CZ 457 vs CZ 455: every difference that matters, and whether parts interchange
Product links go to retailers and may be affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Prices as seen Oct 2026 and change often. Affiliate disclosure
Side-by-side
| Rifle | Action | Barrel | Trigger | Magazine | Optic mount | Weight (lb) | MSRP (source, date, confidence) | Aftermarket depth | NRL22 fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CZ 455 (discontinued) | Bolt; 90-degree throw; swappable barrel | Various | Adjustable (less refined than 457) | CZ 452/455 polymer mags | 11 mm dovetail | varies | n/a Discontinued 2018; replaced by 457 (used market only). source, 2026-10-12, conf: med | High (many 457 barrels fit, some need hand fitting) | n/a (used only) |
| 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 |
| CZ 457 Varmint MTR | Bolt; 60-degree throw; swappable barrel | Heavy, match chamber; many lengths | Adjustable (weight/creep/overtravel) | CZ 457 polymer 5/10-rd | 11 mm dovetail; Pic rails available | varies by model | $999 CZ-USA product page $999 (a third-party 2026 list shows $849). source, 2026-10-12, conf: high | Very high (barrels, chassis, triggers, mags) | Base: leaves ~$651 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.
| Feature | CZ 455 | CZ 457 |
|---|---|---|
| Production | Discontinued 2018 [1] | Introduced 2019 [1] |
| Bolt throw | 90 degrees | 60 degrees, for larger scope eyepieces with lower rings [1] |
| Safety | Wing safety at the rear of the bolt | Two-position safety on the right of the receiver; locks the trigger, not the bolt [1] |
| Bolt removal | Required pulling the trigger | Release button on the left rear of the receiver [1] |
| Trigger | Limited adjustment | Adjustable for weight, take-up and overtravel [1] [2] |
| Receiver | Longer | Slab-sided, machined from bar stock, about 1 in shorter [1] |
| Bottom metal | Stamped trigger guard | Machined two-piece interlocking floorplate [1] |
| Firing pin | Standard | Lighter, for faster lock time [1]; Shooting Times cites a striker nearly 40% lighter [2] |
| Magazines | Same 5-round polymer magazine family [1]; 457 Varmint MTR also accepts 455 mags [2] | |
| Barrel retention | Two screws at the front of the receiver; barrels are user-swappable [1] | |
Do parts interchange?
- Magazines: yes; CZ's polymer mags are listed as fitting 452/453/455/457/512 (CZ 5-rd, CZ 10-rd).
- Barrels: the retention system is the same concept, and several aftermarket barrels are sold as "CZ 455/457" (Wait-Less 455/457 drop-in, 455/457 drop-in, 455/457 stainless drop-in). Our dataset notes some combinations need hand fitting; confirm with the barrel maker for your exact receiver.
- Stocks and chassis: generally not interchangeable, because the 457 receiver is shorter and the bottom metal differs. Some chassis are sold for both (for example MDT XRS, CZ 457 and 455, MDT LSS Gen2, 457 and 455, MPA BA 455/457 Hybrid); check the listing.
- Triggers: the 457 has its own trigger family (Timney CZ 457, CZ 457 trigger system).
- Mounts: both use an 11 mm dovetail; rings and many rails fit both (CZ steel rimfire rings).
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.
Should you buy a used 455 or a new 457?
A 455 can be a bargain if it's in good condition, and the swappable-barrel system means it can still take new barrels. But the 457's safety, bolt throw and trigger are real usability improvements, and new chassis and triggers are designed for the 457. If you plan to upgrade heavily, start with a 457. If you want an affordable, accurate hunting or plinking rifle and like the 455's look, a clean used 455 makes sense. Our used-rifle buying guide has an inspection checklist.
Price context
- CZ 457 American: $729 MSRP per US retailer listings [3]; 457 Scout $649 and Varmint MTR $999 per CZ-USA [4] [5].
- CZ 455: used market only. When it launched, the 457 American listed at $476 [1], which shows how much prices have moved since 2019.
Shooting differences you'll notice
- Faster cycling with a scope: the 60-degree throw clears big scope eyepieces and knuckles more easily.
- Safety habit: the 457's push-forward safety matches most American rifles. Shooting Times notes youth instructors had asked for this [2].
- Trigger: American Rifleman's 457 American broke at 3 lb 12 oz from the factory and could be tuned lighter and crisper [1].
- Cocking effort: American Rifleman measured 8 lb to cock the 457 American's bolt [1].
Upgrades for either
- Extended mag release: CZ extended mag release Gen II or extended latch kit (452/455/457).
- Bore guide for cleaning: CZ 452/453/455/457 bore guide.
- Headspace check when swapping barrels: .22 LR GO gauge.
- More in barrel and trigger upgrades and CZ 457 parts.
How to tell a 455 from a 457 at a glance
- 457: safety lever on the right side of the receiver behind the bolt; 455: wing safety on the bolt shroud.
- 457: bolt lifts only about 60 degrees; 455: about 90 degrees.
- 457: machined two-piece bottom metal; 455: stamped trigger guard [1].
Is a 455 still worth upgrading?
Yes, within limits. Magazines, many barrels and some chassis fit, and the 455 has a big existing aftermarket. But new trigger and chassis designs mostly target the 457, so heavy upgraders will find more choice there.
FAQ
What is the main difference between the CZ 455 and 457?
The 457 has a 60-degree bolt throw (vs 90), a receiver-mounted safety, a fully adjustable trigger, a shorter receiver and machined bottom metal.
Do CZ 455 magazines fit the 457?
Yes. CZ's polymer magazines fit both.
Will a CZ 455 barrel fit a 457?
Both use the same two-screw barrel retention concept, and many aftermarket barrels are sold for both. Some combinations may need fitting; check with the barrel maker.
Do CZ 455 stocks fit the 457?
Generally no, because the 457 receiver is shorter. Some chassis are made for both.
Sources
- American Rifleman CZ 457 American review (2020)
- Shooting Times CZ 457 Varmint MTR review (2024)
- Retailer listing showing CZ 457 American MSRP $729 (Oct 2026)
- CZ-USA 457 Scout ($649)
- CZ-USA 457 Varmint MTR ($999)
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