Which compact "carbine" would you choose?

[PT1911]

I have the CZ 527 Varmint in .223 and LOVE that gun... but I am looking at the possibility of getting a "stalking gun" in the form of a lightweight carbine... I pretty much have it narrowed down to two rifles each in its own caliber.

CZ 527 carbine in 7.62x39.
Ruger 77 hawkeye compact in 6.8 spc.

 

[PT1911]

the cz seems like an intriguing possibility and I love the triggers on the 527s in both the regular and set mode.... in 7.62x39 it seems like a promising deer gun.

I like the look and feel of the Hawkeye as well and the 6.8 spc seems like a very good performer on medium sized game overall.

Yes I have a 30-30 and a 45 colt (both levers of course.) This makes me lean a bit more toward the ruger as it extends the range without a much of a change in recoil or (SADLY) price of ammunition.

 

[cowpoke]

The Ruger. Because it is a fine U.S. Made rifle. And the 6.8mm makes a good deer round.

 

[xanderzuk]

Typically I support the buy American position the member above posted, however my patriotic feelings evaporate alongside Ruger's quality. While I think their rifle's are nicer than their pistols, I still believe their quality is mid-grade at best.

I believe that CZ produces very high quality products, at an excellent price, and it would be damn near impossible to argue with their accuracy.

I vote CZ.

 

[rangerruck]

Have you ever shot with a single set trigger- one that can be changed with a small screwdriver, from the outside, without taking apart anything?
If you have not, then you don't know what you are missing.
CZ is the way , the truth, ... you get the rest. Also, if you randomly pulled 10 cz rifles, and 10 ruger rifles, and did an accuracy test 1 for 1, the CZ'S will win every time...

 

[Walkalong]

I have been lusting for a CZ Carbine in 7.62X39, so that is how I voted.

 

[FSJeeper]

I have the CZ in 7.62 x 39. I love it. Before you buy, make sure you handle both of them. IMO, the Ruger is not in the same class of rifle. Plus with the CZ, you get old world craftsmanship and a mini masuer controlled round feed action.

 

[PT1911]

Have you ever shot with a single set trigger- one that can be changed with a small screwdriver, from the outside, without taking apart anything?
If you have not, then you don't know what you are missing.
CZ is the way , the truth, ... you get the rest. Also, if you randomly pulled 10 cz rifles, and 10 ruger rifles, and did an accuracy test 1 for 1, the CZ'S will win every time...

I have the 527 varmint in 223... the trigger is NICE... and it is well capable of .5 inch groups at 100 yds with factory PMC ammo....

 

[ArmedBear]

Similar weight, both CRF.

The CZ has a longer barrel, and AFAIK the 6.8's already-anemic performance suffers more with the really short barrel on the Ruger, than the 7.62x39 does with the CZ's barrel.

The CZ comes with irons, the Ruger doesn't.

The Mini Mauser action is neat, with one MAJOR caveat. It requires high scope rings, on a stock designed for irons. Not a good thing -- if you want a scope.

That's my conclusion: if you want to use iron sights, the CZ. If you want to use a scope, neither of the two choices.

 

[oldfool]

is it allowed to vote for both/any/all ????

 

[PT1911]

The CZ has a longer barrel, and AFAIK the 6.8's already-anemic performance suffers more with the really short barrel on the Ruger, than the 7.62x39 does with the CZ's barrel.

The CZ comes with irons, the Ruger doesn't.

The Mini Mauser action is neat, with one MAJOR caveat. It requires high scope rings, on a stock designed for irons. Not a good thing -- if you want a scope.

That's my conclusion: if you want to use iron sights, the CZ. If you want to use a scope, neither of the two choices.

Damn Armedbear, I shoulda brought my umbrella!!!! You totally just rained on my parade!!!

 

[black_powder_Rob]

Have you seen the Ruger77/44 that looks interesting.

 

[R.W.Dale]

I have a serious soft spot for both rifles. But to me the ruger using a full sized action makes the lil CZ a natural choice

 

[PT1911]

the 77/44 is an interesting one as well... It is one I may have to hunt down once I have made this decision.

 

[desidog]

Alternative option: FR-8 in .308? and go buy some more ammo with remaining wampum...

 

[chaseguitar]

I voted CZ...I have one...it shoots pretty well...trigger is super...With just a little work you can mount lower rings on the rifle...I did the bolt mod myslef and I'm no gunsmith...I can't remember if I mounted low or medium rings...at any rate its a fine rifle...I use it mostly to get ready for deer season and shoot something besides a .22...Although I did shoot a doe with it last year...performed as you would expect....

 

[chaseguitar]

BTW I also don't thing that the Ruger is a bad rifle...I had a Ruger M77 Compact in 243 that was as good a rifle as I think I've had...I traded it for a new full size Hawkeye in 257 Roberts that may be a better rifle yet...So I don't think you'd go wrong with either....

 

[Wanta B]

I personaly have had LOTs of luck with Rugers but many need some finishing to be smooth.

I only have one CZ and its a .416 Rigby...Needed some action smoothing too.

If the little CZ does have a smaller reciever than the Ruger...I know it has iron sights,well I would go for that one.

I beleive Ruger is making a 7.62x39 again but...

7.62x39 ammoe is plentiful and cheap...

CZ and tellus how you like it!

 

[Dr.Rob]

To me the CZ wins hands down.

 

[ThomasT]

Its not on your short list but one of the older Remington model 7s with either the 18" or 20" barrel will do the same thing as the guns on your list. I have both, the 18" has a walnut stock and the 20" has a laminated stock. Both have open sights, are lightweight and both will shoot around 1" groups at a hundred yards. Both are in 7-08 which is a very good round. I think its as good as the 260 and far better that the 7x39 round.

Of the two you listed I would like the CZ best if it wasn't for the single stack mag that hangs below the stock. Plus while everyone makes such a stink about mini-14 mags costing $30 bucks the CZ 5 round mags cost just as much. Heck their 22 mags are 30 bucks. I guess in the end I would pick the Ruger.

 

[MJR007]

CZ, would get my money.

 

[19-3Ben]

I have been lusting for a CZ Carbine in 7.62X39, so that is how I voted.

+1.

I almost always go for Rugers. There is something wonderful about them. But in this very rare case, I'm going to vote for the CZ.

Although the M77 Hawkeye in 7.62x39 tempts me as well. But not like the CZ. I think the CZ is a notch up.

 

[52grain]

Model Seven in .260.

 

[Shadow Man]

Can't really go wrong with CZ.

 

[PT1911]

I am pretty surprised with the majority here... doesnt even seem to be close... looks like there will be a new CZ making its home in my safe at some point this year.