Rifle Review: The CZ 457 Series
The CZ 457 has earned the status of worthy successors of CZ's famed 452 and 455 rimfire rifle series. With the quality, versatility, accuracy and straightforward operating systems of the 455s and popular American rimfire features, the performance and accuracy are simply phenomenal.
THE DESIGN
While the 457 comes in numerous models, the basic design and functionality remains consistent.
Evolving from the 455, the 457 does away with the stamped bottom metal, swapping it for a classy two-piece interlocking system.
After demands from Hunter’s Education instructors and 4-H shooting coaches, the 457 now sports an updated push-to-fire safety. Another improvement is the updated bolt rotation from 90° to 60°, allowing for easier scope installation and larger ocular bell diameters with lower ring heights.
CZ also took the time to incorporate many features to improve accuracy and precision including a a new trigger mechanism for the CZ 457 family. It allows the user to adjust the trigger pull weight within a very favorable range of 1.8 to 3.4 lbs, the trigger travel may be adjusted between 0.5-7 mm. This gives the shooter the option to use the gun for ordinary training/hunting purposes as well as target/completion applications.
Another overlooked element is the drastically reduced weight of the rimfire rifle striker, more than 60%, resulting in a faster strike and at the same time less recoil when fired.
In addition, utilizing modern manufacturing techniques, CZ introduced one the most durable anti-corrosion surface treatments to their 457 series.
Distinguishing itself further, the 457 has also adopted highly sophisticated modular design. Meaning you can interchange between calibers, 17 HMR, 22 LR, and 22 MAG. In comparison with existing models, it brings considerable improvements in all key parameters, from user safety to precision and lifetime of the rifle.
THE 457 LUX
Designed in the classic European style, the 457 Lux sports a hogback fashioned stock. The varnished stock made of premium Turkish walnut incorporates a cheek-piece and laser etched checkering on the grip surfaces. It provides comfortable and precise shooting with the help of iron sights placed on a 24.8" long thin-walled barrel.
With the cheek-piece and comb ideal for use in conjunction with its crisp iron sights, the 457 Lux is perhaps the most aesthetically appealing in the 457 series.
THE 457 AMERICAN
This rimfire rifle embodies the idea of classic American sport and hunting guns. The varnished American style stock is made from high quality walnut and the checkering on the grip surfaces incorporates a fleur-de-lis motif.
Meant to be used in conjunction with a riflescope, the 457 American does not incorporate iron sights and like all 457s, it has an 11mm dovetail milled into the top of its receiver for attaching scope ring mounts.
THE 457 TRAINING RIFLE
Sporting a stock similar to that of the 457 Lux, the 457 Training Rifle is perfect for both novice and professional shooters of any age. In this case, it is all the more true thanks to the benefits of the CZ 457 series that significantly increase user safety, accuracy and lifetime of the rifle.
CZ PREMIUM DEALERS
We carry numerous models of the 457 series and an extensive collection of CZ's pistols and rifles.
