Opinions on CZ mini-Mausers in 7.62x39

[Cosmoline]

I ran across one of the CZ 527 carbines in 7.62x39 for the second time today. I've never fired one, but the balance and natural aiming of the carbine amazes me.

Does anyone have experience shooting these? Obviously the sticker price is higher than on Sar-1's or SKS's, so I'd expect some pretty excellent accuracy out of it.

http://www.cz-usa.com/01.detail.php?id=15

 

[Preacherman]

They're excellent light rifles. Think of them as the bolt-action equivalent of the Winchester '94 in .30-30: the cartridges perform similarly. However, accuracy will not be particularly good with Wolf and milsurp ammo, as this stuff isn't made for accuracy. Use a commercial load, or roll your own, but remember to use .311-caliber bullets.

 

[JShirley]

See what yours likes. Some folk have not noticed appreciable accuracy degradation even with .308-caliber bullets, and it's not like it'll be unsafe...

John

 

[mummac]

They are very fun to shoot and handle nicely. The single set trigger is sweet too.

 

[scubie02]

I don't have the 7.62x39, but I have a 527 in 223. Its a rough feeder (this is common--supposedly its mostly clip related and if you clip a link or two off the spring it takes care of it), but my first time out with it I shot three groups in a row with two under 1/2" and one just over. This was with the cheap wwb ammo. Nicer than average wood. All steel.

 

[Cosmoline]

Thanks! I've done some poking on google and it appears there isn't a bad word to be said about CZ's little Mauser. I find it's one of those firearms that just hops into my hands. The balance is as perfect as any rifle I've hefted, right up there with the best custom sporter Mausers from the '30's or a fine Mannlicher-Schoenauer. I had been eyeing a spikehorn levergun for my next carbine, but I'm afraid the CZ is just one of those rifles I have to buy before I kick off.

The only down side is also a big up side--7.62x39. It's cheap and easy to find, but the more practical 150 grain loadings aren't quite as hot as I'd like. They run about 2,100 fps to 2,200 fps out of an SKS. I'd like to see if I could squeeze some more performance out of the little cartridge in the CZ. The barrel has a 1:9 twist, which should allow it to cope with bullets up to 170 grains with ease. With the right powder I might be able to get the 170 up to 2,200, which is some serious punch.

 

[mummac]

I really like the sights on it too. I had planned on putting a low powered scope on mine, but the iron sights on it are my favorite of all my rifles. I don't want to feel like I'm wasting them. Hmmm, maybe that's justification to buy another one in .223