Question for GJM & others CZ 527?

I've seen GJM & few others comment very favorably on the CZ 527 especially with Red Dot, or I assume a LPV, including running them through some classes at Gunsite.

I understand they won't compete directly with AR or AK, but looking for more details on how they compare to 308 Scouts, I've owned a Steyr Scout, as well as leverguns or other bolt rifles.

Think I've seen Tam mention years ago on her blog or elsewhere that CZ mags are one of their weak links but don't recall the details of that.

My understanding is only 5 round mags are available and they run ~$45/mag.

I've handled a couple of CZ 527's but have never shot them.

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Originally Posted by Dov

I've seen GJM & few others comment very favorably on the CZ 527 especially with Red Dot, or I assume a LPV, including running them through some classes at Gunsite.

I understand they won't compete directly with AR or AK, but looking for more details on how they compare to 308 Scouts, I've owned a Steyr Scout, as well as leverguns or other bolt rifles.

Think I've seen Tam mention years ago on her blog or elsewhere that CZ mags are one of their weak links but don't recall the details of that.

My understanding is only 5 round mags are available and they run ~$45/mag.

I've handled a couple of CZ 527's but have never shot them.

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I's a nice, handy little carbine. Think of a bolt gun, more optics friendly version of a 30-30 carbine.

I've had one in 7.62x39 for about 12 years with a Nikon 2-7. Mags are more like $55/mag but they work.

7.62x39 ballistics are similar to 30-30 and 300 blackout Super sonic ammo. i.e. hits hard enough to take out a deer. 300 yards max, 200 would be better. Accuracy is good, commensurate with the quality of ammo you feed it. Mine favors Hornady brass cased ammo.

Like a Scout, it's a hunting/woods/ranch gun that you could fight with in a pinch given the usual caveats that manually operated rifles are obsolete as fighting tools.

If I were buying one now I would likely get the threaded barrel version in 300 blackout.

I have one in 7.62x39 and another in 6.5 Grendel. Handy, accurate, good bolt throw, and an option in a restricted locale.

The 527 in 7.62X39 pretty much replaced .30-30 lever guns for me. Just as handy, faster, more accurate, dependable mags, single-set trigger. The only thing I don’t like is the backwards safety; with all of the 527’s I’ve shot, never found one with a safety that operated smoothly.

Attachment 53035

Attachment 53036

I've got a CZ 527 Carbine is 7.62x39; it's a superb little rifle. I use mine with it's open OEM iron sights as a brush gun, or as an incliment weather back-up to my scoped .308 CZ 550. I did need to drift my rear sight to get to POA/POI zero; in my case I needed to drift to the right, as it was shooting to the left.

As others have mentioned, ballistically it's very similar to 30-30; a good deer. boar or similar game getter for about to 200-250 meters

I also makes a great brush gun or scout rifle. While the only magazines are the 5 round ones, they're well made. I carry 2 back-up magazines in a buttstock Strike Hard Gear Mosin Nagant Buttstock Pouch; it perfectly holds 2 of the CZ 527 magazines; https://www.strikehardgear.com/mosin...ttstock-pouch/ I had my local shoe repairman sew some heavy felt backing on it so the grommets for the lace wouldn't mar the wood stock.

If I was to scope it, I'd use Warne QR quick release rings; that way the scope can be zeroed and used, or quickly taken off-but the zero is held when it's put back on; that's the set-up I've got for the Leupold 3X9 scope on my CZ 550, and it really does hold zero when taken off and put back on.

For a sling, I prefer a Safari Systems Boonie Packer; https://www.redi-mag.com/product/safari-sling/

For hunting, I'll use Hornady Black 123gr SST brass-cased; for all other uses, Wolf Polycoat steel-cased 123 gr I've found to be excellent; even Tula 123 gr steel-cased is decent out of the CZ.

It's simply a handy, accurate tough and reliable rifle. It's non-military appearance can be an advantage in some situations. It's one of those low-profile, somewhat hidden gems of a rifle; I highly recommend it.

Best, Jon

https://i.imgur.com/a1XZzN0h.jpg

My CZ 527 Carbine, in 7.62x39, with its Safari Sling and Strike Hard Gear dual buttstock magazine pouch

Best, Jon

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Originally Posted by GJM

I have one in 7.62x39 and another in 6.5 Grendel. Handy, accurate, good bolt throw, and an option in a restricted locale.

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One of the Grendels is really appealing to me. Which do you prefer?

1) What are you guys seeing for accuracy with 7.62x39? I see lots of "good", not much to put it into perspective though.

Asking mostly because of most x39 being shit. @JonInWA, specifically interested in the SST.

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Originally Posted by LOKNLOD

One of the Grendels is really appealing to me. Which do you prefer?

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The x39 is inexpensive to shoot, where the Grendel is very accurate and capable as a hunting rifle.

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Originally Posted by TGS

1) What are you guys seeing for accuracy with 7.62x39? I see lots of "good", not much to put it into perspective though.

Asking mostly because of most x39 being shit. @JonInWA, specifically interested in the SST.

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Not sure now, but at one point there was an issue with the CZ and chamber spec — it was cut to shoot well with surplus or commercial x39 ammo, but not both.

SteveB’s rifle was originally built by Brockman for me, and I took it to a Randy Cain class, Gunsite Whittington reunion and other events. Col Cooper was not impressed by the caliber.

Wolf makes steel case 6.5 Grendel ammo. It’s ok.

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Originally Posted by HCM

If I were buying one now I would likely get the threaded barrel version in 300 blackout.

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Is that a thing?

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Originally Posted by David S.

Is that a thing?

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https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/...ackout-review/

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Originally Posted by GJM

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/...ackout-review/

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I wonder if they discontinued. Seeing comments about it on the CZ USA page but no info about it. just the Grendel and the x39.

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Originally Posted by David S.

I wonder if they discontinued. Seeing comments about it on the CZ USA page but no info about it. just the Grendel and the x39.

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If you do a search for CZ 527 .300 Blackout it will show it was discontinued in 2019.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Discontinued...

https://cz-usa.com/product/cz-527-am...ontinued-2019/

...but can still be found (and quite a bargain with closeout pricing)...

https://www.deguns.net/cz-527-americ.../p?idsku=10334

Thanks!!

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Originally Posted by TGS

1) What are you guys seeing for accuracy with 7.62x39? I see lots of "good", not much to put it into perspective though.

Asking mostly because of most x39 being shit. @JonInWA, specifically interested in the SST.

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I haven't shot mine a ton, but it shoots Wolf Polycoat and Hornady Black SST exceptionally well; I zero at 50 yards, shooting 1" to 1.5" groups; the Hornady going towards the lower number. I was initially concerned that the brass-cased Hornady would not shoot well due to the 527 being optimized for steel-cased 7.62 x 39, but that was not the case; now worries whatsoever with mine. Hornady also makes a steel-cased Black, but in my area the brass-cased is what'd normally stocked, so that's what I went with; presumably I could order the other, but since the bras-cased shoots so well, it's a non-concern for me.

I'm suspecting that 7.62 x 39's reputation for mediocrity may have more to do with the platforms most are shooting it from than to any deficiencies in the cartridges per se. AK-47s and SKSs aren't exactly known for their gilt-edged accuracy-more for "minute of running dog anti-imperialist accuracy," and ease of maintenance and durability in the field. The CZ 527 runs it quite nicely...

Best, Jon

When I went down the 7.62x39 rabbit hole a couple years ago, my research suggested that if you can't find a load your gun shoots well with the Hornady SST and 1680, there's probably something wrong with it.

Wonder why they killed the 300BO.

For x39 users Geco makes some high quality brass cased ammo with copper jackets

I like CZ products, and I considered the 527 when I began my Down the Practical Hole series. In the same class would be the Ruger American Ranch which is available in a wide range of calibers including 7.62x39, 6.5 Grendel, and .300 BLK. The 7.62x39 rifles use the same mags as the Mini-30, and the others use AR mags.

The safety also is more user friendly.

The downside is a lack of iron sights.

The Ruger gives you zero chance of winning the CZ wood lottery, though. :)

Howa barreled action is also on sale right now.

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-part...26-235678.aspx

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Originally Posted by jlw

I like CZ products, and I considered the 527 when I began my Down the Practical Hole series. In the same class would be the Ruger American Ranch which is available in a wide range of calibers including 7.62x39, 6.5 Grendel, and .300 BLK. The 7.62x39 rifles use the same mags as the Mini-30, and the others use AR mags.

The safety also is more user friendly.

The downside is a lack of iron sights.

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Previously I'd heard the magazines for the Rugers were not well liked. Have they improved them since introduction?

Does anyone like the CZ527 in .223? Seems the 7.62x39 gets all the chatter.

I will jump in here. I have had a x39 and a .223 527 and they both went down the road. I loved the looks, the iron sights, and the quality of the rifle. I did not like the magazine price, the height of the scope needed to clear the bolt handle, and the "to me" backwards safety. Accuracy with off the shelf ammo was so/so although the .223 showed promise with my hand loads. I did not win the CZ stock lottery and my wood was very nice, but not exceptional. After selling the x39 I had a lot of Golden Tiger ammo and no rifle in this caliber. Then came the Ruger American Ranch. They are not very expensive, so I bought one. After shooting it, I had to buy another because my son claimed the first one. They are very accurate with Golden Tiger ammo. So much so, that I have not started reloading for these rifles yet. They are not as ascetically pleasing as the CZ nor do they have iron sights. The lack of iron sights are a big negative for me but I haven't broken a scope in years, so not a deal killer. I like the Ruger magazines and the fact that they function as a last round hold open device. The safety functions in a manner that is more familiar to me and the scope is at the normal height. I put and A2 flash hider on the muzzle to keep it off the floor-mats and I have a great truck gun.

Although they share similar caliber, they are two different rifles. Both have positive and negative attributes. Before all this Covid-19 gun buying madness I was hoping that a drop in gun sales would spur Ruger into making a version of the American Ranch with iron sights, but that it just wishful thinking.

I would definitely look at both before deciding.

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Originally Posted by Redhat

Previously I'd heard the magazines for the Rugers were not well liked. Have they improved them since introduction?

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I can't personally answer that question right now, but I will probably get try one soon.

I recall several accounts of magazine problems, but Ruger promptly replaced them with functional ones when asked. 24hourcampfire.com is where I would go if looking for an update.

The standard Americans use a rotary magazine that had some legitimate problems.

The Ranch version uses Mini 30 magazines for the x39 and standard AR magazines for the 5.56 and the 300 BO. I believe they still do make a Ranch version with the rotary magazine if you want a flush fit.

I have also seen where folks have purchased the AR magazine insert and convert the x39 to run off of AR pattern 7.62x39 magazine if the owner so desires.

The system is pretty flexible.

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Originally Posted by ECVMatt

The standard Americans use a rotary magazine that had some legitimate problems.

The Ranch version uses Mini 30 magazines for the x39 and standard AR magazines for the 5.56 and the 300 BO. I believe they still do make a Ranch version with the rotary magazine if you want a flush fit.

I have also seen where folks have purchased the AR magazine insert and convert the x39 to run off of AR pattern 7.62x39 magazine if the owner so desires.

The system is pretty flexible.

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That's some new info to me but I haven't looked at then for a couple years. I was looking for a .223 bolt gun for range use and wound up with a good deal on the Weatherby Vanguard S2. The Ruger in 6.5 was getting a lot of attention back then.

CZ's generally have a reputation for being well built and accurate. I bought a CZ550 / .270 Win back in '03. It's my only hunting rifle and has been very accurate with factory ammo as well as my hand loads. Working the safety has not been an issue.

If I was looking for an old school built walk around rifle, the CZ527 carbine would get serious consideration.

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Originally Posted by ECVMatt

I will jump in here. I have had a x39 and a .223 527 and they both went down the road. I loved the looks, the iron sights, and the quality of the rifle. I did not like the magazine price, the height of the scope needed to clear the bolt handle, and the "to me" backwards safety. Accuracy with off the shelf ammo was so/so although the .223 showed promise with my hand loads. I did not win the CZ stock lottery and my wood was very nice, but not exceptional. After selling the x39 I had a lot of Golden Tiger ammo and no rifle in this caliber. Then came the Ruger American Ranch. They are not very expensive, so I bought one. After shooting it, I had to buy another because my son claimed the first one. They are very accurate with Golden Tiger ammo. So much so, that I have not started reloading for these rifles yet. They are not as ascetically pleasing as the CZ nor do they have iron sights. The lack of iron sights are a big negative for me but I haven't broken a scope in years, so not a deal killer. I like the Ruger magazines and the fact that they function as a last round hold open device. The safety functions in a manner that is more familiar to me and the scope is at the normal height. I put and A2 flash hider on the muzzle to keep it off the floor-mats and I have a great truck gun.

Although they share similar caliber, they are two different rifles. Both have positive and negative attributes. Before all this Covid-19 gun buying madness I was hoping that a drop in gun sales would spur Ruger into making a version of the American Ranch with iron sights, but that it just wishful thinking.

I would definitely look at both before deciding.

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I hadn't considered the Ruger bolt gun at all previously.

I wonder how the CZ compares to the Ruger for durability for things like rapid bolt work like is done at the Gunsite classes. I assume the CZ 527 handles that with no significant issues or one of the people here that used it at Gunsite would have commented on it.

Have you worked the bolt action on the Ruger much that way? I know at least a few early Savage Scouts had some problems getting through Gunsite classes till Savage beefed up one or two components.

I assume for field stripping, cleaning, etc the CZ & Ruger would be comparable.

I do like the Ruger sharing mag with the Mini 30, I had already been thinking about pairing the CZ with a SKS or AK. So pairing the Ruger bolt gun with Mini 30 would make equal sense though obviously neither would be as tough as SKS or AK. At this stage in life I'm nowhere near durable enough for that to be likely to matter :/

Kinda went down the CZ527 hole a few years back and eventually had a .223 rebarreled into 6.8SPC. IIRC John Brandstatter used the 7.62x39 bottom metal and a 270 barrel.

https://i.imgur.com/KNNIjhg.jpg

Handy rifle. A RDS would make it even better.

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Originally Posted by Yute

Kinda went down the CZ527 hole a few years back and eventually had a .223 rebarreled into 6.8SPC. IIRC John Brandstatter used the 7.62x39 bottom metal and a 270 barrel.

https://i.imgur.com/KNNIjhg.jpg

Handy rifle. A RDS would make it even better.

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https://www.optics-trade.eu/us/osuma...-dovetail.html

What peep and front sight are those? Looks like an XS rear and tech sights front?

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Originally Posted by jandbj

What peep and front sight are those?

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XS Tall Weaver Rear Sight

Brockman Front Sight

The combination current does shoot high even with the front sight maxed out/rear sight bottomed out at 25 yards.

Looking at the NECG rear as a possible replacement.

Thanks for the mount info!

Lambo’s armory has 7.62x39 mags in stock.