The CZ 455 was on my wish list for a long time, but I could never afford it. Now, I see that the 457 has just been released, which seems even better. There is a problem, though. In addition to the cost of the rifle, I live in Connecticut, which requires that I purchase a special permit to buy guns and ammo, even though I already have a hunting license. This permit costs about $150.

I had decided to wait until I could justify the cost of the rifle before buying it. However, the recent talk of bipartisan federal background checks, which seem likely to be signed into law, makes me think that perhaps I should buy the permit, and just get a loan from a relative to buy the rifle now.

There are practical considerations, though. First, this is a new production rifle. Even though it's similar to the 455, it's still new. I think that it might be a good idea to wait a year or so before getting a 457 so that the flaws, if there are any, can be corrected. Do you think I should take a chance on an early run 457?

Secondly, I have heard that big box stores tend to get inferior rifles relative to small private dealers. Is this true?

Thanks

I have a 457 Varmint and love it...no problems.
No, there aren't any special grades of guns for big boxes vs. LGS.

Why are you worried about this potential Universal Background Check?

If you are buying this rifle New and from a dealer, you will be required to go through the existing Background Check.

No new law will change that.

The only thing I don't like about my 455 is the high bolt lift. Thinking about selling it to grab a 457 but I don't know if there are many lower ring options that I like.

You have to buy a PERMIT to buy a gun, WTF kinda nazi [bleep] is that?

I have the Talley rings on mine.

It’s called NEW ENGLAND; they’re just behind (old) England where they now have “knife control”...

Northern New England is still good. It's who you have to travel through to get there that's the problem.

I have a 457 in 17HMR - Awesome rifle. Fixed all my bitches about the 455, love it. Too bad about that Commie Law you have there in CT.

Barrel is too long on the 457 American

I have 455 Varmint and fullstock models. Delighted with both. Only real difference with the 457 is they Americanized the safety and tweeked a couple other things. Fine arms for sure

So, do you need a new 150 dollar permit each time you buy a gun?

WOW, for hundred and fifty bucks a guy can buy a nice used 22.
, Shop or get a little bit lucky and pay a lot less,

My understanding is that in CT, a certificate is needed to purchase long guns or ammo, which costs $150, after paying for an approved course. A hunting license and hunter safety course are no longer considered sufficient. After speaking with an ATF agent, I was told that because I'm a CT resident, I can't purchase a long gun or ammo outside of CT without the Connecticut long gun and ammo certificate. I don't know if this is true or not, but it's what I was told. If any new federal regulations are implemented, it's possible that I'd be required to purchase a federal certificate as well. If I'm going to need to pay several hundred dollars more to get a rifle, I'd rather do so before I'm required to do so.

Thanks for pointing that out. I see that the 455 is 20.5" in length, while the 457 is 24.8". The 457 has interchangeable barrels like the 455, right? Could the barrels be swapped, or would this cause problems with the bedding? Could the 455 be cut, or would this cause problems as well?

I don't know why CZ would have lengthened the barrel. Those extra 4" would be a problem for hunting in brush.

An approved course is needed to purchase the long gun and ammo certificate for $150, which must be renewed every five years. $150 doesn't have to be paid with each gun purchase.

Edit: The certificate is proof of having passed the background check.

Stop being a dumb ass, there is no such thing and never will be any such thing as a Federal Permit.

Give the guy a break. It is tough to understand what things are like in Free America, when one lives behind the iron curtain.

Amen. Thank you.

I know you were being decent, but exactly where is free America?
I don't care about one place less restrictive than another,
But true Free America.

It ceased to exist around 1968.

A case could be made for 1934.

I am not sure who is buying them with that barrel length.

Anything past 18 is a waste. 20 is a good compromise IMHO.

24 is silly!

MOVE!!

Nothing that a 10 minutes and a hack saw can't fix .

You are a Rancher- you should be able to handle that.

Hold the bailing wire and duct tape..

Sure I could do it....but it would look like I did do it!

I aint much of a finesse guy....

There's no reason to be insulting, even if I don't know what I'm talking about. In CT, a background check must be completed prior to the purchase of not just firearms, but also ammo. Of course, there will not be a new background check and a two week waiting period every time someone wants to buy a box of cartridges. This is why the certificate is required, as it's proof of a background check having been done. It obviates the need to carry out a new background check every time a box of ammo is purchased.

I don't know if current discussions at the federal level regarding increased background checks are simply related to expanding the reach of current background checks, or about implementing more far-reaching background checks, such as those on ammo. California has a new ammo background check law that is being challenged. If the law is allowed to stand in federal court, it will provide federal precedent for allowing a federal background check on ammo to constitutionally stand. If this happens, there is a far greater chance that such a federal ammo background check law will eventually pass. If it does, it will be in the form of a permit, for the same reasons that CT law requires a permit rather than carrying out individual background checks with each ammo purchase.

According to the CZ web site the barrels are all still interchangeable from the 455 to the 457 series. I've had a 455 laminated thumbhole varmint in 22lr since Jan. 2017 and love it. Have never seen a 457 in person yet but see good things written about it. I like my 455 so much the way it is that I haven't even considered putting another barrel on it yet but I've seen it done on an internet video. Didn't look too complicated or difficult.

Maybe your cash would be better spent on a semi-auto handgun or rifle.

Exactly.. And then there is this pos..

Hint

“Universal Background Checks” is a generic term used by the media and the left.

It generally means that all firearms transfers( gifts, person to person, inheriting and new purchases) must go through the NICS Background check system.

It has nothing to do with expanding the reach, it is all about including all transfers not just new sales.

Thanks for the clarification, I was unaware.

Save the $150 for expenses and move to America. Just a thought. My condolences.

You can bet the House Dems are throwing everything they can think of that will be an impediment to gun and ammo purchases and possession into their bill. What will fly in the Senate is another matter.

FYI, Federal law allows the purchase of long guns in other states IF the purchase doesn't violate the laws of either state. Since CT requires that silly-ass permit, you're screwed. Ammo can still be bought OOS, but CT might gig you for it, I suppose, when you get home.

I second the motion to move. I left the Peoples Republic of Maryland almost thirty years ago, not for gun laws, but still the overall improvement in quality of life was amazing. Doubled my commute for twenty years, but well worth it. For the last few months I've been making a lot of trips back into the Free State dealing with elder issues, and getting back home is a tremendous relief.

Currently here, if you have a carry permit, you fill out the 4473, but the dealer can opt not to run a background check. Anyone legally able to own guns can carry concealed of open without a permit. We also have Stand Your Ground/ Castle Doctrine, so you ordinarily can't be arrested or sued for self-defense.