AusVarmint

Hey guys,

I'm giving some serious thought into purchasing a new light weight hunting rifle with open sights. At the top of my list is a CZ 527 carbine in either 223 or 7.62 x 39. I'm thinking 223 atm because its cheap and would be plenty for the feral's I'm planning to shoot (foxes, rabbits the odd goat).

My question is: Does anyone on this forum have a CZ 527 carbine or can anyone comment on the general build quality/value of the CZ 527??

I'm also thinking of QD rings with a 2-7 x 34 scope, what height rings would be suitable to clear the bolt handle? I hear that can be a bit of an issue.

Thanks in advance.

G'day mate, I dont own a CZ, but there nothing wrong with the current models of CZ small centerfires, well made, lightwieght, and from what I hear they are acceptably accurate as well. From what Ive seen they are fairly competitevly priced compared to others, I guess it comes down to what tickles your fancy.
Have a look at the Zastava M85 short action in either 223 or 7.62x39, they are very well priced and although they are not quite up to the standard of the CZ in terms of finish, shoot fairly well for a lower priced rifle, Ive got two, one of the older ones that came out in the 90s and one of the newer ones. Both shoot well, but the old one is now getting a new barrel as the old one is stuffed, and I wanted (needed) to fulfill an urge to get a 20/222 built. The other is stock standard 223 and it goes good enough for me as a hunting rifle, believe me they arnt a varmint gun. They also have one of the most user friendly adjustable triggers going, can be set very light with total safety.

Good luck

Thanks for your reply.

Just curious, do those Zastava's have any iron sights fitted??

thanks mate.

I recently picked up 2nd hand CZ 7.62x39 only 1 box of rounds through it, like new. For my wife I got some lapua brass & 123grn SSTs ( Elks). Ran some RL-7 at 27grn. Once on target, and this from the truck window using the rear view mirrow as a rest, 3 shot group measured .910" edge to edge. So that's .600" measured correctly. I was very impressed with that. I ground out the bolt handle to match wht James Calhoon does, then cold blued. Fixes bolt lift problems, I fitted his super low hunker mounts. According to Alliant that load is max @ 2,430 fps. No presure signs so ive bumped the next batch and will chrono.

Ive got a bee in my bonnet about running a 6mm PPC reamer, .125" deeper. It will produce an improved case, straight walls & 30* shoulder. 10% increase. But might just leave as is. Some don't like the magazine, but for a rifle used in a pig hunting situation say, its best, quick to drop the mag and fit another. Mine came with three mags

Can't comment on Zastava as I have not used one

Johno

I suggest a Sako Vixen (L461 or A1) in .17Rem, .222Rem, .223Rem or .222 Mag. I personally like the .222Rem. Can pick them up second hand between $1200 to $1600 depending on condition. I found mine with the original front sight and hood and then tracked down one of the original peep sights More expensive than you probably want to spend but worth the extra investment.

louie the fly wrote:Thanks for your reply.

Just curious, do those Zastava's have any iron sights fitted??

thanks mate.

Quick answer, yes.

I reckon any of the above mentioned will do the job well, price wise lowest is Zastava, then CZ then Sako. Sako dont do a 7.62 but I imagine they could be modified as they did the PPC cartridges a few years ago in factory.

The bloke was'nt asking about sako's mate, clearly he's looking for a compact carbine in the cals specified

Johno

johno1 wrote:The bloke was'nt asking about sako's mate, clearly he's looking for a compact carbine in the cals specified

Johno

What ever It was just a suggestion. He did ask for .223. and light weight hunting rifle, not specifically a carbine.

thanks for the replies guys!

Johno1, the 7.62 x 39 is a very interesting little cartridge, it seems very handy within 200m or so. And like you said Lapua make brass which makes it a good option for reloading. Thanks for your comments.

In regards to the Sako, I thought about it, but just too expensive for what I'm after. Even second hand they are about the same price if not more than a brand new rifle.

The only thing that annoys me a little about the 7.62 x 39 is that factory ammo is hard to find (at least down my way). It's not that much of a problem as I will be reloading, still it's nice to know that if you need factory ammo then the option is easily available.

A mate of mine just made a 6mmx45mm. Basically a .223 necked up. It could also fit your bill.

hey Mulga, yeah good suggestion. I like the 6x45 it's a solid performer on small to medium game within reasonable distances and also has the added advantage of having a wide variety of projectile choice. However, I would like rifle chambered in a cartridge which has factory ammo available.

Johno1, could you tell me a little about the open sights on your rifle? Are they good quality and good to shoot with? I was reading the they are only windage adjustable and you need a new front sight for elevation, have you had any experience adjusting these sights? If so is it easy? thanks mate.

Mate I have not used the open sights and will be removing them completely. If I were not I would use one of the Lyman fold down rears.

Look i'm a big fan of the CZ, Adam here really likes the Zastava, particularly due to the internal mag & better bolt handle position. opposed to the I feel the CZ is smooth and quality made. The box mag is great for quick change and ive never had a problem spot lighting, never heard of a CZ that was'nt accurate of the box, must be exceptions though.

I think the x39 is a bit over looked, designed originally for a semi auto & judged that way. Blokes who have bolt action in that cal love them. You don't see may 2nd hand for sale, reckon thats a good guide. There is some new russian ammo available in Sydney, pick up only. $50.00 per 100, its an interesting concept. Solid point, but a concealed hollow point.

Johno

I have 2 CZ 527s. Absolutely love them.

louie the fly wrote:The only thing that annoys me a little about the 7.62 x 39 is that factory ammo is hard to find (at least down my way). It's not that much of a problem as I will be reloading, still it's nice to know that if you need factory ammo then the option is easily available.

buy ex military ammo, pull the FMJ's and seat what ever 125gr projie you want to use. There is the Zmax offering for it too.