I only own the CZ 527 in .223, never laid eyes on the Savage except their site open in another window so here goes.
THE GOOD: IT COMES IN .223!!!! CZ is a true micro sized Mauser action, controlled round feeding (not that a varmint will charge me..). Gun balances great, light, handy, came with rings, fit and finish is beyond outstanding. Bore cleans up with minimal effort (must be lapped well or so I am guessing). How does it shoot? Sad to say shot it less than 40 times.........had some 62 grain Win PP ammo, sprayed all over the target. With 55 grain stuff it will easily keep under an inch at 100, and that's using not much of a rest. Not keeping track of each round, not being anal with it like I am my big bolt varminter. That said, I can't speak to its accuracy potential. I can say the other 2 guys who bought one out of the same order are shooting under inch groups with factory loads and that ain't bad for a little brush popper like this one.
THE BAD: Internet research indicates CZ service sucks. No real first hand experience though.
The detachable mag design ruins the aesthetics of the gun, makes it hard to carry with one hand. There are better detachable mag designs than this cheesy set up (Winchester 88 and Model 100 come to mind). Hell it doesn't NEED a detachable magazine quite frankly.
If the bottom metal isn't aligned just perfect in the stock from the factory, fail to feed occurs........no issues on mine, but it is a problem that is inherent in the design that is well documented (Savage pillar beds and keeps cost down, CZ could do the same and essentially problem would be solved if pillars were cut and glued correctly).
THE SAFETY IS IDIOTIC. ITS BACKWARDS! DUH.
Trigger isn't the best, nor the worst. Set trigger can be TRICKY and downright dangerous if you are not focused on it.
One final overall complaint: Unless I missed it, CZ isn't making centerfires with stainless steel. Did not see any in their catalog. Not that I necessarily need it on a walking varmint gun like this, BUT certainly I'd buy a stainless gun with a laminated stock over this one. And I'd darn sure jump on a 550 in .300 win or .338 with stainless and a McMillan or comparabe stock.
Paid $425, that was a 3 gun order thru an FFL holder, included shipping, his fee, and 2 extra magazines. Good luck finding that deal again.
SAVAGE: From their website, the Model 14 American classic is like a fullsize rifle, and is not chambered for any cartridges the CZ is. Depends on what you want them for.........lightweight, handy, compact, .223, CZ is the choice. If a bigger walking varminter is what you wish, that Savage looks like a nice rifle to me!
RR
