I do not have the 457, but I have 452 and 455. I have also been researching into 457 for some time.
It would appear that 457 represents All round improvement over the 455, including accuracy.
I bought my 455 in 17 hmr and I did in the buying a 22 LR barrel. While it's an interesting system, in reality it's not that useful. Every time you change the barrel, you would have to rezero the gun. It certainly is more trouble than it's worth. If you are chasing after absolute accuracy, you would not frequently switch barrels. If it is convenience that you are after, then it is easier just by a cheap second rifle. You can easily get a decent enough second hand 22lr rifle for $500 and a simple scope for another 200. I can't imagine anyone would want to save 500 dollars ( Since your second 455 barrel is not free either) and put themselves through the trouble of constantly switching barrels.
The real appeal of the barrel switching system is that you can buy a high end barrel and fit it without having to go to a gunsmith. However, this appeal is significantly diminished in New Zealand because almost no one offers high end 455 barrels. Dead eye dick can order Lilja for you but i have never seen them having any in stock. Truflight may or may not do a custom order. I suspect if you can get a high end barrel, it will cost you close to $1000 here. By which time you may question why you didn't buy an anschutz in the first place.
In other words, do not make barrel switching a reason to buy a 455 or 457, and Be prepared that you will be using the factory barrel only.
Bookmarks