CZ's 455 Varmint

The CZ 455 Interchangeable barrel system…

Trigger adjustment and barrel changing requires the barreled action’s removal from the stock. This is accomplished with removal of the two bottom Torx head fasteners and the trigger guard magazine guide assembly. The small block aft of the magazine is the spacer that is installed, or removed, when changing between 22 Long Rifle and longer 22 WMR and 17 HMR barrels and ammunition.

The Varmint version of the CZ455 shares all of the barrel swapping attributes of the other guns in the series. In fact, 455 Varmint 22 Long Rifle owners can purchase and utilize .22 WRM and .17 HMR barrels and interchange them as desired. The barrel is retained in the receiver with two appropriately sized set screws as shown below. We have previously covered the details of the CZ455 hardware.

Prior experience with the CZ455, as well as experience with this model, suggests the barrel holding method holds zero and it is not even very sensitive to torque. The barrel aligns with the receiver and bolt guide and the twin barrel screw pressure is perpendicular to the barrel’s surface.

I love CZ centerfire rifle triggers. They are clean, adjustable and usually have a single set trigger function. While the higher price CZ 453 Varmint has this feature, the CZ 455 does not. The CZ 455 does, however, have an adjustable trigger. The nut on the back of the trigger adjusts the amount of sear engagement, which controls pull and creep. The yield on adjustment is a clean, crisp release.

The CZ455 is a solid rimfire, made from traditional materials and process; satin finished walnut stock, blued alloy steel hammer forged barrel. The receiver is a sturdy 0.250″ thick cylindrical form. The safety is two position. Checkering is limited to the gun’s pistol grip, but it is nicely laser cut.

The bolt body is 0.700″ in diameter which is larger than many small centerfire rifle bolts. The front bottom is cut away which allows the magazine to place the fed round closer to the bolt centerline for more positive feed. Twin extractors make for reliable extraction. The lock up is  solid and the bolt – receiver – barrel assembly is very rigid which, no doubt, contributes to the rifle’s accuracy.

I did not have a headspace gauge handy, however, the lockup was tight and the difference of 0.0001″ rim thickness could be felt on bolt closing. The bolt movement was smooth, with only the push of a round from the magazine offering any increased resistance. There were no problems with feed or ejection during the live fire exercises.

I’ll see your zombie and raise you a squirrel

The 50 meter target, above, was the first shot with the CZ 455 Varmint. The barrel was cold. My wife shot a target with the same ammo immediately after me and her Yellow Jacket group was one-half inch, her Federal group was five-eights inch and her Winchester X group was three-quarters of an inch. The factory group packed with the rifle was one inch.

Considered opinions

The CZ 455 Varmint is a nicely done rimfire rifle. It is more closely aligned with sturdy bolt action guns of the past and it will certainly hold up to a lot of use. Accuracy is good, operation is good and the price is more than reasonable. The fact that it can be expanded as a system to utilize other barrels in higher performance cartridges is a useful plus. Being picky – It would be nice if the checkering would extend to the forearm. The grip is a grasped surface so it will hardly slip away, but the forearm sees an open palm and could use a little traction. I’d like to see a full trigger guard to fit in with the rest of the materials used on the rifle, rather than a stamped piece of flat stock. Again, very nice rifle that would provide many years of accurate service and at a very good price.