Author Topic: Need a .223 Bolt Gun.....CZ or Savage? (Read 1455 times)

papajohn428 · « **on:** May 07, 2006, 10:59:45 AM »

It's been years since I owned a bolt gun, and I've decided that I want to get one in .223, since I already have all I need to load it. Uses would include paper punching, varmints, and long-range plinking, nothing too serious. I like the looks and features of the Savages, and the Accu-Trigger sounds really excellent, but the CZ's are calling to me as well. In particular, the CZ 527 American, in walnut. I hear good things about the accuracy of both, and the price would likely be pretty close for either.

What say those who own either or both?

Papajohn

jerkface11 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 07, 2006, 11:24:29 AM »

I'd go with the CZ. They're more expensive but they feel so much better. Accuracy wise there isn't much difference though. The CZ's look better too.

poncaguy · « **Reply #2 on:** May 07, 2006, 12:34:36 PM »

Go American, Savage with accu trigger.I own 2 Stevens 200's and they are very accurate rifles.........

Brett · « **Reply #3 on:** May 07, 2006, 12:37:31 PM »

Wouldn't go wrong with either one, but the Savage is the better bang for the buck IMHO.

1armoured · « **Reply #4 on:** May 07, 2006, 03:09:32 PM »

For a great little all-purpose, all-rounder, why not try one of the new Weatherby Varmint 'Red Mist', for fit and feel.

I've just invested in one, in .223, and put it through it's paces for the first time over the week-end.
It has a 22" heavy barrel, and a great synthetic stock. Looks good too !

I put a few rounds through and cleaned and polished with JB's a few times, adjusted the trigger and sear as good as it gets. Sprayed some oil into the trigger mechanism, then loaded some 55grs and 52 grs.

55 grs 5 x 5 shot groups all under a minute. Both 52grs @ .6".

That's without tweaking or working on the load, so there's plenty potential. I'm a happy camper !

It's guaranteed 1 1/2 " 3 shot group with factory ammo in cold barrel,
so I tested some Remington 55gr 'Express' SP's in a clean barrel.
1st shot 1" high, then 3 shots in .6",
so I was happy.
Trigger is 3 1/4 lbs, and no creep.
Trigger is a bit heavier than I'm used to, but getting the hang of it.
Timney do a drop-in one for under $100, so that's always an option.

cheers,
Sean

7x57mm · « **Reply #5 on:** May 07, 2006, 04:27:19 PM »

If it were me, I'd go with the CZ. These little pups just ooze class. They have a mini-mauser action which seems to be a perfect fit for the .223 class cartridges. They are light, however, right at 6.2 pounds. Like any rifle manufacturer, CZ can turn out a lemon, but you hear far fewer complaints about CZ, than you do other manufacturers. My CZ 527, with my handloads, shoots five shots into an area the size of my thumb nail. I am in the process of getting a new scope for it. It has served me well. My brother owns a CZ 527 American in .221 Fireball and it too, is a real tack driver. I have owned two savages, but neither would I classify as being in the same category, one a Model 340 in .30/30 and the other a Stevens Favorite in .22 Magnum. Tom Purdom

jrhen · « **Reply #6 on:** May 07, 2006, 04:33:06 PM »

Tough choice to make and I am not going to be much help. I own a Savage 12 BVSS in 22-250 and a CZ 550 in Win 270 and love them both.

Where the Savage cut corners is the action, it is the same lenght as a 30.06. Which makes for a long bolt thow.

Which one is more accurate? I have them both dialed in with reloads to shoot sub moa at 100 yards. Now the CZ has a hammer foraged barrle where as the Savage is buttoned. There are some great articles on how Savage manufactors their barrles on the web.

Which one is better looking? Matter of taste, I love the wallnut stock but the Savage has the brown laminate that never fails to draw attention.

Which would I buy today? Most likely the CZ I own three of their rifles now and really like them.

papajohn428 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 07, 2006, 05:53:40 PM »

What I'm thinking right now is that the CZ is in the lead, my gut tells me I'd be happier with it, the stocks are gorgeous, the lines are classic. I'm not sure there's any "better" rifling system when it comes down to button-rifled VS hammer forged, I think it comes down to the rifle, and careful break-in and even more careful load development. I know the Savage is a "better buy", and I'm a frugal kinda guy. But those CZ's are sooooooo much prettier! C'mon, you Savage bastids, convince me I'm wrong!

PJ

nasem · « **Reply #8 on:** May 08, 2006, 02:25:08 PM »

Here I come to make it even worse for you:
Honestly, get the one YOU LIKE. They are both good. And I love the savage trigger and prefer to pay for american made when the quality is equal to its competitors.

GeoW · « **Reply #9 on:** May 08, 2006, 03:45:32 PM »

First, I would get the Savage if for nothing else just to have the receiver, trigger and stock for future builds. Just screw another barrel on, as easy as that. Short action receiver is good for .223 up to .308 family of cartridges with only barrel swap and bolt head change. Simple task. Next I would get a CZ. Love mine in .22 and 6.5x55. :grin:

GeoW

K.K · « **Reply #10 on:** May 09, 2006, 02:27:12 PM »

I like both, but own several Savages. They are not pretty, but you'd have to spend an awful lot of money to find a rifle to outshoot them. The Accu-trigger makes for easy adjusting (by you, the shooter), and they are inexpensive, thereby allowing you to shoot more! Again, both nice rifles, but I vote for the Savage.

De41mag · « **Reply #11 on:** May 09, 2006, 04:44:03 PM »

papajohn;

A friend and myself just bought 2 Savage Model 10FP's in .223.
Wow, What shooters. They both have the Accutrigger and the oversized bolt.
What i've done with mine is put a Leupold 6X Tactial fixed with target turrets. It is zeroed with Win. 45gr. JHP's then with four clicks up and two clicks right it shoots the Sierra 77gr. HPBT Matchkings. and both loads shoot sub MOA. Going from 45 to 77 is 32 grains. So I can cover all the bases with that. Also it shoots 60gr. Hornady V-Maxes ahead of Varget.
And my friend shoots the ADCOM 5.56 military 62gr. Arab Stuff all day long. These rifles shoot just about anything.
I'd go with the Savage above all else.
That's my opinion.

Dennis

lilabner · « **Reply #12 on:** May 13, 2006, 04:53:08 AM »

They are both good in the accuracy dept. Your choice boils down to how important the looks of the rifle are. I would go for Savage and spend what I saved on a better quality scope. You need quality glass on a varmint rifle. However, Savage isn't going to win any beauty contests.

papajohn428 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 13, 2006, 04:28:47 PM »

So much for the best-laid plans of mice and men. I wound up buying a buddy's 25-06 Interarms Mark X Mauser, he got in a bind and had to sell it RIGHT NOW. So instead of a .223, I have a long-range laser blaster, complete with brass, dies, bullets, and an 8 X 32 Scope already mounted. I guess the .223 will come later. But this is gonna be fun! The last time I shot this rifle, it put three shots into .24", at 200 yards. And it was a helluva deal, since I was bailing him out in a time of need. Coyotes beware, Papajohn done got him some long-range reach!

PJ

gunnut69 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 13, 2006, 09:17:28 PM »

I have 2 of the CZ 527's, a 22 Hornet and a 223. Both are fullstock models and weren't expected to be target guns..but they BOTH out shoot much higher priced rifles and with skinny little barrels with wood all the way to the muzzle.. I am not a fan of the magazine system but it works well and when calling pedators a reload is just a snap away... I wish they'd make a 17 Rem in the FS, although it'd likely cost me a new rifle! The Savages shoot really well and the AccuTrigger is a wonder but the CZ in the FS version is just prettier. Did I mention all have adjustable triggers and most have a single set trigger for those really fine shots!!

Zachary · « **Reply #15 on:** May 14, 2006, 01:48:39 AM »

The CZ is a better quality rifle, and it generally has very good accuracy. The Savage is generally a lower quality rifle, but, for whatever reason, generally has excellent accuracy. The Savage is also less expensive than the CZ.

I always say that the next rifle that I get will be a Savage (because I have never owned one), but then after I work the bolt and work over the all around "feel" of the Savage, I get turned off and spend the extra money on a Tikka. The only exception might probably be if I get a .223. This would be mostly a "range" or "plinking" gun, so I don't want to spend the extra money for a nicer gun, plus it is generally going to be more accurate anyway.

The bottom line is that you have to handle and work out both rifles and see which ones you like. Then take into consideration what we have all told you. (or visa versa).

Zachary

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 14, 2006, 01:55:24 AM »

The CZ hands down. I have a CZ and it is not only a better looking gun, but the accuracy is awesome.

Danny Boy · « **Reply #17 on:** May 14, 2006, 04:09:19 AM »

CZ is a better rifle. I recently purchased a Tikka T3 Varmint and am very happy with it. My T3 averages just over 1/2" with hand loads.

Danny

Zachary · « **Reply #18 on:** May 14, 2006, 04:57:02 AM »

I own both Tikkas and CZs. As most members know, I am a huge Tikka fan and prefer it over the CZ. Still, the CZ is a quality rifle - certainly of higher quality than a Savage.

On a related note, with regards to Triggers, I believe that the Sako/Tikka factory trigger is arguably the BEST out of the box. CZ and Howa are also very good. However, I, personally, and NOT a fan of the Savage Accutrigger.

Do any of your prefer the Accutrigger over the CZ trigger?

Zachary

Gregory · « **Reply #19 on:** May 14, 2006, 01:20:57 PM »

Quote from: Zachary

However, I, personally, and NOT a fan of the Savage Accutrigger.

Zachary

Zachary
Please tell me why you do not like the Accutrigger. I own two Savage rifles with the Accutrigger and I like them. I've never shot a CZ.

vernonp · « **Reply #20 on:** May 19, 2006, 03:42:34 AM »

I own both CZ and Savage plus a lot of other rifles including custom and the CZ and Savage are my favorite rifles. The CZ has the set trigger which on mine is 12 oz's when set and 2 1/2 when not. You can not get better than that. They are also the most accurate of the factory rifles. I recently bought a custom Remington Benchrest700 action Hart heavy barrel Shilen benchrest stock and Shilen 2 OZ trigger and so far the CZ and Savage shoot right with this rifle. Savage is really paying attention to the Benchrest crowd and making even better more accurate rifles. Their new long range rifle has a stiffer action with the right bolt and a small left port in single shot. This would be a great beginner benchrest rifle. Either of your choices would be excellent. They are the two best in my opinion.

papajohn428 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 19, 2006, 04:03:47 AM »

This is REALLY weird timing, my Electric Bill just came yesterday, it seems their budget billing estimate was a tad high, and they now owe me $500. I guess I'm booked up Monday, I'm going rifle shopping!

Papajohn

Questor · « **Reply #22 on:** May 19, 2006, 04:53:07 AM »

I would go with the Savage. I have 3 CZs and they are good guns, but they were purchased before the accu-trigger came out. My .270 CZ is very sensitive to changes in humidity and I plan to replace the stock. Savage's .223 offerings are really good because they sell to a lot of varmint shooters; that's a very compelling reason to go with a Savage. I shoot at a range where a lot of prairie dog shooters sight in, and Savage is the overwhelming favorite brand of rifle for them.

Maine Woods · « **Reply #23 on:** May 21, 2006, 03:16:21 AM »

I have a CZ 527 American in Ruger 204 its a great gun. I also like the savages. I am posting to comment on CZ wood ,The Pictures allways look great! But when you get one I have never heard of anyone getting one with wood like pictured in the catalog!!! My wood ( CZ wood :roll: ) is not Bad but ,not great. Other than that it is bit nicer than a savage. ( it hurts a little to say that ,I have allways been a Savage fan. In fact would have bought one instead of the CZ but at the time CZ was on special and I got it for less money :eek: :grin: )

glshop20 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 21, 2006, 01:21:08 PM »

Go with the CZ. I have one in 270. It shoots very well and the adjustable single set trigger is a real bonus. The quality of wood on CZ's can vary from not so good to real nice. Mine was just so-so. I scuffed it, degreased it and gave it a couple coats of Tru-Oil and it looks good. The quality of metal work is real good. I recently got a CZ 452 (.22 cal) nice wood and shoots as well as rifles costing twice as much.

Old Griz · « **Reply #25 on:** May 22, 2006, 09:31:34 AM »

:cb2: Never had a CZ, but my Savage 10FP in .223 shoots 5/16 one hole cloverleaf groups at 100 yards. (Not every time, but that's my fault--not the rifle's. :eek:

Harold50 · « **Reply #26 on:** May 22, 2006, 01:03:51 PM »

I bought a Savage Model 11 six weeks ago because I wanted something between the .22 Magnum and the 25 Wizm. I wanted something that could shoot the cheap ammunition and the occasional (not yet, but soon) coyote. Something I could leave in the rack in the truck w/o worrying that the vibration was ruining the stock or the barrel finish.

Good rifle. Shoots everything well. Didn't set me back a lot of bucks, but WOW CAN THIS RIFLE SHOOT! I'm putting the Simmons it came with on a trading gun and buying a VX1 4x12. This rifle deserves it.

Do they come in .308? :-D

Best wishes and good luck,
Harold