Cz 600 American vs Ruger American 7.62x39 thoughts?

I can’t imagine they would be permitted to sell a recalled item… likely anything on the shelves now is good.
I'm not so sure. As I mentioned before, I wanted to buy the CZ Alpha 7.62x39 from Tenda. I knew about the recall and last week I sent a question to Tenda if their CZ 600 Alpha's were fixed by CZ and were safe to shoot. No response from Tenda until today.
In general, after doing some research on the CZ 600 family I personally think that they have too many novelties as for my taste. The CZ 600 were designed to have easily interchangeable barrels in various calibers. To allow that the barrel is fixed by two or three Torx screws and nothing else. Furthermore, the bolt locks into the barrel rather than into the receiver. In this configuration, CZ says that the receiver is not under a high pressure and therefore, is made from aluminum alloy. CZ claims that (quote): "CZ 600 series receivers have a guaranteed service life of 20,000 rounds for all calibers". I'm not sure if that claim is valid or not. To make the whole affair more confusing, this guy here:
, says that the recall was a mistake. Apparently, at the factory testing, the Torx screws were not sufficiently tight and when the tester used an overpressure round, the barrel went forward and the unlocked bolt flew away towards the tester injuring him. According to him, if the Torx screws are tight, there is no problem. Really?
Since then CZ implemented a "voluntary" recall. They do not allow anymore interchanging the barrels and apply some permanent seal (red loctite?) to the barrel Torx screws. So, the major selling point about the barrel interchangeability by the owners does not exist, anymore. The barrel can only be changed at the CZ factory. The most important question is whether or not all the CZ 600 rifles being sold in Canada have permanently fixed Torx screws on the barrel and they are really safe?
 
I'm not so sure. As I mentioned before, I wanted to buy the CZ Alpha 7.62x39 from Tenda. I knew about the recall and last week I sent a question to Tenda if their CZ 600 Alpha's were fixed by CZ and were safe to shoot. No response from Tenda until today.
In general, after doing some research on the CZ 600 family I personally think that they have too many novelties as for my taste. The CZ 600 were designed to have easily interchangeable barrels in various calibers. To allow that the barrel is fixed by two or three Torx screws and nothing else. Furthermore, the bolt locks into the barrel rather than into the receiver. In this configuration, CZ says that the receiver is not under a high pressure and therefore, is made from aluminum alloy. CZ claims that (quote): "CZ 600 series receivers have a guaranteed service life of 20,000 rounds for all calibers". I'm not sure if that claim is valid or not. To make the whole affair more confusing, this guy here:
, says that the recall was a mistake. Apparently, at the factory testing, the Torx screws were not sufficiently tight and when the tester used an overpressure round, the barrel went forward and the unlocked bolt flew away towards the tester injuring him. According to him, if the Torx screws are tight, there is no problem. Really?
Since then CZ implemented a "voluntary" recall. They do not allow anymore interchanging the barrels and apply some permanent seal (red loctite?) to the barrel Torx screws. So, the major selling point about the barrel interchangeability by the owners does not exist, anymore. The barrel can only be changed at the CZ factory. The most important question is whether or not all the CZ 600 rifles being sold in Canada have permanently fixed Torx screws on the barrel and they are really safe?
Interesting info. Also, bad experience with Tenda here. After service is horrible. But I mean, if it’s the only spot that has what you want, I guess you’re stuck.
 
CZ has a new quick change sytem they are introducing in a couple of their rifles this year, no doubt the entire line up will get switched over going forward, I think we will see a new and improved Trail model in the future and the old ones will get blown out for less then a grand.
 
I haven't held or fired a M77, but I've yet to shoot a Ruger bolt action (American or precision) and feel like I wanted to own it. I'd say with CZ, the opposite is true like 90% of the time. Holding or shooting=I want to get to know it better.

I've heard mostly good things about the 600s, and CZs have been good to me over the years. That would be my answer. Maybe it's an age thing. lol
 
The new series is called the 600+ and the first model is the CZ 600+ Ergo Driven Hunt.

I look forward to the 600+ Trail model with the new improved barrel change system and hopefully an improved chassis (accuracy) and improved collapsing stock.

 
My money is waiting for a 600+ in 8x57 and maybe 243. Hopefully with iron sights, semi-heavy barrel, and a more robust firing pin. If the barrel is swapable, then they will have my business again.
 
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I'm not so sure. As I mentioned before, I wanted to buy the CZ Alpha 7.62x39 from Tenda. I knew about the recall and last week I sent a question to Tenda if their CZ 600 Alpha's were fixed by CZ and were safe to shoot. No response from Tenda until today.
In general, after doing some research on the CZ 600 family I personally think that they have too many novelties as for my taste. The CZ 600 were designed to have easily interchangeable barrels in various calibers. To allow that the barrel is fixed by two or three Torx screws and nothing else. Furthermore, the bolt locks into the barrel rather than into the receiver. In this configuration, CZ says that the receiver is not under a high pressure and therefore, is made from aluminum alloy. CZ claims that (quote): "CZ 600 series receivers have a guaranteed service life of 20,000 rounds for all calibers". I'm not sure if that claim is valid or not. To make the whole affair more confusing, this guy here:
, says that the recall was a mistake. Apparently, at the factory testing, the Torx screws were not sufficiently tight and when the tester used an overpressure round, the barrel went forward and the unlocked bolt flew away towards the tester injuring him. According to him, if the Torx screws are tight, there is no problem. Really?
Since then CZ implemented a "voluntary" recall. They do not allow anymore interchanging the barrels and apply some permanent seal (red loctite?) to the barrel Torx screws. So, the major selling point about the barrel interchangeability by the owners does not exist, anymore. The barrel can only be changed at the CZ factory. The most important question is whether or not all the CZ 600 rifles being sold in Canada have permanently fixed Torx screws on the barrel and they are really safe?
If an online stranger’s review with a sample size of one rifle only helps, then I have a CZ 600 trail in 7.62X39 and it is my favourite rifle to take to the range. I got it from G4C.

I think the recall is a non-issue. If you are not planning on swapping out the barrel on it yourself then I wouldnt worry about flying torx screws on CZ Trails. They are tight enough from factory and easy to check. The ones on my rifle haven't dropped loose after several range visits. If you do plan on swapping the barrel then educate yourself on the procedure (or get a gunsmith to do it) and apply blue loctite on the screws with proper torque specs. The factory procedure to “permanently” tighten the torx screws was to apply red loctite.

These are lovely rifles and very nice to shoot. Like we do with any machinery - just do some basic maintenance and circle checks before/after using it and you’ll safely enjoy it for many many years.

In issuing the recall CZ company has made it clear that they don't want end-users to change the barrels themselves because the users can get hurt from incorrectly re-assembling the firearm. I believe this is true for any firearm that gets incorrectly put back together.
 
The new series is called the 600+ and the first model is the CZ 600+ Ergo Driven Hunt.

I look forward to the 600+ Trail model with the new improved barrel change system and hopefully an improved chassis (accuracy) and improved collapsing stock.

Thanks, I didnt know there was a new 600 plus series. A 600+ trail in 5.56 does sound interesting.
 
This is what the CZ600 receiver and barrel look like on the short action rifles.
The barrel is clearly designed to be easily changed, which probably freaked out CZ's legal team enough for them to kibosh the idea and instead add a sealant to the bolts to protect them from litigation.

The barrel locking into the bolt is a sound design in my view and the rifle overall is good value for the money.
I looked at the American before the Alpha and could not get past the awful stock on the Ruger.

IMG_0122 by M J, on Flickr
 
Do a google image search for the CZ 600+. Tons of reviews and photos. CZ is taking "gen 2" seriously. Just keep in mind they have, for the most part, abandoned the old blued steel and walnut concept. These are likely on par with Tikka pricing too, but with CRF and a few other innovative features. No comparison to Ruger American, as this thread was intended. Sorry for the unintentional hijack OP.
 
Do a google image search for the CZ 600+. Tons of reviews and photos. CZ is taking "gen 2" seriously. Just keep in mind they have, for the most part, abandoned the old blued steel and walnut concept. These are likely on par with Tikka pricing too, but with CRF and a few other innovative features. No comparison to Ruger American, as this thread was intended. Sorry for the unintentional hijack OP.

They better be taking the Gen II seriously if they want to ever have the 600s gain any traction, the debacle that unfolded with the recall was a real sh$t sandwich.

On a side note, anyone who thinks the CZ600 is a cut above a Ruger American in build quality is mistaken, they probably sport more polymer overall than an RAR, these new CZs aren't the walnut and chromoly of five years ago.

I still would like to try a 223 Alpha, but with no aftermarket stocks there are zero magazine options other than the short 2.300" factory one.
A 7 twist barrel where you can't run long and heavies from the magazine is always a kick in the crotch.
 
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I agree they should get back to the original concept of easy changing barrels and the 600 plus solves that issue.

It sucks that CZ didn't design the retention system a bit better from the get go but the sooner they move past it the better now that the 600 plus has arrived.
 
I still would like to try a 223 Alpha, but with no aftermarket stocks there are zero magazine options other than the short 2.300" factory one.
A 7 twist barrel where you can't run long and heavies from the magazine is always a kick in the crotch.
The internal dimension of the 600 Alpha's magazine will handle an 80gr. Berger VLD feeding from that magazine.
It will handle all of the 75 grainers out there.
The Alpha is a hunting rifle, so if one is planning on going heavier or a different profile (like the 80-90 gr. SMKs), AND feeding from a magazine, it is likely this isn't the platform that shooter is even looking at as they are likely going for a dedicated target rifle.

On a side note, anyone who thinks the CZ600 is a cut above a Ruger American in build quality is mistaken.
I have a boatload of 10 rounder stanag pistol mags in both 7.62x39 and .223/5.56
- and I still favoured the CZ (in both calibers) over the Ruger...

...the CZ600 ...probably sport more polymer overall than an RAR, these new CZs aren't the walnut and chromoly of five years ago.

The only polymer / synthetics in the CZ is the knob portion of the bolt handle and the stock.
The stock isn't of premium quality obviously at this price point, but it is 200% better than the Ruger stock which is of poor quality.

It isn't a 527, and that is a good thing. While the 527 has its charms, there were some drawbacks and flaws too (wrist of stocks cracking finicky bolt throw and action of the bolt.
I compare the 527 v. 600 debate to the M14 to AR debate.
 
The only reason to consider an American over a CZ600 is if you want to replace the barrel. The 600 presses the barrel into the receiver somehow, so basically only change barrel at the factory and never worth the cost... Whereas the American you can buy a prefit and some tools and gauges and do it in your garage.

I've been thinking about a 661mm overall length SBR rifle for traversing brush, in 7.62x39 or .300 blackout. I could do that with a Ruger American and a prefit. With a CZ, I guess I could cut recrown and thread the existing barrel, but that would be the only option.
 
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