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CZ 457 action

11K views 36 replies 15 participants last post by  pigeonshoot  
#1 ·
I am considering building a CZ 457 custom gun. Anybody have a idea where I can buy just the action? I hate to buy a gun just to tear it apart, and build one. But I might have to.
 
#3 ·
Fishjager,
Two thoughts on that.

A lot of guys go for the Scout (less expensive model) and use the action to put together a precision rifle. I think it would be a little harder to sell the stock and barrel.

I say get an MTR (more expensive) but, easer to sell the stock and barrel. I think you would recover more of your initial investment.

I cannibalized a CZ457 American to build a precision gun. one day I will get around to selling the stock and barrel.

good luck.
 
#7 ·
Fishjager sir buying a CZ 457 Scout would probably work for you just to get an action the MTR are very hard to find and asking premium prices these days. My adopted daughter received here 455 Scout for her birthday a few years ago and it was great for me and her:
Sorry for the blurry picture.

She actually had a tear in her eye with joy after years of going shooting as a family, she would always ask when was she going to get her own rifle.


So don't limit yourself to helping out another family with a short stock for their children. Scouts are hard to find also depending on where you live.

Signalman 🚦
 
#8 ·
Fishjager sir buying a CZ 457 Scout would probably work for you just to get an action the MTR are very hard to find and asking premium prices these days. My adopted daughter received here 455 Scout for her birthday a few years ago and it was great for me and her:
Sorry for the blurry picture.

She actually had a tear in her eye with joy after years of going shooting as a family, she would always ask when was she going to get her own rifle.


So don't limit yourself to helping out another family with a short stock for their children. Scouts are hard to find also depending on where you live.

Signalman 🚦
Thank you sir, I was also thinking of that option. I have two MTR's and was thinking of building a gun with a Lilja 23 in barrel. I don't know, it's just me and looking for a fun project. With the availability of Lilja barrels it may take a few months to complete. I actually have a spare MTR, and AT One stock. So the parts are coming together. LOL Nice pictures by the way. She has a great smile.
 
#10 ·
As others have said, you'll have to cannibalize a rifle in order to get your action. Been there- Done that. Fortunately, any CZ 457 will work though.
Couple of things I learned in that process :
  • The "cheapest to buy" may not yield the cheapest action. Keep in mind that whatever you buy, you will be selling off the barrel and stock to get some investment back Try to pick something that will yield parts that people will want/pay-for at a price that will move them fast. Likewise, don't buy high end models and then need to get top dollar for your takeoff parts. You have a greater risk of being stuck trying to get big $ for factory parts.
  • If you buy an alternate caliber (17/22mag) you will need to pony up $25-$70 for a .22 lr mag, mag well filler and mag well filler pin. ( You may need to buy a mag for the Scout too as I've read they don't come with one? )
  • Don't buy something too desirable as you may be tempted to keep it "as is" and you'll be back to square one. CZ's are tough like that.

FWIW, The cheapest 457 I found was an American Synthetic in17 HMR for less than $400 off Gunbroker. Because the barrel and stock were popular for hunting, I was able to quickly flip those parts to reclaim about $220 as I recall. I did have to shell out (and hunt up) the mag parts. BTW, I could have got a Scout for the same $ but it appeared that eBay and other classifieds were already FAT with Scout parts that were slow to sell at that time.

Bottom line: Do your math and buy what works best for you.


-
 
#12 ·
  • Don't buy something too desirable as you may be tempted to keep it "as is" and you'll be back to square one. CZ's are tough like that.
Ain’t this the truth. I have the same idea of putting together a custom CZ 457 22LR. I’ve been watching the classifieds and auctions sites for a cheap used donor rifle. A couple of weeks ago I found a never-fired Lux in 22WMR for $400. Thought I was on my way, but several members here convinced me to keep it as is (ok, all I needed was a little push). Anyway, now I have a nice Lux 22WMR in my arsenal and I’m still looking for a new donor.
 
#11 ·
Well, after a brief frenzy of looking for an action one was located which means buying a rifle and selling off almost everything except the action. Then I got notice that the Lilja barrel I ordered today is being shipped. So now it is rounding up the rest of the parts. Wow, things happen fast.
 
#14 · (Edited)
If you bring in your 457 package at $1,500, scope included, you're doing great. Aim for that, shoot if for a while ... and pray you don't get the upgrade bug.
I don't even want to mention what I've got in the CZ-based rig I've set up for paper-target matches. That's 'cause very shortly some fool would come along with "And it's still just a CZ"!
And right about then I'd be tempted to both waste time replying to such a ninny and more likely than not get myself into trouble with the mods. So, for the most part, I'll just behave.
That said, I've had a heck of good time building it out while still using it during the last few years, it's shown it can beat some big-boy "better" rifles run by quite competent shooters, and I am having fun.
The other plus: At this point, I don't think there's a darn thing other than ammo that I could put into, under or on top of that rifle that's going to change its performance much. Think I've taken that project as far as it's going to go.
 
#17 · (Edited)
So here is the cost of this rig:
Vortex Venom 464.00, KRG stock 388.00, Arken 34mm rings 72.00, Area 419 base and knob 127.00,Timney trigger 140.00, action 400, Lilja barrel 487. Rough cost rounded out. $2078.00 This is a total with 10.4% sales tax in my area. Ouch. But this is the complete gun. A Vudoo barrelled action is about that a lone without the other stuff. Prices also reflect VA discounts where given.

It's funny how the little things add up. Which put me over my estimate of 1500.00 rings bases etc.
 
#19 ·
OK Fishjager sir, so you went over your budget. So, I want to see a picture of the smile on your face and a report of when you are dancing and singing on the way home after you get it all dialed in. Been there done that, I went and shot in three rifles on one day and the one I thought was going to be the worst blew me right out of the water and I am still smiling every single time I pick it up. OH Yeah. :D :D :D Besides they say a picture is worth a thousand words and smile that never leaves your face is priceless. So, enjoy your work. One thing we need a picture of it when you're done.

Signalman 🚦
 
#27 · (Edited)
I spent quite a few years in the manufacturing industry and the "Make or Buy decision" was usually applied to the products built when it came to various components used in the end product. For the most part, I have purchased and used CZ products as built with minor upgrades to trigger springs as the exception. That of course contributes to the CZ Collection Issue as various stock, barrel, and caliber options seem to draw one into the" I need to have one of those configurations" . . . to fit a given requirement. Thus I end up with multiple CZs and for the most part, stayed under my budget, not including the scope, rings, and sling. Like others - I have searched and waited for deals to stay within that budget.

So yes, I have spent more than my share of financial resources on CZ firearms but can take 2-3 variations along when I do a particular type of shooting or hunting and enjoy the variety each has to offer. Some for the Bench, some for Off-Hand, Plain Old Plinking ( POP ), and Walk-Around-Huniting. I probably could have saved a lot simply having one for each category but like others have said - Enjoy whatever you have along with the method you used to get there - Buy, Make, or Modify :yippee:
 
#28 ·
I blew through any budget on mine, as I pieced it together trial and error over a few years. Just in the rifle, chassis (plus tweaks), trigger and barrel/tuner, I have $1,800.
No doubt, had I been hunting for deals and waiting for sales, I could have saved some dough. Perhaps foolishly, I was doing things as often as not "in-season" and wanted to see immediate results. Then I went with a big, good and expensive scope (Sightron SV 10-50x60) and an expensive bipod (Accu-Tac).
I've probably got entirely too much in my rig ... and I don't care. :)
Had fun building it, having fun shooting it, and I'm competitive. On this rifle, at least, I'm happy with the journey.