Full-sized and configured like a centerfire precision rifle, shake hands with the .22 LR CZ 457 Varmint Precision Trainer/SR.

If it hasn’t hit your radar, there’s a trend in long-guns shaping up this year as clear-cut as a trigger break—bolt-actions in .22 LR. Nothing new about the most popular cartridge in the world teaming up with the tried-and-true rifle, they’ve nearly been a pair since the dawn of metallic cartridges. Yet, the new generation of rimfire guns are a marketed break from the past. They’re full-sized, meticulously manufactured and would seem more at home in a precision rifle match than perforating tin cans. Welcome to the rise of the precision trainer.

The concept makes sense. Taxing your ammunition fund for pennies on the dollar, the tack-driving rimfires guarantee a boon of profitable trigger time on a rig meant to mirror its centerfire cousins. Bolt-throw to downrange results, it’s all there—albeit closer in. Newest to this game, CZ-USA.

Notables aplenty on the CZ 457 Varmint Precision Trainer/SR, one stands out in particular—a top-notch carbon-fiber stock. While the Manners’ platform isn’t adjustable, its internal structure is optimized for the utmost rigidity, thus consistent performance. Additionally, it’s got the little extras that help you keep the rifle on target—tall comb, butt hook, pistol grip, among others. Furthermore, CZ has trimmed back the action an inch in length and slab-sided it to make more room for your mitt.

Other notables on the CZ 457 Varmint Precision Trainer/SR include threaded muzzle (1/2×28 pattern), 60-degree bolt throw, detachable magazine system and an 11mm dovetail milled into the receiver to make adding an optic much easier. Moreover, the rifle is also outfitted with a user-adjustable trigger, however, the feature isn’t exclusive to the Precision Trainer/SR—all 457 boast one now. The rifle is available in two barrel lengths, 24 inch and 16.5 inch, both tapered varmint profile. On par with other recently-released rimfire trainers, CZ aims for crossover appeal in the rifle, not only in its very manageable 7.56-pound weight, but also its three-color camo pattern.

Even in .22, precision doesn’t come cheap and the CZ 457 Varmint Precision Trainer/SR is no different. Commanding $1,144, it's out of weekend plinkers’ range, but more than affordable for anyone obsessed with honing their precision rifle skills to a razor’s edge.

CZ 457 Varmint Precision Trainer Suppressor-Ready 24″ Specs:
Caliber: 22LR
Stock: Manners Composite
Mag. Type: Detachable
Mag. Cap: 5
Trigger: Adj
Sights: None
Barrel Length: 24.875 In.
Weight: 7.56 Lbs.
Barrel: Heavy Cold Hammer Forged
MSRP: $1,144.00

CZ 457 Varmint Precision Trainer Suppressor-Ready 16.5″ Specs:
Caliber: 22LR
Stock: Manners Composite
Mag. Type: Detachable
Mag. Cap: 5
Trigger: Adj
Sights: None
Barrel Length: 16.5 In.
Weight: 7.1 Lbs.
Barrel: Heavy Cold Hammer Forged
MSRP: $1,144.00

For more information on the CZ 457 Varmint Precision Trainer/SR, please visit cz-usa.com.

More Rimfire Info:

• The .22 LR: Mini, Mighty And Many
• The .22 LR And Its .22 Rimfire Cousins
• Cartridge Debate: .17 HMR vs. .17 WSM
• Ammo: Evolution of the Red-Hot .17 HMR
• The .22 LR For Self Defense: Good, Bad Or Crazy?

Next Step: Get your FREE Printable Target Pack

Enhance your shooting precision with our 62 MOA Targets, perfect for rifles and handguns. Crafted in collaboration with Storm Tactical for accuracy and versatility.

Subscribe to the Gun Digest email newsletter and get your downloadable target pack sent straight to your inbox. Stay updated with the latest firearms info in the industry.