CZ – 457 varmint – MTR 22 LR MATCH LRP Fluted 20″ Barrel 1/2×20 -CZ

The CZ 457 Varmint MTR .22 LR is a rifle built for precision, and here in Tennessee, that matters whether you are punching paper at the Nashville Armory, working a groundhog population on a farm outside of Knoxville, or testing your skills at the Oak Ridge Sportsmen’s Association. This is not a general-purpose plinker; it is a dedicated match-grade tool designed for shooters who demand consistent sub-minute accuracy from a rimfire platform. With a fluted 20-inch barrel and a stock sourced from the CZ Custom shop, this rifle brings factory-level precision that competes with custom builds.

What This Product Is and Who It Is For

The CZ 457 Varmint MTR (Match Target Rifle) is a bolt-action rimfire chambered in .22 Long Rifle, intended for the serious target shooter and varmint hunter. It is not a home defense firearm—its length and single-shot focus make it unsuitable for that role. Instead, this rifle is engineered for benchrest competition, silhouette shooting, and small-game hunting at distances where accuracy is paramount. Collectors will also appreciate the MTR designation, as it represents CZ’s factory-level commitment to match accuracy without the cost of a custom build. If you are a Tennessee shooter who values repeatable precision over rapid fire, this rifle is designed for you.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (LR)
• Action: Bolt-action, CZ 457 platform
• Barrel Length: 20 inches, fluted, with 1/2×20 threaded muzzle
• Barrel Profile: Varmint (heavy) contour, cold hammer-forged steel
• Twist Rate: 1:16 inches (standard for .22 LR match ammunition)
• Stock: Walnut, MTR (Match Target Rifle) pattern with a wider forend and adjustable cheekpiece
• Trigger: CZ 457 single-set trigger, adjustable for pull weight
• Sights: None included; receiver is grooved for 11mm dovetail rings or Picatinny rail adapters
• Magazine Capacity: 5-round detachable box magazine (single-shot adapter available)
• Weight: Approximately 8.2 pounds (unloaded)
• Overall Length: 38.5 inches
• Finish: Blued steel with a satin oil finish on the walnut stock
• Safety: Two-position push-to-fire safety on the bolt shroud

Feature Deep-Dive

The defining characteristic of the CZ 457 Varmint MTR is its barrel. The 20-inch fluted varmint contour is cold hammer-forged, a process that aligns the steel grain structure for consistent harmonics and reduced heat buildup during extended strings of fire. The fluting also reduces weight without sacrificing stiffness, which is a practical advantage when you are carrying this rifle to a firing line or a hunting position. The 1/2×20 threaded muzzle allows for the attachment of suppressors or muzzle brakes, making it a strong choice for Tennessee shooters who use sound mitigation on private land or at ranges that permit it.

The stock is where the MTR model separates itself from standard CZ 457 variants. It features a wider, flat-bottomed forend that provides a stable resting surface on sandbags or bipods. The walnut is hand-selected for grain and density, and the satin oil finish protects against humidity—a relevant factor in Tennessee’s variable climate. The adjustable cheekpiece allows you to align your eye with a scope without needing custom shims, and the length of pull can be adjusted via spacers. This stock is not merely cosmetic; it is a functional upgrade that supports consistent head placement shot after shot.

The CZ 457 action is one of the smoothest rimfire bolt actions available at this price point. The 60-degree bolt lift provides ample clearance for scopes with large objective lenses, and the bolt itself features a dual-opposed locking lug system that ensures consistent lockup. The single-set trigger is a standout feature: it can be fired as a standard trigger at approximately 2.5 pounds, or you can push it forward to “set” it, reducing the pull weight to under 8 ounces for precision shots. This adjustability makes the rifle suitable for both rapid follow-ups and careful, single-shot accuracy work.

Another critical detail is the magazine system. The CZ 457 uses a detachable box magazine that feeds .22 LR rounds reliably, even with subsonic or match-grade ammunition that can be finicky in other rifles. The 5-round capacity is standard for rimfire competition, and the magazine release is positioned at the front of the trigger guard for quick changes without breaking your firing grip. For benchrest shooters who prefer single-loading, CZ offers a dedicated single-shot adapter that replaces the magazine and reduces the chance of rim damage during feeding.

Finally, the receiver is grooved for 11mm dovetail rings, which allows direct mounting of many scope rings without a separate base. This keeps the scope low to the bore axis, reducing parallax errors and improving cheek weld. If you prefer a Picatinny rail, CZ and aftermarket manufacturers offer drop-in options that do not require drilling or tapping. This modularity means you can customize the rifle to your preferred optic without gunsmithing, a practical feature for Tennessee shooters who may want to switch between a high-magnification scope for benchrest and a lower-power optic for hunting.

The overall fit and finish of the CZ 457 Varmint MTR reflect the company’s history in European firearms manufacturing. The metal-to-wood fit is tight, with no gaps that would allow moisture or debris to settle. The bluing is even and deep, and the action screws are torqued to spec from the factory. While no rifle is perfect, this model addresses common complaints about rimfire accuracy—such as inconsistent bedding or poor trigger feel—by providing a factory-tuned platform that requires minimal adjustment out of the box.

Ideal Use Cases

• Target and Competition Shooting: This is the primary use case. The MTR’s heavy barrel, adjustable stock, and set trigger make it a strong contender for NRA Smallbore, ARA benchrest, and silhouette matches. The 20-inch barrel provides sufficient velocity for .22 LR match ammunition without being unwieldy on a bench.
• Varmint Hunting: For groundhogs, squirrels, and other small game, the accuracy of this rifle allows for ethical head shots at ranges beyond 75 yards. The threaded muzzle is useful for suppressors in areas where they are legal.
• Training: The CZ 457 platform is an excellent trainer for centerfire precision rifles. The bolt throw, trigger feel, and stock adjustments mimic larger-caliber rifles at a fraction of the ammunition cost.
• Collecting: The MTR is a limited-production model with specific features not found on standard CZ 457s. Its walnut stock and fluted barrel make it a visually appealing addition to any rimfire collection.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: This rifle is designed for .22 Long Rifle only. It cycles standard-velocity, high-velocity, and subsonic ammunition reliably. For best accuracy, use match-grade ammunition such as SK Standard Plus, Eley Club, or Lapua Center-X. Avoid .22 Short or .22 Long.
• Holsters: Not applicable. This is a bolt-action rifle, not a handgun.
• Magazines: Uses CZ 457 factory 5-round magazines. Aftermarket 10-round and 25-round magazines are available from brands like CZ and M*CARBO, but reliability may vary. The rifle also accepts the CZ single-shot adapter.
• Accessories: The 1/2×20 threaded muzzle accepts standard rimfire suppressors and muzzle brakes. Scope mounting requires 11mm dovetail rings or a Picatinny rail adapter. Bipods can be attached via a sling stud on the forend. The stock accepts CZ factory length-of-pull spacers.
• Cleaning: Standard .22 LR cleaning rods and solvents are compatible. The barrel is not chrome-lined, so regular cleaning is recommended to maintain accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can this rifle be shipped directly to my home in Tennessee?
No. Federal law requires that all firearms purchased online be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state. For Tennessee residents, we will ship the CZ 457 Varmint MTR to a licensed dealer of your choice. You will need to complete a Form 4473 and pass a background check at the time of pickup. We can recommend a list of FFLs in your area if needed.

2. What is the FFL transfer process for Tennessee customers?
After you place your order, we will contact you to confirm your chosen FFL dealer. You must provide their license information, or they can email it to us directly. We ship via insured carrier to that dealer. Once the rifle arrives, the dealer will contact you to arrange pickup. You will need a valid Tennessee-issued ID and must be 18 years or older to purchase a rifle. No additional fees are charged by tn-guns.com, but your local FFL may charge a transfer fee.

3. What ammunition is recommended for best accuracy?
While the rifle will cycle most .22 LR ammunition, match-grade ammunition provides the best results. We recommend SK Standard Plus, Eley Club, or Lapua Center-X for benchrest and competition. For hunting, CCI Mini-Mag or Federal AutoMatch offer reliable performance. Avoid cheap bulk-pack ammunition if you are seeking sub-minute accuracy.

4. What warranty does CZ-USA provide for this rifle?
CZ-USA offers a five-year limited warranty to the original purchaser against defects in materials and workmanship. This covers the barrel, action, stock, and trigger mechanism. Normal wear and tear, misuse, and modifications are not covered. If you experience an issue, contact CZ-USA directly with your proof of purchase. tn-guns.com does not offer an extended warranty, but we can assist with warranty claims if you purchased from us.

5. What is your return policy for firearms?
All firearm sales are final. Because of federal regulations, we cannot accept returns on firearms once they have left our inventory. If your rifle arrives with a manufacturing defect or is damaged in transit, we will work with you and CZ-USA to resolve the issue. Please inspect the rifle at your FFL before accepting the transfer. If you notice damage, refuse the transfer and contact us immediately. Ammunition and accessories are non-returnable for safety reasons.

Ready to Add This Rifle to Your Collection?

This CZ 457 Varmint