CZ 457 Bolt Action: Innovative 60° Bolt for Range Precision

Precision at the rimfire level matters more than ever for trainers, varminters, and shooters who want a lightweight, reliable bolt-action platform that bridges the gap between fundamentals and tactical work. In this review we break down the mechanical improvements and real-world advantages of a modern rimfire trainer that punches above its weight in features and ergonomics.

CZ 457 takes the classic rimfire bolt action platform and refines it with user-forward updates designed to improve fit, function, and sighting flexibility.

Shop this product and see how the CZ 457 stacks up if you’re outfitting a training rifle or a dedicated varmint rig.

What sets the CZ 457 apart

The CZ 457 blends proven CZ rimfire reliability with a number of practical upgrades. The action has been shortened by nearly an inch and slab-sided to reduce footprint and weight, which improves balance and handling without sacrificing rigidity. That shortened footprint works especially well when the shooter wants a compact trainer or a carryable varmint rifle.

60° bolt rotation for optics and speed

One of the defining changes is the move from a 90° to a 60° bolt rotation. That smaller bolt lift improves cheek weld options and allows for larger ocular bell diameters with lower rings. For anyone mounting a low-profile scope or a larger eyepiece, the 60° lift reduces interference and speeds up follow-up shots. In practical terms this makes CZ 457 a better platform for shooters who prefer modern optic packages.

Swappable barrel system and threaded heavy barrel

The CZ 457 uses the same swappable barrel system as the 455, which means barrel changes and caliber conversions are straightforward for gunsmiths or advanced users. The heavy, threaded barrel simplifies suppressor fitting and tuning for precision rimfire loads — a feature varminters and precision trainers will appreciate. The curtain of consistency you get between barrels is a big reason this platform is considered a top-tier rimfire chassis.

Stock, adjustability, and ergonomics

Built on the popular Boyds AT-ONE laminate basis, CZ 457’s stock provides a rigid platform with practical adjustability. Length of pull is adjustable from 12.5″ to 14.25″ with a push-button system, and the comb can be raised up to 5/8″. These adjustments make it easy to dial in a natural, repeatable cheek weld for both scoped and iron-sighted work.

Two-piece interlocking bottom metal and magazine system

CZ ditched the stamped bottom metal of previous designs in favor of a two-piece interlocking system that looks and functions better. The reliable polymer magazine platform remains, preserving positive feeding and easy field stripping. Together these features deliver a blend of modern aesthetics and practical maintenance advantages.

Trigger, safety, and action details

The CZ 457 arrives with a trigger that’s now adjustable for weight creep and over-travel, giving the shooter a better interface for precision shooting. For training environments where consistency is king, the ability to tune the trigger is a real benefit. The rifle also retains a two-position safety and a receiver-mounted, push-to-fire style safety. These controls are familiar and easy to operate under stress or when teaching new shooters.

Shortened action and slab-sided profile

Reducing an inch of action length and slab-siding the receiver lowers weight and minimizes the rifle’s profile, which assists in quick handling and target transitions. The combination of a shorter action, a reduced bolt lift, and a stiff laminate stock makes the CZ 457 an excellent training tool for shooters moving from rimfire fundamentals to centerfire platforms.

View product details and pricing — the listed price for this configuration is $834.99, placing it in a solid mid-range spot for high-feature rimfire trainers and varmint rifles.

Optics, mounting, and real-world fit

Because of the 60° bolt rotation and slab-sided receiver, scope fitment is more forgiving than on many 90° bolt rimfires. Lower rings and larger oculars are easier to use without running into bolt handle clearance issues. The rigid laminate stock reduces torque-induced POI shift and helps stabilize the rifle under a bipod or sandbag for precision dry-fire and live-fire practice.

Who should consider the CZ 457?

If you train regularly, want to bridge rimfire fundamentals to centerfire tactics, or need a varmint rifle with suppressor-ready threading and a stout barrel, CZ 457 is built with those users in mind. The adjustable LOP and comb height make it friendly for a range of body sizes and shooting styles, from seated bench work to prone field setups. The platform’s modular barrel system also makes it attractive to shooters who anticipate future barrel swaps or caliber experimentation.

Maintenance and ownership notes

Field-strip and maintenance are straightforward: the polymer magazines are easy to service, the receiver-mounted controls are familiar, and having the two-piece interlocking bottom metal simplifies takedown compared to older stamped designs. The swappable barrel system means component-level upgrades or replacements are less invasive than single-piece designs.

Final assessment

For shooters who want a modern rimfire trainer that prioritizes optics compatibility, adjustability, and threaded-barrel versatility, CZ 457 represents a meaningful upgrade over older rimfire designs. The 60° bolt lift, adjustable trigger, two-position safety, and Boyds AT-ONE based laminate stock all combine into a package that’s comfortable on the range and capable in the field. At $834.99 it offers a strong balance of features, ergonomics, and build quality for intermediate and advanced shooters alike.

Check current availability on the product page to see stock and configuration options; clicking through will take you to the shop where you can complete a purchase through the retailer.

For serious rimfire training, varmint work, or anyone wanting a compact bolt-action with modern ergonomics, CZ 457 is a platform worth handling at the range and testing under real drills. Its combination of adjustability, threaded heavy barrel, and refined action geometry make it one of the most capable rimfire options in its class.

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