CZ 527 Laminated Varmit

[Gunner777]

  I've been reading some of the post concerning twist rates on this rifle and I don't think anyone has a solid answer yet. In fact there may not be one. I ran across an almost new 527 yesterday and I can't even tell it's been used. The place wants $525 without scope or to trade for my Para 1911 45acp. straight across. Hum, I'm not sure about the prices or trade values on these rifles. I know they are darn good rifles but this would be my first one. I've read enough to know a lot of you guys really like the ones you have.
 Any input on the price trade or anything in particular to look for would be very much appreciated!

Thanks!

[dbriannelson]

Walnut one in .204 for sale new at a local gun shop for $535. 

On twists, in .223 the laminated and walnut have 1:12 while the one assembled in America with the H-S Precision stock is 1:9.  That model isn't listed on the CZ Czech website, and I believe it's a USA-only model.   

My .223 carbine is 1:12 - confirmed that with a cleaning rod.  There was some talk about newer .223s all getting the 1:9, but it doesn't seem to have happened yet.  My carbine doesn't even like 60-grain bullets.

-Don

[Gunner777]

  That helps--- I can't imagine even a 60 grain not doing well in a 1/12. That's not good since I tend to use a heavier bullet. I guess really it's the luck of the draw since some folks with the laminated got a 1/9 while others have 1/12. Geez what a mess.

Thanks

[dbriannelson]

Run a cleaning rod and patch down the bore and count the turns, I guess. 

Yeah, 1:12 should be good to at least 63 grains, but I had a couple of 60s keyhole, so I'll stick to 53 and 55.

-Don

[Gunner777]

  I really have no idea how to accurately measure the barrel twist. Maybe one you guys do have a method that works. I did go to Shilens barrel website and they say 1/12 works for all size bullets. Hum they all can't be right.
  It's such a smooth darn good looking rilfe I may just trade for it anyway and just use whatever bullet it likes best:-)

[dbriannelson]

Use a cleaning rod and jag screwed together tightly.  Engage the threads from the receiver end and mark where it enters the receiver with a Sharpie (say, RED).  Put a longitudinal Sharpie mark (black) along the rod for clocking from about eight to twelve inches from the receiver.  Push the rod in and when the clocking mark has made one complete rotation, mark (in RED) where the rod now enters the receiver.

The length between the two RED marks is what it takes for one turn.

You don't have to use colors, but they made it easier to explain.

BTW, 1:12 will absolutely not work for the heaviest bullets. 

-Don

[Gunner777]

Thanks Don I'll sure give that a try. It sounds so simple you would think it would be general knowledge by now. I appreciate it. I agree anything above 60 grn will not work well in a 1/12. I can't imagine why they chose that twist when a 1/9 works for all bullets.

Phil