In a world of tactical ninja rifles rated for an assault on Bin Laden’s compound, complete with Crye Precision Multi-cam optional stocks, it is nice to have something that is just fun once in a while. Who am I kidding? Multi-cam is so 2008. New ninja rifles come in ATACR or Kryptek if they are cool. At any rate, it is nice to have a fun gun sometimes. And maybe one that is more suited to bumping around in your truck and being carried in the field with no concern for its ability to break an L shaped ambush. Well, this week I got my hands on one, and it is a winner. Spending time with the CZ 527 reminded me of hunting with a rimfire when I was a kid, and that alone is worth the price of admission.
The 527 is a workhorse, you aren’t going to find many Instagram pages dedicated to it. It is so unremarkable I can’t even tell you the date it went into production. To me, it seems to capture the spirit I saw in the Czech Republic years ago. It does a job, exceedingly well, with no flash or nonsense. The 527 is all business. It doesn’t have an aftermarket because it doesn’t need an aftermarket. You aren’t going to repurpose this gun to win at F-class. It will never make the cover of SWAT magazine. What job does this rifle do? It is everything you need in a lightweight hunting rifle, capable of killing anything up to deer size, and nothing you don’t. And in the modern marketplace, that really makes it stand out.
The action is a miniaturized Mauser action, something CZ does exceedingly well. There are a lot of Mauser’s in a huge variety of calibers floating the Earth, and last I heard they tend to work. The “micro action” is based on a 223 length, though it is available in several calibers. My test sample of the CZ 527 Carbine Rustic is chambered in 7.62×39, and also available in 223. The bolt runs smoothly, with a solid lock up at the end. The trigger has a small bit of take-up but broke consistently at 4 pounds. The stock is a beautifully aged beech wood with a straight comb. For care and feeding, the 527 takes a single column 5 round detachable magazine. The 527 Carbine is intended to be a brush gun and comes equipped with fixed sights. It has been many moons since I saw a gun with fixed sights, but I liked them. The front sight has a protective hood around the sight post and a small gold bead on top. The rear is a way overbuilt chunk of iron with a suitable notch cut in. Front and rear sling swivels round out the package.
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The 527 is a very simple gun, and that may cause many people to overlook it. In my opinion, that would be a mistake. I was at first unsure how to do this review. I have been spoiled by years of 1/1000th MOA uber magnum rifles, taking advantage of the space we have out West. But walking around in the sagebrush plinking at random gophers, it dawned on me why you would want this. Same reason I want this. It is a superbly balanced, lightweight, do the job gun.
How was my accuracy? 1.5 inches at 50 meters with Hornady Black. But do I care if my average target is 5 inches at 50 meters? Hog hunters will care even less. Sporting just a 5 round magazine, I can carry this thing all day, over any terrain. 7.62×39 recoil is mild out of this platform, meaning I can also shoot it all day if I like. Not to mention it is cheap to feed. If you do a lot more shooting with your gun than putting pictures of it on the internet, this one was built for you. At an MSRP of $733 , it isn’t going to break the bank either.
Specs
- Product Name: CZ 527 Carbine, 7.62X39
- Firearm Type: Rifle
- Purpose: Hunting
- MSRP: $733.00
- Chambering: 62×39
- Rate Of Twist: 1:9.5 in
- Magazine Capacity: 5
- Magazine Type: Detachable
- Stock: Turkish Walnut, Carbine-Style
- Length Of Pull: 46 in
- Sights: Fixed, Integrated 16mm Scope Bases
- Barrel: Cold Hammer Forged
- Barrel Length: 5 in
- Overall Length: 4 in
- Weight: 5.94 lbs
- Trigger Mech: Single Set Trigger
- Safety: Two-Position
For more information visit CZ by clicking here.
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Nice article for what sounds like a great gun. I have long wished for a bolt gun in 7.62×39. Also, I’m on old geezer who still craves wood and blued steel on a gun. Plastic generally offends me. Only one thing though. When you wrote; “At an MSRP of $733 , it isn’t going to break the bank either.” you broke my heart! Your “bank” is much deeper than mine! At $700 that rifle is about $300+ out of my reach.
These can be had as low as $535 for the rustic wood stock or $480 for the plastic stocked version.
It’s says to me”let’s go for a nice walk in the forest” maybe you get meat maybe not.but the memories are priceless
love the 527. have one currently and will be buying more. all the ones i’ve shot are very accurate. mine in 7.62×39 is fed federal fusion ammo, wonderful combo.
Great little rifles. I have had one for 2 years and it is fun and cheap to shoot and takes down deer no problems.
Reminds me of a Japanese Arisaka converted to that same ammo by unknown origins and used by a member of the Viet-Cong that a soldier brought home. Too bad I didn’t get the Montagnard crossbow in the deal too, but it was very fun to shoot! The only thing I can figure is the shop that made it used Browning machinegun barrels with the chambers reamed for 7.62x39mm. It was too interesting to resist for me, but my buddy liked it even better so I ended up trading it to him. I can’t remember the accuracy, but it was better than any AK I’d fired with the exception of the Valmet M62 that I used for wild dog hunting.
Forgotten Weapons says these were Chinese conversions, usually using SKS barrels, but this one had what looked like US markings and definitely wasn’t SKS. I just have to assume they used something the US and Japan left behind in WW2 – it was definitely an Arisaka Type 38 action and rear stock woodwork.
I’d really like to have a mag fed bolt action carbine, but if it can’t take STANAG or regular AK mags, I’m just not interested. I think it would make a great SHTF bug out gun.
I enjoyed reading that.
I purchased one of these carbines in 5.56/.223 this year and absolutely love it. When I pick it up; it shoulders perfect for me. It is lightweight and very accurate. CZ says it is made to shoot even the cheapest steel cased ammo. I have shot at least 9 different loads/brands and they all have worked well.
Living in the Adk foothills all my life. I raised a daughter who now is 36 years old. I made sure she had a great pair of hunting/cold weather boots and a fine rifle, The rifle a CZ 527 in the 7.62×39. It will take down any varmint or antlered critter in these parts. Cheap to shoot and easy on her shoulder. Best rifle purchase out there. Price point a little high,but WELL worth the investment.
I bought a 527 in .223 a number of years ago at a hole in the wall gun show in northern NM, NIB for $200. Although I have yet to expend a lot of time and effort with it, it still seems to shoot around 1 MOA at 100 yards. One of the main reasons I jumped on it was for the sights. Have been looking for another in 7.62×39 for some time now but have yet to find anything besides well used ones, priced at above new retail. Perhaps I missed it, but I did not see what extra mags are priced at these days . . .
I owned both CZ-527 and the Ruger in 7.62×39. Both rifles are nice and accurate upto 100 yards. The Ruger has more options such as magazine, stocks, and a threaded barrel, but no backup iron sights. CZ-527 fit and finish is much nicer than the Ruger, and it has back up iron sights, but no threaded. The CZ-527 is on average $200 to $300 more expensive than the Ruger. At a 100 years with Hornady Black, the CZ-527 is approximately 1.5 MOA and the Ruger is less than 1 MOA, at approximately $30 a box of ammo. Now the funny thing is that with cheap surplus steel Wolf ammo, same bullet weight as the Hornady Black, the CZ-527 hits approximately 1 MOA and the Ruger 1.5 to 2 MOA at 100 yards, at approximately $8 a box. Yes I know all about the different chamber of both rifles 308 vs. 311. In the long run I feel the CZ-527 is a better deal to own. It is a well made, and beautiful rifle that can be past down and maintain it’s value, unlike the Ruger and even the Howa in 7.62×39. The accuracy issue of both rifles, and the Howa-friend owns one, is not the rifles, but, as I feel, is the poor bullet coefficient of the 7.62×39 commercially. The CZ-527 for me is a well balanced, great reliable action, and the Turkish Walnut has not cracked on me yet after 2 years of survice. I have since trained my Ruger for a CZ – 457 in 6.5×55.
As it worked out, I did end up using a 527 action for NRA Prone Mid-Range competition. 30″ barrel, .223 chambering, 7″ twist, super long throat to accommodate Sierra 90gr. MK bullets. As we single load only there is no concern over OAL. Bedded in a Boyds Varmint stock with all the adjustable hardware and 1.5″ of bedding under the barrel shank to give the action threads some help. Re-worked the trigger down to 1.25 Ibs. un-set. It fills the X-ring at 600 yds. when I am up to it with a coat and sling.
Was it the best action for competition? Most would say no but it was what I had laying around and has worked out very well for me! Everyone else at a match shakes their head until I finish shooting.
My decision on a 7.62 x 39 bolt rifle was between between the 527 Carbine and Ruger American Ranch.
With its >$200 lower price, higher capacity magazine options and fantastic reviews for accuracy, the Ruger was tough to beat but lack of iron sights was a negative I had trouble overcoming.
When a 527 with the walnut stock appeared recently for under$600, it was game over. Only one trip to the range so far but definitely a sweet shooter I’m going to enjoy.
Also, there’s just something inherently classic about the CZ design, finely finished wood and blued steel that gives this rifle an heirloom quality.
I own a 527 in x39. There is no comparing this to a modern production plastic stocked $300 rifle. While i am constantly amazed by production capabilities of our time, all I can say is that this rifle OOZES quality. Everyone who holds or fires it loves it. Yes a Ruger American will be as accurate for 1/2 price, but it’s like saying a Kia is as good as a Acura at half the price. In the most practical terms, absolutely. Sitting in the seat and driving tells nearly anyone different story. Also down the road…. resale and desire for a higher quality rifle will remain stronger. Also, I second the steel ammo comment. Euro spec chamber so Russian ammo will perform better. Extremely accurate rifle in my experience.
It occurred to me the reason CZ is going with this new beechwood stock. All the walnut stock on the 7.62 version crack by the screw on top of pistol grip. Mine did and a shit load of other peoples did. Check YouTube. Cz knows the design coupled with the 7.62 just keeps cracking their stocks. Hence, the beechwood- which is much hardier. They make good on the issue, but it’s a fkn pain to mail to them and all that other BS. So, if you’re getting the 527 in 7.62, hold out for the beechwood.
I own the Turkish walnut version in 7.62 for about 5 years. These can be scored for $600 – $650. Definitely shoots Russian steel better than quality brass. Chambered for 311 casings, not .308. Go for shit Russian on this rifle. The Ruger American is a good alternative but no iron sights. That’s a Ruger mistake. This is a fine rifle that I love. If you’re on the fence, get off, and buy this 527 in 7.62. Forget the 223. Great looking piece too.
The $733. MSRP seems a little high for this very plain, ordinary bolt action rifle. Also, the stock appears to be straight grained beech wood as described in the text of the article and not “Turkish Walnut” as listed in the Specs. But, the Specs are obviously wrong as they list: “Chambering: 62×39”, “Length Of Pull: 46 in”, “Barrel Length: 5 in” and “Overall Length: 4 in”. We know the caliber is actually 7.62×39, and looking at the CZ-USA website I think the correct LOP is 13.46 in., the barrel length is 18.5 in. and the overall length is 37.4 in. It appears that some digits were omitted in the specs. I like the hooded front sight, but the notch rear sight, forward of the action, while certainly simple and rugged, isn’t very effective. A much better rear sight would be an aperture, either adjustable or fixed, at the rear of the action.
A set trigger, polished bluing, detachable magazine, and hooded iron sights aren’t “very plain, ordinary” features. If you want a cheap plastic deer-shooter, there’s plenty available.
I was contemplating this in.223 until I came across the Thompson Center Compass 5.56/.223, post recall. I found one for $299.99, no CC fees, free shipping. I couldn’t pass it up. I also got a $75.00 debit card back from Smith-Wesson when I bought it. I have yet to try it out, but am confident it will do what I need. I am a budget conscious guy now that I am retired. Would love to have one of these for the coming civil war…haha
I’m kinda partial to CZ. My first semi auto pistol was a CZ 75, my wife got a CZ 75 compact for Christmas and I finally found a CZ 82 chambered in 9×18 Makarov. I also own two CZ 527’s, one in 7.62×39 and one in .222 (not a typo).
I also own a Howa Mini Action chambered in 7.62×39. Comparting apples to apples the Howa is far more accurate than the CZ. Both are great rifles, but what would you rather see, a nice clover leaf at 100 yards or kinda in the zone at 100 yards?
Excellent rifle that doesn’t show caving to so much of the lower quality production techniques that are being marketed currently. I really wish more rifles were made like this with nice wood, polished and blued metal. My 527 in 7.62×39 is accurate, reliable and balances like a cobra. I’m picking up the youth model 527 for my son when he turns 11. It’s nice to know that we still have an option to pass on quality to our next generation in lieu of the all plastic “fat bolt” guns with no soul.
I like the reviews on bolt action rifles and revolvers, I have little interest in the Black Rifles or Pistols with high capacity mags. I am a fan of highly accurate rifles which bolts action rifles are known for. I reload and develop loads for accuracy for every rifle I purchase which is my passion. Just saying that I would like to see more reviews like this covering all the price ranges.
Ive had CZ 527 carbine with a walnut stock for about 15 years and shot everything from armadillos to deer, and pretty much everything in between. I even shot a nice buck with a Barnes X bullet reload I made up and actually recovered the perfectly expended solid copper bullet. For me ive always loved the simplicity of the Mauser action and the way those old rifles were built. This gun absolutely nails that simplicity and reliability. The set trigger is a wonderful thing too and mine shoots a lot more accurately than I am capable of. This is one of those guns that you can use for years then leave to your son or daughter when you leave this world and they in turn will pass it on to their children. For the money you cannot beat the value. What more can you ask of ANY gun.
Did the proofreader forget to check the specs list? Or was someone playing a delayed April Fool’s joke?
LOP 46″
Barrel length 5″
Weight 94 lbs
Overall length: 4 in. Lol
I was going to replace my 9mm concealed carry piece with one (or 2)
I have a cz 527 in .204 ruger,european walnut stock.its a fine rifle for varmit shooting.and with decent optics it shoots those tight little clover leafs at 300+ yards.ive owned it a year and many coyotes has had their lites shut off with my 527.
I load for it and it likes 39 grain pills pushed with cfe 223.feeds nice,never a problem. It replaced an early ruger american that never was right.ruger was returned to ruger 2 times.last ruger american for me.
I like the simplicity ,lack of read manual before using n all that safety billboard stuff.really nice finish on wood ,very deepblueing no machine marks. I like the rate of twist on it ,thats more important than all that safety writi g.if it needs that maybe you dont need to use a firearm.
The double set trigger is a nice feature too.i got mine set light on the push foreward setting and about 4 pounds regular trigger.
Scoped mine with a Leupold VX 6 2×7 illuminated reticle. Getting 1/2″ groups at 100yds with Silver Bear and Hornady steel match. The chamber was designed to handle steel case. This is a very capable little carbine that was scarcewhen I was looking for one. Well worth the eait , though.
My Century Arms 60’s Sporter 7.62×39 shoots better than 1.5″ at 50 M with iron sights so does my Bushmaster 5.56 and my other 5.56 with a Double Star stock upper also shoot about the same, I would expect much better with a bolt gun, heck my Remington 50th Anniversary 700 in 7mm mag shoots 1.5″ at 300 yds with Remington Factory Premier Accutip and it’s had many rounds from the bench and hunted antlered animals all over the western states. 1.5″ at 50 Meters in my mind is nothing to be proud of for a gun that costs over $500.00, my sons Savage .270 @ appx $ 400.00 shoots under .75″ at 100yds out of the box with Winchester Silver Tips.
Forgot to mention the set trigger…but I like the Ruger American in that caliber more. The Ruger’s accuracy is amazing.