be careful getting your hopes up.

We still appreciate nice walnut stocks, and we like what CZ did with this one. Inletting was crisp and sharp. The laser-applied stippling was consistent and abrasive enough without being too grippy. The lettering inside the stippling was perfect. Action screws are inserted through metal pillars, and a recoil lug has been inserted at the rear of the action. Gone is the polymer bottom metal of the 455 model. Instead, CZ now uses two metal pieces that dovetail together nicely. The forend is long, flat, and also has a stippled surface, along with two sling-swivel studs. The shooter is good to go for slings and many bipods. The toe of the stock is somewhat slanted and flat along its narrow width; another feature helping the CZ ride support bags well. The pistol grip is a vertical piece with a nice palm swell. Stippling has been applied on both sides, as well as a flat shelf on top of the grip. The comb is high, flat, and smooth, making for a good cheek rest.

Our Team Said: The CZ 457 Varmint MTR shot everything in our selection well. The worst performer, if you can call it that, was the Eley Tenex, averaging 0.504 inch for the five-shot groups. Overall, the CZ averaged 0.473 inch groups at 50 yards. The heavy-profile barrel and flat forend just sat there in our bags making good shooting pretty easy.

22 LR Range Data (50 Yards)