EU showdown - Mauser M18 vs CZ 527

[Jaco_dK]

Hi,

I'm in the market for a "truck-gun" (or shall I say "bakkie gun", as we call a pick-up a "bakkie" here - https://dictionary.cambridge.org/pronunciation/english/bakkie)

I've narrowed the caliber down to a 223 (light recoil and dirt cheap to reload).

And I've narrowed the rifle down to a Mauser M18 or CZ 527 Lux. (Price point is about the same and they're both nice and compact.)

Which would you choose and why?

Thanks.

 

[spife7980]

527 because its set trigger is pretty good.

 

[mcfred]

If the objective is "compact bakkie," at the same price I'd go with the CZ 527 as the receiver alone has got to be one of the smallest bolt actions currently in production. And Ironically, the 527's more "mauser-y" than the Mauser. Non-rotating claw extractor, lighter, wood instead of plastic and nearly the same overall length, but with a longer barrel. I've shot a few 527's and the accuracy's not been disappointing. Some Americans just cannot get over how the 527's 2-position safety operates, some don't mind (myself included).

That said, I have no expereince with the M18. Perhaps for you, factory support and/or twist/availability makes a difference. Both are probably fine for being what they are.

 

[MannMade82]

CZ 527 all day...I have a Carbine in 7.62x39 that is laser beam. With Hornady Black SSTs I can put 5 in under an inch at 100 yards and have gone under 1/2" on multiple occasions. It will shoot Tula almost as well with sub-1" groupings as the norm. I also have a 527 American in .223 but that is still on standby to be zeroed.

 

[ProfT]

I have had a 527 762 x 39 carbine for 20 years. If I could only have one rifle that would be it. It shoots garbage ammo better than expensive stuff. 05moa
I have a .223 527 carbine and it is almost as good.
Had a 527 Kevlar stocked Varmint and sold it.
All superior guns as CZ usually is.

 

[Another Casual]

Another CZ 527 vote here. The hammer forged barrel has been a solid performer for me. The micro length masuer action on the CZ is excellent in its own right.

I've held the M18 and it seemed fine, but it didn't have the old world quality feel that the CZ just exudes. The M18 struck me more as budget production gun.

A 527 carbine in 223 or 7.62x39 would be a great truck gun, imho. Just check the twist rate on the 223, some are setup for lighter varmint bullets (mine loves 40gr anything).