CZ 457 VPT for Rimfire Tactical Matches — New MTR Chamber
CZ 457 Varmint Precision Trainer shown with after-market Lilja Barrel and suppressor.
NRL22 — a rimfire tactical discipline — is one of the fastest-growing shooting sports in the country. Right now there are more NRL22 matches in one month than there are official rankings-counted PRS matches in a year. It’s easy to understand why. Ammo is cheap, and you can have plenty of challenge even on a 200-yard range. Plus good .22 LR barrels can last 30,000 rounds or more.
For anyone looking to get serious about rimfire competition shooting without the costs of a full-on custom rifle, a new day has dawned. CZ-USA now offers a CZ 457 for rimfire precision matches that has important accuracy upgrades. The CZ Varmint Precision Trainer MTR is now available with the match-grade MTR chamber with tighter tolerances. The MTR chamber has proven itself via the CZ 457 Varmint MTR rifle, which has garnered an excellent reputation for accuracy.
The VPT MTR variant will feature orange accents in the camo finish on the Manners Composite Stock
CZ states: “The MTR variant of the VPT allows shooters to buy an affordable, match-chambered rifle that’s ready to compete right out of the box. This eliminates the perceived need to upgrade any major components[.]” It also lets you compete in rimfire classes restricted to “box stock” 100% factory configuration.
The 457 VPT MTR comes with a cold hammer-forged and lapped 16.2″ barrel with 1/2×28 threads at the muzzle for a suppressor or muzzle device. The barreled action is mounted in a Manners carbon fiber stock. For the new VPT model with MTR chamber, MSRP is $1449.00. Expect “street price” around $1250.00″
CZ-USA 457 VPT MTR Specs:
| Chambering: . 22 LR Action: Bolt Barrel: Cold hammer forged Barrel Length: 16.2″, Threaded Twist Rate: 1:16 Magazine Type: 5 Rounds, detachable Stock: Manners Carbon Fiber |
Overall Length: 42″ Weight: 7.49 lbs. Trigger: Adjustable Sights: Integrated 11MM Dovetail for Optic Safety: Two-Position, Push to Fire Misc.: Barrel Threaded 1/2×28 for suppressor |
New CZ 457 VPT Replaces 455 VPT — Major Action Changes
The previous CZ 455 VPT was replaced with the new-generation CZ 457 Varmint Precision Trainer, which still boasts a Manners Composite stock, based on the PRS1 design with a more tapered forearm. The new 457 VPT has some very notable upgrades. First, the stamped bottom metal of the 455 is gone, swapped for a two-piece interlocking system. To make scope fitment easier, CZ ditched the 90° bolt rotation in favor of a 60° bolt, allowing for larger ocular bell diameters with lower ring heights. And the 457 VPT now features a trigger adjustable for weight, creep, and over-travel. MSRP for the basics CZ 457 VPT (not the MTR Chamber model) is $1189.00, with street price around $990.00.
Great rifle- I own a plain 457 MTR – but it won’t work for NRL 22 base class.
From their rules: “It is also intended to be a class to allow an introduction to this fantastic shooting discipline. It is not intended to be a place for veteran shooters to remain, however, the NRL22 will not regulate that. Any rifle system that comes in under a combined MSRP of $1050 shall be eligible to compete in Base class.”