missouri dave
Member
I have two of the 550 mannlicher stocked models. One in 6.5x55 swede and the other in 9.3x62 mauser. Both are superbly accurate. I very much recommend either.
General opinion of CZ rifles
- Thread starter Chiseler
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RNB65
Member
CZ rifles are excellent. Pick up a CZ 452 .22LR and handle it. Most .22's look and feel like toys. The 452 feels like a rifle and looks as good as it shoots.
http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=1
http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=1
351 WINCHESTER
Member
No doubt about it. The cz 452 that I have is the most accurate .22 I've ever owned. The only negetive that I can say is the stocks and bbls. are not matted up like they should be. They have been that way for years. It doesn't seem to effect accuracy, but if the stock got wet I wouldn't be suprised it accuracy suffered. I would like to see them float all their bbls.
DWARREN123
Member
I own or have owned CZ rifles, shotguns and pistols, they are quality products that have found their way into the main stream of American gun culture. Their prices have gone up in the last 5 years because they are quality products.
chris in va
Member
I have a 527 carbine.
Great gun, very nice trigger and good accuracy. Very fast handling.
However I'm having trouble with the magazines and feeding. Sometimes the round sits at too extreme an angle and the bolt can't catch it to feed. Also have some ignition problems. A new spring from CZ helped, but I still get a couple dented primers. Same exact ammo works just fine in my Saiga and SKS when I had it.
Great gun, very nice trigger and good accuracy. Very fast handling.
However I'm having trouble with the magazines and feeding. Sometimes the round sits at too extreme an angle and the bolt can't catch it to feed. Also have some ignition problems. A new spring from CZ helped, but I still get a couple dented primers. Same exact ammo works just fine in my Saiga and SKS when I had it.
toivo
Member
AFAIK, they still are--the rifles and pistols, anyway. CZ is marketing some Turkish-made shotguns under their name, but I believe everything else is Czech-made.
rangerruck
Member
Hksw; you have to had drool all over that wood when you saw it...
What I mean by 100 % czechland is , if you look at mine, there are nor importer marks, and no stencilling/engraving marks at all. Plus no american models now come with sights. All the markings on mine are stamped/forged into the metal, and they are all Cyrillic.
What I mean by 100 % czechland is , if you look at mine, there are nor importer marks, and no stencilling/engraving marks at all. Plus no american models now come with sights. All the markings on mine are stamped/forged into the metal, and they are all Cyrillic.
JohnBT
Member
I've really enjoyed my .22 WMR American so far. Found it used, but like new, at a gun shop for $280. I bought one of the so-called CZ-75B Military/Turkish models back when they were under $350, so I figured I'd give the rifle a chance.
It's not a Cooper in terms of fit and finish, but it didn't cost $1600 either.
John
It's not a Cooper in terms of fit and finish, but it didn't cost $1600 either.
John
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Dollar An Hour
Member
My 452 is very well built and accurate - helluva bargain!
McGlockster
Member
I have a CZ 550 Varmint Laminate in .308 that consistently shoouts 1/2 MOA at 100 yards with my handloads (if I do my part). The trigger is excellent, and it's fun to shoot. I'm a transplanted Canadian to the U.S. so I had the opportunity to buy CZ's many years ago, and have always been impressed with their products.
Fella's;
I now have two LHB CZ's. The first was the 452 in .22lr & that is one fine firearm. The second, rather recently aquired, is a 527 in .223, also LHB. I'm in the process of working up with it, so no comments on accuracy, though I have no doubt I'll be a happy camper.
Now then, CZ, get busy & release those left bolt 550's! I want one in 6.5 Swede sooooo bad.
Impatiently waiting, 900F
I now have two LHB CZ's. The first was the 452 in .22lr & that is one fine firearm. The second, rather recently aquired, is a 527 in .223, also LHB. I'm in the process of working up with it, so no comments on accuracy, though I have no doubt I'll be a happy camper.
Now then, CZ, get busy & release those left bolt 550's! I want one in 6.5 Swede sooooo bad.
Impatiently waiting, 900F
planetmobius
Member
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2007
- Messages
- 389
I'm also a sucker for thos european rifles. I have quite the Mannlicher Schoenauer collection and know just what you are talking about. About three years ago, I became very interested in the .416 Rigby and set out on a mission to get one. I was not about to pay the ten grand for an original Mauser so I started looking at the Rugers and CZs. After handling them both I purchased a 550 Safari magnum and have not looked back since. I have always been partial to some of the BRNO Mausers in my collection and the CZ is par for the course. Its not as pretty as the Ruger but the receiver is built like a magnum Mauser should be and machined to accept scope rings. CZ makes thier own rings that will clamp right on or you can go the route that I did and get a set of quick detachable rings with levers from Tally Manufacturing Inc. (google it) I put on the QD rings with a leupold VXIII in 2.5-7 and have a first class dangerous game rifle. Accuracy of this rifle is fantastic and I would not hesitate to hunt dinosaurs with it. Buy the CZ or at least handle one before you make a purchase. You will not be sorry.
I have a cz 500 varmint laminate.
It's a mixed bag.
1) It's a very nice looking gun, which I appreciate.
2) The trigger is actually very nice and getting better with use, but is adjusted poorly from the factory, it is set with a LOT of pretravel dialed and is pretty creepy in normal mode, and even has a little bit of creep in the set mode. I'd rather have the trigger adjusted to lawyer specs and be capable of being decent rather than Simply being a litigation inspired trigger. Out of the box, the trigger was in the 6-6.5lb range normal and a pound and change set. With about 3 minutes of adjusting, I had it set at a usable 3lbs and a little bit normal and about 9oz in set mode. What little creep was left in normal mode is pretty minimal and decreasing with use.
3) Fitment of the bolt. mine was kind of tight, but is breaking in nicely. If operated at a resonable pace, which is still pretty brisk, it is smooth. If you try to cycle it at top speed, it can start hanging up every now and then. For it's price range, I'd call it slightly better than average.
4) Stock ergos are nice, as is the finish.
5) Stock fitment. Here's where it has the most problem. Mine is VERY far from being free floated. After disassembly and inspection, it appears this is due to the front pillar having been fitted poorly. It appers to have been "fine tuned" a bit too far and installed anyway. Long term, there will be some stock crush at the front pillar if i don't replace it. On the up side, 1/8 IPS trheaded tubing is pretty muhc a drop in fit and easy to come by. I'll defnitely be doing this and taking it back out for some more testing. However I think epoxy bedding it is also in the future
6) barreld action fit and finish. This is very nice. The barreled action on the varmint is HEAVY though.
Other miscelaneous stuff:
The removable magazines are decent and all metal. Bonus is that you can also just drop a round on top of the empty magazine in the gun and feed a single round very nicely.
The one piece weaver base from CZ isn't roth wasting time on. It's not very strong and is quite tall. You are better off just buying the rings meant for the built in mount. The ergonomic issues plague a number of brands in this category, and the quality of manufacture is in line with the relative affordability of the mount. It's not a rip off, but it's not where you should be spending your money in this configuration.
Personally I was shopping between the CZ550 varmint, a savage 10fp with removable magazines, and a reminton 700 PSS.
If I could track one down, which should be getting easier, the savage would likely be the best bang for the buck. The 700 is nice, but to get a working magazine on it is a HUGE expense realtively speaking. The CZ550 varmint laminate has it, at a very nice price, and is just nicer looking.
Overall, I'd say it's a keeper, and the work to be done on it isn't out of line with it's price.
Edited to add: Aftermarket support for the gun is pretty poor, so as far as gunsmithing parts and bedding kits and such, you are going to have to be a bit of a self starter.
It's a mixed bag.
1) It's a very nice looking gun, which I appreciate.
2) The trigger is actually very nice and getting better with use, but is adjusted poorly from the factory, it is set with a LOT of pretravel dialed and is pretty creepy in normal mode, and even has a little bit of creep in the set mode. I'd rather have the trigger adjusted to lawyer specs and be capable of being decent rather than Simply being a litigation inspired trigger. Out of the box, the trigger was in the 6-6.5lb range normal and a pound and change set. With about 3 minutes of adjusting, I had it set at a usable 3lbs and a little bit normal and about 9oz in set mode. What little creep was left in normal mode is pretty minimal and decreasing with use.
3) Fitment of the bolt. mine was kind of tight, but is breaking in nicely. If operated at a resonable pace, which is still pretty brisk, it is smooth. If you try to cycle it at top speed, it can start hanging up every now and then. For it's price range, I'd call it slightly better than average.
4) Stock ergos are nice, as is the finish.
5) Stock fitment. Here's where it has the most problem. Mine is VERY far from being free floated. After disassembly and inspection, it appears this is due to the front pillar having been fitted poorly. It appers to have been "fine tuned" a bit too far and installed anyway. Long term, there will be some stock crush at the front pillar if i don't replace it. On the up side, 1/8 IPS trheaded tubing is pretty muhc a drop in fit and easy to come by. I'll defnitely be doing this and taking it back out for some more testing. However I think epoxy bedding it is also in the future
6) barreld action fit and finish. This is very nice. The barreled action on the varmint is HEAVY though.
Other miscelaneous stuff:
The removable magazines are decent and all metal. Bonus is that you can also just drop a round on top of the empty magazine in the gun and feed a single round very nicely.
The one piece weaver base from CZ isn't roth wasting time on. It's not very strong and is quite tall. You are better off just buying the rings meant for the built in mount. The ergonomic issues plague a number of brands in this category, and the quality of manufacture is in line with the relative affordability of the mount. It's not a rip off, but it's not where you should be spending your money in this configuration.
Personally I was shopping between the CZ550 varmint, a savage 10fp with removable magazines, and a reminton 700 PSS.
If I could track one down, which should be getting easier, the savage would likely be the best bang for the buck. The 700 is nice, but to get a working magazine on it is a HUGE expense realtively speaking. The CZ550 varmint laminate has it, at a very nice price, and is just nicer looking.
Overall, I'd say it's a keeper, and the work to be done on it isn't out of line with it's price.
Edited to add: Aftermarket support for the gun is pretty poor, so as far as gunsmithing parts and bedding kits and such, you are going to have to be a bit of a self starter.
tinygnat219
Member
CZ 527 chambered in 7.62X39. I should have gotten one of these ages ago!
John Wayne
Member
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2007
- Messages
- 1,133
I have a CZ 550 American in .270 Winchester. I paid $450 for it used in excellent condition with a Simmons 3-9x40 scope already mounted.
I'm very impressed with the finish of the gun; the bluing is rich, deep, and well polished. The wood is quite nice for a rifle in its price range and is nicely checkered.
The single set trigger is a nice feature, although I don't use it that often since the standard pull is fine for me. The rifle balances well and I've had good results with all ammo I've tried (best group I had was 3 shots touching at 100 yards shooting 150 grain Core-Lokts), despite the fact that the stock does contact the barrel on the left side.
My only real complaint is cycling the gun. I've had a few cartridges catch on the bottom of the feed ramp, and the bolt feels very wobbly. When pulled all the way back, it will sometimes lock up if you don't push it exactly down the center. If I work the bolt slowly though, I don't usually have any trouble.
All in all I'd say it's a great gun and I'm happy with my purchase.
I'm very impressed with the finish of the gun; the bluing is rich, deep, and well polished. The wood is quite nice for a rifle in its price range and is nicely checkered.
The single set trigger is a nice feature, although I don't use it that often since the standard pull is fine for me. The rifle balances well and I've had good results with all ammo I've tried (best group I had was 3 shots touching at 100 yards shooting 150 grain Core-Lokts), despite the fact that the stock does contact the barrel on the left side.
My only real complaint is cycling the gun. I've had a few cartridges catch on the bottom of the feed ramp, and the bolt feels very wobbly. When pulled all the way back, it will sometimes lock up if you don't push it exactly down the center. If I work the bolt slowly though, I don't usually have any trouble.
All in all I'd say it's a great gun and I'm happy with my purchase.
duck911
Member
Raz-0,
Can you please describe this issue a little more in detail? What do you mean the pillar seemed too "fine tuned?"
What would I look for on my 550 Varmint Laminate to make sure it's correct?
thanks!
--Duck911
Basically, the pillar bedding in my gun is only friction fit, which at least makes them easy to remove. The rear pillar, which is pretty long, is basically a metal tube in the white, with a slot cut down the entire length. Almost like a giant roll pin. It appears to have been cut to size and sized correctly.
The front pillar however is a solid metal tube that is slightly thicker. It appears to have been cut to an approximate length, and then had material removed from one end using a grinder or buffing wheel with an agressive compound. Then it looks like it was quick blued. Whoever "fine tuned" the length both took too much off, and didn't keep it square. Basically it is sloppy, but because someone worked on it too much rather than it just being bad engineering.
The front pillar should have been tossed when they went too far, but they just put it in anyway.
$3 at home depot get me enough material to try my hand at replacing it with something better about 10 times over. 1/8 IPS threaded tubing (lamp section at home depot) is pretty much an exact fit for the holes in the stock from the factory, so it's not a huge deal.
However, if you don't replace it, long term you will experience stock crush, which will affect accuracy. Given how the stock fits, that would mean a lot of upward pressure on the barrel form the tip of the foreend.
duck911
Member
thanks Raz-0!
Cosmoline
Member
Good rifles in general. They're best known for their awesome 452 rimfires and their equally excellent safari rifles. In both cases the designs have been tweaked as the company has grown post-eastblock collapse. Their safari rifles have gotten a bit thicker in the wrist, and some new variations of the 452 have come out to appeal to iron-sight-phobic Americans. But they're all still good.
They also make good standard hunting rifles and really cool mini-mausers. They generally use the old '98 style and have avoided the nonsense so many of the US rifle makers fell victim to in the 60's and 70's. They're still steel and wood for the most part, and big claw extractors. I like 'em.
They also make good standard hunting rifles and really cool mini-mausers. They generally use the old '98 style and have avoided the nonsense so many of the US rifle makers fell victim to in the 60's and 70's. They're still steel and wood for the most part, and big claw extractors. I like 'em.
ieszu
Member
I build custom rifles... and if a customer wants a Mauser type action.... I recommend only CZ's.... they are easy to work with, and create some beautiful rifles when done.... You just need a gunsmith who is comfortable around them, and you have your dream gun... whatever caliber, you can have your rifle.
Even their stock rifles are pieces of art that will last for years to come.
I don't work for CZ, but after all the actions I have bought from them, they should offer me a few shares of stock =)
Even their stock rifles are pieces of art that will last for years to come.
I don't work for CZ, but after all the actions I have bought from them, they should offer me a few shares of stock =)
My son's 452 shoots about as well as his Anschuetz. I sold several of their long-action rifles in .375 Hollands' Magnum to very satisfied customers. Of course, now that the secret's out, prices are, well, FIRM.
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to purchase a "Bruener" (Brno) 75 while living in Deutschland. We know it here as the CZ-75 but mine has almost no markings on it beside the serial numbers. I'm told collectors like these things. I just think that it's an AWESOME, $220 pistol.
CZ products are worth whatever the Czechs ask for them!
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to purchase a "Bruener" (Brno) 75 while living in Deutschland. We know it here as the CZ-75 but mine has almost no markings on it beside the serial numbers. I'm told collectors like these things. I just think that it's an AWESOME, $220 pistol.
CZ products are worth whatever the Czechs ask for them!
Strongbad
Member
My father and I have 4 between us. A CZ-550 Laminate in 22-250, a CZ-550 in .458 Lott that he just took an elephant with in Zimbabwe, and an older ZKK-602 Brno chambered in 8mm/378 Weatherby. I also picked up a 452 Scout .22 LR last year for the kiddos to learn on. All of them, expecially the 8mm/378, are tremendous rifles. Accurate, function reliably, and have great triggers.
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