CZ 455
The CZ 455 is a series of magazine-fed, bolt-action rimfire rifles produced by the Czech manufacturer Česká zbrojovka a.s. (CZ) from 2010 until its discontinuation in 2019, serving as a modular successor to the earlier CZ 452 model that dated back to the 1950s.[1][2] Designed primarily for target shooting, varmint hunting, and training, the CZ 455 was chambered in popular rimfire calibers including .22 Long Rifle (LR), .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR), and .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR), with barrel lengths typically ranging from 16.5 to 24 inches depending on the variant.[1][2] Key features included cold hammer-forged barrels for enhanced accuracy, a 90-degree bolt throw for reliable operation, and a swappable barrel system that allowed users to change calibers without specialized tools, making it highly versatile for recreational and competitive shooters.[1][2] The rifle was offered in multiple configurations to suit different applications, such as the CZ 455 American with its walnut stock and 20.5-inch sporter barrel for general hunting and plinking, the CZ 455 Varmint featuring a heavy-contoured, fluted barrel and thumbhole stock for precision benchrest shooting, and tactical variants like the CZ 455 Tacticool with a black-painted laminate stock, threaded for suppressor use and accessory mounting.[3][4][5] Its adjustable trigger—tunable via spring replacements to as low as 1.5 pounds—along with a detachable 5- or 10-round magazine system inherited from the CZ 452, contributed to its reputation for sub-MOA accuracy in capable hands.[1][6] Introduced as part of CZ's push toward modularity in rimfire platforms, the CZ 455 built on decades of the company's expertise in affordable, reliable firearms, with production emphasizing cold hammer-forged barrels and ergonomic designs.[2] However, by 2019, CZ phased out the line in favor of the improved CZ 457, which retained barrel and magazine compatibility while incorporating upgrades like a 60-degree bolt throw for better scope clearance, a factory-adjustable trigger (down to approximately 1.8 pounds), and enhanced safety mechanisms to address user feedback on the 455's design.[1][2] Despite its relatively short production run, the CZ 455 remains popular on the secondary market for its balance of performance, value, and aftermarket support, influencing modern rimfire rifle development.[3]Overview
General Description
The CZ 455 is a bolt-action rimfire rifle manufactured by Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod (CZ-UB) in the Czech Republic and imported to the United States by CZ-USA, designed primarily for hunting, target shooting, and plinking activities.[6][7] It features a modular design with interchangeable barrels, offering affordability and sub-minute-of-angle accuracy suitable for entry-level to intermediate shooters. The rifle supports primary calibers including .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR), .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR), and .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (.17 HMR).[7][6][3] Typical applications encompass varmint hunting, benchrest shooting, and youth training, where its lightweight construction and ease of use provide versatility across recreational and practical scenarios. The CZ 455 has earned a strong reputation for reliability and value within the rimfire rifle category, serving as the successor to the CZ 452 and predecessor to the CZ 457.[6][7]Technical Specifications
The CZ 455 is a bolt-action rimfire rifle featuring a 90-degree bolt throw for reliable cycling.[8] Its design emphasizes modularity, with interchangeable barrels in calibers such as .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR, allowing users to adapt the rifle for various shooting applications.[3] Key technical parameters vary by configuration but establish the platform's baseline performance as a versatile training and target rifle. The following table summarizes core specifications:| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Action Type | Bolt-action with 90-degree bolt throw[8] |
| Weight (unloaded) | 5.06–7.4 lbs (e.g., 5.06 lbs for Scout model, up to 7.13 lbs for heavier varmint configurations)[7][9] |
| Overall Length | 34.5–44 inches, depending on barrel and stock[4][5][10] |
| Barrel Length | 16.5–24 inches (cold hammer-forged, free-floated, with 1:16 twist rate for .22 LR)[7][4] |
| Magazine Capacity | Detachable box; 5 rounds standard (.22 LR, .22 WMR, .17 HMR), with optional 10- or 25-round magazines[11][12] |
| Sights | Iron sights standard on select models; integral 11 mm dovetail rail for optics mounting[13][14] |
| Effective Range | Practical effective range of 100-150 yards (~90-140 meters) for .22 LR |
| Muzzle Velocity (.22 LR) | Approximately 1,200 fps for standard high-velocity loads (e.g., 40-grain CCI Mini-Mag at 1,362 fps from 20.5-inch barrel)[15] |