IME CZ wood varies tremendously, not only in grain, but also finish. The first 457 I saw in person was dark and murky looking and the finish none too smooth. When I went looking for an MTR, one seller had actual pics which showed a nice-looking, well-finished stock and an even barrel channel, another problem area at times according to reviews I’d seen. Other 457s I’ve seen since have been generally quite nice.
The American stock I bought from the CZ online store is pretty nice and also nicely finished. It did come with a tiny dent in the comb, but nothing fatal. For $125, I can’t kick. It really classes the SS 455 up over the very slippery plastic one the rifle came with. Weighed it today, and with a Weaver Classic 2.5-7 it goes just under 6lbs 7oz, right in there with my Fieldcraft and my Howa Mini Grendel with its Pendleton stock and floorplate. It’s also the only SS I’ve seen in walnut. I only wish I’d picked up a .17 at the same time for the same $400 I paid for the .22. SS barrels have been discontinued as well, though I’m not a big fan of the switch-barrel concept, having BTDT.
