This CZ 457 started out as a beautiful 457 Varmint. It shot well and felt super in hand. A decision was made to modify it with a MTR stock, a Lilja 26" match barrel configured for .043" headspace, changing to a 3 ounce JARD trigger, and adding a front bag adapter purpose made for Lithgow LA 101 found on ebay.AU that fits perfectly.
Today was the rebuilt rifles first time at the range.
Groups were shot after 10 sighting in rounds. The scope was a 24X Weaver with thick cross hairs. Not ideal but it's what it was mounted with.
After the groups a 25 bull target was challenged. That did not go as well as hoped. It was a bit confusing, until picking up rifle at end of session and scope 'slid' on the rail. It was not torqued down properly and most likely shifted during the shoot?
The group results were in the '3's with one outstanding group at 0.18". I feel this build is capable of consistent low '3's and occasional high '2's once barrel fouled in and favored ammunition determined.
The 26" barrel is an exciting feature suited for bench rest shooting. The Lilja offers premium barrel, shimmed head space and Match chamber. This barrel had head space shimmed to .043" with the intent to shoot SK and Lapua. The good CZ trigger was exchanged for the CZ 457 JARD with a pull weight of 3 ounces. A fantastic crisp trigger. The 3 inch wide front bag adapter offers extreme stability on a 3" front rest bag.
My initial opinion on the aesthetics of the CZ MTR stock when first released were not complimentary to any degree. As time went on, and after seeing and handling one I quickly became a fan. So much in fact that it was the impetus for this build. I now love everything about the MTR stock. The designers at CZ did a phenomenal job on the form/function equation.
Acknowledgment to 'Pursuit of Accuracy' and 'Eagle Eye Shooting' channels for their outstanding CZ 457 content and inspiration !