The .223 Remington caliber CZ 527 bolt action rifle is outfitted with a very attractive black chrome barrel, 4-shot detachable magazine and what is by now becoming a CZ trademark, the single set trigger. CZ American series rifles are made specifically to appeal to American shooters. They features an American classic style Turkish walnut stock, pistol grip, 18 LPI cut checkering, rubber butt pad, and detachable sling swivel bases. The stock on our example is of excellent quality walnut with distinct mineral streaks.

The CZ 527 is built on a true micro length Mauser style action and features controlled round feed, detachable magazine, single set trigger, hammer forged barrel, and recessed target crown. The scope mounting receiver dovetail on all CZ 527's is 16mm.

Here are the catalog specifications of the CZ 527 American:

• Product Number - 03022
• Magazine Type - detachable
• Rate of Twist - 1 in 8.9"
• Weight - 6.3 pounds
• Overall Length - 40.3"
• Barrel Length - 21.8"
• Length of Pull - 13.4"
• Sights - none
• Trigger - single set
• 2006 MSRP - $599

CZ supplies rings as a matter of course with their 527's, but I found that "medium" rings were too short to allow the bolt to clear the ocular end of several scopes I mounted, so I bought a pair of Burris CZ527 medium height black steel rings. A Bushnell Elite 3200 3-9x40mm scope was mounted to complete the picture. With scope mounted and range ready the diminutive CZ 527 weighs right at 7-1/2 pounds.

In conventional mode the trigger breaks at a crisp 4 pounds. After being "set" the trigger breaks at 1 lb. 6 oz. Recoil, as you might imagine with a .223, is pleasant. The action is smooth with no hassle feeding any of the ammo I tried.

The CZ 527 hits on all counts, and whether it is varmint hunting, range work, or just plain fun, it is one of the most impressive and enjoyable rifles that I've ever reviewed. I just can't think of anyone who wouldn't love to have one. It is really that good.