Best CZ Rifles (2026): 600 Alpha, Bren 2, 457 & More

The best CZ rifles come from a Czech factory that has built Mauser-style bolt actions, rimfires, and military rifles for decades. Today CZ sells the 600 series of centerfire bolt guns, the 457 rimfire family, the Bren 2 piston rifle, and the Scorpion pistol-caliber carbine, and the used market is full of 527, 550, and 557 rifles that hunters still love.

Our writers have tested a wide spread of them. We shot a 0.82 inch three-shot group with a CZ 600+ Alpha in .243 Win., printed a 0.72 inch group with a CZ 600 Trail, got a 0.75 MOA five-round group from a Bren 2 MS, hauled a 550 American Safari Magnum in .375 H&H to the range, and watched a youth-sized 457 Scout print sub-inch groups with every load we tried.

This guide picks the best CZ rifle for each job, from deer and dangerous game to plinking and home defense. Several of these reviews are older, so we label every price with when we saw it and note which models CZ has replaced. If you want CZ handguns instead, see our best CZ 75 pistols guide.

Use the buyer’s guide to narrow it down, or jump straight to the picks.

Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best CZ Rifles In 2026

CZ rifles cover a lot of ground. Start with what you plan to shoot.

Bolt Action, Semi-Auto, Or Rimfire

CZ’s centerfire bolt guns are the 600 series today, and the 527, 550, and 557 on the used market. The Bren 2 is a gas piston semi-auto rifle, and the Scorpion carbine is a 9mm pistol-caliber carbine. The 457 is CZ’s rimfire bolt action. Pick the action first, then the model.

The CZ 600 And 600+ Lineup

The 600 series is CZ’s modern centerfire bolt action line, and it took the place of the 527 and 557 in the catalog. The newer 600+ line includes the Alpha, American, Lux, Range, and Trail models and an interchangeable barrel system, according to our CZ 600+ series overview. The 600+ Alpha is the entry point at an MSRP of $799 at the time of review.

Recall Check On Used CZ 600 Rifles

In 2022 CZ-USA recalled all original CZ 600 bolt-action rifles because a rifle could still fire with an improperly installed barrel. The fix permanently installed the barrels. If you buy a used original 600, including a 600 Trail, check the serial number on CZ-USA’s CZ 600 recall page and confirm the work was done.

Controlled Feed Versus Push Feed

The 600+ Alpha, 527, and 550 use controlled feed, where the extractor grabs the case rim as it leaves the magazine. Dangerous game hunters prefer that. The 557 uses push feed with a short internal extractor and plunger ejector, which our reviewer said makes it easier to hand load single rounds at the bench.

Triggers

CZ triggers are a highlight. The 600+ Alpha trigger adjusts down to an advertised 1.4 pounds, and our reviewer measured 1 pound 4 ounces at the lowest setting. The 600 Trail adjusts from 1.3 to 3 pounds. The 550 Safari has a single set trigger that broke at 2 pounds 4 ounces normally and 11.5 ounces when set. The 457 Scout trigger was a consistent 3 pounds.

Older Models And Price

The 527, 550, and 557 reviews in this guide date from 2014 to 2018, so their prices are history. In our reviews, launch MSRPs ran from $365 for the 457 Scout in 2019 to $1,215 for the 550 Safari Magnum in 2017. Expect used prices to follow condition and caliber.

Best CZ Rifles Ranked: 2026 Product Roundup

CZ 600+ Alpha: Best Overall CZ Rifle (2026)

The CZ 600+ Alpha is the best overall CZ rifle because it pairs a controlled-feed action and an excellent adjustable trigger with the lowest price in the 600+ line. MSRP was $799 at the time of review. Our reviewer tested it in .243 Win. with a 20 inch threaded barrel and a 1:10 twist. It has a 60-degree bolt throw, a detachable box magazine, steel sling studs, and a 14 inch length of pull.

Read our full CZ 600+ Alpha review here.

The trigger adjusts down to an advertised 1.4 pounds, and he measured it at 1 pound 4 ounces at the lowest setting with no take-up. The Remington 80 grain PSP load printed a best three-shot group of 0.82 inch, which opened to 1.3 inches over five shots. He ran 200 rounds through it. The magazine follower stuck twice, and the rifle got muzzle heavy with a suppressor.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .243 Win. (as tested), many others offered
• Barrel: 20 in, 1:10 twist, threaded 5/8×24
• Capacity: 3 to 5 rounds
• Trigger: adjustable to 1.4 lb advertised
• MSRP: $799 at the time of review

Pros

• Excellent adjustable trigger
• Controlled feed action
• Lowest price in the 600+ line

Cons

• Magazine follower stuck twice
• Muzzle heavy with a suppressor
• Safety less intuitive to engage

🛒 Check Current Price for CZ 600+ Alpha on GunsAmerica

CZ 600 Trail: Best Compact CZ Rifle (2026)

The CZ 600 Trail is the best compact CZ rifle because it packs a bolt action into a 27.2 inch package with the stock collapsed. It has a 16.2 inch cold hammer forged barrel threaded 1/2×28, ambidextrous controls, and weighs 6.1 pounds. The .223 Rem. version takes AR-pattern magazines and came with a 10-round Magpul PMAG. MSRP was $1,155 at the time of review in 2022.

Read our full CZ 600 Trail review here.

The four-position trigger adjusts from 1.3 to 3 pounds, and our reviewer left it at 3. With brass-cased Wolf Gold .223 Rem. he shot a 0.72 inch group at 100 yards, and he ran fast drills on clay targets at 50 and 100 yards. He found it easy to tote and fast to the shoulder. Original CZ 600 rifles were recalled in 2022, so check a used one against the recall notice.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .223 Rem. (as tested)
• Barrel: 16.2 in, threaded 1/2×28
• Length: 27.2 in collapsed, 35 in extended
• Weight: 6.1 lb
• MSRP: $1,155 at the time of review (2022)

Pros

• Very compact
• Takes AR magazines
• 0.72 inch group at 100 yards

Cons

• Original 600 rifles were recalled in 2022
• Polarizing looks

🛒 Check Current Price for CZ 600 Trail on GunsAmerica

CZ Bren 2 MS: Best CZ Semi-Auto Rifle (2026)

The CZ Bren 2 MS is the best CZ semi-auto rifle because it combines a short-stroke gas piston, smart controls, and better accuracy than we expected. Our reviewer, a former Special Forces operator, liked the three-position tool-free gas block, the non-reciprocating side charging handle, the 45-degree ambidextrous safety, and the bolt release built into the front of the trigger guard.

Read our full CZ Bren 2 MS review here.

The 5.56 version takes standard STANAG magazines through a removable magwell sleeve. He had heard to expect 1.5 to 2 MOA, but his test rifle printed a 0.75 MOA five-round group. The trigger broke at about 3.5 pounds. See our best AR-15 rifles by price guide if you want to compare it with AR-pattern rifles.

Key Specs

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO (as tested)
• Operation: short-stroke gas piston, 3-position gas block
• Magazine: STANAG compatible
• Trigger: about 3.5 lb
• Accuracy: 0.75 MOA five-round group

Pros

• Better than expected accuracy
• Non-reciprocating side charger
• Excellent ambidextrous controls

Cons

• One-piece lower limits grip swaps
• Pricier than most AR-15s

🛒 Check Current Price for CZ Bren 2 MS on GunsAmerica

CZ 550 American Safari Magnum: Best CZ Dangerous Game Rifle (2026)

The CZ 550 American Safari Magnum is the best CZ dangerous game rifle because its controlled-round-feed action is as rock solid as a Mauser 98. Our test rifle was chambered in .375 H&H with a 25 inch hammer forged barrel, held five in the magazine plus one in the chamber, and weighed 9.4 pounds. MSRP was $1,215 at the time of review in 2017.

Read our full CZ 550 American Safari Magnum review here.

Its single set trigger broke at 2 pounds 4 ounces in standard mode and 11.5 ounces when set. Express sights with flip-up 200 and 300 yard leaves, a blade ejector, and a thick recoil pad round it out. Our reviewer called the .375 H&H the single most useful cartridge ever developed. CZ has since dropped the 550, so shop the used market.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .375 H&H (as tested)
• Barrel: 25 in hammer forged, 1:12 twist
• Capacity: 5+1
• Weight: 9.4 lb
• MSRP: $1,215 at the time of review (2017)

Pros

• Controlled round feed
• Single set trigger
• Express sights

Cons

• Discontinued, used only
• Heavy

🛒 Check Current Price for CZ 550 Safari Magnum on GunsAmerica

CZ 557 Sporter: Best Classic CZ Deer Rifle (2026)

The CZ 557 Sporter is the best classic CZ deer rifle because it shoots far better than its traditional walnut and blue looks suggest. Our test rifle was a .30-06 with a billet-milled receiver, cold hammer forged barrel, American walnut stock, and a four-round fixed magazine. MSRP was $792 at the time of review in 2014.

Read our full CZ 557 review here.

Our reviewer fed it a can of old, tarnished FMJ ammo and still put three rounds under 1 MOA. It fed and ejected without issues, and he liked that the safety lets you work the bolt while it is on. He made an offhand shot at 100 yards less than an inch from his aim point. CZ replaced the 557 with the 600 series, so buy one used.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .30-06 (as tested)
• Action: push feed, billet receiver
• Capacity: 4-round fixed magazine
• Accuracy: under 1 MOA with old surplus FMJ
• MSRP: $792 at the time of review (2014)

Pros

• Sub-MOA with mystery ammo
• Bolt works with safety on
• Handsome walnut

Cons

• Only four rounds
• Discontinued, used only

🛒 Check Current Price for CZ 557 on GunsAmerica

CZ 527 Carbine Rustic: Best Lightweight CZ Carbine (2026)

The CZ 527 Carbine Rustic is the best lightweight CZ carbine because it is a miniature Mauser action that weighs just 5.94 pounds and handles anything up to deer at woods ranges. Our test rifle was chambered in 7.62×39 and fed from a single-column five-round detachable magazine. MSRP was $733 at the time of review in 2018.

Read our full CZ 527 Carbine review here.

The trigger had a little take-up and broke consistently at 4 pounds. Hornady Black printed 1.5 inches at 50 meters. Our reviewer called it a superbly balanced, lightweight, do-the-job gun he could carry all day. We also tested a CZ 527 varmint rifle in .17 Hornet. CZ replaced the 527 with the 600 series.

Key Specs

• Caliber: 7.62×39 (as tested)
• Action: micro Mauser, controlled feed
• Capacity: 5-round detachable
• Weight: 5.94 lb
• MSRP: $733 at the time of review (2018)

Pros

• Very light and handy
• Consistent 4 lb trigger
• Cheap 7.62×39 ammo

Cons

• Modest accuracy
• Discontinued, used only

🛒 Check Current Price for CZ 527 on GunsAmerica

CZ 457 Scout: Best CZ Rifle For Kids (2026)

The CZ 457 Scout is the best CZ rifle for kids because it puts a real 457 action, an adjustable trigger, and a threaded barrel into a youth-sized stock. It has a 16.5 inch cold hammer forged barrel threaded 1/2×28, a 12 inch length of pull, and a beechwood stock. MSRP was $365 at the time of review in 2019.

Read our full CZ 457 Scout review here.

Our reviewer averaged 20 trigger pulls and found them within half an ounce of 3 pounds. The new push-to-fire safety lets you cycle the action with the safety on, and he shot sub-inch groups with every load tested. His one complaint was weight, at 5 pounds for a youth gun. See our best .22 LR rifles and best .17 HMR rifles guides for more rimfires.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Barrel: 16.5 in, threaded 1/2×28
• Length of pull: 12 in
• Trigger: 3 lb, adjustable
• MSRP: $365 at the time of review (2019)

Pros

• Sub-inch groups with every load
• Adjustable trigger
• Grows with the shooter

Cons

• Heavy for a youth gun
• 12 inch pull still long for small kids

🛒 Check Current Price for CZ 457 Scout on GunsAmerica

CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine: Best CZ Pistol Caliber Carbine (2026)

The CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine is the best CZ pistol caliber carbine because it is light, fast, and ran reliably with every kind of 9mm we fed it. It has a 16.2 inch barrel, weighs 6.1 pounds unloaded, and shipped with two translucent 20-round magazines. Our test gun wore the factory SilencerCo false suppressor. MSRP was $1,049 at the time of review in 2016.

Read our full CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine review here.

Our reviewer tested accuracy by how fast a shooter could put a tight group on target standing, and the Scorpion did well. The non-reciprocating charging handle made induced malfunctions easy to clear without coming off the gun. He called it his current favorite. CZ has since updated the line as the Scorpion 3+. See our best 9mm carbines guide for more.

Key Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel: 16.2 in
• Weight: 6.1 lb unloaded
• Magazine: 20-round translucent
• MSRP: $1,049 at the time of review (2016)

Pros

• Reliable with all ammo tested
• Light and fast
• Easy malfunction clearing

Cons

• Older review
• Replaced by the Scorpion 3+

🛒 Check Current Price for CZ Scorpion Carbine on GunsAmerica

Final Thoughts On The Best CZ Rifles Of 2026

The best CZ rifle for most hunters is the 600+ Alpha. It has a controlled-feed action, a trigger that adjusts down to about a pound and a quarter, and the lowest price in the 600+ line. The 600 Trail is the compact pick, the Bren 2 MS is the semi-auto, the 550 Safari Magnum is the dangerous game rifle, the 557 and 527 are the classic used buys, the 457 Scout is for kids, and the Scorpion carbine is the 9mm.

Related reading: see our guides to the best Savage rifles and best precision .22LR rifles.

CZ rifles have a reputation for fit, finish, and accuracy that punches above their price. For more bolt guns, see our best bolt action hunting rifles and best budget hunting rifles guides. Know your target and what is beyond it. Train hard, shoot straight, and stay dangerous. Shop CZ rifles on GunsAmerica.com.