Need a new .223

[The Friendly Ghost]

I recently shot a .223 Tikka and was very impressed. That gun was just a little too ugly for my taste. I am looking at the CZ 527 Varmint with the HS Precision Kevlar Stock, a Savage Predator Hunter, and a Savage Precision Carbine. I already have an AR with a couple uppers, but want something less bulky and a little more simple. I am a stickler for accuracy, so sub-moa is a must. Any experience or advice on the pick?

 

[Kachok]

Tikka all the way. Absolutly stupid accurate with every load I have put through it. It is really easy developing handloads because it is hard to find any load that is not SUB-MOA in my T3 6.5x55 the absolute worst group I have ever had is about 1.25" @100yd and the one flyer was my fault. Tikka also has the best trigger anywhere, an action so smooth that you have to look to know if it is chambering a round, and the egronomics are on par with the X-Bolt, what more could you ever ask for? If the plain jane T3 is not good looking to you check out their walnut Hunter version, it is really sharp.

 

[Rancho Relaxo]

I have two CZ 527 .223s, one is a Varmint Laminate, the other an American model. Both are super accurate, the Varmint is terrific for farther out shots while I love the American for coyotes and as a walk around ground squirrel/jackrabbit rifle. Triggers are great, metal work excellent. Savage rifles are probably a tiny bit more accurate, but I can't get over the look of the action/bolt.

 

[Kachok]

I have owned 4 Savages now and while they were all good shooters I have the same naging problem with all of them, surface rust. Yeah you can brush it off but I hate having to deal with it after every trip. My tikka has never had a spot on it, sure it costs a tad more, totaly worth it. I cannot comment on the CZ never owned one, but if I ever find a good deal on a 550 American in 6.5x55 I will snatch it up so quick it will make your head spin. Love their hardwood.

 

[armoredman]

Less bulky? CZ 527M carbine, comes with irons sights, too. Great little light rifle.

 

[Water-Man]

Tikka also has a 8" twist and a 2-4 lb. adjustable trigger.

 

[The Friendly Ghost]

Thanks for the feedback, I'll be puttting a scope on it. The Tikka was a pleasure to shoot, but I cant get over the look of it. This will likely spend some time in the truck, so I'll need synthetic. From the looks of it, the Stock and the trigger will make the difference. The precision carbine has the accustock, the other savage doesn't (but the paint job sure is sweet). Both savages have accutriggers, but cz has the set trigger, I like 'em light so either one works, as long as it is less than two pounds.

 

[stubbicatt]

The Savage has 2 standard action lengths and sizes, one for the 30-06 family of cartridges the other for 308 family. The 308 action is used for their 223 family also. There is a whole lot of metal in that action. It is quite robust. This also makes it (comparatively) heavy when hefted next to the CZ527.

I like both rifles. I prefer the CZ527 due to its light weight and easy portability. The Savage presents an added benefit that if you should wish to do so, you can purchase a barrel in a different chambering and a bolt head if necessary, and change calibers within your action length family. At the prices they are selling these days, one might rather just get a second rifle, but this is an option for some.

Good luck in your choice.

 

[The Friendly Ghost]

I've pretty much gotten rid of the predator hunter as an option, the stock isn't there and the paint job is really the only allure to the gun over the savage carbine. The HS precision stock vs. the Accustock? Any experience with either? The accuracy is my main concern. I do find the savage action to look a little better than the Mini-Mauser. I did read that the CZ Bolt Handle Can be difficult to operate with a scope. Any body know which trigger may be better for both bench and hunting.

 

[JDGray]

I'm very impressed with my Rem 700 LTR. Averages .5moa with my handloads, best group in the 2s, most in the 3s & 4s. Worst during load development was a hair over an inch. All groups 5 shots at 100yrds.
http://www.remingtonle.com/rifles/700pltr.htm

 

[The Friendly Ghost]

I Like that gun, Trigger is a little tough, I know I can get it adjusted but i want to branch out, Already have a 700 with a HS precision stock and a Douglas bbl. in 300 RSAUM. I'll Check it out though thanks for the heads up

 

[nastynatesfish]

You want something to drag around with you I'd go stevens. Its still just a preaccutrigger savage 10 with a cheap stock. I just orderd one from budsguns for 319. I've already got another stock ordered and I'm gonna put a 24" .750 muzzeled barrel on it sonner than later. All that and your still under 700 for a custom savage.

 

[The Friendly Ghost]

From what I've read all over the web, this is a tough choice. CZ Kevlar Varmint vs. Savage Precision Carbine. The CZ is about $150 more than the savage. Both have great triggers. Both have great accuracy. Similar weight, similar length. Both have detachable magazines. It's coming down to the stock and looks.

 

[armoredman]

I have a scope on my CZ, don't have any diffculty with the bolt handle.

 

[ole farmerbuck]

I have a Stevens 200 and like it except for loading it. Hard to push those little 223's in the magazine. Savage is a lot easier.

 

[The Friendly Ghost]

Bought the CZ, Savage was out of stock, made it an easy decision. Putting a Bushnell 4200 6-24x50mm withe mildot, turrets, and side focus. I'll be sure to report on the shooting.

 

[ole farmerbuck]

I have 2 Nikon Monarch 6x24x50's. I started out using them on high power but am now using 12 power with them. Seem to have better accuracy that way for some reason.

 

[nipprdog]

I have owned 4 Savages now and while they were all good shooters I have the same naging problem with all of them, surface rust.

That's a new one.

 

[The Friendly Ghost]

The CZ is incredible. The trigger is the best i have ever used, set or otherwise, took all the creep out with a simple DIY adjustment. acurracy is superb. 1/2 MOA with most ammo. .1" center to center with cor-bon 50 grain Varmint Grenades.

 

[flashhole]

Kimber makes a nice rig, this is my Longmaster Classic in 223.

 

[The Friendly Ghost]

Getting some hand loads worked up for the CZ. tried one batch, got the groups down to 5 shot successive .2" center to center, working on same hole.

 

[jhansman]

As a range gun, I can recommend the Howa 1500 Varminter Supreme. With handmade ammo, extremely accurate. It is, however, a beast to lug around (10+ lbs.) and I would not take it into the field. Perhaps the back of a truck, but not on a sling.

 

[OKcarburetor]

Any of the .223 varmint guns are going to be very accurate. The choice really isn't going to be which one is more accurate, but which rifle has the features you want. This includes which one looks the nicest to you. For me Ruger, CZ, Kimber, and Winchester(CRF only) are all good choices.

 

[ole farmerbuck]

Any of the .223 varmint guns are going to be very accurate. The choice really isn't going to be which one is more accurate, but which rifle has the features you want. This includes which one looks the nicest to you. For me Ruger, CZ, Kimber, and Winchester(CRF only) are all good choices.

I couldnt agree more.

 

[flashhole]

I think it's a horse race between Savage and CZ with regards to value. I've never seen a CZ that wasn't a shooter and that single set trigger is a marvel unto itself.