Think I need (want) a 204 Ruger rifle....CZ Varmint...or what?

[done111]

Have been looking for a completely different rifle than my long range 6.5 RPR. Thinking of getting back to basics with a wood stock and I am almost convinced the 204 Ruger is my next caliber. I currently have several CZ rimfire so I am aware of them being accurate and old world type craftsmanship. If CZ made a Mannlicher version of this it would be on the top of my list but not in their lineup.

Anyone shooting a CZ varmint in 204 Ruger? If so what do you all think? What other brands should I be considering before making the plunge? I am pretty set on wood stock and old world craftsmanship. Accuracy is a must, which now days seems to be fairly obtainable with most brands.

Don

 

[Mark M.]

Don, I have done a lot of research and reading of reviews on the cz 527 in 204 and 223 and currently I have a CZ in a 17 Hornet, extremely accurate, and I don't believe that you can find a better gun with the same quality and features for that amount of money, just like their line of rimfires, it's the best value on the market today. Hope that helps

 

[B23]

Don, I have a CZ 527 Varmint 204 and it shoots extremely well. I haven't had it all that long and all I've shot in it is the factory Hornady Superformance 32gr Vmax ammo but that stuff shot extremely well, just under a 1/2 inch at 100. Short of some AR's the CZ 527's are the only factory guns I own. I like them really well and I have the 527 Varmint in 17 Hornet, 17 Rem, and my 204.

 

[pacificman]

I think the CZ line of rifles are a good value and you won't hear of very many that are not accurate.
I have a CZ .221 Fireball that shoots very well and I am happy with the accuracy. I wouldn't mind owning
a CZ in .204 caliber.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Don't own a CZ varmint rifle specifically, but I have had a rifle chambered in 204 Ruger since the first year the cartridge hit the market.
I have, or have had, many other 20 cal chamberings in various rifles over the years. I don't care what anyone says bad about the 204R (most only recently jumped on the 20 cal bandwagon and never even owned one) it will always be part of my 20 cal arsenal. The 204R is the bar to which all other 20 cal chamberings are judged. And rightfully so because it is an amazingly fast and superbly accurate round.

As far as CZ quality and craftsmanship goes, I own two CZ semi automatic shotguns. One in 20 gauge and one in 12 gauge. Both have performed flawlessly since day one with any and all ammunition. So I will echo the other comments you will hear about CZ in general. Excellent quality product and one of the best values for your money.

 

[th82457]

I have owned a CZ American & Varmint in .204. I currently own a Rem XR-100 single shot in .204. All have shot very well. I would recommend that if you are wanting any type of wood stock that you bed the action with Devcon or something similar and make sure barrel is free floated. This has definitely helped improve consistency and minimize flyers for me. Another nice .204 is a Kimber, but a bit more pricey. I really think it is hard to go wrong with a .204.

Terry

 

[stacy]

CZ MAKES SOME FINE RIFLES I SHOT A 527 VARMINT IN 17 REM AND THAT THING WAS SPOT ON AND SUPER NICE SET TRIGGERS

 

[Mark W]

IMO, you can’t go wrong with a CZ rifle. I own four of them and they are some of my favorite rifles. The 527 Varmint is a great little rifle. I’ve been thinking about getting one in 204 R to go with my 223.

 

[Rick in Oregon]

CZ Varmint in 204R?

You'll find lots and lots of info on that exact subject at two places....204Ruger.com and Saubier.com

The CZ platform is highly regarded on both forums, lots of users using the 204R with lots of opinions.

BTW, I own four 204R's; one of the most fun calibers for a rat rifle you'll find. (Only the 20VT is more fun to shoot, but that's another story. )

 

[Bangs OH]

As an owner of three rifles chambered in .204 Ruger, including a rare discontinued Kevlar Varmint, I say "go for it". IMO, the C-Z 527 is arguably the best bargain in an accurate, do-it-all varmint/predator gun out there.
I recently bought a C-Z Hornet and handled a wood-stocked .204 Varmint on the rack next to it; actually felt lighter, and not much more front-heavy than my 24" synthetic (the latest Varmints imported have about an inch-longer barrel than the older ones.) Oddly, the V's usually sell for 20-30 bucks less than the American version; they don't include rings though, but the stock C-Z ringmounts that are included with the Am.'s are so high they're ugly (a moot point now anyway, as all newer 527s have the re-curved bolt handle that permits the use of lower aftermarket rings without the scope ocular bell hitting the handle.) Personally, I'd have no problem swapping the price of "free" rings and a pound of weight for the extra fps and less muzzle blast of the Varmint over the American (the .204R is relatively a surprisingly loud cartridge for its size/caliber).
The C-Z, not unlike all other off-the-rack .204s (except for TC), is cursed with a too-slow barrel twist rate that doesn't stabilize 40 grain or heavier bullets well. However, get yourself some 39 Sierra Blizkings and about any fairly fast powder like Reloader 10, and you can accurately put down any varmint or coyote at reasonably long ranges.

 

[B23]

The only thing I'd caution a potential CZ 527 purchaser on is they are such a sweet little rifle that they will end up costing you a lot of money because you'll want more of them. As you can see from just about every reply you've gotten so far, nobody just has one, we all have multiple.

 

[Bangs OH]

The only thing I'd caution a potential CZ 527 purchaser on is they are such a sweet little rifle that they will end up costing you a lot of money because you'll want more of them. As you can see from just about every reply you've gotten so far, nobody just has one, we all have multiple.

You can say that again. Almost as addictive as Coopers (have some of those too, including a .204 that, for all practical purposes doesn't shoot much better than my CZ - just a bit nicer around the edges). In fact, I'm seriously looking at one of those limited Mexican-market C-Z .222 hb Varmints as we "speak"....

 

[danny]

As an owner of three rifles chambered in .204 Ruger, including a rare discontinued Kevlar Varmint, I say "go for it". IMO, the C-Z 527 is arguably the best bargain in an accurate, do-it-all varmint/predator gun out there.
I recently bought a C-Z Hornet and handled a wood-stocked .204 Varmint on the rack next to it; actually felt lighter, and not much more front-heavy than my 24" synthetic (the latest Varmints imported have about an inch-longer barrel than the older ones.) Oddly, the V's usually sell for 20-30 bucks less than the American version; they don't include rings though, but the stock C-Z ringmounts that are included with the Am.'s are so high they're ugly (a moot point now anyway, as all newer 527s have the re-curved bolt handle that permits the use of lower aftermarket rings without the scope ocular bell hitting the handle.) Personally, I'd have no problem swapping the price of "free" rings and a pound of weight for the extra fps and less muzzle blast of the Varmint over the American (the .204R is relatively a surprisingly loud cartridge for its size/caliber).
The C-Z, not unlike all other off-the-rack .204s (except for TC), is cursed with a too-slow barrel twist rate that doesn't stabilize 40 grain or heavier bullets well. However, get yourself some 39 Sierra Blizkings and about any fairly fast powder like Reloader 10, and you can accurately put down any varmint or coyote at reasonably long ranges.

Is this the new handle, or not?

http://www.jgsales.com/images/83867-cz527brushcarbineboltactionrifle223-556mmbluednew-s5.JPG

Danny

 

[chuckshooter]

I love the the 204, in fact I own 4 of them, how ever I also own 5 20 practical/tactical's and if I could only have one, it would be either the 20p or 20tac. I can't tell the difference in performance or case life or case forming. there you have it, my opinion, skip the 204 and go straight to the 20p/t

 

[JSH]

The only thing I'd caution a potential CZ 527 purchaser on is they are such a sweet little rifle that they will end up costing you a lot of money because you'll want more of them. As you can see from just about every reply you've gotten so far, nobody just has one, we all have multiple.

That is not the truth, that is a F-A-C-T, fact. First one I got was a 17 HH, then a 17Remington, then a 204. Maybe I went at it backwards is why I acquired three. I will have a 223, of coarse unless another flavor comes up first,lol.
Jeff

 

[Bangs OH]

Is this the new handle, or not?

http://www.jgsales.com/images/83867-cz527brushcarbineboltactionrifle223-556mmbluednew-s5.JPG

Danny

Kinda hard to tell from the pic; the difference between the new and old handles is subtle. Maybe a call to C-Z USA with a serial no. could get the info. I'm thinking I purchased a new-style one through their store, also have sent one to jamescalhoon.com for a re-bent exchange.

 

[JohnJ73]

I have two CZ 527 Varmints in 204 and could not believe the accuracy these factory rifles have. 39 Sierra blitz king and reloader 10x was the ticket for mine.
Soon I will be getting two of the same rifle in 17 Hornet.

 

[danny]

Kinda hard to tell from the pic; the difference between the new and old handles is subtle. Maybe a call to C-Z USA with a serial no. could get the info. I'm thinking I purchased a new-style one through their store, also have sent one to jamescalhoon.com for a re-bent exchange.

Is the Calhoon and CZ version different, or the same, and if not the same, is either better?

Danny

 

[Bangs OH]

Is the Calhoon and CZ version different, or the same, and if not the same, is either better?

Danny

Probably about the same quality, and the bend radius might be different; but the Calhoon has (possibly) been heated again to re-bend, but that's not necessarily a negative if done right.
However, CZ is showing the new 527 handle out of stock, and it's a bit cheaper in cost than Calhoon's.

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Another source for CZ aftermarket stainless bolt handles with interchangeable bolt knobs is customreloadingtools.com (Custom Reloading Tools).

Very well done on CNC and reasonably priced. Bolt handle knobs from teardrop, round, knurled, and of course 'tactical'.