The CZ 457 American in .22 LR is a dependable choice for Tennessee shooters who value precision in the field or at the range. Whether you’re tracking squirrels in the hardwood forests near El Dorado Springs or dialing in your technique at a local shooting club, this rifle offers consistent performance. Its Turkish walnut stock and cold-hammer-forged barrel provide a solid foundation for small game hunting or target practice across the Volunteer State.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The CZ 457 American is a bolt-action rimfire rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle. It is designed for shooters who prioritize accuracy and reliability over rapid fire. This model suits target shooters who appreciate a steady, repeatable platform for paper punching or steel ringing. It also serves hunters pursuing small game such as rabbits, squirrels, or varmints, where precise shot placement matters. Collectors will note the Turkish walnut stock and classic American-style lines, which add a traditional aesthetic to a modern firearm. This is not a tactical or home defense rifle; it is a purpose-built tool for precision shooting and hunting.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (LR)
- Capacity: 5-round detachable magazine (10-round magazines available separately)
- Barrel Length: 24.8 inches (cold-hammer-forged steel)
- Overall Length: 40.9 inches
- Weight: Approximately 6.6 pounds (unloaded)
- Stock: Turkish walnut with satin finish, American-style design with cheekpiece and rubber buttplate
- Action: Bolt-action with 60-degree bolt lift and adjustable trigger
- Sights: None (drilled and tapped for scope mounts; includes 11mm dovetail rail)
- Safety: Manual two-position safety on the bolt shroud
- Finish: Blued steel barrel and receiver
- Twist Rate: 1:16 inches (optimized for standard and high-velocity .22 LR ammunition)
Feature Deep-Dive
The CZ 457 American stands out for its cold-hammer-forged barrel, a process that compresses the steel to create a dense, uniform bore. This method reduces internal stresses and promotes consistent bullet travel, which translates to tighter groups at distance. For a .22 LR rifle, this level of barrel construction is uncommon at this price point, and it directly supports accuracy for small game or target work. The barrel is free-floated, meaning it does not contact the stock along its length, which minimizes external pressure on the barrel during firing.
The Turkish walnut stock is a key feature that blends durability with aesthetics. It is crafted from a single piece of walnut, treated with a satin finish that resists moisture and handling wear. The American-style design includes a raised cheekpiece for a comfortable cheek weld when using a scope, and a rubber buttplate helps absorb mild recoil. The stock geometry encourages a natural point of aim, which reduces shooter fatigue during extended sessions. This is a stock that holds up to field conditions while maintaining a classic appearance.
The adjustable trigger system on the CZ 457 American allows shooters to tailor pull weight to their preference without aftermarket parts. The trigger is adjustable from approximately 1.5 to 3.5 pounds, with a clean break and minimal overtravel. This adjustability is valuable for target shooters who want a lighter pull for precision, or for hunters who prefer a slightly heavier trigger for safety in the field. The 60-degree bolt lift provides ample clearance for scope mounting and enables fast cycling without altering your head position.
Magazine compatibility is a practical advantage of the CZ 457 platform. The rifle ships with a single 5-round detachable magazine, but it accepts all CZ 457 magazines, including 10-round and 25-round options. The magazine release is located at the front of the trigger guard, allowing for quick changes while maintaining grip. The magazine design feeds .22 LR rounds reliably, reducing the risk of rim-lock or feeding issues common with some rimfire rifles. This is a system that works with standard velocity, high velocity, and subsonic ammunition.
The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope bases and includes an 11mm dovetail rail for direct mounting of dovetail-compatible rings. This dual compatibility means you can install a variety of optics without needing specialized adapters. The blued finish on the barrel and receiver is a traditional matte blue that provides moderate corrosion resistance. While not a stainless steel option, this finish is adequate for typical Tennessee weather conditions when properly maintained. The rifle does not include iron sights, so you will need a scope or red dot for aiming.
The CZ 457 American is built around a controlled feed action, which engages the cartridge rim with the extractor as it lifts from the magazine. This design improves feeding reliability, especially when cycling the bolt slowly or with subsonic ammunition. The bolt body is machined from steel and features dual extractors for positive case extraction. The receiver is made from a steel forging, providing a rigid platform for consistent lockup. These engineering choices contribute to the rifle’s reputation for out-of-the-box accuracy.
Ideal Use Cases
This rifle is well-suited for small game hunting in Tennessee’s diverse terrain, from the Ozark foothills near El Dorado Springs to the bottomlands along the Tennessee River. The .22 LR cartridge is effective for squirrels, rabbits, and other small game at ranges under 100 yards. The rifle’s weight and balance make it easy to carry on long walks through fields or woods. For target shooting, the CZ 457 American performs well at formal benchrest matches or casual plinking. It is also a strong choice for rimfire precision competitions like NRL22 or PRS Rimfire, where the adjustable trigger and accurate barrel offer an advantage. The rifle is not designed for concealed carry, home defense, or large game hunting.
Compatibility Notes
The CZ 457 American accepts standard and high-velocity .22 LR ammunition, as well as subsonic loads. It is compatible with CZ 457 magazines in 5-round, 10-round, and 25-round capacities. For optics, the 11mm dovetail rail accepts CZ dovetail rings or 3/8-inch dovetail rings with adapters. The receiver is also drilled and tapped for standard scope bases (sold separately). Holsters are not applicable to this rifle. Aftermarket accessories such as replacement stocks, barrel tuners, and bolt handles are available from manufacturers like MDT, Area 419, and Boyd’s. The rifle uses standard 1/2×28 threaded muzzle adapters for suppressors, though the barrel is not threaded from the factory.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do you ship this rifle to Tennessee addresses?
Yes, we ship to licensed FFL dealers in Tennessee. After your purchase, we will contact you to confirm your chosen FFL dealer. We do not ship directly to residential addresses. Standard shipping rates apply, and we typically ship within 1-3 business days after FFL verification.
2. How does the FFL transfer process work for this rifle?
You must select a licensed FFL dealer in Tennessee to receive the rifle. Provide us with the dealer’s contact information and current FFL license. We verify the license and ship the rifle to that dealer. You then complete a background check (Form 4473) at the dealer’s location before taking possession. There is no additional fee from us for this service; the dealer may charge a transfer fee.
3. Is this rifle compatible with all .22 LR ammunition?
This rifle functions with standard velocity, high velocity, and subsonic .22 LR ammunition. We recommend using quality ammunition from reputable manufacturers for best accuracy. Lead round nose, hollow point, and copper-plated bullets all feed reliably. Avoid using .22 Short, .22 Long, or .22 Magnum rounds, as these are not compatible.
4. What warranty does the CZ 457 American come with?
CZ-USA provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover normal wear, misuse, or modifications. If you experience a defect, contact CZ-USA directly or reach out to us for assistance with the warranty process. We recommend retaining your purchase receipt.
5. What is your return policy for firearms?
All firearm sales are final due to federal regulations. If the rifle arrives with a manufacturing defect or damage from shipping, we will work with you and CZ-USA to resolve the issue. Inspect the rifle at your FFL dealer before accepting the transfer. If you notice damage, refuse the transfer and contact us immediately. We do not accept returns for change of mind or incorrect choice.
Ordering and Tennessee Shipping
This CZ 457 American is available for purchase and will ship to any licensed FFL dealer in Tennessee, including those near El Dorado Springs. We maintain a network of approved FFLs across the state, but you are welcome to choose your own. After your order is placed, our team will contact you to confirm your FFL details. We ship via insured carriers with signature required. For questions about inventory or shipping timelines, contact us directly. We are a Tennessee-based FFL retailer and understand the needs of local shooters.
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