CZ 557 Range
Česká zbrojovka · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2018
Also known as: CZ 557, CZ-557 Range, C19 (Canadian Ranger designation)
Overview
The CZ 557 Range is a Czech precision bolt-action rifle designed for accurate shooting at extended distances. Built on CZ's modern push-feed action with a short 60-degree bolt throw for rapid cycling, the CZ 557 Range features a 20.5-inch cold hammer forged barrel optimized for .308 Winchester. The fully adjustable trigger mechanism allows pull weight adjustment from 10 to 22 Newtons, enabling shooters to fine-tune the trigger to their preference. The rifle feeds from a 4-round detachable box magazine and features a 19mm dovetail groove on the receiver bridges for scope mounting. At just 3.3 kg, the CZ 557 Range offers an excellent balance of precision capability and field portability.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3300 g (116.4 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3700 g (130.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1060 mm (41.73") |
| Barrel Length | 520 mm (20.47") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 15 N (3.4 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 840 m/s (2756 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3430 J (2530 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 700 m (766 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3700 m (4046 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Cold Hammer Forged Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer Synthetic |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- .308 Winchester · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Win, 7.62x51mm, 7.62 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Two Position Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Adjustable Trigger, 19mm Dovetail Rail, Push Feed Action, Short Bolt Throw
Variants
- CZ 557 Ranger — Military Ranger
- CZ 557 American — Sporting
- CZ 557 Eclipse — Sporting
Service history
Operators
- Canadian Rangers · adopted 2018 · as C19
Production
Production years: 2018-present
Production numbers not publicly disclosed. The CZ 557 Ranger variant was ordered in quantity of approximately 6,565 units for the Canadian Rangers.
Origin
Country of origin: Czech Republic
Notes
The CZ 557 platform was developed as a modernized successor to the CZ 550 series, featuring a push-feed action rather than the controlled-feed Mauser-type action of its predecessor. The short 60-degree bolt throw allows faster cycling than traditional 90-degree bolt actions. The 557 Ranger variant was selected by the Canadian Rangers as the C19 rifle, replacing the venerable Lee-Enfield No. 4. The Range variant is distinguished by its precision-oriented barrel profile and adjustable trigger. CZ's cold hammer forging process produces barrels with exceptionally consistent bore dimensions, contributing to the rifle's accuracy.
Background
The CZ 557 Ranger variant gained international attention when it was selected as the Canadian Rangers' new service rifle (designated C19), replacing the legendary Lee-Enfield No. 4 rifles that had served since 1947. The selection of a Czech rifle to replace an iconic British design for service in the Canadian Arctic represented a significant endorsement of CZ's cold-weather reliability and accuracy.