CZ-527 scope options? I don't want to buy it twice...

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Tortuga

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This is my first post on THR, so I apologize in advance if I'm missing something obvious here.

The Situation:

I want to buy a scope for a CZ-527 in 7.62x39 caliber. I've looked this up online and even saw a previous thread from THR, but it looks like a lot of people ended up buying rings or scopes over and over because they didn't fit or weren't able to get the bolt to clear the scope. Money is tight and I want to try to avoid this. I'd just go to a gun shop in person but they're flooded with people now.

I'm also kind of new to scopes on traditional rifles. When I was in the Army we had optics, but every weapon I have with a scope has either picatinny rail. I also prefer irons, but I'm going deer hunting and a scope is probably going to be better suited from where I'm going to be shooting from.



The Question:

1. What size rings should I get? I keep hearing Warne medium, but there's different sizes of that (Warne medium 1 inch / Warne medium 30mm).

2. Does the scope have to match the rings? Will the scope have information about what size rings it will fit?

3. What magnification should I be looking for at 7.62x39mm range? It looks like that bullet experience significant drop at about 200 meters, and I probably wouldn't take a shot beyond that.

4. How do I know if a scope is going to be good? Maybe this is a stupid question but, if the range doesn't have to be that far, I don't see a problem with getting a $50 scope with minimal magnification. It's just suspiciously cheap.
 
1. Size: Medium refers to height. You'll need either 1" or 30mm depending on which size your scopes tube is. Some are 1" some are 30mm.

2. For a 7.62x39, a 1-4x would be sufficient. A fixed 3x would be nice and trim fitting with the rifle. It would also not have a magnification adjustment ring which would help clearance issues.

3. For more affordable scopes, I like Vortex. Primary Arms are also OK, having served me very well for the price. If going fixed power, a Weaver would be hard to beat.
 
First off welcome to The High Road! You have come to the right place. I will try to speak to a few of your questions.

I have a cz 527 in 7.62x39, and I've also played with the idea of a scope. I have also scoped a few other x39 firearms so I have some perspective. I personally like low power scopes for rifles like the cz. Around 1-4 or 2-8 power like the Leupold 2-8x32. I have a 2-7x32 Nikon on a ruger predator and it is perfect for a close to medium range hunting rifle.

I can't speak to owning rings for the cz yet, but the Warne medium height rings in 1" seem to work for anyone using a classic styled scope with a smaller ocular bell. Like the Leupold or Nikon mentioned above, both would work in those rings. What you have to look out for is the newer style tactical scopes with the large diameter rear bezel. Some are literally 25% bigger than more classic designs. I also think a fixed power like an older weaver would be perfect on the little cz.

Next is scope quality. Glass isn't cheap if it's quality. Most decent (not amazing) scopes are going to MSRP above 200 bucks, so looking for sales is your best bet.

All that said, good luck, and the real experts will be along shortly to help even more!
 
I have a Vortex 1-6x24 on my x39 527.
It is plenty of magnification for what I use mine for.
BTW, my 527 is extremely accurate using steel case 124 grain ammo by Tula.
 
Welcome from SW Oklahoma.

1. Don't buy after market rings. Every CZ 527 i've scoped came with CZ rings.

2. Using the supplied CZ rings you won't have a problem with bolt clearance.

3. The scope ring mounts on the CZ 527 sit farther to the rear than on other rifles. Ensure that the scope you select will allow for proper eye placement.

https://www.wd7j.com/cz527ascope.html

This is my CZ 527. The scope is the Leupold 6 power FX- 3.

elDB4FRl.jpg

Buy the very best scope that you can afford.
 
Welcome to THR!

You have a nice rifle with the CZ top it with a nice scope.
Leopold, vortex, ext...
1-6 or 2-7 good low power for wide view and and high enough power to reach out.
 
I used the DIP one piece picatinny rail and Leopold low rings rings on my 527. I used a 2x7 Vortex Diamond and have less than an eighth of an inch of clearance.
 
I’ve got a 527. I used the supplied rings.

If I were getting the scope, it would be a VX-3 Leupold with Firedot. 2-7 power. Be sure the tube diameter matches the ring size.

For whatever reason, many want to go cheap in a scope. About 45 years ago I missed what would have been the Indiana state record deer because my scope fogged. You’ll probably have this rifle/scope combo for a long time.
 
Thanks everybody! I looked into everyone's input and went with the Vortex Optics Crossfire ll Second Focal Plan 1 inch on Warne Medium Scope Rings


I'd also like to add that I'm very thankful with how approachable and respectful everyone has been on this forum.
 
If your CZ didn't come with CZ rings, you could buy the CZ rings for it. They're a good choice. You can also buy Warne rings with a "medium" height that will mount the scope a little lower. If the scope does not have a particularly large ocular (eyepiece) the bolt handle will still clear. With Warne medium, a Leupold VX3i will clear, but not a VX6HD with its larger eyepiece -- that will require the taller rings. Talley might make the nicest rings for the unique 16mm CZ dovetail mount, but I believe they only offer a height close to the same as the CZ rings, so there's not much to commend them unless you don't have the factory rings.

CZ factory: 0.550"
Talley: 0.525"
Leupold: 0.500"
Warne Medium: 0.425"
Millet: 0.325"

The lowest rings I've found are the Millet. I started a thread to inquire about them: https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/millet-rings-for-cz-527.869108/ because I have serious doubts that the "Angle Loc" design is any good.

For deer hunting, I recommend a scope with a wide field of view (low magnification). It's a large target and you want to be able to acquire it quickly. 1-4X is a good range to be in, but I would look for a larger objective for low-light performance. My personal preference would be a 2X-up variable scope with a 42mm or larger objective rather than the scopes that start at 1X but have only 20 or 24mm objectives. The large objective scopes at low magnification may have large exit pupils which mean they're not as much brighter as we might hope, but a large exit pupil has advantages too in being more forgiving of eye alignment.
 
The dimensions of the Crossfire may not allow it to be mounted using two piece rings. If that happens I’d see if I could return the Warnes and then purchase an EGW one piece picatinny base. From there on out you’ll be able to use any scope you want on your 527.
redneck2 said:
If I were getting the scope, it would be a VX-3 Leupold with Firedot. 2-7 power.
Click to expand...
No such animal exists and never did.
 
cdb1 said:
The dimensions of the Crossfire may not allow it to be mounted using two piece rings. If that happens I’d see if I could return the Warnes and then purchase an EGW one piece picatinny base. From there on out you’ll be able to use any scope you want on your 527.
Click to expand...

What I will say is that I explicitly looked on the website selling it and there was a review with someone who had a CZ-527 and said the bolt barely cleared but it did work. So I went with that. We'll have to see though. Worst case scenario I have an excuse to buy a new rifle.



labnoti said:
If your CZ didn't come with CZ rings, you could buy the CZ rings for it. They're a good choice. You can also buy Warne rings with a "medium" height that will mount the scope a little lower. If the scope does not have a particularly large ocular (eyepiece) the bolt handle will still clear. With Warne medium, a Leupold VX3i will clear, but not a VX6HD with its larger eyepiece -- that will require the taller rings. Talley might make the nicest rings for the unique 16mm CZ dovetail mount, but I believe they only offer a height close to the same as the CZ rings, so there's not much to commend them unless you don't have the factory rings.

CZ factory: 0.550"
Talley: 0.525"
Leupold: 0.500"
Warne Medium: 0.425"
Millet: 0.325"

The lowest rings I've found are the Millet. I started a thread to inquire about them: https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/millet-rings-for-cz-527.869108/ because I have serious doubts that the "Angle Loc" design is any good.

For deer hunting, I recommend a scope with a wide field of view (low magnification). It's a large target and you want to be able to acquire it quickly. 1-4X is a good range to be in, but I would look for a larger objective for low-light performance. My personal preference would be a 2X-up variable scope with a 42mm or larger objective rather than the scopes that start at 1X but have only 20 or 24mm objectives. The large objective scopes at low magnification may have large exit pupils which mean they're not as much brighter as we might hope, but a large exit pupil has advantages too in being more forgiving of eye alignment.
Click to expand...


Very informative! Unfortunately either my CZ-527 did not come with scope rings or I lost them somewhere.
 
Mine didn't come with rings, and it seems the new ones don't either if there are sights on the rifle. Cost savings for the company.... Bummer for us.
 
index.php


Leupold medium rings and a Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 scope. Plenty of bolt clearance.

I went to a gun shop to buy both and I'd recommend it. It was one of those businesses offering to mount the scope for free if you bought that and the rings from them, and I figured if any problems showed up during the installation, they'd make it right. Turns out there weren't any problems.

However, one issue with buying from an LGS is that I originally wanted a Redfield 2-7x32 on it, but they were out of stock on those. "Would a Redfield 3-9 work?" "Sure." And the 3-9 is a good scope, but it's just bigger than I'd prefer.

index.php


Not a lot of clearance there between the scope and barrel.

If I had to do it again, I'd probably do a 1-4x20 or a 2-7 on it. Leupold makes an ultralight fixed 2.5x scope that's really tempted me as well.
 
cdb1 said:
That scope has been discontinued for a while.
Click to expand...

I think the HOG part of the designation refers to its specific reticle -- they still market several other x20 scopes in the 1" VX series with roughly the same form factor, but in full disclosure the HOG model is the only variant I've personally tested for eye-relief on a 527:

https://www.leupold.com/scopes/compact-scopes/vx-3i-1-5-5x20mm
https://www.leupold.com/scopes/rifle-scopes/vx-freedom-1-5-4x20
https://www.leupold.com/scopes/rifle-scopes/vx-freedom-1-5-4x20-ar

The Leupold fixed power FX-II might also be an option:
https://www.leupold.com/scopes/rimfire-scopes/fx-ii-ultralight-2-5x20mm

All that being said, I like the Weaver V3 1-4 best. And yeah, I know Weaver's no longer offering any new riflescopes since Vista/Bushnell bought the brand.
 
On my 527 Carbine I have a Leupold 1.5-4x20 Freedom,with Leupold rings. The scope has a pig-plex reticle,which is similar to a German #4. I'm pleased with the set up CZ527M 004.JPG
 
Scopes
1.5-4x20
2-7x 1"
3x9-40 bell is plenty enough
I will vouch for Leupold branch (assembly in US with great warranty)
 
Mosin Bubba said:
index.php


Leupold medium rings and a Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 scope. Plenty of bolt clearance.

I went to a gun shop to buy both and I'd recommend it. It was one of those businesses offering to mount the scope for free if you bought that and the rings from them, and I figured if any problems showed up during the installation, they'd make it right. Turns out there weren't any problems.

However, one issue with buying from an LGS is that I originally wanted a Redfield 2-7x32 on it, but they were out of stock on those. "Would a Redfield 3-9 work?" "Sure." And the 3-9 is a good scope, but it's just bigger than I'd prefer.

index.php


Not a lot of clearance there between the scope and barrel.

If I had to do it again, I'd probably do a 1-4x20 or a 2-7 on it. Leupold makes an ultralight fixed 2.5x scope that's really tempted me as well.
Click to expand...
Plenty of barrel clearance. Close to the rear sight, tho. Keep an eye out on E-Bay and a 2-7 Redfield will pop up for a good price. I like the Redfield Revenge scopes for budget optics. All three that I have are excellent! Very clear. I prefer them over the Burris Fullfield and Nikon Prostaff by a wide margin. The Redfields are made by Leupold and appear to have their quality glass without all of the specialty coatings.
I have an older 527 in .222 Rem. with the full length Manlicher stock which also has the Bavarian style butt. The Bavarian butt sweeps down far enough that it makes a good cheek weld difficult. Because I use mine for shooting paper at 100 yards and 200 yards, it has a fixed 36x Weaver with a Target Dot reticle in the original supplied CZ rings. Still, it is a hoot to shoot!
 
I too choose the Redfield 3x9x40. My rings are CZ medium. See picture above. I had a 2-7 before but wanted the 3x9. Happy I did. Found two exact same scopes on Midway on Sale.
 
Several CZ rifles I have came with CZ rings- and they are higher than I like- shootable but high....
 
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