CZ Model 455 .17 HMR and .22 LR American Combo Rifle

Any experienced varmint hunter knows the value of a good .17 HMR rifle, particular when used inside 150 yards on small critters such as ground squirrels. The .17 HMR is a great round, but for general plinking and target practice, we prefer shooting the venerable .22 Long Rifle. The .22 LR has less recoil and less noise. Importantly, .22 LR ammo (even with today’s shortages) remains much less expensive than .17 HMR ammunition.

Wouldn’t it be great if a single, affordable varmint rifle could shoot both .22 LR and .17 HMR? Well, CZ offers just such a rig — the CZ Model 455 American Combo, a versatile switch-caliber rifle priced at about $485.00 (MSRP is $531.00). The American Combo comes complete with both .22 LR and .17 HMR barrels, easily interchanged with a simple Allen wrench. As CZ explains: “The CZ 455 eliminates the need to spend the extra expense on a second rifle when you want to add another quality shooter to your rimfire battery”. For a bit more money, you can even purchase a .22 WMR barrel, making your CZ a triple-threat varmint-slayer.

The little CZ 455 has shown impressive accuracy in both .17 HMR and .22 LR versions. With good ammo, expect groups around half an inch (or better) at 50 yards. In fact, when GunsAmerica.com tested the CZ 455 American Combo, the .17 HMR version delivered quarter-inch groups at 50 yards. That’s pretty impressive accuracy for the price.

Video Shows Switch-Barrel Functionality on CZ 455

If you want to learn more about the CZ 455 American Combo, we suggest you read the GunsAmerica review. A comprehensive write-up with plenty of photos, this review answers most of the questions a potential buyer might have. Here’s a sample from the review:

“The 455 does now come in single calibers as well, but all of the guns retain the ability to shoot .22LR, .17HMR, and .22WMR with the purchase of extra barrels. CZ engineered the swapability with a novel bolt-locking system that works without levers or collars or any of the other things you generally see in convertible firearms. The barrels are machined with a two 45° cuts in them. the receiver then holds two bolts [seated at 45&deg angles]. To change the barrels you remove two action screws and the two 45° bolts. The system is elegant in its simplicity. Swapping the barrels takes about 5 minutes. You first remove the two action screws, then the action and free-floated barrel come right off the stock.”

CLICK HERE to Read Full GunsAmerica Review

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Tags: .22 LR, 17 HMR, 22 Magnum, 22LR, CZ, CZ-USA, Model 455, Rimfire, Switch-Barrel