CZ bolt actions, best for the buck?

No. I have owned 3 CZs (one 452 and two 550 Safari). They are nice firearms, but they are not to the quality of a Remington M700 Varmint/Police, or Winchester Model 70 Stealth or Classic, nor are they to the quality even of the "lowly" Weatherby Vanguard. I think they are over-priced. JMHO.

Geno

I have a CZ 550 Varmint, I really love it and I chose it over many others that I was looking at. I don't know that I would call it a huge value though. In fact, it was the most expensive of all the Varmint Rifles I was considering.

The Savage 12s and the Remington 700 SPS Varmint were both about $200 cheaper and the Remington 700 VLS was about $80 cheaper.

What specifically are you looking for in this rifle, what caliber?

The CZ's are nice rifles, but I encourage you to buy American made. The Marlin X7, TC Venture and of course Savage, all are great values for the money, and made in the USA.



NCsmitty

Geno said:

No. I have owned 3 CZs (one 452 and two 550 Safari). They are nice firearms, but they are not to the quality of a Remington M700 Varmint/Police, or Winchester Model 70 Stealth or Classic, nor are they to the quality even of the "lowly" Weatherby Vanguard. I think they are over-priced. JMHO.

Geno

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Wow...I think they are of better quality than the Remington SPS Varmint...certainly better quality than the Venture. Much better quality than the Weatherby Vanguard. The factory synthetic stocks from CZ are much better than 90% of the other factory synth stocks out there.

I am a big fan of buying American but the T/C is noted for sticking bolts, the Marlin has variable accuracy, some good many not so good and the Savage accu trigger is a travesty requiring replacement with something like the Rifle Basix requireing additional expenditure.

Every CZ rifle I have handled exhibits higher standards of quality than any of those American made weapons.

Some Savages come with them...MOST savages come with the worst synthetic stocks I have ever seen. Then again some CZs also come with H-S Precision stocks....
http://www.cz-usa.com/press-releases/108/

I would have to disagree with Geno, have you seen a new production Remington 700? They are nothing at all like they used to be. They are well made and mine have been very accurate.

Personally, I feel CZ makes an amazing value for the money. By far not the cheapest rifle you can buy, but a lot of rifle for the money, in both rimfire and centerfire. I will say the adjustable set trigger on their centerfires and 453 line of rimfires is quite possibly the nicest trigger on a production rifle out there today, with exception to the match Anschutz triggers. The stocks CZ use are quality, be it wood, laminate, or synthetic, though they typically are benefited by a good bedding. The synthetic is a large leap from the base model Savage/Remington plastic stock. Their barrels tend to shoot well. Maybe not the absolute most accurate rifles, but 1/2-3/4" at 100 yards isn't a surprise in their centerfire line and I would call it a lemon if it wouldn't hold 1". They also run a controlled feed which many find to be absolutely necessary in a hunting rifle, especially a large/dangerous game rifle. Not overly important in a varmint gun, but some people would take nothing else.

They match up to the upper end of the Savage and Remington line when you take all features into account. At that point, they are all making a quality rifle so pick the one that floats your boat.

Most bolt action rifles I had were milsurps, not a fair comparison, of course, but I have to say I have more fun shooting my CZ 527M bolt action carbine than almost anything else. My son is very fond of his little CZ 452 Scout bolt action rifle, too.

The trigger on my rimfire MkIIBTV is just fine. It could be made lighter but that can be done easily. I don't have any problems with it the way it is. I can shoot sub 1/8" MOA groups at 50 yards with it.

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I suggest you go to some formal bench rest competitions as 1/8 MOA will win any event you attend. I hate when people call others out on the internet, especially with no prior knowledge of the other shooter or his abilities, but 1/8 MOA from a rimfire is something top tier custom bench rifles can't match consistently. So lets see those 0.066" groups if you don't mind. Even if you meant 1/8" and not 1/8 moa, I again suggest you take that rifle to serious bench rest competitions, as a .125 aggregate will win you many competitions.

I'm not into shooting competitions. I just want an accurate rifle. And trust me I have one and I seriously doubt you can find any stock CZ that will match what it can do.

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Look at the rifles you are comparing. You are basically looking at the CZ 527 and the LRPV. The CZ is a 6 to 8 lb rifle meant for multiple tasks, from range work to field work. The LRPV is meant to be set on bags and never moved until the day is over. Certainly if that is all you are after, enjoy the LRPV. For many of us shooting happens from more than at a bench and on bags. The CZ line excels for those people. More equivalent comparisons would be between a 527 American and a Model 11, or a 527 Varmint and a 12 FV, or a 527 carbine and a.....well nothing since Savage doesn't make a centerfire with iron sights anymore. The LRPV is built for a single specific use. No questions about it. It's a target rifle. If all you are looking for is a target rifle, it makes a great choice. If you are looking for something you shoot from a position other than a rest, or are looking for a rifle that you plan to carry more than from the vehicle to the firing line, the CZ line becomes much more appealing.

If you can show me a CZ that does that I'll believe the stuff about it being higher quality.

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You clearly value quality as only the results on paper from a rifle shot from a rest/supported position. The CZ lines were never built to be F class rifles. Savage has built some great rifles and I applaud their willingness to push into more niche markets like F class. Not many other manufacturers do such and I have followed and owned them for a long time. That said, when I hold a CZ and a Savage that I own side by side, which I have many times, I see the quality in the CZ over the Savage. First, try a properly adjusted SST trigger in either set or unset mode on a CZ and it will taint you opinion of the accutrigger. I like the accutrigger. They took a big step in the right direction with it. But, it isn't perfect. Many have a little creep and a pull weight above what others get to. Trust me, having both, you can set the CZ trigger up better than the accutrigger. I wouldn't swap the accutrigger out for anything other than the SSS evolution trigger and I find it a great trigger but the CZ trigger is superior having them both.

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That one group is fine and all, but one group proves nothing. That isn't to say your rifle won't do that every time, but again, having both CZ and Savage rimfires, a couple of each, as well as spending a great deal of time with other owners of both, the CZ line tends to shoot as well if not a little better than the Savage rimfires in general. Jump over to rimfirecentral and check out what wins most of their competitions. I'll drop you a hint, it's CZ. I really like my Savage rifles, but their hunting rifles and rimfire rifles are at best equals of CZ and at worst a second place. Their purpose built target rifles may outshoot anything coming off the line of CZ, but then again, I'd like to see how that LRPV does at 100 yards offhand.

It all depends on what you want. The CZ rifles will do all you will need it to do. Your best bet would be to get your hands on a CZ and compare them, side by side, with the other rifles mentioned. If you are looking for a wood and blued gun, the CZ is the way to go. If you want a synthetic stocked rifle with a matte finish, there are several great options that open up.

Someone will have a rifle that just screams at you. You will know "IT" when you pick it up and shoulder it.

I just bought a Stevens Model 200 in .223 from Wally World for $347 and some change drive out, tax and all. The trigger sucks but you can add about 100 dollars and put a Timney in it or if you know a good gun smith he can lighten the pull weight. That's what I'm going to do. My personal gunsmith is very good at trigger work and charges a flat rate of $35 a trigger job. He has done four of my rifle triggers, two Rem. 700s, a Howa 1500, and a Ruger 77, and they all break clean and between 1.5-2.5 pounds, just right for a hunting rifle. Other than pull weight of about 7-8 pounds the trigger as it is, breaks clean without any creep or overtravel. This is a deal. I also put a Nikon Buckmaster Side Focus 6-18x40 BDC Reticle scope on it in Leupold Redfield style mounts. I have about $700 total in it and I am happy with this rig. By the time you put a scope and mounts of this quality on the CZ, you will be out about $900 or $1,000. Also, the Marlin X-7 series of rifles I think is the best deal on the market. I have picked one up and worked the bolt and it's as smooth as some that cost twice as much. Anything new that I buy I try to buy American, but then that's a personal choice.

One thing I will say in favor of the CZ is that it is nothing but a commercial 98 Mauser, which is my favorite action. If having a Mauser is worth the extra money to you go for it. I have a few Yugos and a regular 98 and one commercial 98 action that I'm building rifles in calibers of my choice so I'll pass on the CZ for now, but if that's your cup of tea you aren't getting taken by buying one. They are worth every penny you pay if a Mauser is your cup of tea and you're not into building rifles, which can get even more expensive, believe me I know.

If I get a new 9.3 it will either be a Ruger or a CZ.

Both companies have managed to impress me, and that's not an easy task. Even Savage is a great bang for your buck, but they don't make a 9.3 x 62mm.

BikerRN

Get what you want. Try several. Probably you will find features of each factory rifle out there that you like. Speaking for myself, I have found the CZ rifles to present a level of quality I have not experienced with the Remington or Savage rifles. In my experience, the CZ is on a par with my Model 54 Winchester.

The fit between the wood and metal is perfect. The cut line checkering is flawless, with no over runs. The action is rugged and reliable. The set trigger is a nice feature, but one I don't utilize very often. Accuracy is as good or better than others I have shot.

The last Remington I had was a 40XB I used for cross the course. The receiver had mill marks under the rear ring, which in a rifle that cost that much was totally unacceptable. The trigger was quickly replaced by a Jewell. The glass bedding was atrocious, no kidding, just two sort of yellow blobs of stuff, so it was gouged out and redone.

The barrel of the Remington would metal foul something fierce. The metal fouling hasn't been a problem with the CZ.

Now granted, I am sure there are examples that have been sold of each of these rifles which would tilt my opinion the other way, but I don't have the present facility to examine hundreds of each to garner a more global opinion.

So. I like my GMC, you may prefer Ford, or Dodge, or maybe you like a BMW. Whichever turns your crank.

I'll stick with CZ.

CZ makes accurate rifles. There are a lot of other companies that make accurate rifles that have the features I want. CZ does not. If you like the features and styling of the CZ's you could do a lot worse.

benzy2 said:

The synthetic is a large leap from the base model Savage/Remington plastic stock.

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Of course the plastic injection molded stocks from most manufacturers are used on their cheap lines and are cheaper than the wood stocked guns. THe CZ kevlar stocks are more expensive than their walnut or laminate stock guns.

CZ used to be a huge value about 6 years ago when you could get a CZ 550 American for $600, or a CZ 452 with a walnut stock for $200. Then people discovered out great they were, our economy tanked, the value of the dollar went down the tube, bada bing bada boom supply and demand and the econmy made the prices skyrocket, now the CZ 550s are $750+ and the CZ 452s are $400+

I own three CZ bolt action rifles and have never regretted purchasing a single one. My favorite is the 550FS in .308. It's not the most accurate of the three, the .17HMR 452 Varmint gets the nod in that department, but the Mannlicher stock is well balanced and looks great. I also like having iron sights available. I have a 17HMR, a .223 and the .308 from CZ. I also have their VZ58 semi auto. CZ makes a great gun for the money. I wouldn't hesitate buying another if only they made a 550FS in 25-06.

Good varmint rifles, hate to say it, but goes more to the Rem 700's. Yes, their QC has varied more from factory, but they're also built here. So it's like a Jeep - they'll break more often than a BMW, but your jeep headgasket is gonna cost $29 at Autozone, vs. your BMW gasket for $350, ordered and 3 weeks out...plus you'll be able to put the parts on, versus a trained professional costing $60/hr.

Likewise, I'll be ordering a CZ 550 FS in 6.5x55 or .308 VERY soon. I love the asthetics, love the feel, love the build. Plus I like their version of the Mauser action better than Winchester's. Rem's have push-feed on the 700's, a feature I just can't get into, nor their bolt feel/design. Personal preference, I suppose.
Savage also builds a SERIOUS rifle. Most high-accuracy rifles are Savage, or Sav builds. Also, built here, inexpensive to own, SOLID design, and their barrels are garage-swaps. Yes, with a screwdriver and a steady vice, you too can change your barrel every year.
Cheers!

Good varmint rifles, hate to say it, but goes more to the Rem 700's. Yes, their QC has varied more from factory, but they're also built here. So it's like a Jeep - they'll break more often than a BMW, but your jeep headgasket is gonna cost $29 at Autozone, vs. your BMW gasket for $350, ordered and 3 weeks out...plus you'll be able to put the parts on, versus a trained professional costing $60/hr.

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I don't agree with this at all. First, what can you swap on a Remington at home that you can't on a CZ? There are no head gaskets to blow in a rifle. Lets see you do a barrel swap at home with either a CZ or a Remington. I'll give you that there are more stock choices out there for Remington, but any part you are swapping on a Remington could be done with similar tools on a CZ. CZ also has a US shop in Kansas (I believe that's where they are) for all repair/replacement work. So you ship your rifle to a domestic repair center the same be it Remington or CZ.

I want to make it clear that the perfect rifle for you is the one that fits all your needs. I don't care if that's CZ or not. But there is a TON of misinformation out there such as the above. CZ has some of the best CS in the business. Not many people walk away unhappy if an issue arrives. To say you are going to have to pay a professional to fix any issues where similar issues on a Remington could be fixed in the garage is a flat out lie.

To also say that Savage puts out most of the high-accuracy rifles is another big stretch. Short of a few F class matches, not many national level competitions (where the real high-accuracy rifles show up) are won by a Savage action. Sure they typically shoot well from the box, maybe the best of the mass produced rifles today, but even the fully built Savage rifles typically aren't taking home awards. Many of their design features are done in a way that allows them to cheaply produce fairly accurate rifles. These features also typically stop them from being the most accurate rifles possible. Not a big issue for most of us, but also a reason why you don't see some of these features being carried over to full blown custom actions. I really like Savage. I think they make probably the best bang for the buck, especially if you are looking to rebarrel. But they are far from the most ideal rifle as well.

Go on the Auction sites. Compare the number of USED CZ center fire rifles available (that are not milsurp) to the others you are considering.

Perhaps not fair as there are many more Rem and Win and Savage out there, but Interesting. I'm thinking the shooters who have them don't want to part with them.

HOOfan_1 hit on it. They used to be a fantastic, almost unbelievable, value. That was back around 1999 when the Dollar was still high and the Czech republic was full of world-class gun making talent willing to work for peanuts. The rise of the Euro has jacked the price way up, plus the advent of cheaper "American" models has contributed to a *comparative* decline in the centerfire CZ's. If you can get one used, with those excellent iron sights, it's absolutely better than anything stateside. Though as Furncliff notes folks don't part with them! But if you're going for a sightless model I'm not so sure. They're still great rifles, but not as great and not as inexpensive. Once you stick an American style stock on there, ditch the sights (worth $150 at least) and increase the sticker price, you've lost some of what made them the absolute must-buy rifle they used to be.

The Safari grade are another matter. Even at near a grand with today's exchange rates, they're a true PH level rifle and leave anything from US makers in the dust from all I've seen. I had a .357 H&H for a few years and I very much regret having to part with it. It shot so smooth, with such accuracy, you would never guess the energy it was churning out.

The rimfires are also another matter. The CZ 452 with tangent sights not only beats anything American made in its price range, it beats it into tiny particles. They're REAL rifles built to the standard of a Mauser of old. Not a toy with the ultra-cheap parts found on so many US made rimfires.

As far as accuracy, CZ makes hunting rifles in the old style. I'm sure you can find more accurate rifles, but the CZ's will still be better balanced and a better hunting arm.

Let me see if I have the detractors strait...

CZ's are quality rifles, and you CLAIM they were unbeatable values back when they were undervalued... but you still never actually bought one.

NOW that you actually have to pay what they are worth, you say your money is better spent on guns which are worth less.

Does not compute.

I just bought a CZ varmint 452 heavy barrel. I have not shot it yet. The trigger is terrible with lots of creep and heavy inconsistent pull. I'm buying an adjustible sear to fix it. In addition, the bolt is not smooth. I put some oil on it and worked in the metal parts a few hundred times now and it is much better....

All-in-all, it seams like a well built rifle but it needs a little fussing....which I do not mind. If you are expecting a perfect rifle out of the box, buy an Annie or something else.

Best CZ for the buck?

If you can get any CZ for a buck I say grab it.