7.62x39 Bolt Rifle

LilHog · March 25, 2018, 07:40 AM

I'm in the market for a 7.62x39 bolt gun and have narrowed it down to 3 brands. Ruger American Ranch, CZ 527 Carbine, and the Howa mini action. I've done lots of research and watched many videos on them. I'm leaning towards the Ruger, but the CZ with the iron sights really has my attention. The rifle will mostly be used for range work and hunting on occasion. Can anyone who owns one please give me your input on these fine rifles.

Mobuck · March 25, 2018, 07:59 AM

Just go with the cheapest option. For the stated uses, any of the 3 is good enough.

LilHog · March 25, 2018, 08:50 AM

The cheapest option is the Ruger $419 with free shipping. The CZ is $185 more, but you get iron sights and a walnut stock. Mag capacity on both is 5 rounds, that's fine with me. I'm familiar with the scope mounting options on both and their triggers and their safety's. I just can't make a decision on which one to buy.

TruthTellers · March 25, 2018, 08:58 AM

Iron sights are great and all for the 7.62x39, but a red dot optic will hold up and isn't something I'd worry about, not when the difference in price is $185 and the Ruger can basically be made into an intermediate scout rifle with 20 round Mini-30 mags.

Get the Ruger, I have yet to find another bolt action or even single shot 7.62x39 rifle that's better.

jmr40 · March 25, 2018, 11:35 AM

Get the Ruger, put a 1-4x20 scope on it and forget about irons.

THE · March 25, 2018, 11:55 AM

If money is not the object here then I would consider the CZ first and then the Ruger and the Howa last. I own a CZ 527 in 7.62 and it is a very nice rifle.

T. O'Heir · March 25, 2018, 12:30 PM

Toss a coin. Commercial hunting rifles are all pretty much the same. I would try 'em all on for size if you can though. One of 'em will talk to you.
And you should consider the cost of aftermarket stuff like extra mags.
About $40 for a Ruger mag(The American uses a Mini-30 mag). If you can find one.
Five rounder for the CZ is about the same money.
$52 for a Howa mag. Also if you can find one.
"...a red dot optic..." No good for rifles. Dots are too big. A 2 or 3 MOA dot will cover the entire black on a regular sighting in target.

LilHog · March 25, 2018, 01:47 PM

Thank you all for your replies and knowledge on these fine rifles. After much deliberating and fussing back in forth, I just placed my order for the CZ carbine. The iron sight and walnut stock just calls my name. More than likely I'll buy the Ruger too, but it's going to have to wait a few months.

Sharkbite · March 25, 2018, 03:13 PM

Quote:

"...a red dot optic..." No good for rifles. Dots are too big. A 2 or 3 MOA dot will cover the entire black on a regular sighting in target.

Waaaht??? So, all the aimpoints on all the military rifles and the eo-tech on my DoS issued rifle wont work??

TruthTellers · March 25, 2018, 03:16 PM

You won't be disappointed with the CZ, it's a solid rifle. I've handled the Savage and Ruger budget bolt rifles and one of the things that sticks out in my memory with me is the bolt never feels smooth when I work it back and forth. I know it doesn't matter in the end when the bullet hits the target, but it's certainly something that doesn't feel "quite right."

Kvon2 · March 25, 2018, 07:13 PM

I have the CZ 527 in 7.62x39 and its my favorite rifle. The trigger is amazing.

But as stated, all 3 are great options.

weblance · March 25, 2018, 08:05 PM

I have the Ruger Ranch in 76239, and a Howa Mini in 223. The Howa is a much nicer rifle. Its action is silky, the Ruger is clunky

RKG · March 26, 2018, 07:39 AM

https://www.northeastshooters.com/xe...2-x-39.339006/

RUT · March 26, 2018, 10:15 AM

>>The Howa is a much nicer rifle<<

This would have been my first choice too, but I long ago made it a rule not to buy a gun where magazines were next to impossible to get or were prohibitively expensive.

LilHog · March 26, 2018, 07:21 PM

>>The Howa is a much nicer rifle<<

This would have been my first choice too, but I long ago made it a rule not to buy a gun where magazines were next to impossible to get or were prohibitively expensive.

I gave the Howa a lot of consideration but every gun shop has none in stock and reviews on-line are scarce. The reviews I found were excellent but I would have like to see one and fondle it a bit. The CZ and Ruger I have seen and shouldered, so it kind of narrowed down my choices right there. Also Howa has an amazing amount of different configurations in each model, and if your not familiar with them it can get confusing. For those of you that have the Howa, do you have the heavy barrel? And what barrel length do you have?

Saltydog235 · March 26, 2018, 10:17 PM

I bought my son the RA Ranch in 39, I cant wait for him to outgrow it. I love that little rifle. Compact and surprisingly accurate with quality ammo. Takes Mini 30 mags so they’re easy to find and relatively cheap. Plus it’s threaded for a can or break if you prefer. That 16.5” Barrel makes it real handy too.

weblance · March 27, 2018, 09:42 AM

My Howa Mini in 223 is a #2, 22" barrel, which is pretty light. It shoots very well when I am able.

I got it online from Cabelas when they were on sale, I think I paid $329.

RUT · March 27, 2018, 02:39 PM

>>I bought my son the RA Ranch in 39<<

And that will be my choice too, if for no other reason, the magazine situation.

bamaranger · April 7, 2018, 03:01 PM

I'm pleased to see that many folks are buying bolt x39mm rifles as "boys rifles", as I've always thought that such a rig would be about ideal as a first deer rifle for a youngster.

I got a MkII-77 in x39mm on the theory that it would serve as his first deer rig. He shot it a bit, killed one deer with it. Then I inherited my Dad's .243. The boy was big enough at that point to handle the full size rifle (the Ruger was a 20" lightweight) and the type of hunting we were doing (shooting houses and fields/ROW's) that the flatter trajectory and better reach of the .243 had advantages, and he skipped up to the .243. Now he considers the .308 Hog Rifle his own!

He's not shot the x39mm bolt Ruger since, but I sure have. Might have been my plan all along!!!!!!

Jim Watson · April 7, 2018, 03:09 PM

A co-worker got one of the first generation 77s with "boat paddle" black plastic stock.
He was troubled with misfires of ChiCom ammo, so we got him a Wolff Blitzschnell double extra power striker spring. That set 'em off, fer shure. Made the bolt lift pretty tough, too. I wonder if the single extra power spring would have been enough. Or use better ammo.

armoredman · April 8, 2018, 01:44 AM

I have had my CZ 527M for several years - FINE little rifle, does what I want it to all the time. Excellent, would recommend it highly to anyone looking for a 7.62x39mm bolt action rifle. Now CZ does state the 527M is made to take surplus steel case ammo, but mine seems to like my handloads just fine.

The magazines are the only sticking point - I have what I believe is the only 10 round CZ 527M magazine ever made, but it was a custom job, works great.

LilHog · April 8, 2018, 04:10 AM

Well I finally got the rifle after fedex played games with it for 10 days (horrible story). It is a very nice looking rifle and has the new updated sights on it, barrel says it was made this year 2018. The 5 round mag is perfect for me, no worries there. The bolt was a little stiff but it is lubed up and slicking up nicely. The wood is just so-so walnut, nothing special but the over all fit and finish is great. I'm taking it out for it's first shoot this morning just to get a feel for it. Overall it seems like a high quality rifle that will last a life time if not more, CZ did a good job with this one.

fourbore · April 8, 2018, 05:30 AM

I put CZ top of the line for style, walnut, function, accuracy and reliability (and value). I own quite a few Ruger and CZ. With Ruger American you get a low cost practical, plastic stocked gun with good customer service. Unfortunately you should expect the occasional lemon ruger with problems or that give up some accuracy. The CZ is a get what you pay for situation. They are more accurate, right across the board. Not always a lot or a big deal more but sometimes at lot, sometimes a little. CZ uses special rings. You get the rings for FREE, but they are not standard cross slot (weaver) style like Ruger uses. No more free rings from Ruger.

I dont know about Howa. I dont care for the Howa looks. Ugly even next to Ruger. Looks matter, right?

Both Howa and CZ make a mini action sized to the 223 & 762 rounds. The Ruger makes do with blocked off 308 size action.

Edit: Oh, jezzz, I am posting too late. Well, I read, the op got some good advise and went cz.

armoredman · April 8, 2018, 05:44 AM

Enjoy that adjustable single set trigger - mine breaks like glass, love it.

Jim567 · April 8, 2018, 06:15 AM

My Ruger American Ranch shoots an inch or a bit less at 100 yards with Hornady SST steel case.
Really like that rifle.

March 25, 2018, 07:40 AM	#1
LilHog Member Join Date: February 15, 2010 Posts: 92	7.62x39 Bolt Rifle I'm in the market for a 7.62x39 bolt gun and have narrowed it down to 3 brands. Ruger American Ranch, CZ 527 Carbine, and the Howa mini action. I've done lots of research and watched many videos on them. I'm leaning towards the Ruger, but the CZ with the iron sights really has my attention. The rifle will mostly be used for range work and hunting on occasion. Can anyone who owns one please give me your input on these fine rifles.

March 25, 2018, 08:58 AM	#4
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,883	Iron sights are great and all for the 7.62x39, but a red dot optic will hold up and isn't something I'd worry about, not when the difference in price is $185 and the Ruger can basically be made into an intermediate scout rifle with 20 round Mini-30 mags. Get the Ruger, I have yet to find another bolt action or even single shot 7.62x39 rifle that's better. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

March 25, 2018, 11:35 AM	#5
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,803	Get the Ruger, put a 1-4x20 scope on it and forget about irons. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

March 25, 2018, 12:30 PM	#7
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Toss a coin. Commercial hunting rifles are all pretty much the same. I would try 'em all on for size if you can though. One of 'em will talk to you. And you should consider the cost of aftermarket stuff like extra mags. About $40 for a Ruger mag(The American uses a Mini-30 mag). If you can find one. Five rounder for the CZ is about the same money. $52 for a Howa mag. Also if you can find one. "...a red dot optic..." No good for rifles. Dots are too big. A 2 or 3 MOA dot will cover the entire black on a regular sighting in target. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

March 25, 2018, 03:16 PM	#10
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,883	You won't be disappointed with the CZ, it's a solid rifle. I've handled the Savage and Ruger budget bolt rifles and one of the things that sticks out in my memory with me is the bolt never feels smooth when I work it back and forth. I know it doesn't matter in the end when the bullet hits the target, but it's certainly something that doesn't feel "quite right." __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

March 25, 2018, 07:59 AM	#2
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	Just go with the cheapest option. For the stated uses, any of the 3 is good enough.

March 25, 2018, 08:50 AM	#3
LilHog Member Join Date: February 15, 2010 Posts: 92	The cheapest option is the Ruger $419 with free shipping. The CZ is $185 more, but you get iron sights and a walnut stock. Mag capacity on both is 5 rounds, that's fine with me. I'm familiar with the scope mounting options on both and their triggers and their safety's. I just can't make a decision on which one to buy.

March 25, 2018, 11:55 AM	#6
THE Member Join Date: November 6, 2017 Posts: 35	If money is not the object here then I would consider the CZ first and then the Ruger and the Howa last. I own a CZ 527 in 7.62 and it is a very nice rifle.

March 25, 2018, 01:47 PM	#8
LilHog Member Join Date: February 15, 2010 Posts: 92	Thank you all for your replies and knowledge on these fine rifles. After much deliberating and fussing back in forth, I just placed my order for the CZ carbine. The iron sight and walnut stock just calls my name. More than likely I'll buy the Ruger too, but it's going to have to wait a few months.

March 25, 2018, 07:13 PM	#11
Kvon2 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2016 Posts: 757	I have the CZ 527 in 7.62x39 and its my favorite rifle. The trigger is amazing. But as stated, all 3 are great options.

March 25, 2018, 08:05 PM	#12
weblance Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2012 Posts: 1,229	I have the Ruger Ranch in 76239, and a Howa Mini in 223. The Howa is a much nicer rifle. Its action is silky, the Ruger is clunky

March 26, 2018, 07:39 AM	#13
RKG Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2009 Location: Boston Posts: 562	https://www.northeastshooters.com/xe...2-x-39.339006/

March 26, 2018, 10:15 AM	#14
RUT Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2004 Location: NH, USA Posts: 812	>>The Howa is a much nicer rifle<< This would have been my first choice too, but I long ago made it a rule not to buy a gun where magazines were next to impossible to get or were prohibitively expensive. __________________ Liberals don't care what you do... as long as it's mandated.

March 26, 2018, 07:21 PM	#15
LilHog Member Join Date: February 15, 2010 Posts: 92	>>The Howa is a much nicer rifle<< This would have been my first choice too, but I long ago made it a rule not to buy a gun where magazines were next to impossible to get or were prohibitively expensive. I gave the Howa a lot of consideration but every gun shop has none in stock and reviews on-line are scarce. The reviews I found were excellent but I would have like to see one and fondle it a bit. The CZ and Ruger I have seen and shouldered, so it kind of narrowed down my choices right there. Also Howa has an amazing amount of different configurations in each model, and if your not familiar with them it can get confusing. For those of you that have the Howa, do you have the heavy barrel? And what barrel length do you have?

March 26, 2018, 10:17 PM	#16
Saltydog235 Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2010 Location: Pawleys Island Posts: 1,563	I bought my son the RA Ranch in 39, I cant wait for him to outgrow it. I love that little rifle. Compact and surprisingly accurate with quality ammo. Takes Mini 30 mags so they’re easy to find and relatively cheap. Plus it’s threaded for a can or break if you prefer. That 16.5” Barrel makes it real handy too.

March 27, 2018, 09:42 AM	#17
weblance Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2012 Posts: 1,229	My Howa Mini in 223 is a #2, 22" barrel, which is pretty light. It shoots very well when I am able. I got it online from Cabelas when they were on sale, I think I paid $329.

March 27, 2018, 02:39 PM	#18
RUT Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2004 Location: NH, USA Posts: 812	>>I bought my son the RA Ranch in 39<< And that will be my choice too, if for no other reason, the magazine situation. __________________ Liberals don't care what you do... as long as it's mandated.

April 7, 2018, 03:01 PM	#19
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,295	boy's rifle I'm pleased to see that many folks are buying bolt x39mm rifles as "boys rifles", as I've always thought that such a rig would be about ideal as a first deer rifle for a youngster. I got a MkII-77 in x39mm on the theory that it would serve as his first deer rig. He shot it a bit, killed one deer with it. Then I inherited my Dad's .243. The boy was big enough at that point to handle the full size rifle (the Ruger was a 20" lightweight) and the type of hunting we were doing (shooting houses and fields/ROW's) that the flatter trajectory and better reach of the .243 had advantages, and he skipped up to the .243. Now he considers the .308 Hog Rifle his own! He's not shot the x39mm bolt Ruger since, but I sure have. Might have been my plan all along!!!!!!

April 7, 2018, 03:09 PM	#20
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,531	A co-worker got one of the first generation 77s with "boat paddle" black plastic stock. He was troubled with misfires of ChiCom ammo, so we got him a Wolff Blitzschnell double extra power striker spring. That set 'em off, fer shure. Made the bolt lift pretty tough, too. I wonder if the single extra power spring would have been enough. Or use better ammo.

April 8, 2018, 01:44 AM	#21
armoredman Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 5,295	I have had my CZ 527M for several years - FINE little rifle, does what I want it to all the time. Excellent, would recommend it highly to anyone looking for a 7.62x39mm bolt action rifle. Now CZ does state the 527M is made to take surplus steel case ammo, but mine seems to like my handloads just fine. The magazines are the only sticking point - I have what I believe is the only 10 round CZ 527M magazine ever made, but it was a custom job, works great.

April 8, 2018, 04:10 AM	#22
LilHog Member Join Date: February 15, 2010 Posts: 92	Well I finally got the rifle after fedex played games with it for 10 days (horrible story). It is a very nice looking rifle and has the new updated sights on it, barrel says it was made this year 2018. The 5 round mag is perfect for me, no worries there. The bolt was a little stiff but it is lubed up and slicking up nicely. The wood is just so-so walnut, nothing special but the over all fit and finish is great. I'm taking it out for it's first shoot this morning just to get a feel for it. Overall it seems like a high quality rifle that will last a life time if not more, CZ did a good job with this one.

April 8, 2018, 05:30 AM	#23
fourbore Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2015 Location: new england Posts: 1,159	I put CZ top of the line for style, walnut, function, accuracy and reliability (and value). I own quite a few Ruger and CZ. With Ruger American you get a low cost practical, plastic stocked gun with good customer service. Unfortunately you should expect the occasional lemon ruger with problems or that give up some accuracy. The CZ is a get what you pay for situation. They are more accurate, right across the board. Not always a lot or a big deal more but sometimes at lot, sometimes a little. CZ uses special rings. You get the rings for FREE, but they are not standard cross slot (weaver) style like Ruger uses. No more free rings from Ruger. I dont know about Howa. I dont care for the Howa looks. Ugly even next to Ruger. Looks matter, right? Both Howa and CZ make a mini action sized to the 223 & 762 rounds. The Ruger makes do with blocked off 308 size action. Edit: Oh, jezzz, I am posting too late. Well, I read, the op got some good advise and went cz.

April 8, 2018, 05:44 AM	#24
armoredman Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 5,295	Enjoy that adjustable single set trigger - mine breaks like glass, love it.

April 8, 2018, 06:15 AM	#25
Jim567 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2014 Location: NE FL Posts: 656	My Ruger American Ranch shoots an inch or a bit less at 100 yards with Hornady SST steel case. Really like that rifle. Last edited by Jim567; April 8, 2018 at 06:24 AM.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search