Author Topic: CZ or Winchester (Read 597 times)

panhandle · « **on:** December 15, 2005, 10:41:16 AM »

My next rifle is going to be a 223 and I have narrowed my choice down to a CZ 527 Laminate Varmint for the Winchester Model 70 Coyote blue. Please help me decide which to buy. Seems like I change my choice every day.

Zachary · « **Reply #1 on:** December 15, 2005, 11:27:24 AM »

I own quite a few Winchester M70s, and I have purchased them from the early 90s to as recent as this 5 months ago.

I have been happy with all of my M70s except the most recent one, an M70 Ultimate Shadow? Stainless Synthetic in 7mmWSM. The action is not as smooth as my other out-of-the box M70s, and the fit and finish is just not good at all. Still, I got it at Bass Pro for (if I remember correctly) under $400, so you can't expect perfection. That notwithstanding, was my last Winchester purchase just a bad luck of the draw? Or perhaps an indication of how the quality has dropped in the last couple of years? I don't know.

I also own a CZ in .17HMR and it is a very nice rifle. Accurate, and very good fit and finish.

My advise would be for you to handle the particular rifle that you want to buy.

Zachary

panhandle · « **Reply #2 on:** December 15, 2005, 11:51:45 AM »

Thanks Zachary for your reply. The main problem is I have handled them both and I like both of them, but can afford only one. Also, the price difference is within $10.00. I would be interested in others opinion as to the pro's and con's of each of them. I've never owned a newer Winchecter or a CZ Varmint. My friend has a 527 American in 22 Hornet and he said it's ok, but has other rifles that shoot better. So, I'm kind of lost on which way to go.

7x57mm · « **Reply #3 on:** December 15, 2005, 12:02:25 PM »

Panhandlepr: Zachary is right on the mark. I could tell you go rush right out, don't go out, but rush right out and buy the CZ. I could tell you that based on the fact I own two, both amazingly accurate, and both fit me well. I have shot one Winchester Model 70 and it was accurate, but that does not qualify me to pick one over the other. What fits me may not fit you. Both make fine rifles so I think your best bet now is to just pick up both and see how each feels to you. If they both feel the same to you, then go with the CZ (sorry, I just couldn't help myself). Best of luck to you and in the end, you will make the right decision. Tom Purdom

dharvey · « **Reply #4 on:** December 15, 2005, 12:32:23 PM »

Have you seen the Coyote Light? Fluted barrel, cut-outs in the forestock? It's a NICE looking gun. As for the Winchesters, I have never been disappointed.

poncaguy · « **Reply #5 on:** December 15, 2005, 01:36:35 PM »

My 270 WSM Winchester is an excellent rifle, accurate , good action and trigger........

Catfish · « **Reply #6 on:** December 15, 2005, 04:02:42 PM »

I like my varment rifles. Right now I have 3 center fire .17 cals., 1 .20 cal., 5 .22 cals., and 2 .25 cal. varment rifles. The last one I bought was a CZ 527 in .204. I bought it new so I cleaned the barrel befor I shot it. After fireing the first 10 rounds through it I only got 3 blue patches with Sweets 7.62. I fired another 10 rounds and got no blue patches. I fired another 50 rounds and got 2 blue patches. Never seen a new barrel so easy to clean, especially when pushing bullets thriught it at abt. 4,000 fps. I wanted a lite carry gun so I was willing to give up a little accuracy for the weight. But, it shoots 32 gn. Serrias to sub 1/2 moa. 32 hronady and 39 gn Serrias at abt .7 moa. ( 5 shot groups) Even that little pencil barrel holds them in there after 10 rounds in rapid fire mode and it doesn`t get to hot. It comes from the factory with a set trigger that that is just plain sweet. Even without setting the trigger it is far better than most factory rifles today. The CZ is as close to a custom gun as you can get without building it yourself. Winchesters are good gun, but the CZ`S are great guns. At least mine is and everyone I hear talk about the one they own Love them. I hate to be so sold on an off shore gun over and America gun but if you can shot both do it befor you buy and I`ll give you 10 to 1 odds you`ll go with the CZ.

jakes10mm · « **Reply #7 on:** December 20, 2005, 06:42:23 AM »

First, I am biased towards Winchester.

I have owned three Winchester bolt action and every one shot in the 1/2" to 3/4" range at 100yds. Silly me sold my Classic Stainless in 30-06 (3/4" groups all day). I still have a Heavy Varmint 243 and Coyote 308. Both shoot in the 1/2" range. I really like the Coyote and have been eyeballing a Coyote Lite in 300WSM. Recoil in the Coyote is marginal in 308...but I'm guessing it weighs in at about 9-9.5 lbs with scope/mount.

I have not owned or shot a CZ, so I cannot comment on them.

jerkface11 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 21, 2005, 09:50:48 AM »

I have a model 70 and a 527. The model 70 is very nice. But the CZ is close to perfect. Detachable mag. Set trigger. Nice wood. Since you said the price difference is only $10 go with the CZ. You'll love it.

DWARREN123 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 22, 2005, 03:57:30 AM »

Need to check rifling twist rate for both if you want to shoot heavier bullets, the CZ, I believe, has a 1 in 12 twist. The CZ Varmint with synthetic stock has a 1 in 7 twist. I don't know about the Winny.