Here is a first try with a CZ 527 rifle....

[amafrank]

Finally got to this project and converted a .223 CZ 527 bolt action rifle to 30-221. The rifle is an American M1 with a 3 rd mag and flush floorplate. It will take either the 3 or 5rd mags. Barrel is a 16.5" PacNor 1-7.5 twist chrome moly blank cut to a 1" straight barrel with a 3/4" last 4 inches, chambered with a Dave Manson 30-221 chamber reamer. The suppressor is one of my designs. It telescopes the barrel about 4 inches to give a solid 2 point mount and a little extra expansion chamber. I test fired the rifle prior to bluing with 220gr SMK's subsonic and repeatedly put 5 rds in one hole at 25yds(all the range I've got for now). I also tried 147Gr FMJBT military bullets subsonic and supersonic with pretty much the same results. The subs were all very quiet and the supersonics were a bit noisy due to sonic booms. I really like the Mauser style non rotating extractor with a big area holding the rim. The single set trigger allows a 3lb trigger to also be an 11oz trigger with no odd reach or holding requirements. That is a very nice thing to have. Bluing is finally done and I hope to get out next week at a little greater range and see how it shoots.

here are a few pics.











I think there will be a few more of these coming out of the shop in the future.

Frank

[Spook]

Beautiful work Frank! Was it difficult getting the old barrel out?

[d13s3l]

nice work, slick setup

[amafrank]

Yes, getting the original barrel out was a bit of a pain. I didn't want to damage it and my regular wood block barrel vise wouldn't hold on to it tight enough. I ended up making an aluminum split bushing to use in my alternate barrel vise and using lots of rosin. I also did a little preheat on the receiver to about 400 deg in case there was threadlocker used. That was probably the best move as there was a lot of threadlocker. The original .223 barrel is unscuffed and will end up on gunbroker or somewhere like that. I've got enough .22's already.
I am really impressed with the CZ's other than the threadlocker and the somewhat rough receiver threads. The cost is higher than the Zastava/Remington 799 but I think the rifles are much nicer and the extractor is way better. The walnut used in the CZ's is fantastic too.
Glad you guys like the newest member of the family.

Frank

[Rikky Lee]

I have a CZ made in the early 70s and the one thing that scares/prevents me doing what you did id taking the barrel out!

They are a nice little rifle - let us know how long range testing works out.