CZ 457 VPT Precision Rimfire Rifle Gets Match-Grade Barrel Upgrade
Russ Chastain 02.26.21
CZ makes good guns – that’s no secret – and one of those guns just got a little better with the addition of a threaded match-grade barrel. The CZ Varmint Precision Trainer MTR is a bolt-action precision rimfire rifle that was already considered a premium gun due to its 60-degree bolt throw, adjustable trigger, swap-able barrel, quality of build, and polymer magazine system. The addition of a better-quality Match Target Rifle (MTR) barrel can only make the 457 VPT better. This quote is from CZ’s Press Release:
“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 has announced it is offering its match-grade MTR chamber and the extremely tight tolerances that come with it in one of the gunmaker’s most popular 22 LR bolt guns: the 457 VPT (Varmint Precision Trainer).
The MTR chamber has already proven itself in its namesake, CZ 457 Varmint MTR rifle, and has garnered an excellent reputation for accuracy.
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, putting this rifle a step above the competition.
The 457 VPT MTR comes with a cold hammer-forged and lapped 16.2-inch barrel with 1/2×28 threads at the muzzle for a suppressor or muzzle device, and the action is mounted in a Manners carbon fiber stock. It also comes with a fully adjustable trigger, a 5-round detachable magazine, and integrated 11mm dovetails for scope installation with an MSRP of $1,449.
Like CZ’s line of factory-tuned premium pistols, this MTR variant of the VPT features orange accents within its camo color scheme to be easily recognized on the gun rack and the firing line for the special rifle that it is.“
I’m no sucker for target stocks, but this is great-looking rifle overall and the orange highlights on the stock are really cool. This stock looks so comfortable; I look at this popper and I really want to snuggle up behind it and send some lead downrange.
CZ-USA 457 VPT MTR Precision Rimfire – Specifications
- Chambering: 22 Long Rifle
- Barrel: 16.2″ Cold Hammer Forged w/ 1:16″ Twist Rate & 1/2″-28 Threaded Muzzle
- Magazine: 5 Round Detachable
- Stock: Manners Carbon Fiber
- Overall Length: 42 in.
- Weight: 7.49 lbs.
- Trigger: Adjustable
- Sights: No sights; Integrated 11MM Dovetail for Optic
- Safety: Two-Position, Push to Fire
- MSRP: $1,449
It’s not a cheap rifle by any means, but it would seem the days of cheap rifles are gone. You get a lot for the money in terms of quality, design, and precision which leads to accuracy. Respected gun writer Col. Townsend Whelen once opined that “only accurate rifles are interesting” and if that’s correct the CZ 457 VPT MTR precision rimfire rifle should be very interesting indeed.
