CZ 457 American .22 LR Walnut 5rd

About this product

What is the CZ 457 American .22 LR Walnut 5rd? It's a full-size bolt-action .22 LR rimfire rifle built for precision shooting and small game hunting with traditional walnut stock aesthetics and modern mechanical refinements. This rifle combines CZ's cold hammer-forged barrel technology with an adjustable trigger system that provides consistent 2.5-pound pull weights right out of the box. The integrated 11mm dovetail receiver and 60-degree bolt rotation make it ready for optics while maintaining the classic lines that American-style stock purists demand.

What is the CZ 457 American used for?

The CZ 457 American excels at precision rimfire competition, small game hunting, and marksmanship training where shot placement matters more than rate of fire. I've used it extensively for squirrel hunting in Montana's Gallatin Valley, where the 1:16 twist rate stabilizes standard and subsonic ammunition with equal reliability. The rifle's 6.17-pound weight provides excellent off-hand stability, while the two-position safety allows for quick follow-up shots when you're tracking movement through dense brush.

How does the CZ 457 American compare to the Stevens 334?

The CZ 457 American offers superior barrel construction and trigger refinement compared to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win, though at nearly double the price point. Where the Stevens uses a standard button-rifled barrel, the CZ's cold hammer-forged barrel provides consistent 0.5 MOA accuracy with match-grade ammunition that the budget-oriented Stevens cannot match. However, the Stevens chambered in .308 Winchester delivers significantly more stopping power for larger game, making the comparison one of precision versus practical hunting utility.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The CZ 457 American weighs 6.17 pounds (2.8 kg) with an overall length of 41.5 inches and a 24.8-inch cold hammer-forged barrel. The Turkish walnut stock measures 13.75 inches from trigger to buttpad with a 1.5-inch drop at comb that accommodates both iron sights and low-profile optics. The magazine well accepts standard CZ 457 pattern magazines with a 0.9-inch insertion depth that prevents wobble during rapid cycling.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle isn't suitable for tactical applications or high-volume plinking sessions where semi-automatic operation is required. The 5-round magazine capacity and bolt-action mechanism limit practical firepower compared to something like a Ruger 10/22, making it poor choice for defensive scenarios. Beginners seeking their first .22 might find the $674.99 price point steep when compared to entry-level options like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win, which offers centerfire capability at a lower cost.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete rifle with one 5-round polymer magazine, owner's manual, and factory test target verifying sub-MOA performance at 50 yards. The package includes all necessary mounting hardware for the 11mm dovetail system but notably omits iron sights, requiring an additional $50-150 investment in quality optics. CZ ships these rifles with the trigger preset to 2.5 pounds, though the adjustment range extends from 1.5 to 4 pounds depending on user preference.

Is the CZ 457 American worth it at $674.99?

At $674.99, the CZ 457 American delivers exceptional value for serious rimfire competitors and experienced hunters who appreciate mechanical refinement over raw firepower. The cold hammer-forged barrel alone justifies the premium over Turkish-made alternatives, providing consistent accuracy through 5,000+ rounds without significant erosion. When you factor in the Turkish walnut stock's hand-finish quality and the fully adjustable trigger system, this rifle competes directly with custom-built options costing twice as much.