Author Topic: Am I the only one with CZ problems?? (Read 3843 times)

wallihunter · « **on:** January 18, 2007, 12:27:51 PM »

The end of November I purchased a CZ 527 American in 204 Ruger. Brought the rifle to the range would not feed from the magazine. Accuarcy was about 1 1/2 to 2 inches off a bench with quality ammo and optics. When I brought the rifle home, I took it apart and saw it was missing a part (rear pillar). Sent CZ 2 different emails no response. Called CZ and asked if they could send replacement parts so I could use the rifle...would not had to ship it in for warranty work ($25 my cost for shipping to get a the new rifle working and with all the parts). Gentleman I talked to at CZ gave me his extention and said if I didn't hear any thing back in a couple of weeks give him a call. Have not heard anything for over a month and I have left two messages on his voicemail no response yet today...no rifle delivered yet. I cannot believe this...Any one else have any of these problems?

gwindrider1 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 19, 2007, 05:29:59 AM »

Well, that bites! They can be maddening to deal with. Obviously, I don't know who you talked to, but "the man" to speak with is Mike Eagleshield, senior gunsmith. He seems to be the one who handles everything from parts orders, to problems. He can be reached at: gunsmith@CZ-USA.com.

Best of luck with it, but I doubt that the missing rear pillar has much to do with your feeding or accuracy problems. You may have no recourse short of sending it back. A good bedding job, making certain that the barrel is floating free of any contact points would probably help accuracy, but the feeding issue is entirely different. Have you looked at the magazine box to ensure that it is stamped with the actual caliber the rifle is chambered for? Might be a mismatch.

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #2 on:** January 19, 2007, 06:29:36 AM »

I have never owned a CZ mostly because I don't like magazines that protrude like some of the CZ's. The set trigger is almost enough to get me to buy one in a varmint caliber. I do keep an open ear to hear what others say about the CZ.
Your's is the first problem I have heard of.... that says something

Buford · « **Reply #3 on:** January 19, 2007, 06:32:49 AM »

I have a little CZ in 7.62X39 and love it - CZ has great customer service, or at least they did with a small problem I had...let us know the results.

wallihunter · « **Reply #4 on:** January 19, 2007, 05:09:33 PM »

Thanks for the responses....still no rifle or a call back. The emails, that weren't responded to, were sent to the email address you listed and the magazine was stamped correctly. Maybe next week I guess...My patience is dwindling.

cowboy77845 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 19, 2007, 05:28:37 PM »

I have had problems with 3. One I sent back because I could not zero rifle. Barrlel was out of line with action. CZ sent me a new rifle zeroed. Had a problem with cartridges falling off bolt during extraction They fixed one rifle and sent me the part to fix the other. Rifles shoot factory ammo in under an inch 3 shot groups at 100 yds. Irs best you call them until you get to speak to Mike. He will do what he says.

Brithunter · « **Reply #6 on:** January 22, 2007, 01:18:08 AM »

Hmmm how very strange

I notice all the problems seem to be with the 550 American and I wonder if it's an labour problem?

Does anyone know if as I have heard rumoured that the 550 American has US made parts like barrels? The reason is that I never heard of these problems with the older 600 series of rifles.

wallihunter · « **Reply #7 on:** January 23, 2007, 02:32:38 PM »

Update...called again rang the extention and the guy answered. I asked if he got my messages and looking for an update...His reply sorry I didn't call back I was too busy last week...(the whole week!!) put on hold then told they are shipping me a new gun. I asked when to expect it his reply I am too busy maybe tomorrow I will have time to package it and ship it.
This is beyond believable I keep thinking someone is going to say "smile your on candid camera". This is the last CZ I will ever buy... this has been the worst buying experience I have ever had. One word pathetic.
When and if I receive another rifle I am planning on writting a letter to the company. Does any one know if Alice P is still the president of CZ USA?
PS the problem gun is a 527 american not the 550

R.W.Dale · « **Reply #8 on:** January 25, 2007, 12:23:21 PM »

Quote

.His reply sorry I didn't call back I was too busy last week...(the whole week!!) put on hold then told they are shipping me a new gun. I asked when to expect it his reply I am too busy maybe tomorrow I will have time to package it and ship it.

They're SENDING YOU A NEW GUN! what more can you expect. Buy a Ruger or Remington and see what they say to a rifle that ......

Quote

Accuarcy was about 1 1/2 to 2 inches off a bench with quality ammo and optics.

LOL Remington would tell you that that's perfectly acceptable accuracy and Ruger you have you ship the rifle to them so they could make certian it shoots 5" groups apoun return.

You expect too much. The old saying "Don't look a gift horse i the mouth" applies today.

Simple Man · « **Reply #9 on:** January 25, 2007, 02:36:36 PM »

That really stinks about your rifle. There is always gonna be a rotten apple, it just happens. CZ will make good on it, just give them a little time. You might even get real lucky and get a hand selected piece of wood and make the whole wait very worth while.

Let us know how it goes.

wallihunter · « **Reply #10 on:** January 26, 2007, 04:20:03 PM »

They're SENDING YOU A NEW GUN! what more can you expect. Buy a Ruger or Remington and see what they say to a rifle that ......

Quote

Accuarcy was about 1 1/2 to 2 inches off a bench with quality ammo and optics.

LOL Remington would tell you that that's perfectly acceptable accuracy and Ruger you have you ship the rifle to them so they could make certian it shoots 5" groups apoun return.

You expect too much. The old saying "Don't look a gift horse i the mouth" applies today.
[/quote]

Lets see what more could I expect...a rifle brand new out of the box that functions ie will not feed from the magazine. What more could one want...how bout a brand new rifle out of the box that has all the parts. Last conversation with CZ on Tuesday...."The rifle will be there by Friday" guess what no rifle today(Friday)...You are absolutely correct I am expecting too much. This CZ gift horse has given me one heck of a ride.

7x57mm · « **Reply #11 on:** January 28, 2007, 01:36:01 PM »

sorry to hear of your problems. CZ normally turns out some fantastic rifles which are fantastic shooters. It would seem to me that when one that does not meet quality standards slips through the cracks the company would be faster on its feet to make it right. please keep us posted on the results, especially when the new rifle comes in nd how it performs. Tom Purdom

jerkface11 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 28, 2007, 02:34:07 PM »

Quote

When I brought the rifle home, I took it apart and saw it was missing a part (rear pillar)

I wasn't aware of the 527 having a rear pillar. At least not on the american.

BRADFORDcoHUNTER · « **Reply #13 on:** January 28, 2007, 04:40:27 PM »

Like anything that is mass produced, you are going to get some units that just don't function properly. It sucks, but it's a fact of life. I can understand you're frustrations, but you have to realize too, that you are not the only customer that CZ has to deal with. Frankly, I think them sending you a brand new rifle speaks volumes, albeit taking longer than you would have liked. To be honest, the problems you are having are probably of a minor nature anyways. A round not feeding from tha mag, could be something as simple as a rough feed ramp, a bad mag, a burr some place, etc. In retrospect, the accuracy issues could also be quite minor. Either way, not all gun manufacturer's would offer to send you a new rifle. At least not before they really ran you through the ringer and did everything they possibly could to get you to accept and be happy with the original gun.

"Lemon's" are just a fact of life in today's mass production way of life. I once bought a brand new truck that was a lemon....it happens! You need to go with what the masses have to say about a certain product, and it's current reputation through other's experiences. I was always a stout Remington 700 man. For me, there simply was NO OTHER rifle alternative. Well....sad to say that Remington's rep has gone way down over the last few years. More and more defective, inaccurate units are showing up, according to recent purchaser's. Enlight of reading up and listening to many other peoples' opinions, I opted to buy a CZ 527 Varmint in 204 Ruger. So far, I have mixed opinions on it. The bolt kind of drags a little, and has some side to side play in it, but it feeds pretty decently. The wood was touching the barrel along one side of the stock, but I took it apart and filed it down myself. The fit/finish on the unit is marginal IMO, but I only beat rifles up anyways...so looks aren't that important to me.
All that being said, the gun has a supurb set trigger...the best in the business. It also shoots like a champ so far.
The main thing I dislike about my rifle, is the lack of an aftermarket for parts. Sure would be nice to have some synthetic stock options, after the fact.

wallihunter · « **Reply #14 on:** January 29, 2007, 02:55:25 PM »

I have decided this will be my final post about this ordeal it is Monday and no rifle delivered today. I understand some of you feel I should be happy I am getting sent a new rifle (some day I hope); however I am less than impressed with a poor product and poor customer service. From the start getting a rifle that doesn't function, yes I checked all the normal things that will cause poor feeding and could not find the culprit. Then finding rear pillar missing (item number 68 they refer to it as the rear spacer). Onto all the problems with unanswered email, non returned phone messages, and misinformation about when the rifle will arrive.
I do understand no one can guarantee a perfect product no matter what one purchases. What I cannot understand is it taking over two months to correct a problem with a product that was defective straight from the factory. Why should the consumer be made to spend an additional $25 to ship a defective product back?
I read another post on another forum where a gentleman had the same CZ problems with a poor product and poor customer service...he spoke with the president of CZ who paid for return shipping of the rifle and sent a new rifle within three days. That kind of customer service is something that would have made me a CZ buyer for the rest of my life; on the flip side with my experience with CZ do you think my next gun will be a CZ.
Any way thanks again for the responses and thanks for a great forum to air my thoughts.

reyn 61 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 30, 2007, 09:13:30 AM »

Personally,i think you are right to feel the way you do. Every one will turn out a lemon now and then but you would think a brand new gun that has to be replaced would be at the top of the "to do" list for the day. To make the statement "i am too busy,maybe tommorrow" would tick me off wether it was CZ, Remington,Ruger or any other company. How much time is needed to ship a rifle?

BRADFORDcoHUNTER · « **Reply #16 on:** January 31, 2007, 03:50:17 PM »

Quote from: reyn 61 on January 30, 2007, 09:13:30 AM

Personally,i think you are right to feel the way you do. Every one will turn out a lemon now and then but you would think a brand new gun that has to be replaced would be at the top of the "to do" list for the day. To make the statement "i am too busy,maybe tommorrow" would tick me off wether it was CZ, Remington,Ruger or any other company. How much time is needed to ship a rifle?

No doubt. I'm not saying he is wrong to feel this way, only that the grass isn't always greener. This could happen to anyone, with any major firearm manufacturer. Personally, I'd have told that particular CSR, that comments like that are totally unprofessional, and I'd have immediately requested to speak with his superviser. From there, had I not gotten satisfactory treatment, I'd have DEMANDED to speak with someone of higher authority. If that doesn't work, I'd call 6 times a day, and be a huge thorn in they're side, until they realized I am NOT going to go away until they take care of my problems.
I wish you luck....keep us posted on how you make out. Maybe if enough of us get to squawking over CZ's practices, and it begins to show up all over the web, they will take notice and try a little harder, to be more consistant

wallihunter · « **Reply #17 on:** February 01, 2007, 02:40:21 PM »

Thought you all deserved an update...finally got a hold of someone willing to help out yesterday and I now have a tracking number it will be here next monday. I could post about 5 more issues that came up with their service since my last post but I am trying to forget this whole experience. After what I've been through I think the gun gods better make the most accurate 204 produced by CZ fall into my hands on Monday. Thanks again all.

7x57mm · « **Reply #18 on:** February 02, 2007, 04:32:25 PM »

I've had no problems with CZ service. I didn't go into a situation pushy or anything like that. I have to admit, however, that the vast majority of complaints that I do see on this and other forums deals with customer service in the area of repairs. That is not to say there are a whole boatload of customer service complaints either. There are some, though, and these are the ones to which I refer. I had a problem with Ruger on an issue I had one time with a Mark II. I owned the rifle for three or four years and shot it a lot. With my handloads I could consistently get three shots into an inch group at 100 yards. I was satisfied. Then one day I went out to the range, got set up off the sandbags and proceded to shoot a three-inch group. I made sure the barrel was clean and clear of all powder, lead and copper residue, the scope rings were tight and the action screws were tight and had not moved. I went through every possible scenario why the accuracy went from one to three inches overnight. I made sure I was using the same loads, from the same powder and bullet lots, same lot of brass, Burris Scope, tight rings, the whole nine yards. I contacted Ruger telling the company I was going to send the rifle back for repair. A few months later Ruger sent it back, unchanged. A note inside the box from Ruger informed me that a three inch group at 100 yards was within Ruger specification limits, therefore, I had no problem with my rifle. After hearing that bullcrap I dumped the rifle and bought a CZ 550 American in the same caliber and have not looked back since ... until now.

Hi Pass Sports · « **Reply #19 on:** February 03, 2007, 12:34:18 PM »

I've sold approximately 30 CZ's (all 452's of one variation or another). Of those, 15 are used monthly for Boy Scout training and merit badge shoots. All provide excellent accuracy and none have failed. I personally own the FS model in 22LR, 22WMR, and 17HMR. All have been good with consistantly better targets than the one's supplied by the factory. I've yet to have a return or complaint. Hopefully, your luck will change. As an aside, of the popular brands of firearms I sell, all experience problems from time to time. I recently received a brand new two thousand dollar rifle from a popular and well known American company (NOT CZ) with the barrel completely rusted out. They replaced the barrel without charge and absorbed all shipping etc. . Another equally well known American company, shipped a brand new rifle with part of the stock broken off and missing. AND, the broken part was not in the factory sealed shipping carton so it had to have been shipped that way! Can't blame UPS or FED-EX on that one. Good Shooting!!!

7x57mm · « **Reply #20 on:** February 03, 2007, 01:15:09 PM »

I agree completely. Every company will, on occasion turn out a product which is defective. With CZ, the defective ones seem to be far, far less than what one hears from the other manufacturers considered in the mainstream of the sporting arms industry. I own two CZs, a CZ 550 American in 7x57mm and a CZ 527 Lux/American (a Lux version in an American aftermarket stock) in .223 Remington. My brother owns a CZ 550 Full Stock in 7x57mm, a CZ 550 American in 9.3x62, a CZ 527 American in .221 Fireball, and his friend owns a CZ 550 Full Stock in 7x57mm and a CZ 527 American in .223 Remington. All were purchased at different times of the years, from different gun dealers and all have shown consistent accuracy and workmanship. Out of those seven rifles you would expect to see one that does not perform well, but no, they are all accurate.

On another matter, I had Ruger remove a trigger I worked on to get it down to three pounds when they had my rifle. I think they said they could not work on it otherwise. At least they did ship me all the parts back with the rifle. I still don't know what happened to the rifle to make it go south on the accuraccy. Ruger didn't offer any explanation other than to say three inches was within the company's accuracy limits.

Oh well, stuff happens I guess. Tom P

hylander · « **Reply #21 on:** February 03, 2007, 07:13:16 PM »

Sorry to hear of your troubles with CZ.
I have had very good dealings with them.
I have a 75SA that came with the Plastic trigger, It was a problem.
I called them and they shipped me a new Steel Compitition trigger

By the way "Mag-Check" is just a trouble maker, it is what he does.
Has been booted from atleast one other site that I know of for posting the same pile
of garbage as he is doing now, calling everyone that does not agree with him a liar and
thinking Ruger is the only gun on the Planet.

Simple Man · « **Reply #22 on:** February 04, 2007, 05:02:32 PM »

Closed

Graybeard · « **Reply #23 on:** February 04, 2007, 05:48:24 PM »

You CHILDREN have wasted about 20-25 minutes of my time removing your childish back and forth bickering, name calling and personal attacks ALL of which are in violation of the GBO rules. Why and how it got this far before someone clued me this was going on I don't know and I guess at this time I don't care.

BUT you folks who's posts are gone rest assured your names are indelibly etched in my memory and all I need is to see ONE MORE such outburst from you to BAN you from this site for life. Damn it folks if you can't follow my RULES then GET THE HELL OFF MY WEBSITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

canadamoose1 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 04, 2007, 08:03:40 PM »

Cot my CZ 550 Lux last year. Have never been happier Have a Remington Sendero with a custom match barrel and the CZ out of the box shoots better. Heres a couple of 3 shot groups I got the last couple of weeks.

The CZ is .270 and am shooting 140 gr Barnes tri-x

7x57mm · « **Reply #25 on:** February 05, 2007, 06:25:26 AM »

That is one great shooting .270 you have there. My CZ 550 American in 7x57mm was tinkered with after I got it, however, I tend to do that with all rifles except my Swede Model 94 (I left that one untouched). I glassbedded the action area and first inch and one half of the barrel, made sure the barrel was freefloated so two one-dollar bills could slide the length without catching and then I developed a load that seems to be a good one for this caliber in this rifle. This rifle will print three shots into around a half inch at 100 yards. The target on the right is the smallest I have ever shot with the rifle, a .216 inch, three-shot group. Enough of my stuff, though, it looks like you are getting your money's worth from your CZ 550. Tom P

Demonical · « **Reply #26 on:** March 14, 2007, 10:00:55 AM »

Quote from: wallihunter on January 23, 2007, 02:32:38 PM

Update...called again rang the extention and the guy answered. I asked if he got my messages and looking for an update...His reply sorry I didn't call back I was too busy last week...(the whole week!!) put on hold then told they are shipping me a new gun. I asked when to expect it his reply I am too busy maybe tomorrow I will have time to package it and ship it.
This is beyond believable I keep thinking someone is going to say "smile your on candid camera". This is the last CZ I will ever buy... this has been the worst buying experience I have ever had. One word pathetic.
When and if I receive another rifle I am planning on writting a letter to the company. Does any one know if Alice P is still the president of CZ USA?
PS the problem gun is a 527 american not the 550

Since someone made a Remington-Brno comparison...

I have 5 Remington M700's: .270 Sendero 1996; .30-06 circa 1980; .300 H&H 1983; .338WM 1983 and 8x57 "Classic" 2004. From my experience with these rifles I will not buy another NEW REMINGTON again until they improve their quality.

My so-called 2004 M700 "Classic" had the scope mounting screws on the top of the receiver mis-aligned, so the scope was angled to the left! Only by generous adjustment of the rear scope bracket on my Leopold bases was I able to get the scope aligned properly. Two of my friends also bought these 2004 8x57's (because it is such a GREAT caliber). One of those guns had the identical misaligned receiver screws, on the other gun the scope mounting screws on the top of the receiver were drilled right through so that the screws holding the scope bases ran right down into the magazine just enough to interfere with the bolt. Now that is CRAPOLA at it's best!

All of my older Remingtons are great. Great actions, accuracy, triggers etc... The older M700's (prior to about 1995) were great. So any time I see one of these older guns I am interested. Depending upon the model, caliber etc, I might even be a buyer but nothing they're making now. I think it's all crap...

BUT the CZ's I have are all fantastic, but then they were all made in Czechoslovakia. I would wager you bought a gun with the CZ made that was biult in the USA, by US labor and I bet that's the problemo. I am really impressed with everything from Brno, from their model 75 auto pistol, the most cloned current semi-auto after the 1911 btw, to their CZ-550 Safari, CZ-452, CZ-527 etc...

FYI I own a CZ-452 varmint in .17HMR, a CZ-527 in .223, a ZKK-602 in .416Rem, a CZ-550 in .458 Lott and a CZ-75 in 9mm(ladies).

The CZ-75 is from 1986, the ZKK-602 in 1989, the CZ-550 is 1998 if I remember rightly... both the .17HMR and .223 are new rifles only 1-2 years old. The quality shows no difference from the older guns to the newest stuff. Same thing when I take one down off the shelf at the local gun store.

Sounds like CZ is replacing your rifle with a brand new one. I'd say that's a pretty decent deal, although you might be right to complain about their service, I believe you are making a mistake if you boycott their products.

Poor customer service seems to be way too commonplace these days...