First rifle advice – CZ 457 Varmint or standard?

[atmmike]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking at getting my first rifle and currently leaning toward a CZ 457 in .22LR.

Still trying to understand the differences between the regular version and the Varmint model. I’m mainly interested in learning fundamentals, target shooting, and maybe getting into longer-range rimfire later on.

A few things I’m debating:

• Varmint barrel vs standard barrel
• 16" vs 20" barrel
• Wood stock vs synthetic stock

For those who own one, what would you recommend for a first setup and why?

Thanks in advance.

 

[cosmic]

The varmint barrel is heavier, and (theoretically) better suited to shoot accurately. Either barrel contour will test your skills. If you want to shoot with iron sights, get the longer barrel.

 

[Jahnj0584]

wood 16" if you want looks

synth 20 if you wanna compete in PRS

 

[JMacd62]

Could have been asking the same or very similar question myself.
I was. Looking for a 22lr. Preferably something like the old 22 I shot with my dad. Once upon a time.
There are just so many options. Which?
I wandered into a local gun store. I was shown a CZ. Specifically the CZ Training Rifle. WTF it looked pretty. So I just got one.
It's supposed to be pretty good for just a basic 22 to "re learning" to shoot. I wanted model with iron sights. It has the ability to have a scope added later when budget permits.
Fit for my purpose?
The 20 Varmint has a heavier 20 inch barrel with "Match chamber" whatever that is. At quite a bit more $. Plus you need a scope, more $.
To me. It's just better than I am.
If I want to get into shooting competitions. I can get one later.
The Varmint 20 is the used with the MDT version. So possibly something to upgrade to. Later
For now.
My choice for my intended use. The regular CZ 457 fit my purpose and budget at 749$. There is quite a variety of the regular CZ 457's.
I picked, This particular model because. It was recommended by the store. And it looked pretty. It's not like I actually have a clue what I'm talking about.
I haven't even picked it up yet. Let alone fired it. I've only just got a range membership. I can't fire it until I do the newbie course anyway.
So. As a "beginner". I bought a reasonably priced rifle, recommended to me. as a good beginner 22.

 

[dakota123]

The nice thing about the 457 is it has a big following and is highly upgradable and the barrel is easy to swap out. If you want to learn the fundamentals first get trainer model with open sights and upgrade from there as you see fit. Personally I’d recommend the 20” barrel or better yet a 24”

The difference between the sporter and varmint are barrel contour, then the next step up is the MTR with match chamber (tighter tolerances), I have heard the match chamber is more picky about ammo but my MTR seems to shoot everything decently but you get what you pay for. For the most part with 22 ammo the more expensive it is the more consistent it is (think Lapua, SK, Eley)

This was 10rnd groups at 100yrds


Tac22 and S&B Match seem to be fairly budget friendly ammo that performs above its price point.

I went full potatoe with mine and ended up spending more than I originally planned but am super happy with the end result. If I was to do it over again I’d personally just start off buying one of Tesro’ in house builds for about the same price. Factory trigger is pretty decent but do yourself a favour and order a yodave trigger spring for $15, super cheap and a great upgrade, mine breaks clean and crisp consistently at 14oz

 

[Buck1950]

^ ^ Second for the MTR Chambered rifle. There are a few variant models with that chambering, and you will get 'slightly better' accuracy with it. And the Varmint barrel probably will 'tighten up' groups due to Less "Whip". My VMTR shoots mostly under 0.5" with Medium grade SK ammo, and ca MOA at 100Y.

 

[gorby]

I have the 20" MTR as well that the guys are talking about and it is awesome.

Lighter barrel for walking around with, hunting grouse, or shooting offhand, heavier for target shooting prone, gophs in a field, bench, and PRS.

Shorter barrel for manouverability and packability, longer barrel for weight, especially forend weight for balancing rifle on barricades for PRS.

My feeling is the barrel effect on rimfire accuracy is going to come down to stability. Heavier is easier to hold still unless you are standing up.

Wood or plastic... get whatever feels good to you in the shop. Most important thing is it fits. If you want to compete and not mess around get the CZ with the MDT XRS stock as it is bedded in aluminum, you can add weights, and it is very adjustable to size. That being said, the wooden CZ stocks are really nice.

Have fun!

 

[Meroh]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking at getting my first rifle and currently leaning toward a CZ 457 in .22LR.

Still trying to understand the differences between the regular version and the Varmint model. I’m mainly interested in learning fundamentals, target shooting, and maybe getting into longer-range rimfire later on.

A few things I’m debating:

• Varmint barrel vs standard barrel
• 16" vs 20" barrel
• Wood stock vs synthetic stock

For those who own one, what would you recommend for a first setup and why?

Thanks in advance.

The varmint barrel is a bit heavy to drag around all day. I think a 20" standard weight barrel is ideal for plinking. For bench rest, a 20" or a bit longer in a heavy barrel for me is ideal. it is likely that your shooting will evolve, or like me, diversify.

Wood vs. synthetic? that is personal preference. I have a bunch of .22s, only two are not wood; my 455 in an oryx for benchrest, and a Norinco JW with a 13" barrel for a truck gun. I have a soft spot for pretty wood like that on my early CZ452; BTW, these were the apex of the CZ/Brno rifles; IMO better than the 455, which is better than the 457 when it comes to quality, fit and finish, my 452 no longer has a scope on it, below it is my modified 455, below that, the JW, below it, a TOZ single shot modified for NRA style target shooting (I have others, it is an addiction maybe):

^ ^ Second for the MTR Chambered rifle. There are a few variant models with that chambering, and you will get 'slightly better' accuracy with it. And the Varmint barrel probably will 'tighten up' groups due to Less "Whip". My VMTR shoots mostly under 0.5" with Medium grade SK ammo, and ca MOA at 100Y.

 

[Meroh]

^ ^ Second for the MTR Chambered rifle. There are a few variant models with that chambering, and you will get 'slightly better' accuracy with it. And the Varmint barrel probably will 'tighten up' groups due to Less "Whip". My VMTR shoots mostly under 0.5" with Medium grade SK ammo, and ca MOA at 100Y.

Not quite right. All CZ barrels are made to Mandatory CIP standards, which is identical or tighter than SAAMI voluntary "Match" standard as opposed to SAAMI Sport chamber which is much looser.

Different roll stamps for different markets; and it works, becuase the charge $100.00+ more for the ones with "match" roll stamp also are identified with CZ USA. Those "Match" barrels, if they have a threaded muzzle will be 1/2-28 thread, also for the North AMERICAN market. The ones with CZUB on them don't have a Match stamp, because they are by default, they have 1/2-20 thread, also a European and CIP standard. Yes, even the CZ 455 American had that same, match chamber.

BTW, the chamber does affect accuracy, but it is not the only "variable" that can, and is often a minor offender.

 

[Meroh]

^ ^ Second for the MTR Chambered rifle. There are a few variant models with that chambering, and you will get 'slightly better' accuracy with it. And the Varmint barrel probably will 'tighten up' groups due to Less "Whip". My VMTR shoots mostly under 0.5" with Medium grade SK ammo, and ca MOA at 100Y.

They have the potential to do so; everything else needs to be entirely perfect, including the operator.

 

[Grizzlypeg]

I have a 452 and a 453, one the American with the light barrel, and the other the varmint with the heavier fluted barrel. I can't say that one shoots any more accurate than the other. I tend to use the American more, because I prefer it for hunting because its lighter.

 

[sonichanxiao]

Definitely the Varmint, especially if you can get a barreled action in 20 or 24inch barrel and put on a MDT ACC chassis, you are ready to go.

 

[jethunter]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking at getting my first rifle and currently leaning toward a CZ 457 in .22LR.

Still trying to understand the differences between the regular version and the Varmint model. I’m mainly interested in learning fundamentals, target shooting, and maybe getting into longer-range rimfire later on.

A few things I’m debating:

• Varmint barrel vs standard barrel
• 16" vs 20" barrel
• Wood stock vs synthetic stock

For those who own one, what would you recommend for a first setup and why?

Thanks in advance.

If you want to shoot with iron sites, the standard model is your choice. If you won't be using irons, get the varmint.

I think wood looks nicer but it scratches and dents easier than synthetic. Your call.

 

[Buck1950]

RE Meroh's post #9​

^ ^ Second for the MTR Chambered rifle. There are a few variant models with that chambering, and you will get 'slightly better' accuracy with it. And the Varmint barrel probably will 'tighten up' groups due to Less "Whip". My VMTR shoots mostly under 0.5" with Medium grade SK ammo, and ca MOA at 100Y.

Not quite right. All CZ barrels are made to Mandatory CIP standards, which is identical or tighter than SAAMI voluntary "Match" standard as opposed to SAAMI Sport chamber which is much looser.
Different roll stamps for different markets; and it works, becuase the charge $100.00+ more for the ones with "match" roll stamp also are identified with CZ USA. Those "Match" barrels, if they have a threaded muzzle will be 1/2-28 thread, also for the North AMERICAN market. The ones with CZUB on them don't have a Match stamp, because they are by default, they have 1/2-20 thread, also a European and CIP standard. Yes, even the CZ 455 American had that same, match chamber. "


Here we go again, on another forum. You need to update YOUR info Meroh. MTRs DO have a tighter chamber OR CZ is Lying. Just a couple days ago I posted the following info on RFC in reply to your mis-information. And 'penage guy' presented the same info while I was researching the "quote". > >

"From the CZ-457 manual >
". . . For CZ 457 cal .22 LR MATCH models (e.g. version CZ 457 Varmint MTR) Match ammunition is recommended for best firing accuracy. In order to improve accuracy, this cartridge chamber has its dimensions reduced to a minimum allowed by
the CIP standard. Using non-standard ammunition (high power, longer case, longer range, etc.) is therefore not recommended. Using non-standard ammunition may case faulty operation or damage the firearm. . . "

 

[grauhanen]

Not quite right. All CZ barrels are made to Mandatory CIP standards, which is identical or tighter than SAAMI voluntary "Match" standard as opposed to SAAMI Sport chamber which is much looser.

Not quite right, either. All CZ .22LR barrels have chambers that meet CIP specs. But that doesn't mean that all CIP chambers share the same dimensions. This is because there is a minimum and maximum size permitted by CIP specs. All CIP spec chambers must fall within that range.

Some CZ .22LR chambers will have smaller dimensions than others. That means they will be closer to the minimum dimensions allowed. One such chamber is the MTR's CZ Match chamber. Other bolt action rifles will have larger dimensions (still within CIP specs). The semi-auto CZ 512 may well have an even larger chamber while still meeting CIP requirements.

 

[Meroh]

Not quite right, either. All CZ .22LR barrels have chambers that meet CIP specs. But that doesn't mean that all CIP chambers share the same dimensions. This is because there is a minimum and maximum size permitted by CIP specs. All CIP spec chambers must fall within that range.

Some CZ .22LR chambers will have smaller dimensions than others. That means they will be closer to the minimum dimensions allowed. One such chamber is the MTR's CZ Match chamber. Other bolt action rifles will have larger dimensions (still within CIP specs). The semi-auto CZ 512 may well have an even larger chamber while still meeting CIP requirements.

No arguement, but the tolerance specified in match chambers under SAAMI are similar or identical to those specified under CIP. CIP is mandatory, SAAMI is voluntary.

All CZ .22 LR Chambers comply with SAAMI Match numbers; they just also happen to comply with CIP; other way around actually .

There is a tolerance range; if you get a stack-up of minimums, some ammo will not chamber well, and bolts may close very tightly; if the stack-up is on the big side, maybe accuracy sufferes... maybe not...??? Hence what is sometimes called the "barrel lottery" and why some barrels like specific ammo and other not. Then there is the very odd one that could not hit a bear in the ass with a scoop-shovel.

 

[legi0n]

get a Tikka T1
CZ nowadays is crap
look at this reamer smear on the leade on an otherwise perfect bore. The reamer should have been sharpened years ago





edit: if you google "cz reamer smear" you will find out it is quite common

 

[Leuchtkafer]

get a Tikka T1
CZ nowadays is crap
look at this reamer smear on the leade on an otherwise perfect bore. The reamer should have been sharpened years ago

edit: if you google "cz reamer smear" you will find out it is quite common

Those aren't even that bad compared to what I've seen, could possibly wear off by shooting a case of ammo. It is a definite issue how CZ does not monitor and replace reamers before severe burrs occur in the chamber, and further how they release those defective chamber barrels for sale.



If you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself. Then your CZ chamber spec can be whatever you want it to be, CIP and SAAMI specs are merely "suggestions"

 

[legi0n]

Those aren't even that bad compared to what I've seen, could possibly wear off by shooting a case of ammo. It is a definite issue how CZ does not monitor and replace reamers before severe burrs occur in the chamber, and further how they release those defective chamber barrels for sale.



If you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself. Then your CZ chamber spec can be whatever you want it to be, CIP and SAAMI specs are merely "suggestions"

You are right, those burrs may erode after a case of ammo but the guy who asked me to borescope his chamber did shoot about 700 rounds to no avail. And let's face it, a case of ammo may exceed the value of the rifle.
If we all had lathes and reamers... things would be different

 

[grauhanen]

There is a tolerance range; if you get a stack-up of minimums, some ammo will not chamber well, and bolts may close very tightly; if the stack-up is on the big side, maybe accuracy sufferes... maybe not...??? Hence what is sometimes called the "barrel lottery" and why some barrels like specific ammo and other not. Then there is the very odd one that could not hit a bear in the ass with a scoop-shovel.

There's room for more accurate information.

CZ makes different sizes of CIP-compliant chambers. The "CZ Match" chamber is one of them. Presumably it's the "tightest" CZ chamber and it meets CIP specs. Chambers on other CZ bolt action rifles are not designed to be the same as the CZ Match chamber. They are a little bigger and it's done on purpose. The chamber on the CZ 512 semi auto may be even slightly bigger. All of them must meet CIP specs.

With regard to the "barrel lottery" the chamber plays only one role in it. The most important role is the quality of the bore itself. Among the characteristics of better shooting barrels are consistent diameters through the length of the bore and consistent rifling through the length of the bore. A lousy bore with a great chamber won't shoot well.

Barrels "like" good, consistent ammo. There is no barrel that can fix or cure other kinds ammo. The better the ammo the better the results. All match ammo makers make good ammo (some more of it than others). So it's not one brand or another. Unfortunately not all ammo is equally consistent, even .22LR match ammo.