Unveiling Precision: The CZ 457 American Rimfire Rifle – A Comprehensive Guide for Shooters

For enthusiasts seeking the quintessential American-style rimfire rifle, the CZ-USA 02310 CZ 457 American stands as a testament to classic design married with modern performance. This full-size, right-hand bolt-action rifle, chambered in the versatile .22 LR caliber, is engineered to meet the demands of discerning shooters, whether their passion lies in competitive target shooting, small game hunting, or simply enjoying the timeless pursuit of plinking with unparalleled accuracy.

The quest for a truly reliable and precise rimfire rifle often leads shooters to a pivotal question: "What .22 LR rifle offers the best balance of accuracy, build quality, and user-friendly features?" The answer, for many, is the CZ 457 American. This particular model, identified by its SKU 02310, is a prime example of CZ-USA's commitment to excellence in firearms manufacturing, offering a compelling package for anyone looking to elevate their rimfire experience.

Why Choose the CZ 457 American for Your Shooting Needs?

The CZ 457 American is not just another .22 LR rifle; it's a meticulously crafted instrument designed to provide superior performance and a delightful shooting experience. It addresses common challenges faced by shooters, such as finding a rifle that offers consistent accuracy, is comfortable to handle, and allows for easy customization with optics.

Who is this rifle for?

• Precision Target Shooters: Those who demand tight groups and consistent performance at the range.
• Small Game Hunters: Ideal for humane and effective harvesting of squirrels, rabbits, and other small game.
• New Shooters and Youth: Its manageable recoil and adjustable trigger make it an excellent training platform.
• Recreational Plinkers: For anyone who enjoys affordable, fun, and accurate shooting sessions.
• Collectors: Appreciative of classic firearm aesthetics and reputable manufacturing.

What problems does it solve?

• Inconsistent Accuracy: The CZ 457 platform is renowned for its sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) potential with quality ammunition, directly addressing the frustration of unreliable shot placement.
• Optics Integration Issues: With a dedicated 11mm dovetail, mounting a scope is straightforward and secure, eliminating the need for aftermarket adapters or complex solutions.
• Uncomfortable Shooting: The classic Turkish Walnut stock with its high, flat comb ensures a natural and comfortable cheek weld, promoting better shooting posture and reducing fatigue.
• Limited Customization: The adjustable trigger allows shooters to fine-tune the pull to their exact preference, a significant advantage for precision work.
• Heavy and Bulky Rifles: The re-engineered action reduces the rifle's footprint and weight to a manageable 6.17 lbs, making it less cumbersome during extended sessions or field use.

Unpacking the CZ 457 American's Core Features and Benefits

Every element of the CZ 457 American is designed with the shooter in mind, contributing to its reputation as a top-tier rimfire rifle.

Precision-Engineered Barrel for Superior Accuracy

• 24-inch Black Nitride Barrel: This substantial barrel length, precisely 24 inches, is a critical factor in the rifle's inherent accuracy. A longer barrel typically allows for a more complete burn of the propellant, leading to higher muzzle velocities and enhanced ballistic consistency for the .22 LR cartridge. The black nitride finish provides exceptional corrosion resistance and durability, ensuring the barrel maintains its integrity even in challenging environmental conditions.
• Absence of Iron Sights: The deliberate choice to omit iron sights underscores the rifle's primary intent: to be used with a scope. This allows for a cleaner barrel profile and removes potential distractions or obstructions for mounting a wide array of optical devices. It signals to the user that this rifle is purpose-built for precision shooting where optics are paramount.
• 1:16" Twist Rate: The 1:16-inch twist rate is specifically optimized for stabilizing the wide variety of bullet weights commonly found in .22 LR ammunition, particularly the standard 36-grain to 40-grain bullets. This ensures optimal bullet spin, promoting flight stability and ultimately contributing to the rifle's impressive accuracy over various distances.

Robust and Refined Receiver Design

• Steel Receiver with Black Nitride Finish: The use of robust steel for the receiver ensures maximum rigidity and durability. This solid foundation is crucial for maintaining consistent lock-up and contributing to the rifle's overall accuracy. The black nitride finish not only matches the barrel for a cohesive aesthetic but also provides an extra layer of protection against wear and corrosion, extending the lifespan and maintaining the appearance of the rifle.
• 11mm Dovetail for Optics Mounting: A hallmark of CZ rimfire rifles, the 11mm dovetail is milled directly into the top of the receiver. This integrated mounting solution offers a secure and low-profile way to attach scope rings and mounts without the need for additional bases or adapters, simplifying the process of setting up your preferred optic. It's a testament to CZ's understanding of what serious rimfire shooters need.
• Reduced Footprint and Weight: CZ-USA meticulously re-engineered the 457 action, reducing its length by almost an inch and slab-siding it. This innovative design change significantly reduces the receiver's footprint and contributes to a lighter overall rifle weight of 6.17 lbs, making it easier to carry in the field and more nimble during extended shooting sessions. This weight reduction doesn't compromise the rifle's robust feel or its stability during firing.

Ergonomic and Aesthetically Pleasing Stock

• Turkish Walnut Fixed American Style Stock: The heart of the rifle's classic appeal lies in its beautiful Turkish Walnut stock. Walnut is a premium wood known for its strength, stability, and stunning grain patterns, making each rifle uniquely attractive. The "American Style" contour is designed for comfortable handling and a traditional aesthetic that resonates with shooters who appreciate timeless firearm designs.
• High, Flat Comb: The stock features a high, flat comb, which is purposefully designed to provide an ideal and consistent cheek weld when using a scope. This ergonomic feature ensures that the shooter's eye is naturally aligned with the optical axis, leading to quicker target acquisition and improved accuracy by minimizing parallax and promoting a stable shooting position.
• Classic Checkering Pattern: The grip and forend feature a classic checkering pattern, not only enhancing the rifle's visual appeal but also providing a secure and non-slip grip, even in adverse conditions. This functional artistry underscores the attention to detail in the rifle's design.

Advanced Internal Mechanics

• Adjustable Trigger: The CZ 457 American boasts an adjustable trigger, allowing the user to customize both pull weight and overtravel. This feature is paramount for precision shooting, as a crisp, predictable trigger break dramatically improves accuracy by minimizing shooter-induced movement during the critical moment of firing. Fine-tuning the trigger to personal preference can significantly enhance performance on the range or in the field.
• Receiver-Mounted Push-to-Fire Safety: The two-position safety is conveniently located on the receiver and operates as a push-to-fire mechanism, offering intuitive and reliable operation. This design ensures that the rifle can be safely handled and transported, providing peace of mind to the shooter.
• Smooth Bolt Action: The bolt-action mechanism of the CZ 457 is renowned for its smoothness and reliability. The butter-smooth cycling ensures rapid follow-up shots and effortless chambering and ejection of cartridges, enhancing the overall shooting experience. This robust action contributes to the rifle's enduring reliability.

Ideal Applications and Use Cases for the CZ 457 American

The versatility of the .22 LR cartridge, combined with the precision engineering of the CZ 457 American, opens up a wide array of practical applications.

• Precision Target Shooting & Competition: Whether it's informal plinking at tin cans or serious competition on paper targets or steel, the CZ 457 American's inherent accuracy makes it a top contender. Its ability to produce tight groups consistently makes it suitable for various rimfire disciplines.
• Small Game Hunting: For ethical and effective hunting of small game such as squirrels, rabbits, or even raccoons where legal, the .22 LR offers sufficient power and the CZ 457 American provides the precision needed for clean, humane shots. Its relatively light weight makes it comfortable for extended periods in the field.
• Pest Control: When dealing with small pests on a property, the CZ 457 American offers a quiet and precise solution, minimizing disturbance while maximizing effectiveness.
• New Shooter Training: The low recoil of the .22 LR and the adjustability of the rifle make it an ideal platform for teaching fundamental shooting skills. New shooters can focus on marksmanship fundamentals without being intimidated by recoil or noise.
• Recreational Shooting & Plinking: For pure enjoyment and affordable practice, the CZ 457 American excels. Its comfortable ergonomics and reliable operation make every range trip a pleasure.

The CZ Legacy: A Mark of Quality and Trust

CZ-USA, a division of Česká zbrojovka a.s., has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality firearms with a strong emphasis on precision and reliability. The 457 series builds upon the highly successful 455 and 452 platforms, incorporating user feedback and modern manufacturing techniques to deliver an even more refined product. When you invest in a CZ rifle, you're not just buying a firearm; you're acquiring a piece of engineering excellence backed by decades of firearms manufacturing experience. The CZ 457 American carries forward this legacy, offering shooters a product they can truly trust for consistent performance and enduring quality.

Enhancing Your CZ 457 American: Optics and Accessories

Given that the CZ 457 American is designed for optical sighting, selecting the right scope is crucial. Shooters often ask, "What is the best scope for a CZ 457 American?" The answer depends on your primary use case. For precision target shooting or small game hunting, a variable power scope with a magnification range such as 3-9x, 4-12x, or even higher, paired with a clear objective lens (e.g., 40mm or 50mm), would be excellent. Rimfire-specific scopes, often parallax-adjusted for closer ranges (50 or 75 yards), are also a fantastic choice. The 11mm dovetail is a standard mounting solution, making it easy to find a wide variety of compatible scope rings and mounts.

Maintenance for the CZ 457 American is straightforward, requiring standard rifle cleaning practices. Its robust construction and quality materials mean it will serve you faithfully for many years with proper care.

Where to Acquire Your CZ 457 American

When considering the acquisition of a firearm of this caliber, it is essential to source it from a reputable dealer. The CZ-USA 02310 CZ 457 American Full Size 22 LR is available from trusted retailers such as DEGuns.com. DEGuns is known for providing a wide selection of firearms and accessories, ensuring that customers have access to quality products like the CZ 457 American, backed by reliable service. Whether you're upgrading your existing rimfire collection or starting anew, DEGuns can provide this exceptional rifle to meet your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the CZ 457 American

Q: What is the primary difference between the CZ 457 American and previous CZ rimfire models like the 455?
A: The CZ 457 series introduces several significant improvements over the 455, including an American-style push-to-fire safety (forward for fire), a lighter firing pin spring for faster lock time, a re-engineered, lighter action, and an adjustable trigger. It also features a smaller ejection port for improved receiver rigidity and scope mounting.

Q: Can I use different magazines with the CZ 457 American?
A: The CZ 457 American is designed to be compatible with all CZ 452/455 magazines, offering versatility for those who might already own previous generation CZ rimfire magazines. The rifle comes standard with a 5-round detachable box magazine.

Q: Is the barrel on the CZ 457 American threaded for suppressors or muzzle devices?
A: The specific SKU 02310, as described, does not feature a threaded barrel. For those interested in suppressors, CZ-USA offers other 457 models with threaded barrels. Always verify the exact specifications of the model you are considering.

Q: How adjustable is the trigger on the CZ 457 American?
A: The user-adjustable trigger allows for significant customization of both pull weight and overtravel. This enables shooters to fine-tune the trigger break to their individual preference, which is a major benefit for achieving maximum accuracy. The pull weight can typically be adjusted from a few pounds down to a very light, crisp break suitable for precision work.

Q: What type of scope rings or mounts do I need for the 11mm dovetail?
A: You will need scope rings or a one-piece mount specifically designed to clamp onto an 11mm dovetail. Many reputable optics manufacturers and accessory companies produce these, making it easy to find a suitable option for your chosen scope.

Q: Is the CZ 457 American suitable for competitive shooting?
A: Absolutely. With its inherent accuracy, adjustable trigger, and robust design, the CZ 457 American is highly suitable for various rimfire competitive shooting disciplines, including benchrest, silhouette, and precision rimfire challenges. Many competitors choose the CZ 457 platform for its out-of-the-box performance.

Q: What is the effective range of the .22 LR in the CZ 457 American for hunting small game?
A: While the .22 LR can travel much further, for ethical small game hunting, shots are typically kept within 50 to 75 yards to ensure clean, humane kills. With the CZ 457 American's precision, shots at these ranges are readily achievable, especially with quality ammunition and proper optic setup.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the CZ 457 American

The CZ-USA 02310 CZ 457 American stands as a premier choice for anyone seeking a classic, high-performance rimfire rifle. Its blend of timeless aesthetics, superior accuracy, and thoughtful engineering makes it an exceptional value. Whether you're a seasoned competitor, a dedicated small game hunter, or simply looking for a reliable and enjoyable rifle for recreational shooting, the CZ 457 American delivers on all fronts. It’s a firearm that embodies precision, durability, and the sheer joy of shooting, promising countless hours of satisfaction at the range or in the field.

Detailed Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	CZ-USA
Series	American
Model	CZ 457
SKU	02310
UPC	806703023106
MPN	02310
Caliber	22 LR
Action	Bolt
Hand	Right Hand
Capacity	5+1
Barrel Length	24 inches
Barrel Finish	Black Nitride
Twist Rate	1:16"
Sights	None (Optics Ready)
Receiver Material	Steel
Receiver Finish	Black Nitride
Stock Material	Wood
Stock Finish	Turkish Walnut
Stock Style	Fixed American Style
Stock Description	High, Flat Comb, Checkered
Safety	Two-Position (Receiver-Mounted)
Trigger	Adjustable
Weight	6.17 lbs
Size	Full Size