Czech firearms manufacturer CZ just took the wraps off a new series of bolt-action rifles. The new CZ 600 series includes four-sub-models at this point, and these rifles are expected in Canada this winter. The new line includes the Lux (a traditional wood-stocked hunting rifle), the Alpha and Ergo (modern hunting rifles), the Range (for target shooting) and the Trail (a tactical-style rifle, with some compatibility with AR-style accessories).
While all versions will no doubt see interest, it's likely the Range will grab the most attention in coming months, considering the current crackdown on semi-auto tactical rifles.
Many older shooters might remember the old Mauser-style Brno 600 series; this isn't that action all over again, just warmed up and recycled. The new CZ 600 comes in mini, medium and long action configurations. It has a combination of controlled round feeding and push feeding ― it can be loaded by hand through top of the action, or via the magazine. Like many Euro actions, it's designed with interchangeable barrels in mind. Three set screws lock the barrel into the action, and barrels can be interchanged between a cartridge family (.308/.243, .223/.300 Blackout, for example). However, at this point, there's only a limited availability of chamberings.
The bolt itself has a 60-degree throw, intended to easily clear optics (a well-known issue with the CZ 527 series, which now appears to be on the chopping block). The bolt has three lugs, or six for magnum cartridges (two rows of three lugs). The bolt knob appears to be easily removable on all models.
Most models come with a cold hammer-forged semi-heavy barrel, with threaded muzzle. The exceptions are the Ergo and Lux, which come with a thin profile barrel. All rifles have a single-stage adjustable trigger except the Trail, which comes with two-stage adjustable trigger. The Range and Lux models come with a steel receiver; the other rifles come with a "duralumin" receiver that's supposed to reduce weight, and comes with a 20,000-shot guarantee. And, all rifles can "lock" their magazines into place, to avoid losing the mag while crawling through the brush, etc. Of course, they all have detachable magazine function, if the shooter so desires.
Breaking down by the model, here's a closer look:
CZ's marketeers call this a "compact hobby rifle," and the marketing seems to go out of its way to show the rifle in sporting use, instead of a grim combat scenario. With four-way telescoping stock and overall length of 27.2-35 inches, it certainly is a compact rifle. Listed weight is just over six pounds, thanks to a trim aluminum chassis.
At this point, CZ lists this rifle in 7.62x39 and .223 variants (North Sylva says it's only bringing the .223 version to Canada for now, with 1:7 twist barrel). It uses detachable magazines, and while CZ builds 10-round mags for it, it's advertised as "AR-compatible," which likely means those mags will be pinned to five rounds for Canada. The safety and mag release controls are ambidextrous. The full-length Picatinny rail should make it easy to mount optics. Also, there are QD sling mounts built into the stock.
The CZ 600 Trail has an M-Lok compatible forend, and that grip can have panels replaced with backstraps from CZ P-09 pistols, or it can be switched out with an AR grip. Very trick indeed. There's also a new finish on the Trail, CZ's proprietary BobOx anti-corrosion coating.
It's supposed to have 2 MOA accuracy at 100 yards using match ammunition; CZ says each rifle is tested for accuracy during the production process.
MAP (minimum advertised price) is expected to be $1349 when the Trail arrives in Canada this winter.
This traditional-style hunting rifle is the only firearm in this series to have open sights, with well-protected fibre-optic bead up front and adjustable rear sight.
The stock itself is oil-finished select walnut, with integrated sling swivels, fishscale-style checkering and Bavarian-style left-side cheekpiece. There's a two-position vertical safety built right into the grip; CZ says it's easy to operate and completely silent, definitely a major bonus for hunters. The Lux comes in .223, .308, .300 Win Mag 8x57 mm and .30-06. Its steel receiver is drilled and tapped for Remington 700-style bases, barrel length is 24 inches, and the rifle weighs 8.6 pounds.
Although you might expect traditional blueing on this rifle, it comes with the new anti-corrosion BobOx coating.
CZ ships each 600 Lux with a sub-MOA guarantee. North Sylva says MAP for this rifle will be $1249.
As the name implies, a rifle built for the range. Accuracy is the name of the game here: CZ's website says "The CZ 600 Range was designed to give the precision shooter every possible opportunity to take full advantage of the accuracy of the platform. the cold hammer forged heavy barrel, deliver the best accuracy guarantee ever offered by CZ. Sub ¾ MOA guaranteed at 100 meters, 5 shot group with match-grade factory ammo, verified on every CZ 600 Range we make."
To achieve that goal, CZ puts a heavy laminate wood stock on the Range, with toolless-adjustable comb, built-in QD mount points and thumb rest for right-handed shooters. It's drilled and tapped for Remington 700 bases, and comes in either .308 or 6mm Creedmor. Both rifles come with 24-inch barrel, weighing in at 10 pounds. The Range comes with the new BobOx coating, to resist corrosion. North Sylva expects a $1,599 MAP when it arrives.
For hunters who want all-weather reliability, CZ also offers the Alpha. This is currently the lowest-priced model in the 600 line, with a synthetic stock that has soft-touch plastic inserts. The aluminum receiver has a Picatinny rail built-in, and the gun's metal comes with the BobOx coating. It's available in a wide range of hunting calibers: 6.5 Creedmoor, 8x57 mm, .30-06, .308, .223, 7.62x39 and .300 Win Mag.
Although MAP is relatively low ($949 in Canada, says North Sylva), CZ guarantees sub-MOA accuracy at 100 meters with match-grade factory ammo.
The swankiest hunting rifle in this line (although less expensive than the Range model). It's got an upscale thumbhole stock, with upscale inserts, and Weaver bases built into the top of the action. CZ offers different-length rubber buttpads, to allow the shooter to adjust their length of pull. MAP for this rifle is $1,399. It will be available in 6.5 Creedmoor, 8x57mm, .30-06, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .223 Rem, .223 Valkyrie, .308, .300 Win Mag and 7.62X39.
You can see more photos, specs and other details on all these rifles at CZ's website.
SUBSCRIBE TO CALIBRE MAGAZINE
$30.00 / year
UNAPOLOGETICALLY CANADIAN MEN'S T-SHIRT
$29.00
UNAPOLOGETICALLY CANADIAN WOMEN'S T-SHIRT
$29.00
