My ruger ranch says .556 Nato on the barrel.
It is certainly a budget rifle and seems heavier than it should be, probably the barrel profile. But it shoot well and comes with a rail.
I'm not a fan of the magazine and would probably prefer the ar mag version, the stock is pretty meh and the bolt makes a fun zipper sound. A cheek riser will likely be necessary as the stock has a very low comb.
If you put it in a new stock it would probably come awfully close to the price of the 527, but don't quote me on that one.
I much prefer my 527, I think my last several posts have all been singing its praises, I'm pretty enamored with it.
An issue that you may encounter with it is the magazine protruding where you may wish to carry it in hand while hunting.
There are open elk and moose here over the counter during deer season so I have been carrying larger rifles so I can't say if this would actually be a problem afield.
It is very handy and light, and seems to have a much better weight distribution than the ruger which is front heavy. For me, it comes to shoulder very naturally.
It is a nice looking well made rifle, I get a big kick out of the miniature mauser action. The magazine feeds well and there is not a bit of plastic on it.
Mine is not scoped, but I have heard the bolt can cause difficulties with scopes and lower rings, it also has a comb that is made for iron sights.
I believe a version without iron sights is made but I'm not sure if the stock is different.
I'd like to try out one of the little howas and see how it holds up to the CZ and the Ruger. I think they come in stainless too, one in 6.5 grendel would round out the mini rifle collection nicely.