CZ 527 Carbine in 7.62x39... gem or junk?

CanuckShooter

CanuckShooter

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I recently stumbled across a brand new CZ 527 Carbine in 7.62x39 for sale, and was really jazzed about it when I first found it since I know they're discontinued and regretted not buying one when I had the chance. It's chambered in a calibre I can afford to shoot a lot of, handy short carbine, single set trigger, mini-Mauser action everyone raves about, plus I have a collection of CZ rimfires and am a big fan of the brand. However, after reading about how common it is for the stock to crack on the 7.62x39 version, my interest really plummeted. Seems to also be a fair number of people who've had other issues with them as well. I'm curious what you all think, if this is a good find that's worth picking up, or if it will likely be an expensive headache that I'll regret buying. I could pick it up for about $880, and it's brand new in perfect condition.

I've been looking at the 527's as well as the Ruger American Ranch (another very polarizing rifle) in either 7.62x39 or 223 to replace my now prohibited AR. Kind of stuck between the two.

Are there any after market synthetic stocks you can buy for the 527?

Thanks
 
At $880 buy it. If you happen to end up not liking it then sell it used on here and you'll sell it for more then that as it's discontinued. Some of them came in a synthetic stock. I also see bell and Carlson makes stocks for it. I do know of the stock issue with the wood splitting. From what I know it happens rather early on the rifles life. I think they even changed the design to fix this if I remember correctly. So might not even be an issue on your model. Another issue I know of, some rifles had improperly machined extractors. But I think this is a rare one.

Overall the issues with the rifle are like any other rifle that comes in under $1000. Sometimes some minor machining or fit and finish issues. But for the most part they are fantastic guns. Cool caliber, they shoulder really nicely. Have fantastic iron sites,metal magazines and are extremely light and compact for a 30 caliber rifle. It has 100% adjustable set trigger that can go insanely light. You can even adjust the pretravel, break, and over travel of the trigger to make it just the way you like it.

If your comparing them to the Ruger American Ranch. I pick the CZ 527 every single time. The Ruger American is a true budget gun. The CZ 527 is like a budget Mauser with great irons to match. You add on the amazing trigger and it's ability to adjust every single part of the triggers pull. And it beats the Ruger American every single time.

They may have a bit of a break in period, the action isn't as smooth as say a tikka, or a Winchester model 70. But that smooths out with use. It's still better IMO then the Zipper sounding bolt of the Ruger American. But that also will smooth out in time. But that's what break in periods are for.
 
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I’ve had both a Ruger American Ranch and a CZ527.

The CZ527 was a nicer firearm in all categories - nice stock, the bolt was slick, the trigger is amazing, and grade A machining. The Ruger American had a clunky bolt, weird machining, and a hollow plastic stock. Style, quality, and appearance was hands down CZ.

The funny part was the Ruger was an absolute laser beam compared to the CZ. The Ruger would consistently sling 123gr hand loads into under one inch groups at 100 yards. It would also do respectable groups with surplus ammo. Although the CZ was accurate as well, it was no where near as accurate as the Ruger.

With that said - I still have my CZ527. It’s just a nicer rifle all around.

I have never had any issues with my 527.

$880 is a steal for a 527. You won’t be disappointed.
 
BUY IT . The price is great. if for some reason you decide its not for you. getting your money back at that price shouldn't be difficult.
 
Only thing is, the stock cracking issue seems extremely common, and it's hard to sell a rifle with a cracked stock when there are no replacements available.
 
Great little rifle. Far better than the ruger. European quality, excellent trigger and accuracy. I have had one for 8 years, super accurate, no issues with stock. Enjoy!!
 
Buy it. There is a “hack” for the cracking stock in the older models. A little work with a file or Dremel if you are feeling dangerous
 
A little info: CZ 527's have 2 different generations of wood stocks. First generation were prone to splitting. To stop this, they changed the stock by adding a second recoil lug, made of plastic. Those stocks don't suffer the cracking problem. In addition, 527 American stocks can be made to fit carbines with only a tiny amount of woodwork required.
 
CanuckShooter said:
Only thing is, the stock cracking issue seems extremely common, and it's hard to sell a rifle with a cracked stock when there are no replacements available.
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Then don’t buy it, but let us know where the 527 is so one of us can scoop it up.

$880 for a 527 or $850 for a Ruger?

It’s a no brainer.
 
The suppressor ready version is the ultimate 527 if you can find one

Had the Ruger and zastava, didn't keep either when I got the 527
 
I've read speculation on old CZ forums that the stocks were cracking from improperly assembled bolts. It's possible to reassemble it upside down - still allowing it to fire (I presume safely) but having some contact on the stock as a result. That extra pressure eventually causing a crack. The safety lever will not engage if it is reassembled like this.

No clue if that's real or fuddlore. I'm surprised how little information there is on these rifles.

Speaking of, if anyone knows where to buy the 527 front sight hood, let me know.
 
Stickin with the Ruger here.

Much prefer the general layout/custom options to a CZ. Howa mags/bottom plastic is a no-go for me.
 
Joel said:
Stickin with the Ruger here.

Much prefer the general layout/custom options to a CZ. Howa mags/bottom plastic is a no-go for me.
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I have both the RAR and Howa Mini Action, both in 7.62x39. For the RAR I have 5 steel Ruger Mini 30 magazines and for the Howa I have 3 plastic magazines. I see no substantial difference between the steel and plastic mags. The latter, after a while, work smoothly like covered with butter. In contrast, to the metal ones for the RAR, the plastic ones load the rounds with only a minimal force of my finger. Removing the plastic mag from a Howa's magazine well is also buttery smooth. Absolutely, no complaints about the Howa's plastic mags.
Honestly, I value both the RAR and Howa identically. Both are solid 1MOA rifles. I like both of them. Never had a CZ 527, and honestly never had a strong desire to acquire one even when years ago they were priced below $500.
 
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