Picking up a 223 bolt. Have it narrowed down to the Ruger American Compact in stainless or a CZ 527, both left handed at the local shop. Looking for insight. It will be a plinking/hunting rifle that will get the barrel threaded for a can. Thoughts?

Personally, I'm a big fan of the CZ's. Only advice I can give is check each to verify twist, and select on that and whichever one fits you best.

The CZ is likely to be more accurate. But you can mount a scope much lower on the Ruger and it doesn't have a backward-operating safety.

I personally wouldn't consider buying a sporter in .223 in anything other than a used Sako L461 or A-II. However, if buying a rifle in current production I would first look at the Howa mini action: https://www.howausa.com/rifles/walnut/

Hanks! Being a lefty has made it a bit more of a challenge with selection.

If you like the LH stainless ruger american, you should jump on it soon. Ruger likes to discontinue and make different models and chamberings every year for each of their firearm line-ups.

I've waited and lost out on some when they were sold, backordered then discontinued

New production CZ527 223 rifles have a 1/9 twist barrel. That should be stamped near the caliber marking. If you don't like the long 5 in line magazines, flush 3 round clips are available. The set trigger on the 527 is also a bonus from my perspective.

I have 3 of the CZ's. A hornet, a fireball, and a 204 ruger. All are very accurate, right at 1/2 inch. The fireball and the 204 are newer than the hornet. Actions are not very smooth on the newer ones that I have but I can live with it for that kind of accuracy. I have never shot the Ruger Americans so cannot give you a comparison. JB

Thanks for the thoughts. Went with the Ruger since it is now discontinued. Ifidon’tlike it I’m sure I can find a buyer.

Hands down CZ. I got a few of them and all really good rifles and very accurate. As far as the reverse safety guess we should ban left hand cars in England, Australia, and else where huh?

Guess ITS TO late. The Rugers I’ve owned were not very accurate. Have not tried a CZ.

quote:

Originally posted by ghostrider272:
Thanks for the thoughts. Went with the Ruger since it is now discontinued. Ifidon’tlike it I’m sure I can find a buyer.

Let us know the accuracy results! Fun guns to shoot.

Will do. Just need to get it shipped in.

CZ all day. The Ruger isn’t even in the same league.

quote:

Originally posted by ghostrider272:
Picking up a 223 bolt. Have it narrowed down to the Ruger American Compact in stainless or a CZ 527, both left handed at the local shop. Looking for insight. It will be a plinking/hunting rifle that will get the barrel threaded for a can. Thoughts?

Owned the LH CZ sold it still own the Ruger American Compact SS LH 1-8 twist. Lots of people looking for the LH SS Ruger if you dont buy it please PM me.

kk, bought it and had it threaded. Just waiting to take it to the range...

I’d love to hear your accuracy report. I'm just waiting on my background check to come through on an American predator in 223. All of the Americans in 223 have 1:8” twists. Looking at reports on YouTube, the forends tend to need stiffening with fiberglass or resin and some dremeling to free float the barrel. The comb of the butt is quite low, so I’m going to add a cheek riser. I’m thinking that those compact rifles (If it doesn’t shoot well.) might benefit from stiffening up the forend and fully bedding the barrel. It would at a lot of weight, though.

CO Matt-Only have access to a 25 yard range at the moment. WHen I can get to a 100 yard range I'll let you know. Have a bunch of Nosler 40 gr ammo to test out. For a compact, it isn't as light as one would think.

Thanks ghostrider!