I’ve got a 527fs in .222 rem that is in need of glass. I’ve got some 30mm high leupold rings for it that don’t currently have a home, I also have a vx3i 2.5-8 with a #4 reticle. My question being, am I better finding a slightly higher power scope to fill the 30mm rings, or using the 2.5-8? I’ve never even shot it or any .222 so will I be limiting the round with a 8x top end with a fairly thick reticle? It isn’t going to be a target gun, mainly for grouse and coyotes and just plinking around

I have a CZ 527 American in 222. Started out with a VX-3 3.5-10x40 Duplex. Was worried about FOV and low light performance. Nice scope, but didn’t seem to “fit” well and I think the regular duplex was detrimental to accuracy. Replaced it with a VX-2 4-12x40 AO. Haven’t had a chance to shoot it yet, but seems advantageous in most ways- fits better and “works” better. The shorter tube actually helps on a 527.

If you are shooting it in low light, I can see how 2.5-8x36 may have some attraction. Otherwise, I think a finer reticle and higher power would suit you better. On a 222, something with a wide low-power field of view is nice, along with high power magnification. I haven’t tried something like a 3-12 (Nikon?) but that may be optimal. But adding unnecessary weight to a 527 really detracts from the best qualities of the rifle.

I guess what I am saying is that the rifle will shoot better than a 3.5-10x40 would allow. The rifle can probably make use of a fine reticle if your hunting (light) conditions will allow for such.

Leupold used to make a 2-7 compact that is just about perfect for a Mannlicher stocked mini action. 1-4's work really well as you aren't going to stretch it out on grouse or coyotes(4x is more than adequate for coyotes to 300 yards).

My Sako 222 Rem with a compact 2-7.


Here with a straight tube Leupold Varix II 1-4x20mm the huge FOV is great for called coyotes

What an awesome combo. Scope is perfect for that little .222
Bob

I think your 2.5-8 would be perfect. I have a leupold 2-7 in Leupold high rings on my .223 and usually just leave it on 6X.

The 527 is so close to being a perfect SA rifle if they would get the bolt worked out to mount scopes lower and get the safety to go forward to fire.

I used my factory left over tikka scope rings on my cz 527 to hold VX1 2-7.
The safety thing doesn’t bother me. Think of it As cocking the hammer back.

i did the exact same thing and used some oem tikka rings to mount a meopta meopro 4.5-14x44mm on both of my 527 americans in 204 ruger and 17 hornet.those rings get just about as low as you will be able to due to the high bolt lift of the CZ.
good luck,
Big Ed

Do you guys have the factory bolt handle or the lower one you can purchase?

one of my 527 americans came with the more scalloped out bolt handle and i had to buy one from CZ in order for the above scopes eyepiece to clear the bolt handle. those tikka t3 oem rings are the thing for cz-527's imho.
good luck,
Big Ed

I will have to find a set of them to try out