CZ-USA 457 Varmint MTR .22 LR 20.5 in Turkish Walnut 5rd
Pros & cons
What works
- 0.5-0.75 MOA accuracy with match ammo — outperforms most production .22 LR rifles
- Fully adjustable trigger from 2.5 to 4 pounds — precise enough for competition use
- Swappable barrel system — change calibers in under 10 minutes without gunsmithing
- 20.5-inch cold hammer-forged barrel — maintains consistency for 5,000+ rounds
Trade-offs
- 7.08 pound weight — 2.3 pounds heavier than sporter-grade .22 rifles for field carry
- 5-round magazine capacity — half the capacity of Ruger 10/22 for rapid fire scenarios
- Turkish walnut shows wear — requires more maintenance than synthetic stocks like the Stevens 334
- No iron sights included — adds $150-300 for optic setup before first use
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The CZ-USA 457 Varmint MTR is a match-grade rimfire rifle engineered for precision shooting with a CIP-spec chamber and swappable barrel system. This platform delivers sub-MOA accuracy with premium ammunition while maintaining the reliability needed for competitive rimfire disciplines and varmint control. Built on CZ's proven 457 action, it combines European craftsmanship with practical features for serious shooters who demand consistency shot after shot.
What is the CZ-USA 457 Varmint MTR used for?
This rifle is built for precision rimfire competition and varmint hunting where accuracy matters more than firepower. The 20.5-inch cold hammer-forged barrel and match chamber will hold under 0.75 MOA with quality ammunition at 50 yards, making it ideal for NRL22 matches or dispatching ground squirrels out to 150 yards. The adjustable trigger and ergonomic walnut stock provide the control needed for shooting off barricades or bipods during extended sessions.
How does the CZ-457 Varmint MTR compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The CZ-457 outperforms the Stevens 334 in accuracy and craftsmanship but costs nearly twice as much. Where the Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers 2-3 MOA accuracy suitable for deer hunting, the CZ-457 consistently shoots 0.5-0.75 MOA groups with match-grade .22 LR ammunition. The Turkish walnut stock and fully adjustable trigger make the CZ better suited for competition, while the Stevens synthetic stock and hunting-focused design make it more practical for field use.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 7.08 pounds unloaded and measures 41 inches overall with its 20.5-inch barrel. The length of pull is 13.75 inches with a 1.5-inch thick recoil pad, making it suitable for adult shooters of most sizes. The heavy barrel profile contributes 2.3 pounds to the total weight, providing stability for off-hand shooting while adding minimal length compared to sporter profiles.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't for beginners or plinkers who just want to shoot tin cans—it's over-engineered and over-priced for that role. The 5-round magazine capacity and single-shot loading procedure make it poorly suited for rapid fire, and the premium walnut stock shows wear faster than synthetic alternatives like the Stevens 334. Hunters needing quick follow-up shots or parents buying a first rifle should look at cheaper options with higher capacity.
What's in the box?
You get the rifle with one 5-round detachable magazine, but no optic mounts or cleaning tools are included. The package includes a trigger adjustment tool and owner's manual detailing the 60-degree bolt throw and CIP chamber specifications. You'll need to budget $50-150 for scope rings and another $20 for a Harris-style bipod to utilize the QD studs properly.
Is the CZ-457 Varmint MTR worth it at $924.99?
At this price, it's worth it for serious competitors who need match-grade accuracy without custom gunsmithing. The swappable barrel system lets you change calibers in under 10 minutes without tools, potentially saving $300-500 compared to buying multiple dedicated rifles. For varmint hunters or casual shooters, the Stevens 334 at half the price makes more financial sense despite its lower precision.
Key attributes
| upc | 806703023458 |
| manufacturer | CZ-USA |
| manufacturer part number | 02345 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Black Nitride |
| barrel length | 20.5'' |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 34.2'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 5-Round |
| model | 457 Varmint |
| number of magazines | 1 / 5 rd. |
| package height | 3.3 |
| package width | 8.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Two-Position |
| shipping weight | 10.0 |
| sights | No |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with CZ 455 magazines?
- No, the CZ 457 uses redesigned magazines that are not backwards compatible with CZ 455 models. The new design improves feeding reliability but requires purchasing additional 5-round or 10-round magazines at $35-45 each from CZ-USA or MidwayUSA.
- Does it fit standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers standard .22 LR rounds but performs best with match-grade ammunition like Eley Tenex or Lapua Center-X. The tight CIP match chamber may not cycle reliably with bulk-pack ammunition that has inconsistent case dimensions.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Firearms ship within 3 business days via FedEx with adult signature required, typically arriving in 5-7 days to most Montana addresses. All shipments go to your local FFL dealer for transfer, adding 1-2 days for paperwork processing.
- Can I return it if it doesn't shoot accurately?
- No, firearms are final sale unless defective—accuracy claims require testing with match ammunition and proper bench technique. CZ-USA's warranty covers manufacturing defects but not user accuracy expectations; they require 5-shot groups at 50 yards with specified ammunition for evaluation.