There’s something about a well-built rifle that just feels right the moment you shoulder it. That was my first impression of the CZ 457 AT-ONE—a rifle that practically dares you to test its precision. As someone who has spent countless hours behind a trigger, I’ve come to appreciate the difference between a gun that merely looks good on paper and one that actually delivers. Spoiler alert: this one delivers.
With its smooth bolt action, adjustable stock, and tack-driving accuracy, the CZ 457 AT-ONE isn’t just another rimfire rifle—it’s a rifle that adapts to the shooter. Whether you’re punching tight groups at the range or hunting small game in the woods, this rifle gives you every advantage. But does it live up to the hype? I took one out for a spin, put it through its paces, and here’s what I found.
When I pulled the CZ 457 AT-ONE out of the box, my first thought was, “Wow, this thing is solid.” The laminated Boyd’s AT-ONE stock looked sharp—blue and gray layers of wood, a bit flashy but not over-the-top. I could tell right away that this rifle wasn’t built just to look pretty. It had heft, a reassuring sturdiness that told me it was ready to perform.
Now, if you’ve ever shot a CZ 457, you know the bolt is smooth as butter. This one was no different. It cycled effortlessly, with a precise and deliberate feel. There’s no sloppy play in the action, no grinding or rough edges—just a well-machined, well-fitted piece of hardware. Right away, I could tell this was going to be a rifle I’d enjoy shooting.
I appreciate a rifle that adapts to me rather than forcing me to adapt to it. That’s exactly what the Boyd’s stock allows. The adjustable length of pull and comb height made it easy to dial in a comfortable fit. Whether I was shooting prone, from a bench, or standing, I could tweak the setup to feel just right.
And let’s talk about that weight. Some might see it as a downside, but I think the extra heft is an asset. It keeps the rifle steady, reduces felt recoil (not that a .22 LR kicks much), and just gives the whole setup a more serious, competition-ready feel. This isn’t some flimsy little plinker—it’s a precision instrument.
A good rifle needs a great barrel, and the CZ 457 AT-ONE delivers. The heavy-profile barrel is rock-solid, which means less barrel whip and more consistency. Mine came chambered in .22 LR, but you can also get it in .17 HMR or .22 WMR if you want a bit more punch. The best part? That 16.5-inch threaded barrel. I threw a suppressor on mine because why not? There’s something immensely satisfying about hearing just the snap of the firing pin and the thwack of the round hitting the target.
The trigger is another highlight. It’s adjustable, so you can fine-tune the pull to your liking. I like mine light and crisp, and with a few quick tweaks, I had it breaking like glass at just over two pounds. It makes precision shooting feel effortless, and that’s exactly what I look for in a target rifle.
The real question, of course, was how well it would shoot. So I mounted a Bushnell Match Pro 6-24x50mm scope, packed up some ammo, and hit the range on a cool, windless morning.
I set up at 50 yards, figuring that was a good place to start before stretching out to longer distances. Using a rest and a rear pinch bag, I cycled through three different loads to see what the rifle liked best.
The first up was SK Match 40-grain solid point. I’ve had good luck with this ammo in other rimfires, and the CZ didn’t disappoint. The average group size was 0.538 inches, with the best group coming in at a tight 0.395 inches. That’s some serious precision.
Next, I tried SK Long Range Match 40-grain solid point. This round is designed to push .22 LR accuracy out to 100 yards and beyond, and it showed promise right away. It edged out the SK Match with an average group of 0.535 inches and a best group of 0.375 inches. Not bad for an affordable rimfire rifle.
Finally, I ran some Lapua CenterX 40-grain solid point through it. Lapua is known for making some of the best rimfire ammo out there, but in this case, it didn’t quite match the SK loads. The average group was 0.630 inches, with the tightest group measuring 0.531 inches. Still respectable, but not the rifle’s favorite.
Honestly? A blast. The combination of the heavy barrel, excellent trigger, and rock-solid stock made shooting this rifle ridiculously easy. It felt like cheating. I could take my time, line up my shots, and just stack rounds on top of each other. And when I wanted to speed things up a bit, the smooth bolt made rapid cycling a breeze.
The adjustable stock was a game-changer, too. I was able to tweak the comb height just right to get a perfect sight picture through my scope, and the length of pull adjustments made it comfortable whether I was shooting from a rest or standing offhand.
If you’re in the market for a serious rimfire rifle, the CZ 457 AT-ONE should be at the top of your list. It’s accurate, customizable, and just plain fun to shoot. Whether you’re using it for target shooting, hunting, or just plinking at the range, it’s a rifle that delivers.
At just under $700, it’s not the cheapest rimfire out there, but you’re getting a lot of rifle for the money. It’s built to last, with a high-quality stock, excellent barrel, and smooth action. Plus, the threaded barrel gives you the option to run a suppressor, which is always a plus in my book.
So, am I keeping mine? Absolutely. This isn’t just another rimfire rifle—it’s one of the best I’ve ever shot. If you’re looking for a precision bolt-action .22 that can punch way above its weight class, the CZ 457 AT-ONE is worth every penny.
