1st smallbore

[Rummer]

I was thinking of buying my first small bore.

I am not looking for a dedicated varmint rig.  I was thinking of a sporter weight rifle in .223 that will be used primarily for recreational shootin and maybe the occassional woodchuck , jackrabbit, or coyote.

I was thinking of going with a CZ527.

Anybody have any opinions of the rifle or cartridge?

Thanks,
Rummer

[1armoured]

Rummer,
in addition to my airgun and rimfires,

I own and use a .22Hornet, a .222, and a .223.

Your choice of .223 up to Coyote sized animals is a good one.

My recommendation would be a 'heavy' sporter, (or light 'carry' varminter like my Weatherby Vanguard special varminter.)

Not too expensive and shoots straight, just like the one I have.

cheers,

Sean in 'Godzone'

[Brithunter]

Hi There,

     The CZ 527 is an excellent rifle and those that I have shot have been accurate as well  You might also consider the CZ550. However my standard advice when choosing a rifle applies here.

     Go and try the different rifles you are considering and see how they fit you and how they feel. The choose the one that feels the most comfortable and fits you best  As people generally shoot better with a rifle they are comfortable with and that fits them.

     Good luck with your choice and let please let us know what you chose 

[Hairtrigger]

I have heard good things from the CZ.
I personally do not like guns that the magazine sticks out the bottom (xcept the AR-15)
For varmints I use the hood of my truck for a rest and do not like the magazine because the posibility of scratches.
I have a couple of the Ruger M77 rifles and like them. The M77VT has a 2 stage trigger that can be adjusted down to less than 2 lbs.
Remington is another great choice

[Catfish]

You`ll love the CZ 527. I have one in .204 and it a real tack driver. The hammer forged barrels on them are so smooth that you get very little copper fouling even during break-in on a new barrel. Mine had the smoothest I have ever seen on a new factory gun. The single set trigger is a real plus, especially when you on the bench. When I bought mine it was for a lite carry gun and I was willing to give up some accuracy for weight, boy was I supprised, 1/4 in groups at 100 yrds. with 32 gr Serrias. I`ll go with the majority and recomand the .223.

[32 Point Buck]

I too looked at the CZ 550. I have read many good reviews on that rifle. The only reason I discounted this rifle for my choice is because I remember having trouble finding low profile Weaver style scope mounts for that rig. I have not read of any one complaining on accuracy from their CZ. I seen an outdoor show of late which had the CEO of CZ on a hunt and she wanted no less than 400yd shot with her rig. Of course she got it and made 1 good shot for the kill. I was impressed.

[jason burns]

I'm going to be watching this post too as I am looking to get my first .223 as well . . . especially interested in the heavy sporter such as the Weatherby Varminter mentioned.  I'll be anxious to read the feedback.

[7x57mm]

The CZ 527 is an excellent choice in .223 Remington. The rifle is a petite one in the standard Lux and American versions. It takes advantage of a mini-mauser action, which cannot be said for the majority of the other rifle manufacturers. Granted, the magazine hangs down, however, it becomes virtually unnoticeable after a short period of time. My CZ 527 Lux/American is super accurate, producing solid quarter inch groups with my handloads in 50 and 55 grain bullet configurations and Winchester 748 powder. In fact, I have shot many five shot groups which can be covered by a dime with it. By the way, the CZ 550 does not come in .223 Remington. The CZ 550 does, however, come in .22/250. Ig you'll scroll down to the CZ Forum on this site, you'll get more input on the rifles. In my opinion, the CZ 527 offers consumers the most rifle for the money on the market today. Coupled with the highly adjustable single-set trigger, it is a tremendous value. Tom Purdom

[DannoBoone]

If you do not plan to reload, yet plan recreational shooting, you can get bulk .223 ammo cheaper
than practically anything else.

The only "bad" I've heard about CZ's is the protruding magazine. I've gotten used to such a
thing in my Marlin .17, but they do take some getting used to.