Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Howa Mini vs CZ 527

Which one, in 7.62x39, is most accurate with Russian steeel case ammo. Specifically soft point or hollow point loads that actually show good expansion in gel. Like Tula 154gr SP, 124gr SP or 124gr HP 8M3.

I'm looking for a reasonably accurate, cheap to shoot range toy that could also be used in a pinch for deer or hogs to 150 yards.

Quality wise, I've read that a good CZ 527 is slightly better than a Howa. But that a bad CZ 527 is MUCH worse than a Howa. So I'd only buy a CZ that I could handle and examine first

I have four 527s, none in Russian Short, though. All four shoot well enough to shoot small varmints with. I have heard of issues with stocks splitting on some 527s, IF the bedding is off a bit. I have no reason to doubt that, as the action is quite small for that cartridge.

I've owned four Howa rifles, too, though none were in the new Mini. All of them were more than adequate for killing deer or prairie dogs (the .223). Frankly, I like the CZs better, but in this case, I think the Howa is a bit stouter, as the action is shortened, but not reduced in diameter.

Both are excellent rifles, but I think the CZs are bit more refined.

Had my 527 carbine in the Ruski short since 2004 and it has been most satisfactory.

not a gun writer, and I haven't shot the Howa.
But here is my first time taking out the 527 to sight it in.
There are 2 groups on here at 100 yards with cheap ammo.
I didn't want to walk back to tape over the first. but you can see the difference with 4 clicks up and 4 clicks to the left.
also. you can use factory tikka rings on the 527 instead of getting CZ rings which are way too high.

Here are the rings. CZ vs tikka rings.

Another candidate is the Zastava 799 mini mauser. My .223 is very accurate, but I haven't owned one in 7.62x39. Zastava should know their way around the 7.62x39

Comparing CZ with Howa is like comparing BMW and Kia. Both will get you there but one is more reliable and has better engineering and craftsmanship and the other is cheapo Asian make. The choice is yours.

One problem I had with the Howa Mini was that the mag release was placed such that it was very easy to drop the mag by mistake. I did exactly that the first time I picked it up and later found that replacement mags were not available here in Canada. I promptly sold it and bought a CZ. The CZ has a better mag release but a hinged BDL style would be a better system for both rifles.

Been waiting and hoping for either a floorplate version or even a blind box version of the Howa, but suspect it's vaporware. DMs simplify production and cut costs, and I suspect are more popular with tactically-minded modern shooters. The CZ is better looking and the mags are nice metal ones, not plastic. The Howa's action is forged, a rarity these days, but I'm not wild about the bottom "metal", which of course, ain't. The hinged floorplate on full-sized ones is AL-U-minny-um, but of good quality and functions perfectly.

Also been thinking about a 527 in 6.5 Grendel, but have only seen one on GB, and my local guy checked his suppliers to no avail. The 7.62 would be okay for deer, but 6.5 reaches out a bit better. They'll show eventually.

Don't have a Howa but did considerate it in 6.5 Grendel......but got a CZ 6.5 Grendel instead (they released a few to select distributors in July and the next batch should be released soon - according to CZ). So far I really like the rifle and the cartridge - however, like most, I do not like the extended magazine but the accuracy and weight are hard to beat FWIW.

PennDog

Yup, been looking at those a good bit myself, but have finally (I hope) learned to avoid settling for stuff that's almost what I want, and then sending them down the road when I get second thoughts. One of the mini-mausers would do, but the odds on the wood lottery on those are pretty stiff.

Because of my experiences with this one thus far I'm actually thinking of getting another one for a starter gun for my great nephew.....the 6.5 Grendel seems just about perfect in the 527 and for a deer/varmit rifle!

PennDog

Howa.




Dave

Calling Howa rifles cheap Asian made? Sounds like someone who has never owned a Howa.

Howa ya doin', you buttfaaaahkinfoolio??

I'd prefer the CZ, but I don't have one of their 527s...

that being said, I have three of the Howa Minis....

and there are certainly NO Flies on that rifle at all...

I have a CZ 527 in 7.62X39. It is extremely accurate (well under 1 MOA) with the 122 gr HP wolf steel case ammo. Next in line in accuracy is with 123 SP Russian ammo. Poorest accuracy (about 2.5 MOA) is with Wolf steel case 154 gr. SP.

I have killed several medium sized deer with the Wolf 154 grain SP ammo. Died quite quickly. No shots were beyond 125 yards or so. I shot them from tree stands where I normally archery hunt.

The only thing I dont like about my 527 is the box magazine is a single stack which extends below the stock. It extends out at exactly the balance point of the rifle, which makes it somewhat unhandy to carry in one hand. This is a shame, as it is a very light handy rifle, with the fixed 4X Weaver I have on it.

Best,

Kevin

Exactly my experience with a Carbine I bought when they first came out. Texas whitetail, blackbuck and hogs have dropped with that combo. I carry mine by the scope so the extended mag is not an issue.

Well, Mr. Enabler, I blundered into one on GB tonight and pulled the lever on it.

All your fault.

Do they make a smaller mag?

They do make a smaller magazine. You might have to grind some of the side rails that are part of the trigger guard off to use it without having to buy a new trigger guard assembly. Available for the .223, not sure about other calibers.

Like EdM suggested, the scope rings are pretty high so you can use the scope as a luggage handle.

Jack

Talley and Leupold both make rings, but I don't know if they're any lower. Have to check how high the handle goes too. On the .22s, it's pretty high. The Grendel can use a bit more scope than the 7.62, so if it's going to be high up anyway, I might as well put some glass up front. A 6x36 was my first thought.