The CZ527 is a bolt action carbine with a 5 round detachable mag made in a few calibers, but sized to the smaller cartridges. As such, it weighs around 6.5 pounds and came with iron sights and a wonderfully sweet trigger that can be both set and adjusted. It's a dandy little kicking around rifle that has an heirloom feel. I haven't played with reloading for it but I do have some 150 grain bullets for it.
The plains or desert rifle I was thinking of would be in 308 or 30-06, for the distance.
The plains or desert rifle I was thinking of would be in 308 or 30-06, for the distance.
Exactly, the "trekking", or "walking around rifle" is "location dependent" for sure. Another reason to not over-define it, like a Scout Rifle.
Is the CZ a bolt rifle? If so, one can duplicate .30WCF ballistics with the Rooskie cartridge. Certainly deer, and plenty of people have killed Elk with the thutty-thutty. At close range, a .30-30 or 7.62X39mm with a heavy bullet will penetrate a bear's skull for sure. Just have to remain cool and place the shot. Easy for me to say! And don't forget that the small case makes for great accurate sub-loads for small game.
It's always good to have protection against the two-legged animals, but that is more in the realm of the scout rifle, and I kind of look to the sidearm for that, so I'm good with single shots and even muzzle-loaders. But, never a bad idea.
A little extra weight is good, or okay if there's a reason for it. For me, I like a long gun to be at least lighter than 7.5 pounds, and more in the sub-seven range even better. But that also depends on the size and strength and conditioning of the person. Someone at 220 pounds and six-foot-two or three (and in good shape) will carry more weight than my six foot and 155 pounds, with the same amount of fatigue at the end of the day.