LILJA | MATCH-GRADE CZ RIMFIRE BARRELS
One Grade. One Standard. Lilja Match Barrel Craftsmanship.
Lilja builds one grade of barrel: its best. The 21-inch LJ457ST21 brings that match-grade standard to CZ 455 and CZ 457 rimfire rifles with a substantial .900-inch straight-profile stainless barrel, hand-lapped bore, three-groove rifling, and Lilja 3 .22 LR match chamber. Find it at Pete's Pillars—an authorized Lilja dealer with over six years of CZ rimfire experience and our own line of USA-made precision components.
When the barrel becomes the centerpiece of a CZ rimfire build, Lilja belongs in the conversation. Its barrels begin with 416 stainless rifle-barrel-quality steel and are drilled, reamed, and rifled in-house. Stress-relieving heat treatment and skilled hand-lapping complete a manufacturing process built around bore quality and consistency. For Lilja, match grade is the standard—not an extra-cost grade.
The 21-inch LJ457ST21 balances the commanding presence of a full-profile match barrel with a length that sits between Lilja's 18-inch and 23-inch choices. Its 1:16-inch twist, three-groove rifling, and target-crowned muzzle make it a compelling foundation for a CZ 455 or CZ 457 .22 LR precision build. Whether you started with a CZ 457 Varmint, Varmint MTR, or a fresh action, the key fitment detail is the .900-inch barrel profile—not an assumption that it matches the original factory contour.
The Lilja Standard: Stainless Steel. Hand-Lapped. Match Grade.
A Lilja barrel earns its reputation where it counts: inside the bore. Consistent machining, stress relief, and meticulous hand-lapping are why shooters consider the brand for premium precision rifles. Buyers weighing a factory CZ 457 Varmint MTR barrel or aftermarket choices such as L3i CZ 457 match barrels will recognize the appeal of Lilja's approach: established craftsmanship, a substantial .900-inch profile, and a distinct 21-inch configuration. This is a barrel chosen as the foundation of a serious rifle, not an afterthought.
Chambered for .22 LR, this configuration uses Lilja's Lilja 3 match chamber for CZ 457 applications and includes the manufacturer's headspace shim kit. Want a shorter build? See the Lilja 18-inch Match Barrel. Prefer the longest option in this family? Consider the Lilja 23-inch Match Barrel. All three are compelling match-grade choices; select the length that suits your rifle and shooting style.
Build Around Lilja. Finish It with Pete's Pillars.
A barrel of this caliber deserves equally thoughtful supporting parts. Pair your CZ 455 or 457 build with Pete's Pillars PP45748 Stainless Barrel Set Screws, supplied as a two-piece replacement set. For CZ 457 bolt work, our USA-made PP457SP2 Gen 2 Extractor & Holder Spring and PP457FP-T Reshaped-Tip Firing Pin complement the heart of a carefully assembled precision rimfire rifle.
Your choice of trigger should be every bit as intentional. Timney and JARD offer familiar complete replacement triggers for CZ 457 shooters. For those keeping and properly tuning the factory trigger, Pete's Pillars makes the PP45708SP 8 oz Trigger Spring and PP45712SP 12 oz Trigger Spring. These focused upgrades keep the build centered on the barrel, action, and trigger you want.
For a premium competition setup built around this Lilja barrel, look at the MDT LSS Gen3 Competitor, MDT ACC Premier Gen2, or flagship MDT ACC Elite. Each offers a dedicated competition platform; confirm sufficient clearance for the Lilja's .900-inch barrel profile in the exact configuration you select.
Bring the same precision-minded approach to optics mounting. Pete's Pillars manufactures the PP45715 15 MOA Picatinny Rail, and we also carry the Area 419 CZ 457 30 MOA Rail with an integrated level. Both give CZ 457 shooters serious options to round out their optics setup.
Premium barrelmaking meets dedicated CZ rimfire expertise. Pete's Pillars is proud to be an authorized Lilja dealer, pairing one of the most respected names in match barrels with over six years of CZ rimfire experience and our own American-made components. We don't just list a barrel: we bring together the hardware, bolt upgrades, trigger components, optics mounts, and premium chassis that help you build around it. Explore our CZ 457 Parts & Upgrades Collection.
Product Specifications
Manufacturer: Lilja Precision Rifle Barrels
SKU: LJ457ST21
Application: CZ 455 / CZ 457
Caliber: .22 LR
Barrel Length: 21 inches
Barrel Profile: .900-inch straight bull barrel
Material: 416 Stainless Steel
Twist Rate: 1:16 inches
Rifling: Three-Groove
Chamber: Lilja 3 Match Chamber (CZ 457 application)
Muzzle: Target Crown
Bore Finishing: Hand-Lapped
Includes: Barrel and Headspace Shim Kit
Frequently Asked Questions
The 21-inch difference, MTR and Varmint fit, Lilja 3 chamber, and what comes in the box.
How does the 21-inch compare with the 18-inch and 23-inch Lilja barrels?
This one is the 21-inch LJ457ST21. It sits between the shorter 18-inch option and the longer 23-inch model. All three offer Lilja match-barrel craftsmanship; choose your preferred overall rifle length and balance.
Will this work on a CZ 457 Varmint, MTR, or CZ 455?
Yes. This barrel is made for CZ 455 and CZ 457 .22 LR actions, including builds based on the CZ 457 Varmint and Varmint MTR. Just remember the .900-inch profile is not necessarily the same contour as your original barrel. Make sure your stock or chassis has enough clearance.
What is the Lilja 3 match chamber?
Lilja 3 is the match-chamber design specified for its CZ 457 .22 LR barrels. Along with the hand-lapped bore and three-groove rifling, it is part of what makes this barrel a premium match-grade offering.
Does the Lilja headspace shim kit come with this barrel?
Yes. Lilja includes its headspace shim kit with the 21-inch barrel. Use the manufacturer's instructions for the appropriate setup in your rifle.
Will the .900-inch barrel clear my factory stock or competition chassis?
The barrel has a substantial .900-inch profile, so barrel-channel clearance matters. Check your specific stock or chassis configuration before ordering; a factory Varmint or MTR stock is not automatically the same as a .900-inch barrel channel.
Does this barrel have a threaded muzzle?
No threaded muzzle is listed for this configuration. It comes with a target crown. If you specifically need muzzle threads, look for a barrel configuration that clearly lists them.
What makes a Lilja barrel worth the premium?
Lilja makes one barrel grade: its best. Its barrels are drilled, reamed, rifled, stress-relieved, and hand-lapped in-house. The care put into the steel and the bore is what makes Lilja a serious choice when you're building a precision rimfire rifle.
Lilja's finest barrelmaking. Pete's Pillars' CZ rimfire expertise. One serious rifle build.
Pete's Pillars. Small Change. Big Impact.
