A cult implies it is an irrational desire. However, the CZ MTR has proven to be an incredibly accurate rifle at its price point. It is also much cheaper than an Anschutz. Why are you surprised by its popularity?

 

I think the best is yet to come. Just wait until spring when shooting starts in full swing. I think the scarcity is going to drive prices sky high.

 

Whats not to like . A sub moa gun with a massive stock, an easily adjustable trigger, a “ match” barrel at $800 that has a resale of $800 .
Thats part of the massive friendly aftermarket support & parts cult for CZ s. Yes Annies are better, if you know what and where to buy. Way different culture.

 

It's almost as though the MTR has a cult like following. Guys with expensive Anschutz rifles gotta have a MTR even though they already own one of the best

While many shooters may enthuse about the CZ 457 MTR for how it shoots for a rifle at its price, there's a danger of making too much about hype. I have Anschutz rifles, among others, and I tried the MTR. The MTR doesn't punch above its weight.

 

True, but it punches in the ARA Factory class where Annies cannot. The more something stands out when used with particular purpose, be it rifle, scope, wind flag, etc., the more enthusiastic the ownership.

 

Got the MTR and a Anschutz and depending of your barrel luck the CZ do punch above its weight, mine still hold 5 shots 1 hole club record, but the Anschutz is more constant and the trigger is exceptionnal, but i will not sell that CZ……no way

 

I don’t own a CZ, but if this site is any indication, they are an extremely popular rifle to own. They have a huge following. Most likely due to the quality level offered at an affordable price. There’s just not a lot of mid priced offerings in the market. To many big box store guns out there, made cheap and functional for the masses. CZ is a gun that can offer pride in ownership at a price most folks can justify. It’s shame more American manufacturers don’t participate in this market niche. Making affordable pieces destined to be family heirlooms.

The MTR is one of the more highlighted models in their production line. So it is one of the more desired models, offering a unique stock design and match chambered barrel.

 

I'm not aware of anything in its price rang, call it $850-ish, that can routinely outshoot it from the box.
If it's quite popular, I think it's because guys recognize a good buy.
Personally, I don't own an MTR. I tend to like self-build FrankenCZs.

 

As far as new rifles go, they're nice.

My Winchester 52's, 40x's, BSA Internationals, etc. were all $850 or less and will outshoot them.

 

My Winchester 52's, 40x's, BSA Internationals, etc. were all $850 or less and will outshoot them.

Maybe $850 "back in the day" but unless they're beaters they'll run more now. And considering inflation they cost a bit more.

 

I'm sure that a lot of shooters just like the unique look and feel and like a great-shooting gun but I'd wager that ARA Factory class is a big factor in the popularity. There are other guns that can be competitive out of the box but the MTR is well suited to benchrest shooting and has the inherent accuracy to post winning scores on the relatively forgiving Factory targets.
Yeah, it's out-classed by the Anschutz rifles but those are 2 to 3 times the price and are forced to compete in Unlimited class - much tougher target and tougher competition.

 

Had one awhile back, shot good, but too ammo picky unlike my T1X. Still have the T1X and MTR went down the road.

 

Had one awhile back, shot good but not as picky as my T1X. Still have the T1X and MTR went down the road.

Experience may vary, Own CZ Mtr, Tikka Upr and Anschutz Msr, Tikka Upr goes ´´down the road’´.

 

A few thoughts:

• Anschutz guys always chime on these posts, which is cool. But note the starting prices of most Anschutz these days. Also not eligible for ARA factory class.
• As mentioned more than once, success at ARA factory class certainly spurs the MTR sales.
• Classics like the Win 52s, Rem 40Xs, etc. aren't being made, and they well may not be a likely choice for guys just starting to dip a toe in the .22lr games They're also not eligible for ARA factory class.
• The CZ MTR ihas simply earned its place in the market.
• I'm just glad someone in the world is making a factory .22lr rifle under $1K that can do what that rifle routinely does.
• Are the T1X and Bergara B14 lovely .22s? You bet, and the market rewards them, too.

No cult, IMO, just people deciding how to use their discretionary income.

 

I will also add that they are kind of the Legos, like Glocks, for guns. You can get aftermarket barrels, triggers, scope mounts, stocks, etc. in any flavor or budget.

 

It's not just the MTR; it's CZ rifles in general that have a huge following. It all began when the Soviet Union dissolved and surplus Brno rifles began flowing into the country in large numbers. Having served in Europe, I was well aware of Brno quality and took advantage of the availability. Long story short, the CZ-452 was simply a Brno renamed. Slowly people became aware of the quality of CZ rifles and there are few other brands on the market that offer as much quality for the money paid.

For competition shooting, Bergara and Tikka are really the only two brands that vie with the MTR. While Ruger, Savage and others turn out rifles that are good value, they simply aren't in the same class as CZ, Bergara and Tikka.

 

WOW lots of excellent points and my use of the word "cult" was not meant in any derogatory sense. Truth be told 6 or 8 months ago I had never heard of CZ. I looked at a number of rifles but as soon as I picked up a CZ Royal I knew it was a quality piece. The action cycled much smoother than anything else on the shelf and the woodwork was well done. I started reading reviews and watching YouTube videos and it was obvious CZ had a well earned reputation for quality and the MTR was a halo type product that was shining a spotlight on the entire product line and the exclusivity of the MTR only made it brighter. In my opinion the MTR has hit the bullseye when it comes to quality, price, value and exclusivity and hopefully CZ will not diminish quality chasing volume. I also hope greed does not take over in the secondary market but I've seen some of that on GB already.
As for me I can't wait for warmer weather and for my club competitions to begin.

 

I am one of those unfortunate few that would like to own a CZ Vamint MTR SKU (02345) but can’t find one anywhere that is not at an absurd price (close to $1K or thereabouts).

What’s a good alternate to consider? CZ Varmint AT-One (currently available at a reasonable price compared to MSRP) or something else? I’m only going to shoot at the range, compete with myself to learn to be a better shooter.

 

If you really want and MTR, be patient, they seem to some in waves. You might have 2-4 months where they are nowhere to be found and all of a sudden, they are everywhere for a week. They will then sell out and be gone for a period of time.

If you can't wait, you can always find other CZs around, the lower priced ones can always be found.

My other choice in that price range would be a Tikka.

 

Seems like there's two types of shooters on this forum. Those that own a
457 Varmint MTR and those that want one. I have seen very few things that have created the excitement and enthusiasm created by this rifle. It's almost as though the MTR has a cult like following. Guys with expensive Anschutz rifles gotta have a MTR even though they already own one of the best. What is it about this rifle that has created such a stir? And have I unwittingly joined a cult albeit a good one?

No there is a 3rd type of member. But, I wont say any more.

 

I have the CZ 455 Varmint and cannot be happier about its accuracy - I doubt the MTR would change my mind.

But I haven't tried one yet.

Anyone in RI want to let me play with theirs?

 

I'm in Maine, if you ever want to make a day trip you are more than welcome to shoot mine.

 

The At-Ones are legal.

I meant the entire first paragraph of your comment. The 40Xs and etc you mentioned.

The At-Ones are legal.

I was referring to the response to your comment "My Winchester 52's, 40x's, BSA Internationals, etc. were all $850 or less and will outshoot them". Then you went back and forth about price with a guy. I was pointing out that none of those discontinued models you mentioned are legal for ARA factory. Of course the AT-ONE is but, it is more than $850 too.

 

You guys could visit Kittery Trading Post after.

 

Have you been there recently? Still a decent place but, it seems to be going the way of LL Bean....more products geared to the Boston suburbanites than to people that actually go out and do things. It's sad, I remember when Bean's was in their original building and everything they had was made to be used. Now, it's 99% clothes and furnishings and 1% actual equipment.

 

Edit: I just remembered RI has a waiting period. That could toss a monkey wrench into the whole idea.

 

That, and the fact that BassPro wouldn't even let me touch a revolver in their case last time I asked. Nope! No RI-ers allowed to spend money with them, even if it is shipped to a RI FFL. Ammo included.

I just don't go there any more unless for fishing stuff.

 

I don't fall into either category. I have several CZs but not an MTR. I have nothing against an MTR, but it hasn't called to me the way the sporter type rifles do. I don't compete and I don't hunt. But I'd mostly describe my collection as mostly Squirrel hunting rifles. I enjoy seeing how good I can shoot them off of some very mediocre bench equipment.

 

Consider that the $1000 you think is absurd right now is pretty much to do with inflation/the devaluation of the dollar.
Wasnt too long ago that $600 would have bought what it takes $1000 to do now.....and that aint gonna change.
Get what you want now (or soon) so you beat the inflation spiral that has not stopped.
That way you can start using it instead of wishing you were (btdt)

 

Yeah, there's a 3rd category. Don't have one and no desire to ever own one.

 

I am in this category. I have no use for that style rifle.

 

PS - I guess the only thing worse than paying over list price for a MTR is paying for an MTR and not getting it. Now that hurts!

 

I'm a new MTR owner. I don't compete currently and I don't hunt but I have always liked the look of the MTR and wanted to give one a try. I just wasn't sure if it would be worth the money. The rifle is a very comfortable rifle and I'm very happy with the accuracy I get out of it with the ammo that I use.

As far as the cult mentality, I felt this way about the Sebenza on BF. I had never heard of one before getting on that forum and once I was on there it seemed like everyone had one or wanted one. As I type this I have a 31 Insingo in my pocket.

 

Honestly, I think the whole CZ 45X series is just a dang popular line of rifles, the CZ 457 is the latest iteration, and the MTR Varmint is a pretty fair out-of-the-box and onto-the-bench competitor.
I don't see any cultish aspect.
Hey, at my club, there's probably 10 guys running 455 or 457 self-build rigs in rogue (non-sanctioned games). They're not cult, either, when you consider there's also guys running CZ MTRs, At-Ones, Anschutz, Vudoo, Modacam Custom, Competition Machine, Bergara, etc, etc. There's other dudes rocking the old classics from 40Xs to Martini/BSAs.
I see very little dissing of a brand or rifle. Atmosphere is pretty much please keep showing up, keep working on your game, help push the level of competition upward.
We're nuts and we are usually close to broke, but we have fun.

 

Just so well stated!!

 

I like to think that the popularity is due to people seeing the logic of the vertical F Class style stock.