CZ 527 FS

[dbriannelson]

Yeah, I bought another rifle.  It sorta duplicates the .223 Carbine I already have, but I've got big plans for this little stick.  What I plan to do is shorten the barrel to 16.5 inches, which should be fine with 35-55 grain bullets, shorten the stock to match, modify a NECG 550 receiver-mount aperture sight to fit, refinish the stock and end up with a small, pretty thing I can scabbard onto a motorcycle.  (Probably illegal in 49 of the 50 states, but whatever...)

This will be the first time I've faced a barrel, but it doesn't seem all that tough.  If I have to cut into the checkering to get the front taper right, I figure I can freshen that with either a few cutters I already have, or I can get a new one.  I think it's 18LPI, but really won't know for sure until the waiting time ends and I can fiddle with it more.

Retail is now shown as $783 at the CZ-USA website.  I got this one dusty on the rack for $600 - $675 after tax, and other misc. CA fees.  Some nice not-quite-figure in the wood, too.  Should polish up nicely with some elbow grease after re-shaping.

Anyone with cautionary tales is invited to let me know if I'm embarking on something stupid.

-Don

[Rangr44]

I had my 527's bottom metal modified and one magazine shortened, for a more streamlined look/carry.

A standard mag still fits/feeds normally, and can be carried along or switched out in the field.

 

[dbriannelson]

Picked up the 527 FS today.  Set trigger pull is 12 oz as set by CZ, as compared to 18 oz for the 527 Carbine.  That's a little too light I think.  I hate messing with those lock nuts, but I'll have to set it up a little when I pull the stock.  Right now it's bore is soaking - they don't clean after the test firing.  Regular trigger is 40 oz, which is usable.   

A couple of interesitng observations:  The rifle was test fired in 2005.  It has the ventilated butt pad, unlike my other three.  It also has the old rear bolt shape, which I find more attractive.  And it has the quick-release sling studs, unlike the two 550 FS rifles - a handy touch.  The skinny swivels on the 550s mean I can't use a military sling, 'cause the hooks don't fit through. 

I won't be hacksawing on it soon.  Gotta go shoot it with the stock sights at 100 yards first.  Then maybe devise a peep receiver sight for it.  We'll see.

Damned pretty rifle, even with the magazine sticking out.  I like the way Rangr44's shortened mag looks, but will probably go for that single shot tray for range duty.  BTW, who did that shortening for you?

-Don

[jeclif]

where did you get a single shot tray?

[woodchukhntr]

If it has a Mannlicher stock like the picture, leave it alone!  I have a carbine in 7.62x39 and will switch stocks with you if the barrel diameters and lengths match.

[dbriannelson]

where did you get a single shot tray?

Don't have it yet, but it's here.  I'm happy loading one at a time at the range, and it's really a bother having to pull and replace the magazine all the time.

Woodchukhntr, I've got a .223 Carbine already.  I want a short FS rifle.  But I haven't started hacksawing yet, either.

-Don

[Rangr44]

[I like the way Rangr44's shortened mag looks.  BTW, who did that shortening for you?]

Thanks - A gunsmith I hooked up with, over on the CZ Forum named Roy Bertaloto.
Roy does nice work, with a quick turn-around, and at a decent price - an all-around winner, IMHO.

http://www.rvbprecision.com/articles/11/cz-527_rifle_magazine_conversion?PHPSESSID=2f9cf68631caee51f599567a0bc7e5cd

The work:

http://public.fotki.com/Rbertalotto/bang!/cz-527_magazine/

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