CZ457 VARMINT - WINNER?

The CZ 457 Varmint is just one of several models CZ has released for this fine 22 rifle. We'll discuss the pro's and con's of this model and decide if this is the one for you.

[@joecitizen6046]

I have a CZ 452 American with bull barrel in 17hmr that my wife bought in 2004 while I was deployed. It was waiting for me in the gun cabinet when I returned. That is the most accurate rifle I have ever shot. It can pick off plastic 1/2 gallon milk jugs at 200 all day long. It has taken badgers at 200 with ease. About 2012 or so, I bought the CZ 455 Military Trainer 22lr with 24.8 inch barrel. Smooth as silk. Both of them have about a 2.5 pound trigger from the factory. I just love CZ rimfire rifles and I do own others to compare them to; Tikka T1X, Bergara B14R, Henry lever, Ruger 10/22's, old Marlin 25, etc...

[@PP-67]

Dzięki chłopie ze chciałeś podzielić się swoimi emocjami i doświadczeniem. Pozdrawiam z Gdańska.

[@chrisalbritton3348]

Honest information from a man with no agenda! Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Thanks. I appreciate the kind words.

[@donrumato3413]

@@TheGoatMumbler Its not kind words . Its true sinsire ones . Thank You

[@johnstruewing1164]

You can’t be as dumb as he is

[@mattedwards4533]

I had a CZ American and an Anshutz !710 American BB barrel and both rifles shot like a house afire! The Anshutz did edge out the CZ but only by a hair. On any given day the CZ mignt out shoot the Anshutz. I dearly love both rifles.

[@Thorsaxe777]

Some say that the CZ's are too expensive, Well, their build quality is excellent, the accuracy you get from the CZ line will shoot on par with rifles costing over $1500, that all the accuracy of the finest Anschutz rifles at 1/3 the price. I look at it as money saved. I have an older 452 Varminter with a Nikon 4-16 optic mounted, our shooting range holds small-bore silhouette matches with the Rams out at 200 yards. those CZ's will do it with perfect 40x40 scores. In my opinion, the CZ can not be beaten for the price. -Dave

[@rla1000]

Agree. I have three wood stocked CZ sporters - 452/457's, and a BRNO 611, can't beat the aesthetics or accuracy of CZ rifles, even with brands costing double - triple. I just wish they would stop discontinuing models all the time. Seems counterintuitive to sales.

[@wowbagger3505]

Left side dominant right brained guy here. I have a 452 American that CZ made in left handed. I sat out the 455 as they ignored we lefties! Those magazines and the magazine well have been how CZ does things at least since the early 2000s. I am also a fan of the CZ-75 and all variants especially those with decockers. One good design that came from the former Soviet block!

[@sheriebowen8461]

Love those CZ rifles!!! I have a 527 chambered for the .22 Hornet and a 457 Varmint chambered in .17 HMR. They just look and feel great in the hand. High quality all the way. Yours looks gorgeous with very nice walnut. Paul B. Dedicated CZ shooter.

[@luismagana9784]

My 17hmr varmint is a tac driver. I love it. Swapped the stock because it was heavy with scope and kept aiming shaky. I got a boyds stock and it’s perfect now.

[@dave-oh3549]

Got one with a synthetic stock. My first ever CZ 22lr rimfire and I cannot believe how accurate it is out of the box, with cheap plinking ammo! I'm really impressed with my CZ 22lr.

[@Dayattherange]

I love my CZ's also, great find with that stock so beautiful. Thanks for sharing your setup, would love to see you Join the Dayattherange 22Challenge/Callout ​that would be to cool.

[@JohnDoesItAll]

I'm a sucker for a nice piece of walnut. Beautiful!

[@stevenclark7070]

I traded my Sig P226 Elite stainless for the CZ 457 MTR! Best trade I've ever made. Now with the ammo shortage I haven't been shooting any 9mm or 45, but can still shoot all day with my 22lr. Thanks to the last 22lr shortage it trained me to pick it up whenever I could!

[@jimhamilton3544]

That was a excellent presentation. Thank you 👍🏻

[@PyroChimp75]

I'm eager to get one of these for my first rifle, super excited.

[@jabiru1232]

Same

[@fromsoftnewbie4423]

I couldn't find the regular varmint model but black Friday had a deal of course... ended up getting the pro varmint, the stocks a little chonky but I think we have the same barrel and action and I agree it shoots lights out strait out of the box. Thanks so much for the recommendation!

[@FUNKRUBICON]

Aguila interceptors works amazingly well in my CZ 452 ultra lux. Glad you like your CZ!!

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Thanks for the tip!

[@mattalex543]

I just got back from a range session testing several different types of ammo. In order of best to worst this is how they did out of my CZ 527 American with a 24in barrel at 25 yards rested. I also tested at 50, but the results were largely the same as to be expected. Aguila Super Extra: 1/4in Aguila Sniper SubSonic: 1/4in CCI MiniMags: 1/2in Armscor: 1/2in Federal Bulk: 3/4in Blazer: 1in Winchester Super X: 1.5in Keep in mind that I’m not the greatest shot, most rifles are more accurate than I am. However, I was able tel tell the difference between each ammo after multiple groups. CCI typically had a single flyer away from the rest that skewed the results of the group. The Aguila ASE and SSS was tight, same with Armscor. The Winchester sucked, group sizes were larger than I expected. The results could change if stretched out to 100 or 200 yards, but for me, I like shooting at 50 yards more with rimfire. I am looking forward to testing more varieties of ammo in the future.

[@TheGoatMumbler]

I found some ammo's did really well at 50 and crap at 100 and vice versa. I was looking for something that would do well at both distances. For instance, CCI SV does a decent job for me out to 100. But is crap at 150-300. Aquilla Super Extra is awful btw 50-100 but rings the steel at 300 every time. Thanks for sharing and commenting.

[@johnstruewing1164]

Why didn’t you just try some top shelf ammo like RWS or ELEY

[@vak1a]

Gorgeous looking gun love that big barrel thanks :)

[@bladerunner9447]

Very nice review. No agenda or ego. Thank you sir. I have several 452’s and am researching for a new 457.

[@TheGoatMumbler]

They have 15 models now! Good luck. Thanks for the kind words.

[@benholmes3566]

Stick to your 452's. I have both, the 452 in my opinion is a much better more consistent shooter then the 457 pro varmint. The 457 seems to throw the first and second shot of a five shot group all over the place. After a few groups, it shoots like you would expect. I stop shooting it for 15 -20 minutes or so and the same thing happens. No good when you want to rely on your first shot. Anyone have any idea what might cause it?

[@D70340]

@@benholmes3566 Wow, my 457 doesnt do that. I couldn`t ask for a better shootin 22 rifle. Maybe try laying a thin strip of (bicycle tube) rubber under the barrel between the stock an the barrel to calm the harmonics down. I`ve fixed many rifles this way.

[@gasconader1150]

I wonder if the "cold barrel" problem on the 457 (as reported by many top shooters) occurs when using a tuner. Any one tested this??

[@jdman082]

Thanks for the very helpful review. 👍🏻

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Check back for my review of the Pro Varmint model.

[@sheriebowen8461]

I love the look of the wood your rifle wears. I have one in .17 HMR. Wife bought it for me last Christmas, also has nice grain to the wood. Still have not decided on what scope or rings and mount base to put on it. I don’t want to cheap out by putting a crappy scope on such a gorgeous rifle. Should be something nice. Can’t wait much longer to fire it for the first time. CZ rocks man!!!

[@TheGoatMumbler]

You have a good wife! :)

[@peterdesmidt8742]

Thanks for the video! I bought one about a month ago, and so far it's been a lot of fun. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find any of the better ammo locally. I'll have to give the Yodave spring a try.

[@tommcfarland5368]

I just bought the 16.5 inch varmint with the boyds at-one. Its beautiful! Havnt shot it yet, but i hope its a tack driver!

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Enjoy man!

[@failure2flinch876]

I have never seen an ammo get more accurate the further you go! Please do a demo showing us!

[@bernardmcdonnell6720]

I recall Bryan Litz talking/writing about VLD bullets "going to sleep" I think the expression was. No a gun will not get more accurate however a gun shooting 1 inch at 300 may do better than the expected level of accuracy at 600.

[@herbkruger5249]

I’ve had pretty good results with the Aguila super extra as well. I was a little stunned but it wants to shoot great groups at 50 as well, better than cci sv and sk standard plus. Not by much, but groups averaging .4 or so were a pleasant surprise from such affordable ammo:)

[@mefirst5427]

For regular practice, CCI Standard Velocity works for me, yes one flyer time to time, but that's fine.

[@sg3971]

Thanks so much for the video. It sealed the deal for me as I just ordered the same rifle and rail mount this morning. What height Burris rings did you end up using? Thanks in advance for any info you can send my way and thanks again for taking the time to put out this informative video.

[@ar21angler76]

mine was a sweet shooter off the bench but in the woods i hated carrying it and i was missing easy shots on squirrels so i sold it and ordered it the american hopefully it will be as accurate as the varmint was

[@TheGoatMumbler]

I hear ya. I just bought the Pro Varmint for NRL22. CZ has a model for every type of shooter.

[@wayne8276]

I just picked one up and totally agree with the magazine . Where can I get the 10 round metal ones . Thank you for your video .

[@thomasharp3246]

Best 22 I've ever shot. Absolutely love it.

[@jeffreyhall838]

A Very nice looking rifle 👍

[@janal3414]

The magazines work very well. Never had 1 problem.

[@1badEK]

Very nice rifle

[@johnmal801]

Thank you Sir. Great video. since you have both rifles which one do you think performs best. Be honest... Thanks again.

[@artvandelay9374]

Absolutely love my 457 varmint @1

[@jamespence48]

I like my 457 varmint in 17 hmr. I really haven't shot groups for record. I sighted in and started shooting ground squirrels. I put the Yo Dave trigger spring and set it a 1 lb. After shooting a 1000 squirrels the action has smoothed in nicely. The grip on the stock was awkward for my hand after my surgery. Put it on a XLR chassis with a vertical grip and it shoots and fits me very well. I am thinking of buying two more to give to the grand-kids.

[@rocketlauncher1504]

Beautiful rifle! Great video! What brand of bipod do you have on this rifle?

[@vgoose50]

What torque did you find worked the best?

[@robinr6919]

Which stock do you prefer, the varmint or pro varmint?

[@Dogonatree]

I very rarely if ever see any of the ammo you demonstrated for sale anywhere. Which is unfortunate. I stocked up on some mini mags and any Winchester super x hyper velocity that’s what I have to shoot

[@Boalfero]

Thanks for the video I have a couple of 457 and a 452, I want to buy one of this Varmint Since you have both the cz 457 varmint and the tikka T1X which one you like better?

[@stevedouglas5443]

Thank you, please show some targets with groups. I'm trying to decide which gun to buy. The varmint, or the MTR.

[@abrad3061]

I am mad been looking for one for about a year and have not been able to find one I would like to get 17 or 22mag

[@chrishedcor]

Hi do have the different groups of each ammo?

[@markthilenius5533]

Have you tried SK standard plus or Norma tac 22 they both shoot good in our cz457 varmit SK might be better but Norma is not bad at less than $5 a box compared to $8 a box for the SK

[@lucabrasi5070]

That wood is beautiful

[@fieldtargetireland1993]

What we're the six types of ammo you have there: SK standards, Cci mini-mags, Eley Target, Aquila,......... What were the others and what were the best two at 50, 100 yds. Thank you, Mervyn

[@jackkade2323]

Why do I need a separate scope rail?. It has a dovetail groove for rings from the factory.

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Yeah. But that's really not a good mounting system for a high quality scope.

[@krumple8560]

You definitely won the wood lottery with that one. I have 9-452s, 2-457s and a Brno and none even come close to the grain in your Varmint.

[@juliusboquiren7476]

what brand scope mount did you use? I am waiting for my rifle to arrive.

[@garrycoy806]

I'm foaming at the mouth, wanting to get one!

[@douglaskurka5874]

]Will the CZ Varmint MTR barrel fit on the CZ Varmint ?

[@carliprofr]

Nice video! Thanks. As you also have the Tikka, it would have been great to have your 2 c :)

[@johnwiley2114]

Just wondering if you tested any RWS ammo in yours as well , I just finished ammo testing on my At One 457 and the Rifle Match out shot both the center x and the SK rifle match out of mine, not by much, all three where excellent but RWS was a little better,, I’m curious how yours shot it,,, nice wood on yours congrats 😎👍,, thanks 🍻

[@TheGoatMumbler]

John, I couldn't get RWS Rifle Match to shoot well in my 457 but it did shoot well in my Tikka T1x. .71" groups @ 50yds vs .352" in the Tikka. They like what they like. 22 is a goofy round. And frustrating.

[@MrTowton1461]

Let's see a close-up in slow time of this rifle, please. Thanks.

[@mikegregus4232]

What scope mount did you use??.. CZ forum says? 11mm dove tail, yet some say USA dovetail is 3/8".. I want to keep the scope low as I can... Mike

[@johnstruewing1164]

You can buy CZ branded picatinny rails that slide onto the grooved receiver that will accept regular scope rings. I know that they make them in at least 3 heights

[@blt308]

Great review! Anybody know if there is any difference between the Varmint 20.5" and American 24" model?

[@ar21angler76]

the varmint is about a pound heavier

[@ChrisB10]

Varmint is a better bench gun for range and american is for hunting

[@garyhenderson6504]

You mentioned the rifle needing bases with at least 5 m.o.a. of adjustment built in. Does this rifle have an 11mm dovetail machined into it? (Just curious.)

[@lovesbeer9973]

Why is a 5 round mag worthless and why do I need 2 10 round mags? You didn't make it clear.

[@Rockrewls]

Nice gun, Too bad they don't offer this in laminate and full stainless steel action and barrel.

[@_JimS]

Gorgeous wood. Did you order that special or just lucky to get nice grain like that? Are they all that nice?

[@meltonscott18]

I have one in 17hmr.... the wood is just beautiful

[@_JimS]

@@meltonscott18 thanks! I need in if these….. Need!

[@scottscheuerman6170]

Did you shoot any SK standard plus I just got a 457 and found some SK standard plus though I would try it was wondering if you shot it and the results

[@raymondmccomas3710]

You really need to try the standard plus!!!

[@cockedandlocked9765]

If you don't like the plastic mags, they do sell them that are made from steel

[@BingoBabyO]

What bipod you got on there?

[@jacobcorvin7513]

what bipod is that?

[@capt.mike73ahoy14]

How did you mount the 25 moa rail on the receiver? 11 mm dovetail? Thanks for the good video. I'm using a Vortex 5 - 20 x 44mm with Talley rings and it's a heck of a fine shooter.

[@gavinm1347]

There is an adapter that just slips over the dovetails. They are 100$ from CZ and like 50 from DIP

[@mmgee]

I’m using an Arken 5-25 no cant base necessary past 400 yards

[@rudysroots2789]

Did I miss the shooting?

[@PeppersOnly912]

Just bought one 👍👏south oz

[@_cal_techie]

I want one chambered in the new 6mm ARC with a heavy barrel for high pressure rounds.

[@mattalex543]

These rimfires aren’t really suited to handle those kinds of pressures, which in a way is a benefit. These rifles only lock on the bolt handle, no locking lugs are required for rimfire pressures. Moving into larger calibers, a bolt with more locking surface would probably be necessary. The good news is that CZ makes a rifle called the 527 that would be well suited for what your describing.

[@haraldgeiger47]

Did you order it with a higher-than-normal wood grade? Stock looks much nicer than you normally see them.

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Nope. That's just the one they sent me.

[@daltonv5206]

with CZ it's stock roulette. you can get something plain or something with beautiful figuring. I got lucky on a 455fs. it's tiger striped

[@grasunmajjurach6026]

VERYGOOD I FROM พัทลุง

[@gavinm1347]

Can you run cheap bulk stuff like federal bulk through it. I’ve heard that some cheap round won’t feed. I want to use those just for general practice with the gun then switch to the nice stuff for competitions.

[@TheGoatMumbler]

I run Federal Auto Match bulk and CCI Tactical through it no problem. CCI STD Velocity is cheap and reliable too. That's what I use to plink around with, zeroing a new scope, etc then dial it in with Center X or SK Rifle Match.

[@gavinm1347]

TheGoatMumbler thanks! Also did you have to use .17 caliber cleaning jags to clean the rifle or did .22 work fine for you.

[@TheGoatMumbler]

@@gavinm1347 I use a Parker Hale 22 jag & a J.Dewey 22 rod.

[@swamphick7553]

Love these 22 videos. Thank you

[@TheGoatMumbler]

@@swamphick7553 CZ457 vs Tikka T1x coming soon.

[@7come11two]

I don't get it. The one thing most people harp on is the magazine of the CZ 457. Yet they never even mention the polymer magazines that come with the Anschutz rifles, or the Remington 541. There is nothing fragile, or low quality about the CZ magazines. I've never broken one, and they work flawlessly. The rifle only comes with one. If you don't like it, throw it in the trash and buy some steel ones. CZ produces both five and ten round steel magazines. They are extremely high quality. If you want a magazine of higher quality than the steel CZ 457 mags, you are asking for too much. I don't believe a better magazine exists. They are heavy and tough. And like the CZ polymer magazines, they feed flawlessly.

[@Nifilheimur]

Same here never had an issue with the magazines. Easy to load and not one failure ever thru tens of thousands of rounds.

[@andrearoseano9685]

Ciao, Marca e modello rest? Grazie

[@vintageveki5930]

Is there a difference in terms of accuracy between varmint heavy barrel and “normal” thin barrel like in synthetic model? Also is varmint model better in any aspect of performance. I would like to buy lighter rifle, so I can shoot (hunt) more easily from shoulder and carry rifle easily, cuz there is significant difference in weight, so I wonder does varmint model shoot better or I can stick with synthetic/stainless model?

[@mikewest712]

I do believe the heavy barrel varmints are more accurate.

[@bouseux7125]

Thank you for this video! I have ordered exactly the same. Have to wait until end of november now to receive it.... I am from France not sure to have heared correctly the references of the ammunition you are using, please someone to write it down? It will help me to win some time. Many thanks!

[@romeobravo2023]

Salut Anthony I am also en France (mais je suis Irlandais) and own two CZ 457s, the MTR and the Premium models. They both come from CZ with a test fired target on which they have used RWS ammo. From all my ammo testing RWS Rifle Match is excellent and shoots sub MOA. If you want the best groups I suggest you shoot avec un silencieux attaché , it improves the "harmonics" considerably .....croyez-moi ! Cordialement RB

[@bouseux7125]

@@romeobravo2023 ok merci beaucoup des infos!

[@jagmeetsmann]

Hello, I have a question. I have 30 moa rail and I want to put 20 moa sphur rings. Do I go with low, medium or high rings? 30, 34 and 44mm height? Scope is 34mm tube and 56mm objective.

[@johnstruewing1164]

Do you really need all of the extra range mounts? You’re not gonna be shooting all that far. I believe with the lower weight bullets available, 200 yds would be about max. Past that, 17 gr to 30 gr bullets would be affected by the wind too much.

[@fn3048]

Why do you NEED to buy a rail? 11mm dovetail rings (even Leupold, Warne and Burris make them) available everywhere even in the USA.

[@D70340]

Wow, you got a really nice figured stock on yours. I ordered this exact same gun just last week from my local dealer, i was totally disappointed in the stock when i opened the box. Has to be the worst looking stock on any CZ i`ve ever seen. Just how my luck goes every time i`ve ordered a gun. You`d think i would learn by now not to order any gun without being able to see it first. All my other CZ`s are prime looking and really decent figured walnut in them. But that because i was able to see them before i bought them. Oh well, it`ll never be a safe queen. I bought it to shoot it.

[@coreyghayes]

Ammo that won't shoot good at 50 or 100 doesn't magically correct itself at 150 and 200. You got lucky with Aguila at those distances.

[@stevedouglas5443]

Could you clarify, "2.1" at 50 and less at 100?

[@pjolivier3376]

0.21" he put a description in the video

[@chrisbusse5197]

Scope sits super high

[@billtheslink4541]

Wolf MT is repacked SK. Some times it's cheaper.

[@janesmith1055]

any CZ use SK rifle match

[@Strutingeagle]

The same model rifle or same ammo but different lot number may not shoot as well as it did for this guy. Nobody can really recommend ammunition for another rifle even of same make.

[@davidbook336]

Show your targets

[@tylerepperson4381]

A 25 moa base on a 22lr

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Yes. And many use 40 for long distance shooting.

[@edjett2631]

If that is even a question I will give you your money back for it!

[@muleyhunter99]

If you get lucky! My 457 varmint shoots horrible

[@liedebunker1253]

If there were some groups...

[@achillesarmstrong2206]

Oh its freddie roach🤣🤣🤣

[@TheGoatMumbler]

I had to Google him. :)

[@jaypeemagno7044]

👌👍😀❤️🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻

[@leedee9722]

Rifle looks so good till the 10 round magazine comes in. It's a disgusting protuberance. Come on CZ, copy Ruger or even Tikka please, it's 2022.

[@levergunn405]

Don't want to show the accuracy then?

[@johnstruewing1164]

Those magazines are not “cheesy” or fragile. Back when I was younger, most bolt action 22s came with 5 rd mags. You do not HAVE to buy 2 10 rd steel mags. They are $50+ each. No real need for one 10 rd mag much less two. I certainly don’t have an extra $100 to throw away on steel mags. This guy is a chump. He has made a video just because he could. And if it took him 17 different types of ammunition to find what shoots best, he’s definitely not qualified.

[@stevedouglas5443]

The rifle is beautiful, but it's not as accurate as it should be. I've seen Marlin glenfields shoot better. This is free floated, hammer forged, heavy bull barrel, but the 50 yard groups are lackluster. Tell me if I'm wrong.

[@oradeainvestment8479]

He didn't even shot one bullet cheep

[@alabamaoutdoors4468]

Cant spend that much on a caliber that's useless past 125 yds

[@ashleynicely1046]

No targets, no trust.