As much as I love my 455, I see no reason to get a 455 instead of 457. 457 is improvement across the board relative to 455.
The switch barrel ability necessitated some compromises. For example, the magwell has an insert for .22LR than is removed for 22mag and 17HMR. But more importantly, the bolt's striker is sized and optimized for the rim of the larger cases. Which means it's not ideal for 22LR. Some minor modification/tailoring of this is easily done, and I noticed my incidences of "gee, that one sounded a bit weak" are gone now. A heavier striker spring is often recommended for the 455s as a result too.
So if you don't mind minor tweaks, the 455/7 switch barrel arrangement doesn't cause any problems, and it does make swapping in a nice Lilja upgrade entirely painless (other than the $400!).
That said, the 452/453 is the platform that was the BRNO original and is largely what built the reputation of the rifle. I'd try to find a used 452 if you just want a solid .22lr.
The switch barrel ability necessitated some compromises. For example, the magwell has an insert for .22LR than is removed for 22mag and 17HMR. But more importantly, the bolt's striker is sized and optimized for the rim of the larger cases. Which means it's not ideal for 22LR. Some minor modification/tailoring of this is easily done, and I noticed my incidences of "gee, that one sounded a bit weak" are gone now. A heavier striker spring is often recommended for the 455s as a result too.
So if you don't mind minor tweaks, the 455/7 switch barrel arrangement doesn't cause any problems, and it does make swapping in a nice Lilja upgrade entirely painless (other than the $400!).
That said, the 452/453 is the platform that was the BRNO original and is largely what built the reputation of the rifle. I'd try to find a used 452 if you just want a solid .22lr.
