Bergara BMR vs CZ 457 American: price, specs, published accuracy and which .22 to buy
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Spec comparison
| Rifle | Action | Barrel | Trigger | Magazine | Optic mount | Weight (lb) | MSRP (source, date, confidence) | Aftermarket depth | NRL22 fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bergara BMR Steel | Bolt; match chamber | 18/20 in threaded | Bergara trigger | 5 and 10-rd slim mags | Pic rail | 5.5 | $699 Bergara MSRP (Carbon $799; BMR-X $799). source, 2026-10-11, conf: high | Low | Base: leaves ~$951 for scope |
| CZ 457 American | Bolt; 60-degree throw; swappable barrel | 24.8 in sporter, cold-hammer-forged, 1:16 (unthreaded; threaded/SR variants exist) | Adjustable (weight/creep/overtravel) | CZ 457 polymer 5-rd | 11 mm dovetail | ~6 | $729 $729 MSRP as shown by US retailers (CZ-USA page did not show a price to our fetch). source, 2026-10-12, conf: med | Very high (shares 457 parts) | Base: leaves ~$921 for scope |
MSRPs from the maker where available, otherwise labeled retailer listings, checked Oct 2026. Aftermarket depth and NRL22 fit are our editorial summaries (NRL22 Base: rifle plus scope MSRP up to $1,650). Specs are published figures, not our measurements.
| Bergara BMR (Steel / Carbon) | CZ 457 American | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | Steel $699, Carbon $799 [1] | $729 as listed by US retailers [2] |
| Barrel | 18 in (.22 LR), 1:16, threaded 1/2x28 [3] | 24.8 in sporter, cold-hammer-forged, 1:16, unthreaded [4] |
| Stock | Injection-molded synthetic with aluminum pillars [3] | Walnut, high flat comb, checkered [4] |
| Bolt | 90-degree lift, dual extractors [5] | 60-degree throw, twin extractors [4] |
| Trigger | Rem 700-style, adjustable; 3 lb 7 oz from the box, adjusted to 2 lb 14 oz in American Rifleman's test [5] | Adjustable for weight, take-up and overtravel; 3 lb 12 oz from the factory in American Rifleman's test [4] |
| Magazines | 5- and 10-round included [5] | 5-round polymer (same as 455) [4] |
| Optic mount | 30 MOA Picatinny rail included [3] | 11 mm dovetail [4] |
| Weight | About 5 lb (Carbon) [3] | About 6 lb (our dataset estimate; CZ lists by model) |
What published reviews found
- BMR Carbon, American Rifleman: best 10-shot group 0.8 in at 50 yd with SK Rifle Match, other groups "not much larger"; 80% hits on a 6 in plate at 300 yd [5].
- BMR Carbon, Gun Digest: best 5-shot group 0.591 in with CCI Velocitor, 0.682 in average across two loads at 50 yd in a gusty headwind; no malfunctions in about 400 rounds [3].
- CZ 457 American, American Rifleman: average 10-shot group just over 3/4 in at 50 yd, smallest 0.55 in with Aguila Rifle Match; no malfunctions in 400 rounds [4].
These are single samples with different ammo and group protocols (5-shot vs 10-shot), so they don't rank the rifles. They show both are capable when fed ammo they like.
Our range results (coming soon)
This box will hold our own groups, chronograph data and photos for this topic once we've shot and recorded them. Until then, every accuracy number on this page comes from the published source cited next to it. We have not tested these rifles or products hands-on for this article.
Hunting and carrying
The BMR's 18 in barrel and threaded muzzle make it short and suppressor-ready. The 457 American's 24.8 in barrel is long and unthreaded; you'd need a threaded barrel set or a gunsmith to add a suppressor. CZ barrels swap with two screws at the front of the receiver [4]; see CZ 457 parts. For game and shot placement, read small game and varmint hunting.
Competition (NRL22 Base)
NRL22 Base allows rifle plus scope MSRP up to $1,650 and bans aftermarket stocks and triggers [6]. Both fit with room for glass:
- BMR Steel ($699) leaves about $951 for a scope; BMR Carbon ($799) leaves about $851.
- 457 American ($729) leaves about $921, but its sporter stock and 5-round magazine are less suited to barricades. CZ's 10-round magazine (CZ 10-rd polymer) helps.
Scope ideas inside the cap: Primary Arms SLx 4-16x44 FFP ($399.99) or Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 FFP ($449). More builds in NRL22 Base builds.
Aftermarket depth
The CZ 457 wins clearly: dozens of chassis, triggers, barrels and magazines (MDT ORYX CZ 457, KRG Bravo CZ 457, Timney CZ 457 trigger, CZ 457 prefit barrels). The BMR's main upgrade path is Remington 700-pattern triggers [3] [5]; chassis options are limited because the Micro Action is not a 700 footprint [3]. See barrel and trigger upgrades.
Ownership notes
- BMR: reviewers flag the plastic bottom metal and a basic stock with some fore-end flex [3].
- 457 American: the manual safety locks the trigger but not the bolt, so you can unload with it on; the bolt removes with a release button [4].
- Clean both with a proper rod and guide (CZ bore guide for the 457). See rimfire cleaning.
Cost of a complete setup
| Item | BMR Steel route | 457 American route |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle (MSRP) | $699 | $729 |
| Mount | Rail included; rings needed | CZ 11 mm rings or HD one-piece rail |
| Extra magazine | 10-rd included | CZ 10-rd |
| Threading for a suppressor | Already threaded | Threaded barrel set (457 American threaded set) or gunsmith |
Street prices are often below MSRP; follow the links for current pricing.
Which should you buy?
- Suppressed hunting, light carry, NRL22 starter: BMR.
- Classic wood hunting rifle, future upgrades or caliber swaps: CZ 457 American.
- Left-handed: neither of these specific models; see the comparison table for left-hand options.
Recommended accessories
- Ammo to start testing: CCI Standard Velocity, SK Standard Plus, SK Rifle Match.
- Rest: Caldwell DeadShot rear bag and Harris S-LM bipod.
- Glass for hunting: Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40.
Left-hand and youth options
Neither standard model is left-handed. CZ offers a youth-length 457 Scout ($649, 12 in LOP) [7]; see best first .22.
FAQ
Is the Bergara BMR more accurate than the CZ 457 American?
No published head-to-head exists. American Rifleman got a 0.8 in best 10-shot group from a BMR Carbon and a just-over-0.75 in average 10-shot group from a 457 American at 50 yd, with different ammo.
Is the CZ 457 American threaded?
The standard 457 American has an unthreaded 24.8 in barrel. Threaded 457 barrel sets and models exist.
Does the Bergara BMR come with a scope rail?
Yes. Reviews describe a 30 MOA Picatinny rail included.
Which is better for NRL22 Base?
Both fit under the $1,650 rifle plus scope cap. The BMR's 10-round magazine and threaded barrel make it the more common Base choice.
Sources
- Bergara BMR Steel
- Retailer listing showing CZ 457 American MSRP $729 (Oct 2026)
- Gun Digest Bergara BMR review (2024)
- American Rifleman CZ 457 American review (2020)
- American Rifleman BMR Carbon review (2022)
- NRL22 2027 Rules (valid May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027)
- CZ-USA 457 Scout ($649)
Confidence: maker specs and prices are high confidence as of the date seen; forum and owner reports are low–medium confidence and labeled as such.
Not affiliated with Sako/Tikka, CZ, Bergara, Ruger, Savage or any retailer. We have not tested products hands-on for these guides; figures come from cited sources. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy · Terms · Rimfire Builds is operated by Tomahawk Designs LLC, Utah · contact@rimfirebuilds.com