[Prof]

I am planning to buy another .223 bolt action rifle but would like a heavy barrel . I think that the CZ 527 Varmint and the new Tikka Varmint might fill the bill. I have heard good things generally about both rifles but does anyone have an opinion on one over the other? Thanks!

[Murphster]

I'll be intrigued by the answers to this one. The CZ fan club has a big membership. Tikka's are a little rarer. The CZ's I've seen, while being strong in the "great value for the dollar" category were not world class in their metal finish or wood. I'm familiar with their big bores and some of their plinking type rifles. Have never heard them spoken of in regards to producing top-notch varmint rifles. Am ready to learn otherwise. While ready to change my mind, I'd say Tikka.

[Preacherman]

Tough choice! Both are excellent rifles, and I'd love to have either (or both! :D ). I think this choice is going to come down to visual inspection of the actual rifles, and picking the nicest-finished one with the best stock.

[atek3]

can't go wrong with either. I have a tikka in 223 that is an absolute tackdrive so I'm slightly partial to it. Plus tikka's are made in finland, which is cool.

atek3

[TooTech]

Own both. Nod goes to Tikka. Just edges out CZ on accuracy, and the Tikka action has unparalleled smoothness.

[PJR]

I have owned both rifles although not in the vamint configuration. If required to take one back it would be the Tikka.

The only drawbacks to the Tikka was the cost of rings and replacement magazines and the fact the rifle was a touch heavy for a walking around varminter. If you are looking at the T3 you should note that it comes in only one action length so you will be shooting a .223 out of an action much larger than needed.

The CZ had more issues including a single set trigger that I couldn't get adjusted properly, magazines that tore up the brass and a safety that worked backwards. It was not as accurate as the Tikka.

Go with the Tikka or if you want to step up a notch by a Sako Model 75. I did and despite the extra cost I've never regretted it.

Paul

[BTM]

I have a Tikka WH in .308 and I am a big fan of Tikka. In .223 I don't like that it has a slow twist and would probably limited to lighter bullets.
What is barrel twist in new T3 Varmint .223?

CZ Varmint is a 1 in 9" twist. It should handle up to 69 - 75 gr bullets.

[doctorpogo]

My .223 Continental Varmint is fairly outstanding; .7 MOA with lighter bullets. As the earlier poster mentioned, twist is a bit fast for anything upwards of 60 gr, but if you're actually going to varmint hunt with it I can't figure that would bother you, and the 1-9" twist of the CZ (if it is so) would rip apart light-jacketed 'super explosive' bullets (not that those are really necessary anymore, with the availability of components like the Hornady 40gr VarmintMaster). Rings, by the way, are no longer a problem -- Weaver top mount bases are readily available for about $3 each. CZs are fabulous actions, and I'm seriously toying with the idea of a scoutish conversion based on the 7.62 527 carbine; but I think you'd find the Continental Varmint to be a better out-of-the-box choice.

[Prof]

Thanks, all, for the replies so far. No really strong advocacy for the CZ so I'm leaning toward the Tikka. Preacherman, I appreciate the value of handling the rifles to compare but the bad part is that no dealer within a 100 mile radius of me carries the Tikka. I shoot 52-grain .223 bullets exclusively so the twist of the Tikka is not a problem. Glad to hear that the rings are not a problem anymore. Before I run off and spend my hard-earned money, does anyone want to make a strong case for the CZ?

[Art Eatman]

:D No, but I'll make a case for my 77 MK II. It shoots 1/2 MOA for three-shot groups, and 50-, 52- and 55-grain loads are ruinacious on turtles in a stock tank. :D

Art

[Prof]

You don't have to convince me about the 77 Mk II, Art! I have one in .223 also and love it! I'm working up the courage to try to install a Timney trigger I bought for it. I was just wanting another .223 rifle with a heavier barrel.