Thinking About Stealing a CZ 527 Carbine

[CZ93X62]

I have one CZ-527 Lux in the safe, it is a 22 Hornet and it is a HONEY. It wears a Burris 2x-7x, which is well-nigh perfect for the caliber. The Argie mags aren't a thing I crave, but I can live with them.

I am very disappointed that CZ stopped importing their Mauser 98-inspired 550s. My sole example (in 9.3 x 62) is a fine, accurate rifle with castings and J-words.

 

[Intheshop]

Slow twist 223 Lux here.

The stock has "figure",I will give it that..... but the finish isn't all that it could be. Not bagging on CZ one iota..... it is what it is. If it bothered me that much,which it don't,I'd get into it....

Take this about the same as above.... the action is a touch "chalky" ,trying for a description. Oh,it helped wonders to sit and watch Ellen,whilst racking the well lubed bolt in and out hundreds of times. Each,her and it being a bit bothersome....

Just can't be a little beech running rounds up through the magazine.... you need well "structured" cartridges that can absorb some speed and roughish jacking through the tiny action.

Accuracy with cheap over the counter FMJ 223's is very inspiring to the gunmakers art....and cast in mine is no less of a pleasure. Only ran a few JB handloads through it..... not in round count,but in development. Cheap TNT's and that BLC? powder..... y'all know the one,too lazy to go look. But load development took maybe 3 trys..... then started loading till the TNT's run out.....order more,rinse,repeat.

Had a big fat 3-10X50 scope on it,ONLY because of the factory bolt handle clearance issue. A straight,no bell objective scope would require the same ring height so,didn't like the big gap....the 50mm fit nicely. And it looked good. But,said screwit and took the scope off. It's one of my favorite rigs now with the issued irons.

 

[david s]

The five round magazines are fairly easily modified into 3 round mags (the 6.5G/7.62X39mm you would have to settle for two round, I haven't done either of these) and the bottom metal easily reshaped to allow a semi flush fit. And dont forget the single shot adapters. This helps the look of the rifle quite a bit. CZ 527 scope rings and bolt handle grinding have become something of an obsession with me. I dont care for the scope hoovering over the rifle. I want it as low as possible. So I have scope rings by CZ, Talley, Leupold, Burris, Warne and Calhoon. The Calhoon are the most attractive and among the lowest when you can find them and the Warne are the same height but less attractive but are readily available. Most of mine are Warne for this reason. When did out sized scope oculars become a thing? First it was 50mm objectives and now it seems to be a race to see who can have the largest eye box. So bolt handles get ground to allow clearance. On the plus side the 527 rifles have an honest to goodness adjustable trigger. You can arrange for a set trigger or adjust it to the more American single stage trigger. Un-modified if properly adjusted you get a safe pull around 2-2.5 pounds in the single stage trigger. Replace the weight of pull spring with a .4 inch long section of spring out of a Bic lighter and you'll have to adjust heavier to get a 1 pound trigger. And finally because the bolt handle and bottom metal are actual steel (I think there recycled Russian tanks but who knows) they polish and blue easily.

 

[Jeff H]

Well, I did it.

I broke my own rule of sticking to my minimal battery plan, but I don't feel as badly about it as I thought I would. My battery isn't even finished and I still need a 3" SP101 and 6" MKII 22 Auto, and I could probably have found one of those two for what I'm spending on the CZ, but I seriously can't see another CZ deal like this popping up on the exact model I've craved for several years. It's literally 2/3 of what one could reasonably expect to pay for one - not 2/3 of retail, but 2/3 of "street prices."

Funny thing is that this rifle/cartridge combo was a first-tier candidate for my one most-used rifle at one time. In researching it, I accumulated no less that 113 bookmarks to sites related to the rifle, extra magazines, scope rings, load data - especially cast. Most of those links are dead, but I still have a lot of good information. It was supplanted by the 357/30-30 Contender combination, which I still see as the "better" all-'round choice, but it won't hurt to have a stand-by/stand-in handy.

When I get it, which may take a week or two, I'll start a new thread and post some photos. I can't promise range results will follow immediately because I just won't get time before the end of the semester and I want to find some rings at least for load development. I may have to buy a mould or two, but the two I use for the 30-30 may work too. Don't know yet.

I know I ignored this thread for about a week now, but I've caught up on the posts and really appreciate, and have been enjoying, all the contributions.

 

[Jeff H]

.................The Calhoon (rings) are the most attractive and among the lowest when you can find them and the Warne are the same height but less attractive but are readily available............

The Calhoun rings are expensive too, but even as cheap as I am, I just can't put any other ring on a CZ 527. They are not lightweight, but they are about as trim as they come. I may try to find as cheap a set as possible for testing, but no rings I've sen for these are exactly cheap. I just want to scope it long enough to get my loads worked out and then put a peep on the back of it.

Then again, the cost of the Calhoun rings exceeds the cost of a number of peep options........ Just buy the peep and skip the scope. If the rifle turns out to be a keeper, maybe I'll get Calhoun rings and dedicate a scope for backup/"special occasions." I do still have that ugly Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5 - 4 x 20.

Man, that's a butt-ugly scope. I don't know if I could do that to a CZ.

Wait,.... did I just save $200 on a rifle only to have to spend another $500 on it?

Awww, who cares? It was too cute to pass up!

 

[harrympope]

I have a 7.62 x 39 carbine and one of their regular rifles with a 21 -3/4" barrel
also 7.62x 39. I haven't tried any deep load development but if I put my old NEI 72 i picked up in Walt Melanders shop with 12g of 2400 they both group under 2" at 100. I haven't tried any harder because I just use it for plinking.

 

[david s]

First congratulations! It's always good to have a plan but, and this is just my opinion when your options change so can the plan. There seem to be only a few options as far as peep sights go the NECG clamp on and the Skinner drill and tap. I have not tried this myself but the Williams CZ 452 rimfire peep sight with its variable width dovetail might work out to 16mm. Then again probably not and probably to tall. I cant help out with Calhoun rings but in keeping with the "ugly Leupold 1.5-4x20" I can forward a set of CZ ring and that way the scope/ring assembly can both be ugly and a bit tall. That will at least get you shooting and your loads worked out. Warne makes a set of QD rings for the CZ 527 if you cant decide between open sights and a scope, they will of course get in the way of a peep. And finally my three set of Calhoun rings are all mounted on CZ 527 full stocks (22 hornet, 222 Rem and 223 Rem) and all three of them wear "butt ugly" Leupold 1-4x scopes. So not only can I do that to a CZ I have. No accounting for taste I guess. Well bought.

 

[Jeff H]

I have a 7.62 x 39 carbine and one of their regular rifles with a 21 -3/4" barrel
also 7.62x 39. I haven't tried any deep load development but if I put my old NEI 72 i picked up in Walt Melanders shop with 12g of 2400 they both group under 2" at 100. I haven't tried any harder because I just use it for plinking.

In real life, this carbine will be a plinker too. I appreciate the information on a load that's working for someone.

 

[Jeff H]

..........................all three of them wear "butt ugly" Leupold 1-4x scopes. So not only can I do that to a CZ I have. No accounting for taste I guess. Well bought.

David, very thoughtful on the rings - thank you. I'm going to have to sit on this one for a bit and be content to let it gnaw at me until summer. I may take you up on the rings because I plan for a dedicated scope which is set up and ready but rarely mounted.

My apologies if I insulted your scopes.

You sure have good taste in rifles though!

When I got the VX-Freedom out of the box, I was appalled by the aesthetic. I dug it out earlier today and decided it wasn't as bad as I first thought. It might just be the "the one" for this carbine.

I appreciate the insight on the peep too...... no pun intended. I looked at the NEGC and even thought it looks about like the only choice, it does looks like a decent choice.

 

[5shot]

I just got mine put together, but haven't trudged through the 3' of snow to set up a target. Fast twist 223 with the old style sights. For a peep, the NECG is nice...I have one on my #1.

 

[david s]

I dont insult that easily thick skin I guess. I like small compact scopes on small compact rifles. The Full Stock rifles as well as a Browning 53 218 bee are walking rifles. On dedicated varmint rifles I do the opposite and go big. To each there own. The NECG peep looks like it will go on and off and still maintain its zero well. This would work when you want to mount your scope. If you can use the ring just say so they are collecting dust here. Not pretty but functional.

 

[Jeff H]

I dont insult that easily thick skin I guess. I like small compact scopes on small compact rifles. The Full Stock rifles as well as a Browning 53 218 bee are walking rifles. On dedicated varmint rifles I do the opposite and go big. To each there own. The NECG peep looks like it will go on and off and still maintain its zero well. This would work when you want to mount your scope. If you can use the ring just say so they are collecting dust here. Not pretty but functional.

Also a fan of compact, low power/low power variable scopes. Most recent was the Weaver V3 1-3x20.

That sight is intriguing. Very compact. I have one "dot" sight and it's bulky, but I got along with it well on a couple different versions of the back-door-rifle standing ready to dispatch certain unannounced varmint/vermin visitors.

I REALLY like that bolt knob. I'm not sure it would clear even though I use small scopes and my 222 has the "new" bolt handle from CZ - assuming the Carbine will.

The photo is my former "dedicated varmint," 527 in 223 (1:9) Varmint Walnut with the DIP base and Weaver low rings, OLD bolt handle and a "vintage" Scopechief Command Post fixed-Six. Having chosen an older scope kept me out of trouble with the bolt knob fairly easily. New bolt handle on the 222 (no photo) is working with a newer Sightron SI 3-9x40 (because it was cheap) and Calhoun Rings. I eventually went to Calhoun rings on the 223 pictured too.

Why all the babble about bolt handles and scopes? I really like that oversized bolt knob. Did you do that or purchase it?

 

[5shot]

I only went with that bolt handle because of the mounting arrangement. With a scope it would be a no-go, but it just pops on and off. There is another mount that I may try, that puts the Aimpoint even further forward, which keeps the action clear and might be easier for carry.

 

[david s]

5shot I saw the photo of your rifle on the CZ forum I like the heads up-set up. A little non traditional in looks but it seems like the utility is right up there. For quick shots it looks hard to beat.

 

[5shot]

5shot I saw the photo of your rifle on the CZ forum I like the heads up-set up. A little non traditional in looks but it seems like the utility is right up there. For quick shots it looks hard to beat.

It is very quick, and I do agree it is non-traditional, but it is so light and compact that I don't see myself changing it. Here in NE Washington, you don't get long shots at small game, so it will be perfect for coyotes and such.

 

[flint4570]

I have one in .22 hornet love it . Have only tried the lee Bator in it as far as cast need to try some different ones and work out some good loads.

 

[Jeff H]

OK, I owe you guys a couple photos. They're not great, but it's what I could manage. They do NOT make this little gem seem nearly as attractive as it really is. One really neat thing is that since they thinned parts of the stock, it doesn't feel or look clubby like when "youth models" have an inch lopped off each end of the stock. It has the same balance point as the larger 222 American show for reference too. The Youth Carbine fits me better than ANY rifle I've ever pulled out of a box, and better than most of those I've modified stocks for. I'm thinking I'm going to not put a scope on it.

Oh, and what the heck?! That Weaver Classic V3, 1-3x20 I like so much one my 357 Contender Carbine?, well, they discontinued it! Well, I said I wanted to shoot iron sights on it, guess Weaver helped me out.

Won't be any range results for some time because I have to find/fund brass and I need at least one other mould. I have a "Soupcan" I de-gas-checked which will (should) work well for "squirrel loads," but I also want the RDO 313-153 bullet eventually.

Flint4570, I've shot the RDO 50 grain bullet and the LEE version of the RCBS 55 grain bullet in my 222. Promising results at 1840 fps at 50 yards, but not shooting like the Remington 722 quite yet. Haven't had a lot of time to play with it - and here I am buying another one.

 

[Jeff H]

..................................................Why all the babble about bolt handles and scopes?.....................................

And let me share with you something which really, REALLY ticked me off INSTANTANEOUSLY, and then made me laugh.

I'm used to "grown up" Mausers - grew up with them. I'm getting used to these "micro-Mausers," little by little (it's only been ten years). As I cleaned the new carbine up and checked for function, etc., I cycled the bolt as brusquely as I could for one hundred cycles, twenty cycles at a time with the carbine at waist-level. It smoothed up quite a bit and I applied some special mystery grease to the shiny spots to facilitate further break-in.

While testing the trigger, I let it off in the unset mode and reflexively slapped the bolt handle up,...... well, I meant to anyway. I MISSED that little sucker and smacked myself right in the forehead - HARD. It left a mark and it did hurt.

I personally do not know of any other idiot ever having done that.

 

[Rick]

smacked myself right in the forehead - HARD. It left a mark and it did hurt.

Well Jeff . . . If it hurts stop doing it.

 

[RBHarter]

I can see me doing that especially from the straight bolt to a bent bolt .