Do You Own a 527 FS in .223?

[DougD]

I've been trying to find one of these for some time now. There is something very satisfying about the simplicity of a bolt action rifle with iron sights. There's also something in me that really likes those full-length mannlicher stocks. Makes me think of hunting stag in the Bavarian Alps and for some reason it really appeals to me. I'd like to have the power and reach of the .223 for coyotes or hogs and that's where the CZ 527 FS comes in.

My own internet search has yielded nothing but my dealer finally located one. He said that only 2 out of 7 distributors even listed them any longer but they couldn't get them. He had to call a sales rep at CZ-USA who said they haven't imported any for a long time. Whatever is "out there" is all there is for now. They finally located one and are having it shipped to my dealer. He made it sound like I may have found the very last new one available in the U.S. Gave me a good price though.

I have read some reviews and done lots of internet searches but I would like to hear from some actual owners out there:

1. Are there any "quirks" or specific issues I should be prepared for?
2. Are there any "quirks" or specific issues I should be prepared for?
3. What kind of accuracy have you experienced with your 527 FS? (I'll be shooting THIS AMMO)
4. Are there any modifications recommended for best performance?
5. What is your overall impression and/or opinion of this rifle?
6. Is there any reason I should NOT buy this rifle?

I'm a big fan of CZ firearms and deeply regret letting a 550 American go a few years ago. Any help or information you can offer about the CZ 527 FS is appreciated.

 

[B.A.M.F]

My brother has the 527 lux. It's a good little hunting gun for coyotes and small game, I wouldn't know about hogs cause I have never hunted them. The only problem with the lux and fs models is the stock which is made for shooting the irons and isn't the best for scopes. Also the way the bolt is made is you have to use higher than normal rings, for ex. he has a leupold ultralight 2-7x and that is set in medium rings.

 

[DougD]

The only problem with the lux and fs models is the stock which is made for shooting the irons and isn't the best for scopes.

Yeah that shows pretty quick when looking at that European slope to the comb. It's fine by me though because I'm looking for a dedicated iron sight rifle.

 

[chris in va]

I've had a x39 carbine for about 3 years.

For a while the bolt was quite balky and somewhat rough in action. Over time the metals wore down enough to smooth things out. One example is the spot just under the bolt handle where it goes over the ramp (for lack of a better term).

I had a mag feeding problem, CZ sent out two new mags. Still the same issue. Turns out the mag catch slot has burrs inside the mag that would hang the rim of the round, causing them to hit a 45 degree angle. Works fine now.

Mine had trouble popping Wolf primers, CZ sent a new firing pin spring. Seems to have helped a lot.

Otherwise I love the thing!

 

[Jonty]

Those mannlicher stocks have trouble in humid climates - they expand and contract, placing stress on the barrel causing zero to shift

 

[stubbicatt]

I have the LUX model. It has no issues with the scope at all, but then I took it to Hickman Rifles and for a right reasonable price they milled the bolt handle so that it clears the scope, and reblued it.

Admittedly I have a strange torso and long neck and such, but the rifle with the drop comb stock works really well for me with the scope. I have hunted coyote, prairie dog, and other critters now for 5 or 6 years with it and have been wholly satisfied with its performance. It is a real tack driver. Here are some photos.

I think you will love your rifle. I know I certainly do. The barrel has lasted much longer than I would have thought it should, I guess it is that hammer forging or something.

 

[DougD]

Those mannlicher stocks have trouble in humid climates - they expand and contract, placing stress on the barrel causing zero to shift

I know that's a real concern for any wood stock and especially a full-length mannlicher stock. I guess the question is: How much of a POI shift will be seen at 100 yards? My maximum range for this rifle will be approximately 150 yards. If the stock causes a POI shift of an inch or two, it's not that big a deal. If it's three, four or more inches, that would be a problem.

Any thoughts?

 

[ROAshooter]

I have the 527FS in 223...and could not be more pleased. Here in Oklahoma, we have some humidity changes...but I have not experinced any change in poi. My rifle is scarey accurate.....no doubt the set trigger helps it be so. Only issue I have experinced..are some sharp edges on the inside of the magazine lips...would leave deep scars in the brass.....and make feeding a bit of a drag. A touch of an emery cloth wrapped around a small dowel rod cured that issue....now mine is very smooth feeding! Good luck finding one.....will be a keeper!
Oh by the way....since I got my 527FS.....I added a 452FS

 

[alemonkey]

I love the look of a full stocked gun, but I've also always wondered what effect it would have on accuracy. My guess is for hunting purposes it would be fine.

Rifles don't get much more handsome than that, although the external mag does detract from the lines a little bit. Make sure you post pics when you get it!

 

[hinton03]

I have had two full length stocks, one on a Sako and one on the Rem Model 7 (shown) and had no problems with POI change, of course the laminate on the Model 7 helps.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

hinton, what are your two FL stock rifles chambered in?

Doug D:

Is there any reason I should NOT buy this rifle?

Only thing I can think of, other than the mentioned low stock (not as good for scope use), is

--Detachable mag - something else to lose in the field - unnecessarily complicated. I don't like D.M.s on turnbolts myself, if I have my druthers.
--There have been reports on the net of some 527s not feeding from the mag correctly. Dunno if true or not (hearsay).

I personally wouldn't worry about POI shift unless it's *really* humid where you live.

Overall, I have great love for CZ rifles in general, particularly 452s and 550s. The rifle should be very very accurate, as CZs tend to be.

 

[woof]

I've known a lot of people with CZ 452FS and I've never heard any of them say anything about problems with humidity and accuracy. The one I crave is a Ruger Model One, stainless full stock 18.5 barrel in 7-08.

 

[hinton03]

The Sako was chambered in 308 but I had a case of the dumb ass and traded it in the late 80's. I still have the Model 7 chambered in 223.