Ruger vs CZ 527 bolt guns

[fred cook]

Looking at possibly buying either a Ruger American Preditor in .223 Remington or a CZ Model 527 carbine in the same caliber. The CZ has several things that I like such as a wood stock vs polymer on the Ruger, an adjustable trigger that is also a single set trigger and built in scope mounts on the receiver as well as open sights. The Ruger has the advantage in price ($420 vs $640) and has a 10 rd mag vs a 5 rd in the CZ. I think both would be similarly accurate. An thoughts on the subject welcome!

[gr8fl4porsche]

I cannot offer any opinions on those two models. But I never let price be a determination when deciding on a new gun. Unless of course it is a large difference.

[aigel]

The Ruger is a well shooting gun according to reviews and especially the bolt is nice on that. But I have handled it and it just feels like a piece of tupperware. Especially the plastic magazine is a total no-go for me.

I don't know anything about the CZ, but also recommend cross shopping Savage. They are what I have always arrived at when doing bolt action rifle research.

G

[Arthropraxis]

If the CZ rifles are anywhere as good as the pistols, I would vote for the CZ.

[Jeff Higgins]

I am no fan of the Ruger American. Cheap ass plastic POS built to a price point.

CZ has some fantastic guns. Be aware, however, that CZ USA imports guns from Turkey as well as the Czech Republic, hoping that we will assume that all CZ's are actually made by CZ. They are not. Huglu (or something like that) makes them in Turkey. I believe Huglu now makes all of their shotguns, but I don't know about the rifles.

That said, I bought a Huglu made 12 gauge side by side last fall, on a whim, just because it was so darn inexpensive. It's proven to be a wonderful little upland gun, far better made than its price would indicate. The only negative so far has been the bluing starting to wear a bit on the barrels where I carry it. In only one season...

So, yeah, seeing the other guns you have shown us over the years, I'm going to assume your tastes run more towards the CZ. I think you will still cherish it years from now, whereas the Ruger not so much.

[fred cook]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

I am no fan of the Ruger American. Cheap ass plastic POS built to a price point.

CZ has some fantastic guns. Be aware, however, that CZ USA imports guns from Turkey as well as the Czech Republic, hoping that we will assume that all CZ's are actually made by CZ. They are not. Huglu (or something like that) makes them in Turkey. I believe Huglu now makes all of their shotguns, but I don't know about the rifles.

That said, I bought a Huglu made 12 gauge side by side last fall, on a whim, just because it was so darn inexpensive. It's proven to be a wonderful little upland gun, far better made than its price would indicate. The only negative so far has been the bluing starting to wear a bit on the barrels where I carry it. In only one season...

So, yeah, seeing the other guns you have shown us over the years, I'm going to assume your tastes run more towards the CZ. I think you will still cherish it years from now, whereas the Ruger not so much.

Jeff,

Good analysis. And, yes, you are correct in that I would rather spend more and get more! After looking at some disassembly pictures of both guns, the Ruger looks like it was made by a blacksmith compared to the CZ. Also, I have a hard time buying a gun that is not wood and blue steel. The thing that probably will make the decision for me is the trigger assembly in the CZ. It is adjustable in just about every way imaginable and is a single set trigger to boot! I think that I knew the answer all along, just needed some outside opinions to help me along. Thanks to all!

[fred cook]

Originally Posted by NotaBRG

What are the issues with the Ruger American? Besides the stock that is...

I have started looking for an entry .30-06 and I thought that may fit the bill.

Wood or no wood is not a deal breaker for me.

Being able to make the shot on something bigger than a MN Whitetail would be my objective.

There were a couple or three things for me. First, the trigger mechanism on the Ruger is pretty crude. The only adjustment is for weight of pull and the screw for that only adjusts the trigger pull from 5 lbs down to about 4 lbs. The trigger in the CZ has adjustments for sear engagement depth, trigger take up, and a couple of other things. Also, it is a single set trigger which, when set by pushing the trigger forward, reduces the trigger pull by about 50% less. Secondly, I wanted a rifle with sights, especially a front sight base so that I can install a set of peep sights, preferably with the Lyman 17A front sight. And, third, I just like a wood stock better than a plastic one. The CZ is about $200 more than the Ruger but I think in the long run I will forget about the cost and continue to enjoy the features.

[aigel]

Originally Posted by NotaBRG

What are the issues with the Ruger American? Besides the stock that is...

I have started looking for an entry .30-06 and I thought that may fit the bill.

Wood or no wood is not a deal breaker for me.

Being able to make the shot on something bigger than a MN Whitetail would be my objective.

It is built to a price point while not sacrificing accuracy. If you are ok with that, then it is not a bad rifle. But the "bulit to a price point" will have a lot of materials and workmanship shortcomings, such as crude plastic moldings, including the magazine and protective coatings that are industrial at best.

If you want to go after a low budget rifle, I repeat to go look at Savage's offerings. Get a rifle with their accutrigger.

Generally, if you buy a well built rifle, including materials and wormanship, it will always hold its value. The new prices are going up, and your used gun will sell pretty much for what you paid for it down the line.

Good Luck!

G