), he asked me what's new in the world of CZ rimfires. I told him the CZ world is all abuzz about the new model rimfire, the 457. He asked if I'd like to have him bring one for me to check out and, if so, which one would be a good seller for him. I told him sure, get the new 457 MTR (varmint match target rifle), since that was the version all the forums were talking about. Not that I would buy it, of course, but I would love to see one, just the same. (He just smiled.)Stopped in, today, and there it was. Honestly, I had no intention of buying this gun, since our other CZs are all I could ever ask for in terms of a great rimfire bolt gun. Problem was, the wonderful stock on this version of the 457. Fell in love with the ergonomics the minute I put it in my hands. Yup, a no holds barred bench gun stock, extraodinaire. Big wide flat forearm with one stud for a sling swivel and another for a bipod. Huge palm swell pistol grip and stock that you could fall asleep on while looking through the scope. Classic target stippling instead of cheesy checkering. (All high grade competition target rifles use stippling.) A nice rubber buttplate instead of slippery plastic. All in all, a lot of thought went into this stock design. The final straw was the gorgeous wood. I caved, big time.
Not done yet, though. True, heavy bull 20" barrel. Short 60 degree throw bolt - a big improvement over the earlier models of CZs with the 90 degree throw bolt and all the scope mounting headaches it caused. Slab sided action for a sleek modern appearance. Safety works in the same direction as all bolt gun safeties work, now, instead of backwards on the earlier CZ models. Wonderfull fully adjustable trigger that breaks like glass. Out of the box trigger is a touch heavier than my modded CZs, but should be a breeze to get down where I want it. Definitely a more sophisticated trigger than the 452 or 455 trigger. Better quality floor plate than the earlier stamped floor plates. Best of all, the first CZ rimfire with an actual match chamber.
Overall, the best finished stock CZ rimfire I've seen to date. Would have to go to one of their deluxe editions to beat it. Some more pics.
On the scary side, this is by far the most expensive CZ rimfire I've bought to date. It will cost as much as a new Browning T-bolt, but unlike the new T-bolt, there is no plastic on a CZ 457 and no need for an expensive trigger mod to get a match grade trigger.
Won't be getting out this week for any testing, thanks to a monster snowstorm headed our way, but I promise a nice range report when I can.
This is how a high grade bench rimfire should be built. CZ even says they give the MTR a bit more attention. Reminds me very much of some of the classic Anshutz high grade match rifles. A lot of 200 and 300 yard rimfire competitors have been gobbling these up and I can see why. Stay tuned.
. Great review, that looks like a really good rifle.