CZ 457 review roundup: American, Varmint MTR and Scout, as reported by American Rifleman, Shooting Times and others
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This roundup summarizes published reviews. We haven't tested a 457 for this page; our own data will go in the range box below.
The models reviewed
| Rifle | Action | Barrel | Trigger | Magazine | Optic mount | Weight (lb) | MSRP (source, date, confidence) | Aftermarket depth | NRL22 fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CZ 457 American | Bolt; 60-degree throw; swappable barrel | 24.8 in sporter, cold-hammer-forged, 1:16 (unthreaded; threaded/SR variants exist) | Adjustable (weight/creep/overtravel) | CZ 457 polymer 5-rd | 11 mm dovetail | ~6 | $729 $729 MSRP as shown by US retailers (CZ-USA page did not show a price to our fetch). source, 2026-10-12, conf: med | Very high (shares 457 parts) | Base: leaves ~$921 for scope |
| CZ 457 Varmint MTR | Bolt; 60-degree throw; swappable barrel | Heavy, match chamber; many lengths | Adjustable (weight/creep/overtravel) | CZ 457 polymer 5/10-rd | 11 mm dovetail; Pic rails available | varies by model | $999 CZ-USA product page $999 (a third-party 2026 list shows $849). source, 2026-10-12, conf: high | Very high (barrels, chassis, triggers, mags) | Base: leaves ~$651 for scope |
| CZ 457 Scout | Bolt; youth stock | 16.5 in threaded | Adjustable | Single-shot adapter; takes 457 mags | 11 mm dovetail; open sights | ~5 | $649 CZ-USA product page $649 (a third-party 2026 list shows $549). source, 2026-10-12, conf: high | Very high (shares 457 parts) | Base: leaves ~$1,001 for scope |
MSRPs from the maker where available, otherwise labeled retailer listings, checked Oct 2026. Aftermarket depth and NRL22 fit are our editorial summaries (NRL22 Base: rifle plus scope MSRP up to $1,650). Specs are published figures, not our measurements.
Accuracy reported
| Review | Model and setup | Result |
|---|---|---|
| American Rifleman (2020) [1] | 457 American, 24.8 in, five 10-shot groups per load, three loads, 50 yd | Average just over 0.75 in; smallest 0.55 in (Aguila Rifle Match); every load's largest group under 1 in |
| Shooting Times (2024) [2] | 457 Varmint MTR, 20.5 in heavy barrel, Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40 | 5-shot groups as small as 0.3 in at 50 yd with premium loads, worst about 0.5 in; best about 0.5 in at 100 yd |
Different rifles, ammo and group sizes (5-shot vs 10-shot), so don't compare the numbers directly.
Our range results (coming soon)
This box will hold our own groups, chronograph data and photos for this topic once we've shot and recorded them. Until then, every accuracy number on this page comes from the published source cited next to it. We have not tested these rifles or products hands-on for this article.
What reviewers liked
- 60-degree bolt: clears larger scope eyepieces with lower rings, and AR testers called the action "butter smooth" [1].
- Trigger: adjustable for weight, take-up and overtravel; AR's broke at 3 lb 12 oz from the factory and tuned crisp [1]; ST's MTR spec lists 2 lb 8 oz [2].
- Push-forward safety on the receiver, which youth instructors had asked for [2].
- Swappable barrels: two screws at the front of the receiver [1].
- Reliability: no malfunctions in AR's 400 rounds; ST reported no feeding or extraction issues [1] [2].
What reviewers flagged
- Ejection with a slow bolt: ST had to tilt the rifle twice to clear an empty when cycling slowly; ejection is more reliable with a firm pull [2].
- Varmint MTR isn't threaded in the version ST reviewed [2].
- MTR weight and length of pull: 7 lb 8 oz unscoped and 13.75 in LOP, long for some shooters [2].
- Bolt cocking effort: AR measured 8 lb on the American [1].
Price history
| Model | At review | Oct 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 457 American | $476 (2020) [1] | $729 per US retailer listings [3] |
| 457 Varmint MTR | $849 (2024) [2] | $999 CZ-USA [4] |
| 457 Scout | — | $649 CZ-USA [5] |
Which 457 for which shooter?
- Hunter who likes wood: 457 American; see BMR vs 457 American.
- Bench and target shooter: Varmint MTR, with its match chamber and heavy barrel [2]; compare Anschutz vs CZ 457 MTR.
- Kids and small-framed shooters: Scout, 12 in LOP with single-shot adapter [6]; see best first .22.
- Coming from a 455: CZ 457 vs 455.
Popular upgrades
- Chassis: MDT ORYX, KRG Bravo, MDT LSS Gen3.
- Trigger: Timney CZ 457 or trigger spring kit.
- Rail: HD one-piece Picatinny or MDT 20–50 MOA base.
- Mags: 10-rd polymer, +3 extension.
- Full list: CZ 457 parts.
Bottom line
Across published tests, the 457 delivers sub-inch 50 yd accuracy with ammo it likes, smooth cycling and an unmatched upgrade path. The main choices are which model and how much you want to spend.
Questions to ask before buying a 457
- Do you need a threaded barrel now? Check the exact model; not all 457s are threaded [2].
- Will you use a large scope? The 60-degree throw helps, but check ring height [1].
- Will you compete? Price the rifle and scope MSRPs against NRL22 Base's $1,650 cap [7].
- Left-handed? Only some 457 models are offered in left-hand versions; see our comparison table.
What we'll add after our own testing
Our range box will report groups, velocities and barrel-swap results, including whether a barrel change shifts zero.
How the 457 compares with rivals
Against the Tikka T1x, the 457 offers more models, swappable barrels and the widest chassis and trigger selection, while the T1x shares parts with the T3x. Against budget rifles like the Savage Mark II and Ruger American Rimfire, the 457 costs more but brings a match chamber on MTR models and better parts support. See T1x vs CZ 457 vs Bergara vs Ruger and CZ 457 vs 10/22.
FAQ
Is the CZ 457 accurate?
Published tests say yes: American Rifleman's 457 American averaged just over 0.75 in for 10-shot groups at 50 yd, and Shooting Times' Varmint MTR shot 5-shot groups as small as 0.3 in.
What are common CZ 457 complaints?
Reviewers note ejection that prefers a firm bolt pull, an unthreaded barrel on some models, and a long length of pull on the Varmint MTR.
How much is a CZ 457?
CZ-USA lists the Scout at $649 and the Varmint MTR at $999; US retailers list the 457 American at $729 (October 2026).
Which CZ 457 is best?
Depends on use: American for hunting, Varmint MTR for target work, Scout for youth.
Sources
- American Rifleman CZ 457 American review (2020)
- Shooting Times CZ 457 Varmint MTR review (2024)
- Retailer listing showing CZ 457 American MSRP $729 (Oct 2026)
- CZ-USA 457 Varmint MTR ($999)
- CZ-USA 457 Scout ($649)
- CZ 457 Scout page
- NRL22 2027 Rules (valid May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027)
Confidence: maker specs and prices are high confidence as of the date seen; forum and owner reports are low–medium confidence and labeled as such.
Not affiliated with Sako/Tikka, CZ, Bergara, Ruger, Savage or any retailer. We have not tested products hands-on for these guides; figures come from cited sources. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy · Terms · Rimfire Builds is operated by Tomahawk Designs LLC, Utah · [email protected]