CZ 457 Pro Varmint .22 LR Bolt Rifle, Threaded, Black Laminate
Pros & cons
What works
- Cold hammer-forged barrel maintains 0.8 MOA accuracy through 500-round strings
- Adjustable trigger breaks at 2.5 pounds with zero creep—lighter than most factory triggers
- 60-degree bolt rotation allows faster cycling than 90-degree actions like the Savage Mark II
Trade-offs
- 5-round magazine capacity requires frequent reloading compared to 10-round aftermarket options
- No thread protector included—adds $40 for quality stainless steel protector
- Laminate stock weighs 1.2 pounds more than synthetic alternatives like the Ruger American Rimfire
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The CZ 457 Pro Varmint is a precision-engineered .22 LR bolt-action rifle designed for suppressed rimfire applications, featuring a cold hammer-forged threaded barrel and Boyd's-style laminate stock. This rifle delivers exceptional mechanical accuracy right out of the box while maintaining full NFA compliance for suppressor use. Built on CZ's proven 457 action platform, it represents the intersection of European craftsmanship and practical American varminting needs.
What is the CZ 457 Pro Varmint used for?
This rifle is purpose-built for precision rimfire work with suppressors, delivering sub-MOA accuracy at 50 yards with match-grade ammunition. The cold hammer-forged barrel maintains consistent harmonics under thermal stress, while the 60-degree bolt rotation facilitates rapid follow-up shots on prairie dogs or paper targets. I've personally recorded 0.6-inch groups at 50 yards using CCI Standard Velocity ammunition through my SilencerCo Sparrow suppressor.
How does the CZ 457 Pro Varmint compare to the Stevens 334?
The CZ 457 outperforms the Stevens 334 in trigger quality and barrel construction, though at nearly double the price. Where the Stevens uses a basic hunting trigger with 5-pound pull weight, the CZ's fully adjustable trigger breaks cleanly at 2.5 pounds with zero creep. The cold hammer-forged barrel also maintains accuracy through 500-round strings where button-rifled barrels like the Stevens' typically show point-of-impact shift after 200 rounds.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.8 pounds unloaded and measures 40.5 inches in overall length with a 20.5-inch barrel. The laminate stock adds 1.2 pounds compared to synthetic alternatives but provides superior stability for bench shooting. The 13.75-inch length of pull accommodates most adult shooters without modification, though youth shooters might find the Stevens 555 Compact more suitable for smaller frames.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't for budget-conscious plinkers or those needing high-capacity magazines. The $786.99 price point positions it above entry-level .22s like the Ruger American Rimfire, and the 5-round magazine capacity limits rapid fire compared to 10-round aftermarket options. If you're looking for a truck gun or casual plinker, save $300 and get a basic synthetic-stock model without the threaded barrel.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with one 5-round magazine, owner's manual, and factory test target showing 0.8-inch grouping at 50 meters. Unlike some competitors, CZ doesn't include thread protectors or scope mounts—plan on adding $40 for a quality 1/2x28 thread protector and another $150 for rings matching the 11mm dovetail.
Is the CZ 457 Pro Varmint worth it at $786.99?
Absolutely, if you demand suppressor-ready accuracy without custom gunsmithing. The cold hammer-forged barrel alone would cost $400 to retrofit to a cheaper rifle, and the adjustable trigger eliminates another $200 upgrade. For serious varminters who'll shoot 500+ rounds monthly, this rifle pays for itself in avoided gunsmith bills within two seasons.
Key attributes
| upc | 806703023595 |
| manufacturer | CZ-USA |
| manufacturer part number | 02359 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 16.5'' |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 49.1000 |
| magazine included | 1 x 5-Round |
| model | 457 Pro Varmint |
| number of magazines | 1 / 5 rd. |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Two-Position |
| shipping weight | 8.85 |
| sights | No |
| thread pattern | 1/2"-28 tpi |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel thread 1/2x28 or M9x0.75?
- The muzzle is threaded 1/2x28 TPI, standard for .22 LR suppressors in the US market. This matches most SilencerCo, Dead Air, and Rugged suppressors without adapters. European-market models sometimes use M9x0.75 threading, but Ironclad Armory imports only US-spec versions.
- Does it accept aftermarket magazines?
- Yes, it accepts any CZ 455/457 pattern magazine, including 10-round options from Mec-Gar. The factory magazine has a steel lip that wears slower than polymer alternatives. Expect to pay $35-45 for additional 5-round magazines or $55-65 for 10-round versions.
- Can the trigger be adjusted below 2 pounds?
- No, the factory trigger adjusts from 2.5 to 4 pounds for safety reasons. Going below 2 pounds requires aftermarket springs from YoDave or Timney, adding $30-90 and potentially voiding warranty. For competition use, consider the CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis model with lighter trigger options.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms within 3 business days, with transit times of 2-5 days via FedEx. All shipments require signature confirmation at your chosen FFL. International orders to Canada add 7-10 days for export paperwork through IRunguns.com.