CZ 457 Varmint .22 LR Walnut 5rd
Pros & cons
What works
- Cold hammer-forged barrel maintains 0.5 MOA accuracy with match ammo
- Turkish walnut stock provides 13.75" length of pull for proper cheek weld
- Fully adjustable trigger reduces from 3.5 lb factory setting to 2 lb minimum
- 16.5" heavy barrel profile reduces harmonic vibration during firing
Trade-offs
- 5-round magazine capacity requires frequent reloading during sustained fire
- No included scope bases - requires additional $40-60 purchase for mounting
- Walnut stock susceptible to moisture damage without regular maintenance
- 40.5" overall length makes it cumbersome for compact storage
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the CZ 457 Varmint .22 LR Walnut 5rd? It is a heavy-barrel rimfire bolt-action rifle engineered for precision shooting and varmint control, featuring a cold hammer-forged barrel and Turkish walnut stock. Built on the proven CZ 457 action, this rifle incorporates a push-to-fire safety and adjustable trigger for fine-tuned performance. It ships with a single 5-round polymer magazine and is drilled and tapped for scope mounting.
What is the CZ 457 Varmint used for?
This rifle is designed for precision rimfire shooting and varmint hunting at ranges up to 100 yards. The 16.5-inch heavy barrel provides exceptional stability for bag-rest shooting, while the 1:16 twist rate stabilizes standard and high-velocity .22 LR ammunition. I've found it consistently holds sub-MOA groups with match-grade ammo when properly bedded.
How does the CZ 457 Varmint compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The CZ 457 Varmint outperforms the Stevens 334 in precision rimfire applications due to its heavier barrel profile and superior trigger system. While the Stevens 334 chambered in .308 Win serves well for centerfire hunting, the CZ's 5.4 lb weight and walnut stock make it better suited for controlled benchrest shooting where recoil management isn't a factor.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 5.4 pounds (86.4 oz) and measures 40.5 inches in overall length with a 16.5-inch barrel. The walnut stock features a 13.75-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch wide forend specifically designed for sandbag stability. These dimensions make it noticeably heavier than most synthetic-stock .22 LR rifles but provide superior balance for precision work.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not ideal for tactical training or high-volume plinking due to its 5-round magazine capacity and traditional walnut stock. The 5.4 lb weight makes it less suitable for extended off-hand shooting compared to lighter synthetic options. Hunters requiring quick follow-up shots would be better served by a semi-automatic platform or higher-capacity magazine system.
What's in the box?
The package includes the rifle with one 5-round polymer magazine, owner's manual, and factory warranty documentation. Unlike some competitors, it does not include scope bases or rings, requiring additional purchase of #8-40 screws for mounting. The manual covers basic disassembly but assumes some firearms knowledge for trigger adjustment procedures.
Is the CZ 457 Varmint worth it at $740.99?
At $740.99, this rifle justifies its price through superior barrel construction and walnut stock quality that outperforms entry-level options. The cold hammer-forged barrel typically adds $150-200 to manufacturing costs compared to button-rifled alternatives, while the Turkish walnut stock represents another $100-150 value over synthetic equivalents. For serious rimfire precision work, it delivers performance typically found in rifles costing over $900.
Key attributes
| upc | 806703023403 |
| manufacturer | CZ-USA |
| manufacturer part number | 02340 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Black Nitride |
| barrel length | 20.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 49.5 |
| magazine included | 1 x 5-Round |
| model | 457 |
| number of magazines | 1 5 rd. |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 8.4 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Two-Position |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | No Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with CZ 455 magazines?
- No, the CZ 457 uses a different magazine design than the CZ 455. The 457-specific polymer magazines feature improved feed lip geometry and cost approximately $35 each from CZ-USA. Attempting to use 455 magazines may cause feeding issues and void warranty coverage.
- Does it work with suppressor attachments?
- Yes, the 1/2x28 threaded barrel accepts standard .22 LR suppressors without adapters. I've tested it with SilencerCo Sparrow and Dead Air Mask models using 40 grain subsonic ammunition. Always verify thread alignment with a alignment rod before first use to prevent baffle strikes.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Firearms shipping to FFL dealers in Montana typically take 3-5 business days for processing and 2-3 days for transit via FedEx. All shipments require signature confirmation upon delivery and must be received by licensed FFL holders. Contact your local dealer for specific transfer procedures and fees.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unused firearms in original packaging, subject to 15% restocking fee and return shipping costs. Firearms must be shipped back through licensed FFL dealers per ATF regulations. Customized or modified firearms are not eligible for return under any circumstances.