18-Aug-2026
Ask any group of UK rimfire shooters what they’d recommend as a first proper .22, and CZ will come up within the first minute. The Czech maker, Česká zbrojovka, based in Uherský Brod, has quietly become one of the most popular rifle brands in Britain, largely because it does something quite rare: it sells genuinely accurate, well-made rifles at prices that don’t require a second mortgage. Whether you’re after a plinker, a vermin rifle for the smallholding, or a serious small-game hunting tool, there’s almost certainly a CZ that fits.
This guide walks through the CZ models you’ll actually see for sale in the UK, what each does best, and what to look for when buying new or second-hand.
Why CZ has such a strong following in the UK
CZ’s reputation rests on three things. First, accuracy: the cold-hammer-forged barrels on their rimfire rifles routinely shoot better than their price tags suggest, and plenty of owners report cloverleaf groups at 50 yards with ammunition the rifle likes. Second, build quality: these are traditional rifles with proper walnut or hard-wearing synthetic stocks, steel where it matters, and actions that smooth up beautifully with use. Third, value a CZ typically undercuts comparable Anschütz or Sako rimfires by a wide margin while giving away very little in practical performance.
That combination makes CZ rifles hugely popular with rabbit and squirrel shooters, informal target shooters, and anyone stepping up from an air rifle to their first Section 1 rimfire.
CZ 457, The current standard
The 457 is CZ’s current production rimfire and the model you’ll see most often in gun shop racks. It replaced the much-loved 455 and brought a string of sensible updates: a shorter, faster bolt throw, an improved adjustable trigger, a push-to-fire safety that suits British muscle memory better than the old system, and a detachable magazine that’s easy to manage in the field.
It’s available in a wide range of configurations, from lightweight sporter-style hunting rifles to heavy-barrel varmint versions, and in .22 LR, .17 HMR, and .22 WMR chamberings. The interchangeable barrel system means one action can, in principle, serve several roles. For most UK buyers wanting a do-it-all rimfire for pest control and paper punching, the 457 is the default answer, and it’s very hard to argue with.
CZ 455 and the older classics
The 455 remains a superb rifle, and the used market is full of well-kept examples at attractive money. It shares the interchangeable-barrel concept and shoots every bit as well as its successor; the differences are largely in ergonomics and trigger refinement rather than raw accuracy. If your budget is tight, a clean second-hand 455 is one of the smartest buys in UK rimfire shooting.
Go back further, and you’ll find the 452, the older, fixed-barrel workhorse that built CZ’s UK reputation in the first place. These are honest, durable rifles, and many have decades of service left in them. Check bore condition and look for pitting on rifles that have lived in farm cabinets, but don’t be put off by cosmetic wear.
CZ 512, The semi-auto option
For shooters who want quick follow-up shots on rabbits, the CZ 512 semi-automatic in .22 LR or .22 WMR is a tidy alternative to the ubiquitous Ruger 10/22. It uses a simple blowback action, feeds from the same magazines as CZ’s bolt guns in some configurations, and carries the same barrel quality as its stablemates. If you’re weighing up the semi-auto route, our Ruger 10/22 review makes a useful comparison read; the two rifles take quite different approaches to the same job. You can browse current CZ 512 listings alongside the rest of the CZ range on Rightgun.uk.
CZ Centrefire rifles
CZ’s centrefire range deserves more attention in the UK than it gets. The CZ 600 series, the current generation, covers hunting and range work in popular calibres such as .223, .243, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308, with the same emphasis on barrel quality and value. Older CZ 550 rifles, built on a controlled-round-feed action, have a loyal following among deer stalkers who like traditional engineering. If you’re comparing options in this bracket, our guide to the best mid-range rifles puts CZ’s centrefires in context against the likes of Tikka and Howa.
Buying a CZ in the UK: What to check
New CZ rifles come with the reassurance of warranty and current-spec triggers, but the used market is where the real value lies. When viewing a second-hand CZ, check the bore with a light (CZ barrels are hard-wearing, but rimfires that have fired tens of thousands of rounds without cleaning can lead-foul), confirm the magazine latches positively, and dry-cycle the bolt to feel for smooth lock-up. Original open sights and factory magazines add value, as do fitted sound moderator threads, most UK-market CZs come screw-cut from the factory or dealer.
Prices vary with configuration and condition, so it pays to compare several examples before committing. Because CZ sold so many rifles here, there’s nearly always a good selection available at any one time.
FAQ
Which CZ rifle is best for rabbit shooting in the UK? The CZ 457 in .22 LR is the most popular choice, quiet with subsonic ammunition and a moderator, accurate well beyond typical rabbiting distances, and light enough to carry all evening. The .17 HMR version suits longer-range work in open country.
Is the CZ 457 better than the 455? Mechanically, they’re very close in accuracy. The 457 has a better trigger out of the box, a shorter bolt throw, and a more conventional safety. If those matter to you, buy the 457; if budget leads, a used 455 loses very little.
Do I need a licence to buy a CZ rimfire rifle? Yes, CZ rimfire and centerfire rifles are Section 1 firearms in the UK, so you’ll need a firearm certificate with an appropriate slot before purchasing.
Are CZ rifles good value second-hand? Generally excellent. They’re durable, plentiful, and hold their accuracy, which makes a well-kept used example one of the best-value routes into rimfire shooting.
What calibre should I choose, .22 LR, .17 HMR or .22 WMR? For general rabbiting and target work inside 60 yards, .22 LR with subsonic ammunition is quiet, cheap, and effective. The .17 HMR’s flat trajectory suits longer shots in open country, while .22 WMR splits the difference with more energy than the .22 LR at the cost of noise and ammunition price. Many CZ owners eventually run two barrels or two rifles to cover both jobs.
Find your CZ on Rightgun.uk
From current 457s to classic 452s and semi-auto 512s, you’ll find a broad selection of CZ rifles for sale on Rightgun.uk, new and used, from sellers across the UK. Browse the listings, compare prices and configurations, and find the CZ that suits your shooting.
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