TRIGGER: This is an outstanding trigger! Adjustments for weight and either side of travel are easy to access, simple and responsive. 5 minutes of trial and error had me at zero travel and a clean snap at #2.5. I also cranked down the set trigger adjustment screw to disable. Two trigger stages and a running coyote are just too much for me to think about.
Unlike all other CZ 527 rifle triggers I've seen (curved), my trigger has a flat face. It's also thin (no shoe). The entire trigger mechanism impresses!
- Exposed Receiver, Trigger Mechanism
TRIGGER GUARD & MAGAZINE BOX: The trigger guard and magazine configuration is smart. The trigger guard is a heavy gauge, all-in-one magazine cavity secured by the two action screws per end. The detachable magazine is a single-stack 5 + 1 with a single tab release. The exposed magazine (vs hidden) and spring-loaded finger tab release combine for quick handling and no possibility of noise when attached. As with most magazines, feeding stiffens as you stack against the box spring. For me, 5 rounds in the magazine compromised the feed reliability. 4 rounds in the mag is OK, 3 or less is a no brainer. Nevertheless, having a 5 round mag appeals considering I can store the chamber round in the magazine when not hunting.
- Magazine Cavity
- Trigger Guard and Magazine
BARREL, MUZZLE, BORE: Though the barrel contour is heavy, the taper ends up somewhere between sporter and typical varmint. Muzzle crown is recessed. The bores are cold hammer forged and am told are hand lapped upon production. The .204 barrel length is 24" and twist comes 1 per 12".
- Recessed Crown
STOCK: The kevlar stocks are built by either HS Precision or Bell & Carlson. Whichever make, my stock's inletting is perfect and also the first stock I've owned or worked on that had zero binding points. The only bearing areas are at the rear tang, behind the recoil lug, and I was surprised to discover that the recoil lug had been bed by a human being. Other than that, the stock is black textured with silver web, beavertail front end, the action screws stop abruptly, and the swelled palm feature is easy to get used to!
- Inletting, Aluminum Block. Note bedding material in lug cavity.
RANGE REPORT: Wicked accurate. After break-in, fired 3-shot groups of 4 random (no testing) bullet loadings (32 NBT, 32VMax, 39SBK, 40 Vmax). All twelve grouped in the same POI. Overlapped, all four group targets measured .6" (12 bullets). Smallest groups @ .25".
OTHER STUFF:
Metal stamp date is Sep 2009 and recoil pad is Pachmayr. I mention considering may help to determine stock manufacturer, explanation for flat face trigger, other unknowns...
Bore did not initially clean up easily so I ran some degreaser through. Whatever CZ puts in the bore for shelf life works!
Rifle package included a paper target stamped "50M" with 3 little bullet holes neatly attached.
